Community Service Report
Michigan Broadcasters Serve Michigan Communities
For local radio and television stations, community involvement is more than a passing concern. It is a way of doing business. Everyday in Michigan, from Detroit to Escanaba and everywhere in between, broadcasters are going to bat for community charities, educating residents about important local issues, delivering life-saving information in times of disaster, and continually renewing their commitment to their communities.
One of the main missions of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters is to help their members serve their communities better. In doing this we seek out issues of statewide importance which have been identified by individuals and lawmakers. MAB members work collectively on a volunteer basis to educate listeners and viewers on the important issues through the airing of on-air messages. No other industry has the impact on local communities like free over-the-air broadcasting. Michigan radio and television stations understand the importance of community service. They live it every day.
Districts 1-2
Black Diamond Broadcasting
WGFM-FM
Community Service Overview
Black Diamond Broadcasting
WUPS-FM
Community Service Overview
Queen Bee's Knees (Morgan Murphy Media)
WCCY-AM/WOLV-FM (Houghton)
Event: Vet Fest 2025 (June 11, 2025)
(l-R) Queen Bee's Knees Market Manager Jeff Harju interviewing Houghton County Veterans Affairs Officer Joe Battisfore
This past Wednesday (6/11) Queen Bee's Knees WOLV-FM/WCCY-AM (Houghton) helped bring "Vet Fest 2025" to Houghton County. Now in its third year, Vet Fest has become one of the best veterans service events in the state for connecting people. This year’s event will bring organizations from across the western Upper Peninsula to work with veterans and educate the community about various military benefits.
Market Manager Jeff Harju told the MAB, "At Queen Bee's Knees LLC in Houghton we provided the Houghton County Veterans Affairs Office with a non profit ad plan to promote Vet Fest 2025 with advanced radio ads and the live broadcast. We also had Joe Battisfore into our stations for advance interviews, news coverage and as a guest on our weekend community affairs program, 'Copper Country Today'. We did similar things last year for Vet Fest in 2024 and hope to continue to be part of their marketing plans in the future. We've worked with Joe's office year round to help make sure that veterans are aware of all of the benefits that they are entitled to as well."
Vet Fest invited VFW and American Legion organizations, staff from the Iron Mountain Veterans Hospital, organizations and non-profits serving veterans, representatives of the Detroit Veterans Affairs regional office and many more.
Joe Battisfore, VSO Director, Houghton County, said prior to this year's event that, "Veterans from all over the Upper Peninsula, and even as far away as northern Wisconsin have attended in the past. The Houghton County VSO also encourages families and service member partners to attend. Sometimes a veteran’s wife or husband can help push them to look into their benefits. And education about programs can help families find the resources they need."
Black Diamond Broadcasting
WMKC-FM
Community Service Overview
Community Service Overview
No other media outlet comes close to making as much of an impact on the community as WLUC-TV6.
When SNAP benefits were cut just heading into November, WLUC was there on November 1 to help the community and meet the increased demands on local food pantries with the TV6 Canathon – a 10 County wide food drive in Upper Michigan. TV6 mobilized to get donations, food and money, to pantries every week in November. By the end of November, over 115,000 physical food donations were collected, and over $145,000 was raised for local pantries through the TV6 Canathon website (TV6Canathon.com). Over 350 Upper Michigan businesses and 75 area schools participated in the TV6 Canathon.
Beyond rallying to “help feed a hungry neighbor”, WLUC also was involved with over 50 community events and efforts across the viewing area – from benefit 5k runs to events that celebrate community heritage and diversity. We even hosted three community art and craft shows throughout the year. Every event that WLUC sponsors is not only boosted by the power of our station’s unmatched reach but is enhanced by the presence and participation of our staff!
The above video includes a sample of just some of these events in 2025.
mediaBrew Communications
WFXD-FM/WKQS-FM/WRUP-FM (Marquette)
Event: Christmas is the Veterans (December, 2025)
mediaBrew Communications in Marquette (WFXD-FM/WKQS-FM/WRUP-FM) is reaching out across Marquette County to help spread holiday cheer to local veterans. The company's 23rd Annual “Christmas is for Veterans” gift drive is underway, helping the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans. The mediaBrew stations are asking the community to help gather items from their 2025 veterans Christmas wish list, posted on www.sunny.fm and www.wfxd.com.
