The day started with Stephen Warley, who conducted a three hour training seminar which focused specifically on digital sales in the Albany market. This seminar provided account executives with valuable information about digital opportunities in the Capital Region.
More than 50 account executives, general sales managers and general managers enjoyed a luncheon at Wolferts Roost last Thursday. U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko addressed the members attending the luncheon. He stated that broadcasters provide an important role in today’s media by providing a unique local perspective and serving their communities.
Mr. Gary Striar, from the Albany Area Red Cross thanked WNYT-TV and all broadcasters for their public service efforts and helping the Red Cross to fulfill its missions. This sentiment was echoed by Junior Achievement’s Ed Murray, who praised broadcasters for their efforts. Congratulations to the recipients of the 2013 “Serving New York” Awards in Albany
Capital District Radio Association
The Capital District Radio Association (CDRA) supported the Schoharie Area Long Term (S.A.L.T.) Recovery Project. CDRA member stations promoted Volunteer Day and donated $10,000 to the cause. With a matching grant, the event raised $20,000. In addition, 123 volunteers worked resulting in 615 volunteer hours. CDRA Members include, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment (WGY AM/FM, WRVE, WKKF, WOFX, WPXY, WTRY); Empire Broadcasting (WABY,WUAM,WPTR, WJKE); Pamal/Albany Broadcasting (WFLY,WAJZ, WROW, WTIB, WKLI); Radio Disney (WDDY), Town Square Media (WGNA, WTMM, WQSH,WQBK, WQBJ and Sienna College Radio (WVCR).
WRGB-TV Ch. 6
The stations public service campaign focused on distracted driving. Distracted driving is responsible for more than 1.6 million accidents per year. WRGB’s “No Text Zone” campaign featured a series of public service announcements with the station’s news anchors and local public figures. Viewers were asked to take the No Text zone pledge on CBS6.com.
WTEN-TV Channel 10
Since 1953 Junior Achievement has been an active force in Albany. It has reached more than half a million young people to foster understanding and prepare for the future. As part of Jr Achievements 60th Anniversary, ABC News10 and Fox 23 created a public service campaign which included endorsements from key business leaders in the Albany area including leaders from the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Price Chopper, Berkshire Bank, and GE Global research.
WJKE (Jockey 103)
Radio is about providing local service. Empire Broadcasting became a founding member of Saratoga’s 150th Anniversary. Its campaign entitled “Your Favorite Memory of the Saratoga Race Course” played over 1250 public service announcements and 6 hours of long form program devoted to the Saratoga Race Track.
WNYT-TV Ch. 13
“Your Help Counts” is a program to help victims of major disasters. The program started in 1992 and has worked alongside Price Chopper and the American Red Cross. These efforts have sent more than one million dollars in cash and supplies to help victims of disasters. The station’s call to action included providing time on newscasts, public service announcements and social media. The station also sponsored three “Save a Life blood Drives” with the American Red Cross.
WGNA 107.7 FM
For 9 years 107.7 has been honoring the men and women in blue with its “Blue Friday” broadcasts. Originally designed as a program to honor Lt. John Finn of the Albany Police Dept. who was killed in the line of duty, the program now honors all police officers. The WGNA morning show broadcasts live from two locations each year to promote the Blue Friday New York Fund which supports families of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
WDNB FM “Thunder 102”
The station sponsored a number of events including the “No Child Should be Without a Toy for Christmas” campaign. Working with area businesses and Toys for Tots, in December 2012 the station and its listeners (The Thunderheads) distributed nearly 4000 toys to children in need. The station sponsored the largest Red Cross blood drive in Sullivan County. It raised over $8,000 to support the Court Appointed Special Advocates program which assists foster children. It has also raised significant amounts for St. and the boys and Girls Clubs.
WSDE AM 1190 & 94.3 FM
This Cobleskill station provides a number of local public service campaigns. For example it sponsors “Pet of the Week,” which provided 1560 free public service announcements to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley. The stations also sponsored “The Schoharie County Cancer Walk – Marathon for a Better Life.” It provided 224 public service announcements leading up to the event, and two hours of live remove coverage. The event raised $116,000 for Cancer patients who live in Schoharie County. The station has doubled its newscasts.
WVCR 88.3 FM
The Sienna college radio station broadcast numerous public service programs. Of particular note is the “Capital Green Scene Environment Talk Show.” Launched in 2008, the program invites guests to discuss issues that affect the local area, region and the planet. Guests have included Lt Governors, DEC commissioners and environmental advocates. This program is extremely important to the Capital Region which serves as the gateway to the Adirondacks.
WHAZ AM/WMYY-FM/WMNV-FM/WBAR-FM
These stations provide a number of services to the Albany area. As religious stations, they provide an important service to churches throughout the Capital region. In addition the stations have hosted several public service campaigns. For example the station focused its efforts to combat distracted driving caused by the use of cell phones and text messaging. The station also had a public service campaign to reduce drunk driving in the area. Alcohol related traffic accidents cause nearly 10,000 deaths and 170,000 injuries per year.