WDSU Helps Provide 660,000 Meals For Hurricane Laura Victims
September 11th, 2020 by Paul GreeleyAlthough Hurricane Laura, a category 4 hurricane, spared New Orleans, it did hit the coast of Louisiana west of the city hard causing wide-spread destruction, and forcing many to evacuate to New Orleans. So WDSU stepped up and organized a telethon to raise funds to feed the hungry victims. “Our community knows how devastating it can be to lose everything in a hurricane,” said Joel Vilmenay, WDSU’s general manager.
Drivers Lineup At 3 A.M. For WDSU’s School Supply Drive
August 17th, 2020 by Paul GreeleyAt 3 o’clock in the morning in New Orleans, drivers lined up to receive free school supplies from WDSU, Hearst’s NBC affiliate there, as part of the station’s Student Connection School Supply Drive, even though the start time wasn’t until 9.
Saints Coach Helps WDSU Raise Nearly $400K For New Orleans Food Bank
April 22nd, 2020 by Paul GreeleyThe donations included $100,000 from Sean Payton, the New Orleans Saints head coach. “During times like these, it is not only our duty but our privilege to join in and help our community,” said Joel Vilmenay, WDSU’s general manager.
Auschwitz, Not So Long Ago
January 29th, 2020 by Paul GreeleyThis past Monday, Jan. 27, was the 75th anniversary of the day when the Soviet Army’s 322nd Rifle Division entered the concentration camp at Auschwitz. Today’s column is one that first appeared on the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, titled, To Auschwitz Survivors, Especially One.
WJAR Celebrating 70 Years By Looking Forward
March 27th, 2019 by Paul GreeleyMatthew Lebowitz, the station’s creative services director, sent me a note about what the station is doing to celebrate. “We wanted to celebrate the 70 year milestone, while keeping our eye on the future,” said Lebowitz.
WGAL Preserving News Footage From 1949-1979
February 4th, 2019 by Paul GreeleyWGAL, Hearst’s NBC affiliate in Lancaster, Pa., is partnering with nearby Millersville University to preserve and digitize 30 years of the station’s news footage from 1949 through 1979. “When I first saw a portion of the archive in WGAL’s basement, I knew they had an unmatched treasure of historically significant material,” said Dr. Daniel Wubah, Millersville University’s president.
Marketing Local TV News Choppers, Part 2
January 17th, 2019 by Paul GreeleyWhen a local TV station invests millions to own and operate its own helicopter, it expects that chopper to be promoted as part of the station’s coverage brand. And so we’ll see examples of how local TV stations around the country have promoted their choppers over the years
Louisiana’s 1st TV Station, WDSU, Celebrates 70 Years
January 3rd, 2019 by Paul GreeleyMy first job at a TV station was as a writer/producer in promotions at WDSU. Then, in 1988, the station was located in the French Quarter. The historic building stretched an entire block from Royal to Chartres streets. The front entrance sat in a beautiful courtyard, said to be the most photographed in the city.
WDSU’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors Telethon Nets $45K
October 23rd, 2018 by Paul GreeleyThe donations collected will go toward food, water and cleaning supplies for families as they reclaim their homes from Hurricane Michael. “This city knows how devastating it can be to lose everything,” said Joel Vilmenay, WDSU’s general manager.