These include personal care items, MarqTran bus tickets, comfortable clothing, and more.
“These are the added comfort items if you will, something that would’ve been brought in by a niece or nephew, grandson or granddaughter,” said mediaBrew Marketing Manager, Mark Evans in an interview with WZMQ-TV. “They have everything that they need, these are those items that take it to that next level.”
Evans says that time and time again, the drive gathers a wide amount of support from listeners.
“Every year is better than the last,” he said. “For every veteran who is out of the home, there’s another one or two coming in, so there are always veterans with those needs around the holidays.”
Through Wednesday, December 17, listed items can be dropped off at the mediaBrew Communications studios in Marquette or at Super One Grocery store locations in Marquette and Negaunee.
WCMU-FM (Mt. Pleasant)
Event: Annual Foodraiser (December 2-8, 2025)
WCMU Public Radio (Mt. Pleasant) has announced Mercantile Bank as the official ‘Gift of Food’ sponsor for the 5th Annual WCMU Foodraiser. This collaboration offers an opportunity to support local journalism and help combat food insecurity across Michigan.
Donate to WCMU Public Radio during the campaign, and not only will you be supporting vital programs—like news, civil conversations, and music—you will also trigger a donation of meals, thanks to Mercantile Bank. For every contribution, Mercantile Bank will provide meals to the local Feeding America food bank serving your area.
According to Feeding America, “47 million people face hunger in the U.S.—including 13 million children. Hunger touches every U.S. community, including yours.” The WCMU Foodraiser aims to help alleviate this need for some of the food-insecure across central and northern Michigan.
Through Monday, December 8, listeners who donate to support their favorite WCMU Public Radio programs will trigger meals from our ‘Gift of Food’ sponsor, Mercantile Bank. Those meals will be sourced and distributed by the Feeding America food bank serving your zip code. They include the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Feeding America West Michigan, The Manna Food Project, and Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.
In 2024, WCMU donors generated more than 14,000 meals. WCMU General Manager Rick Westover is hopeful for an even greater impact this year. “Our goal is to see 15,000 meals with the help of Mercantile Bank,” said Westover. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to help our neighbors and make a real difference during the season of giving, and listener donations make it all happen.”
More information about the WCMU Foodraiser, including how many meals your donation will trigger, can be found at WCMU.org/Food. You can also donate there or call 800-999-5656.
Black Diamond Broadcasting
WCFX-FM
Community Service Overview
Districts 3-4
Mid-West Family Broadcasting
WIRX-FM (Benton Harbor)
Event: St. Jude Radiothon (December 4-5, 2025)
Mid-West Family Broadcasting's WIRX-FM (St. Joseph/Benton Harbor) held the first ever “Rock St. Jude Radiothon” on December 4th and 5th and declared it a resounding success.
WIRX took the reins from sister station WYTZ-FM this year for the event to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Director of Content Kristen Havens, known on the air as Kiki with Brock and Kiki in the afternoons, said listeners came forward to support St. Jude in a big way.
“We raised $20,124 for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is incredible, especially for our first year taking the reins of this Radiothon,” Havens said. "What really stands out is how the community just rallied. People called in from all over. We had donors from Michigan City to Elkhart to South Haven....and all the cities in between. So it was a very large community that tuned in and gave.”
“Every donation helps families get the care they need without worrying about the cost because I think we all agree people shouldn’t have to worry about what the treatments cost or if they can or cannot do it,” Havens said. “They should just be able to love their child and be there for their child and not worry about anything else.”
WIRX invited listeners to become Partners in Hope by pledging $19 per month. All donations of any amount help St. Jude continue providing care for children battling cancer, free of charge.
WMRR-FM/WMUS-FM (Muskegon)
Event: Feed the Future Fundraiser (March 14, 2025)
The inaugural "Feed the Future" fundraiser to support Kids' Food Basket raised $42,208 on 104.5 WSNX in Grand Rapids and Muskegon radio stations 107 MUS "The Moose" and Rock 101.7.The event raised money for the food equity community organization that provides Sack Suppers to West Michigan kids so they can have access to good, nutritious food. The program also provides kids will weekend meals to ensure they have something to eat on the weekends.
According to the 2022 Kids Count data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, more than 38,000 children in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties experience food insecurity. That represents 13 percent of the child population.
