WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to the news coverage and recovery efforts of local broadcasters before, during and after last week's tornado outbreak across several states, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:
"NAB salutes the remarkable efforts of our broadcast colleagues in tornado-stricken areas of the country in recent days. Local stations have saved lives with breaking coverage of these emergency weather situations, and are leading the fundraising relief efforts to rebuild communities. These terrible tornadoes serve as a reminder that in an era of smartphones, iPads and Netflix, there is no substitute for the indispensable lifeline role of the local broadcaster."
Many of the ongoing efforts by local TV stations in Indiana and Kentucky to raise relief funds for the storms' victims are documented in this Variety article.
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Local
stations at nexus of storm relief By Cynthia Littleton Local TV stations in Indiana and Kentucky have rallied to help raise relief funds for the victims of the violent storms that ravaged the area last week, claiming the lives of at least 40 people. The outpouring underscores the primacy of local broadcasters in times of major crisis. The tornadoes that swept through small towns in southern Indiana and rural Kentucky on Friday knocked out cell-phone service in much of the region and hampered the use of other wireless devices for hours. Radio and TV stations in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Ind. and Louisville, Ky. served as the information lifeline for residents of the hardest-hit areas. Tribune Broadcasting's Fox affiliate WXIN-TV Indianapolis brought in more than $236,000 in pledges on Monday after the station inserted multiple pledge breaks every hour, from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., featuring station talent and others appealing for donations to the Salvation Army. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels lent his support to the telethon in a live shot in the station's 6 p.m. newscast. CBS affil WISH-TV Indianapolis raised more than $220,000 in phone pledges over the weekend. Terre Haute's NBC affil WAWV-TV and sibling station WTWO-TV and ran appeals from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesday from the local Red Cross headquarters. CBS affil WKYT in Lexington, Ky. plans a 10 a.m.-7 p.m. telethon on Friday. Read the entire article here. |
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
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