NAB Announces Service To America Awards
• The NAB Leadership Foundation revealed the winners of the 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards, which recognize outstanding community service by local broadcasters. Winners were announced during the Celebration of Service to America Awards program, which aired Saturday on hundreds of stations nationwide. Here are the 2021 Service to America Award Radio winners:
Service to Community Award for Radio — Ownership Group — Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri, for their “Miracles for Kids Radiothon” — The 14th annual 2020 Miracle for Kids radiothon raised over $248,000 and awareness for the phenomenal work of the doctors, nurses and staff every single day at the local Children’s Hospital.
Service to Community Award for Radio — Major Market — Hubbard Radio’s KTMY (MyTalk 107.1)/Minneapolis-St. Paul, for “KTMY Rebuilds the Neighborhoods.” During the civil unrest across the Twin Cities in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, many minority-owned businesses places were vandalized, looted and burned to the ground. In partnership with the Neighborhood Development Center, KTMY launched “10 Stories in 10 Days” and raised 145,000 for these businesses to rebuild and highlighted the local community’s power and small business owners’ resilience.
Service to Community Award for Radio – Medium Market — iHeartMedia’s WYCT (Cat Country 98.7)/Pensacola, FL, for Hurricane Sally Relief Efforts. In September 2020, Hurricane Sally made a direct hit on Pensacola, causing widespread damage. In partnership with United Way of West Florida and their TV partner WEAR-TV, Cat Country launched “Mission Restore Hope” to raise over $300,000 to help local organizations fund rebuilding efforts.
Service to Community Award for Radio — Small Market — Bryan Broadcasting Top 40 KNDE (Candy 95)/Bryan-College Station, TX, for “136 Charities, $794,573, One Day and the KNDE Team.” Amid numerous canceled events and poorly attended virtual fundraisers, many local nonprofits found themselves on the brink of extinction. In partnership with the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, the KNDE team swung into action, and held an 18-hour virtual giving event on October 27, 2020, educated its listeners on the work of 136 charities and solicited donations. In just one day, this team raised $794,573 and proved that local broadcasting does matter.
Michelle Duke, President of the NAB Leadership Foundation, commented, “America’s local radio and television broadcasters demonstrated unparalleled devotion to helping families and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to honor the winners and celebrate broadcasters nationwide for their commitment to public service.” The complete list of radio and television winners is posted at nab.org.