Last year, KFB served 1.8 million meals which was 50,000 more than they had originally anticipated. This year, the organization is serving 11,000 meals a day to 61 schools in the area.
“At iHeart Media, we are proud of being part of a caring community that gives back,” said Tim Feagan, metro president for Grand Rapids and Muskegon at iHeart Media. “It’s important to support our neighbors right here in West Michigan and ensuring that kids have access to healthy food is something we can all get behind.”
WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids)
Event: Annual Day of Caring (June 20, 2025)
WOOD-TV employees volunteer with Habitat for Humanity for the Founder's Day of Caring
Last Friday (6/20), employees of Nexstar's WOOD-TV participated in the company's annual Founder’s Day of Caring event. The event celebrates Nexstar Media Group’s founding with a day of giving back. Employees across Nexstar’s over 100 stations are asked to spend a portion of their day volunteering. Some WOOD-TV employees helped to build a Habitat for Humanity house. Habitat for Humanity of Kent County is working to build 100 homes in three years through its Imagine Campaign, which is currently in phase one. The homes WOOD TV8 helped with are expected to be ready in the fall.
WOOD-TV also had a team at a ReStore in Grand Rapids, where homeowners can find anything from toilets to rugs at great prices. It’s a revenue arm of the Habitat of Humanity, helping to fund construction projects.
Other WOOD TV8 employees spent time volunteering with the AYA Youth Collective preparing snack packs and lunches.
“This organization is one of those in our community that’s kind of filling those gaps, talking about kids who are risk, giving them a space and opportunity to unwind, a place to plug in,” News 8 anchor Brian Sterling said. “They were talking about some of the document recovery services that they offer here — very, very important. If you’ve ever had to go through that, you know how difficult that is.”
“We’re doing a small part here this morning. These guys are doing the hard work every day,” Sterling continued.
The nonprofits were selected because of their work helping with housing and homelessness, which are issues WOOD TV8 works hard throughout the year to cover and spotlight. This is the 29th year for Nexstar’s Founder’s Day of Caring, a nationwide effort of volunteering by company employees nationwide.
Sinclair Broadcast Group
WWMT-TV (Kalamazoo)
Event: Assist Local Food Banks (4/9/25)
On April 9, the staff at Sinclair's WWMT-TV (Kalamazoo) came together to help two local West Michigan food banks: Loaves and Fishes in Kalamazoo and the South Michigan Food Bank in Battle Creek. Station staff volunteered at both food banks to bring awareness as part of the nationwide “Sinclair Day of Service.”
Both food banks are preparing for the possibility of cutting back on the amount of food they give away. “Michigan lost several truck loads due to the USDA removing and canceling those loads. Our part in that was 16 semi truckloads, about 400,000 pounds of protein, eggs and dairy that we will lose April through October,” Lori Sunie, director of development at South Michigan Food Bank, said.
According to Sunie, that’s around $450,000 worth of lost food, and it’s a similar situation for Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes.
They're taking a loss of trucks filled with food that’s worth $300,000. That is a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of food now gone from some dinner tables in West Michigan.
“It’s been an unusual year. We’ve had some cuts, high service numbers, we’re trying to make sure we do what we need to do to support the community. Partnering with News Channel 3 not only helps us get projects done but it also helps us bring awareness,” Greta Faworski , associate director for Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, said.
Both Faworski and Sunie tell community members not to worry, they will never turn anyone away who needs food.
Though they may have to limit how much they can give away, both are making plans to try and ensure that does not happen.
A part of that planning involves help from the community’s help, which can include word of mouth, volunteering or donating. All those options could drastically help a food bank in your area.
“Right now, that would go to not having to pay for extra food. We wouldn’t have to buy protein, we wouldn’t have to buy eggs, we wouldn’t have to buy dairy,” Sunie said
Thankfully both food banks have hundreds of agency partners and several farmers to keep them afloat at the time being.
Townsquare Media
WKFR-FM (Kalamazoo)
Event: Roof Sit (May 22-24, 2025)
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To kick off the Memorial Day weekend, Townsquare Media's WKFR-FM (Kalamazoo) held its 27th annual Roof Sit for children facing abuse in Southwest Michigan. From Thursday through Saturday, (5/22-24), the station's morning show (Dana and Jess) broadcast live from the roof of Helzberg Diamonds in nearby Portage.
