Last Thursday’s Digital Training and “Serving New York” Luncheon in Binghamton were a tremendous success. More than 40 sales executives attended a three hour seminar featuring nationally recognized digital sales expert Stephen Wharley. At the “Serving New York” Luncheon, area stations were recognized for a number of public service campaigns and projects. The following stations were recognized for their public service efforts:
iHeartMedia – (WENE & WMXW) – Gifts for Goldens at Christmas
For the second straight year, iHeartMedia Binghamton made sure many lonely seniors in nursing homes had a great holiday season. Gifts for Goldens is a Christmas wish tree for seniors in the Binghamton area. They teamed up with R.S.V.P. (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program), a local nonprofit group focused on seniors helping seniors. We want to thank iHeartMedia Market President, Tom Barney, Marilynn Fanto, Outreach Specialist for Fidelis Care and Deb Kearns, Program Director for the Senior Volunteer Program for their tremendous work with this program.
Nexstar Broadcasting Group – WIVT-TV/WBGH-CA – Broom County Charities & DICK’S Sporting Goods Open
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Open is operated by Broome County Community Charities, Inc. (BCCC) and has donated over $14 million back to charity. Established in 1973, Broome Charities’ initial mission focused the 501(c)(3)’s funding toward health care related organizations with the intent to assist the greatest number of people within our community. Both the UHS Foundation and Lourdes Hospital Foundation have been primary recipients of annual donations made by Broome County Community Charities, Inc. BCCC annually makes charitable donations to those Civic Organizations which assist in the operation of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Open. Additionally, BCCC has been instrumental in community projects such as the remodeling of the Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome and the building of a Community Meeting Hall at the Endicott Visitor’s Center. Broome County Community Charities, Inc. is proud to have donated over $1.1M in 2014. Attending the luncheon were VP and General Manager, John Birchall and John Karedes, Tournament Director of the Dicks Sporting Goods Open.
Stainless Broadcasting Company – WICZ-TV (Fox-40) and WBPN-TV (My8) – Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
WICZ-TV joins forces with the American Cancer Society each year to promote and grow participation in the American Cancer Society’s annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” event. This years event will be held on October 4th. Last year 5,000 people walked and the event raised $232,000. WICZ-TV (Fox) and WBPN-TV (My8) air hundreds of television commercials promoting the event, asking viewers to form their own team or come walk with us at the event. NYSBA was honored to recognize Mary Anne Harkness, Regional Sales Manager for WICZ (Fox) and WBPN (My8) and Amanda Sagendorf, Specialist for Community Events with the American Cancer Society.
Nexstar Broadcasting Group – WETM-TV – 18 Cares
WETM’s 18 Cares is a community service program that seeks to provide awareness to its audience about issues related to personal/community safety, health and wellness. 18 Cares events are promoted within newscasts promotional announcements and public service announcements. These themed events are tied in with non-profit partners. Each month, a different issue is addressed. Over the past year, the station has promoted a number of issues each month including, Water Safety with the YMCA, Pet Safety, Back to School Safety, Hunger Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, Gun Safety, Holiday Toy Drives, and many other worthy topics. We were honored to present the award to Scott Iddings, Director of Creative Services.
WBNG-TV 12 – Coats for Kids Drive with the Family Enrichment Network
WBNG-TV partnered with the Family Enrichment network to collect gently used coats for those in need in our community for a “Coats for Kids” drive. WBNG-TV found five locations to set up bins for residents in our community to drop off coats. Through a series of Commercial Spots, on-line advertisements and news stories, those in the community with spare coats in their closets were asked to consider donating them to someone in need. WBNG-TV and the Family Enrichment Network set a goal to collect 1,500 coats. That goal was far exceeded by collecting over 3,300. These coats provided warmth and security to those in need this past winter. On hand to receive the award were General Manger, Greg Catlin, VP and Station Manager, Bob Krummenacker, Sales Manager, Darrin DiPiazza and Kelly Weiss from the Family Enrichment Network.
Community Broadcaster’s, LLC – The Children’s Miracle Network at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Elmira, NY
WNGZ-WNKI-WPGI-WRCE-WWLZ (Elmira) have been a fundraising arm for The Children’s Miracle Network. For the year 2014-2015, the stations achieved a record breaking $102,000 in donations. Fundraising events included the 2-day radio thon from the lobby of the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. In support of the annual event, Community Broadcasters teamed up with Dandy Mini Marts, with locations throughout the Twin Tiers. With this additional initiative during the month of September, 2014, $1 from each pizza purchased on Wednesday evenings was donated to the CMN. Over 5,500 pizzas for the Children’s Miracle Network were purchased raising in excess of $5,500. Community Broadcasters LLC is humbled to be part of the Children’s Miracle Network at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Elmira NY. We were delighted to present the award to Bruce Sermonis, Sales Manager and Alene Goodman from the Children’s Miracle Network.
Cayuga Radio Group’s – “Z 95.5” WFIZ – Build Your Own Backpack Campaign
WFIZ hosted it’s annual “Build your Backpack” program. This program is designed to give children and families in need the opportunity to pick up a backpack filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year. The station does six (6 ) stops where fifty backpacks are given out. A child/student MUST be present to receive the pack. The event operates at complete capacity with all backpacks being distributed at all events- with lines of people waiting at each. Since its creation, several thousand backpacks have been filled and distributed. We were honored to present the award to Z95.5’s VP and General Manager Mr. Chet Osadchey.
WDOE & WBKX – Coverage of Chautauqua County’s Local War on Drugs
Citing a dramatic increase in drug use in Chautauqua County in 2015, News Director, Dave Rowley, in cooperation with local law enforcement, greatly increased WBKX and WDOE’s coverage of local drug activity, arrests, and convictions. Their stations now provide comprehensive daily news coverage of this major issue impacting Chautauqua County, enhanced with bi-weekly live interviews with law enforcement officials and local elected leaders addressing the problem. Dave Rowley conducts monthly live interviews with Dunkirk Police Chief, David Ortolano and Fredonia Police Chief, Brad Meyers. Rowley also features regular live interviews with Chautauqua County Executive, Vince Horrigan and County Sheriff, Joe Gerace about how Narcan is being used to save the lives of overdose victims in the county. WBKX and WDOE continue to assist by promoting public meetings and the availability of Narcan training in Chautauqua County.
