NAB Leadership Foundation Announces 2020 Service to America Awards Finalists

Celebration of Service to America Awards program accessible online and available for local broadcast stations to air in late August

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation revealed today the finalists for the 2020 Celebration of Service to America Awards, recognizing outstanding community service by local broadcasters. One winner from each category will be announced during the Celebration of Service to America Awards program, accessible online and available for broadcast radio and television stations to air on a specific date in late August.

The 2020 Celebration of Service to America Awards, previously scheduled for June 9, has been reimagined as a pre-recorded event. Through a partnership with Hollywood production company Trailer Park, the NAB Leadership Foundation will provide a broadcast-quality program showcasing the vital role of local radio and television stations throughout the U.S. The specific date for the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Trailer Park is a leading Hollywood-based entertainment marketing company, counting many of the world’s most prestigious and successful companies, brands, media properties and film franchises among its clients.

“America’s radio and television stations’ dedication to public service shines brightly in local communities every day, and continually ensures the safety and well-being of viewers and listeners,” said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. “We look forward to celebrating broadcasters who have gone above and beyond to serve communities and families in need, and we are thrilled to honor broadcasters’ service with audiences across the country.”

Following is the list of 2020 Service to America Awards finalists by category with links to information on their remarkable public service initiatives:

Service to Community Award for Radio – Ownership Group
Momentum Broadcasting Company – “Porterville Firefighter Fundraiser”
'Ohana Media Group – “OMG Service to Alaska”
Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group – “Miracles for Kids Radiothon”

Service to Community Award for Television – Ownership Group
Gray Television – "Measure of Hate"
Hearst Televison – "Project CommUNITY"
NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations – "Project Innovation"
Sinclair Broadcast Group – “Opioids – A National Crisis”

Service to Community Award for Radio – Major Market
Bonneville International’s KIRO-AM Seattle, Wash. – “710 ESPN Seattle and Coaching Boys into Men”
Hubbard Radio’s KRWM-FM Seattle, Wash. – “WARM 106.9 Community Activation”
Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM Atlanta, Ga. – “2019 WSB Careathon”
Radio One’s WTLC-FM Indianapolis, Ind. – “Stop the Music to Discuss Suicide Prevention and Mental Health”

Service to Community Award for Television – Large Market
Sinclair Broadcast Group’s KABB-TV, WOAI-TV San Antonio, Texas - “Show Me Your Bill”
Hubbard Broadcasting’s KOB-TV Albuquerque, N.M. - “Protecting Our Enchanting Environment”
Nexstar Media Group’s KXAN-TV Austin, Texas - “Save Our Students: Solutions for Wellness and Safety”
Nexstar Media Group’s WDAF-TV Kansas City, Mo. – “FOX4 Band of Angels”
Graham Media Group’s WKMG-TV Orlando, Fla. – “Driving Change: Florida’s Texting and Driving Law”

Service to Community Award for Radio – Medium Market
Alpha Media’s WSGW Saginaw, Mich. – “WSGW’s Sharing Hope Radiothon”
iHeartMedia’s WRVE-FM, WGY-AM, WGY-FM Latham, N.Y. – “News Radio 810 and 103.1 WGY and 99.5 The River’s 2019 Cares for Kids Radiothon”

Service to Community Award for Television – Medium Market
Gray Television’s KWTX-TV Waco, Texas – “Food for Families”
TEGNA’s WBIR-TV Knoxville, Tenn. – “The Reality of Suicide”
Gray Television’s WNDU-TV South Bend, Ind. – “Never Again: Preventing Bus Stop Tragedies”
TEGNA’s WTOL-TV Toledo, Ohio – “11 Investigates: Guilty Without Proof”

Service to Community Award for Radio – Small Market
Bryan Broadcasting’s KNDE-FM College Station, Texas – “103 Charities. $389,000. 1 Day. 1 Station.”
Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM Trenton, N.J. –“New Jersey Judges”
Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM Trenton, N.J. – “N.J. 101.5 Feel Better Bears”
Milner Media Partners’ WYUR-FM, WVLI-FM, WIVR-FM, WFAV-FM Bourbonnais, Ill. – “Serving the Kankakaee River Valley”

Service to Community Award for Television – Small Market
Gray Television’s KVLY-TV Fargo, N.D. – “Homeless Kids Need Help”
Gray Television’s KWQC-TV Davenport, Iowa – “2019 Flood Relief”
Gray Television’s WJHG-TV Panama City, Fla. – “Remembering the Forgotten”

About Celebration of Service to America Awards

The 2020 Celebration of Service to America Awards, previously scheduled for June 9, has been reimagined as a pre-recorded event, accessible online and available for broadcast stations to air on a specific date in late August. Through partnership with Hollywood production company Trailer Park, the NAB Leadership Foundation will produce a broadcast-quality program showcasing the exceptional public service exhibited by local radio and television stations throughout the U.S. The 2020 Celebration of Service to America Award winners will be announced for the first time during the program, and all eight category finalists will be highlighted for their excellence in community service.

About NAB Leadership Foundation

The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the future of broadcasting through leadership, diversity and community service. Learn more at www.nabfoundation.org.

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.