Even in the chill of early spring, the community came together, raising an impressive $74,413. The original goal for this year's effort was $90,000 and the station continues to solicit donations in order to reach the goal as money raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant. All funds raised will go to the local Community Healing Center to support treatment for children who have been sexually or physically abused, treatment and healing for their families, as well as intensive support for parents, infants, toddlers, and children who are facing significant challenges.
The event also included an online auction, a dinner and other activities..
Districts 5-6
Lenawee Broadcasting Company & Southeast Michigan Media, Inc.
WLEN-FM & WQTE-FM (Adrian)
Event: Thank A Vet Fundraiser (November 11, 2025)
On November 11, The Lenawee Multimedia Network (WLEN-FM/WQTE-FM/WABJ-AM/96.5 The Cave) hosted its 19th Annual “Thank a Vet” event on Veterans Day, honoring local service members and raising funds for veterans in need. The event ran from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with radio station staff and community partners collecting donations curbside across Lenawee County.
Funds raised will support the Veterans Dire Need Fund, administered through Housing Help of Lenawee, providing emergency assistance for rent, utilities, and other essential needs.
Lenawee Broadcasting President Julie Koehn said the annual effort continues a nearly three-decade tradition started by local veteran James Mooney, celebrating the courage and commitment of Lenawee County’s service members.
This year’s campaign received major contributions from TLC Community Credit Union and Tecumseh Golf Club.
In nineteen years, the event has generated well over half a million dollars in local support, with this year’s total reaching $60,882.80.
Lenawee Broadcasting Company & Southeast Michigan Media, Inc.
WLEN-FM & WQTE-FM (Adrian)
Event: Keep Lenawee Warm Coat Drive (October, 2025)
This past October, WLEN-FM/WQTE-FM and 96.5 The Cave, along with community partners, spent 10 days collecting gently used coats and blankets to “Keep Lenawee Warm.”
The stations have just released this years totals: the community donated 1,774 total items, with 497 of those items being coats. The coats and blankets are professionally cleaned at Adrian Dry Cleaners, and are distributed through Associated Charities of Lenawee County.
Drop off points for donated coats and blankets were set up throughout the station's coverage area including Faith Baptist Church in Adrian, Tuckey’s Big Boy in Tecumseh, Fall Fest at The Centre, Living in Lenawee Realty in Tecumseh, all branches of TLC Community Credit Union, Adrian Dry Cleaners and at the WLEN studios.
McKibbin Media Group
WCSR-AM/FM (Hillsdale)
Event: Community Job Fair (April 22, 2025)
(L-R) McKibbin Media Group's Steve Boyle and Dennis Worden.
On April 22, McKibbin Media Group (Jackson/Hillsdale) hosted a successful Community Job Fair at the Commonwealth Commerce Center. The event brought together local businesses and job seekers in an effort to strengthen workforce connections across Jackson County and surrounding areas.
With over 30 local employers participating and more than 115 attendees walking through the doors, the job fair created valuable opportunities for job seekers to network, apply, and even interview on-site for a variety of positions in industries ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to education and public service.
“We’re thrilled to see such strong community engagement,” said Dennis Worden, General Manager at McKibbin Media Group. “Bringing together businesses that are actively hiring with individuals who are eager to work is exactly the kind of positive impact we strive to make.”
McKibbin Media Group extended heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made this event possible: US Staffing Agency, Jackson County ISD, CertainTeed, Jackson College, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), and Accelerate Jackson County, adding "Their support underscores a shared commitment to community growth, opportunity, and collaboration."
McKibbin Media Group
WKHM-FM (Jackson)
Event: Charity Radiothon (May 9, 2025)
(l-R) Katina McKibbin (President/Owner of McKibbin Media Group), Shawna Tello (CEO - Jackson YMCA) and Theresa Horne (Senior Director of Membership & Healthy Living - Jackson YMCA).
McKibbin Media Group's WKHM-FM (Jackson)(K105.3 FM) held its fifth annual Charity Radiothon on May 9. The on-air talent of McKibbin Media Group's Jackson cluster broadcast live from the main studio on Glenshire Drive, Downtown Studio and Jackson YMCA for 12 straight hours, accepting donations while completing fun and intense dares from their listeners and clients based on fundraising goals.
This year, K105.3 raised over $13,900 in donations from community members and clients, which was split two ways to benefit the following causes:
• Jackson YMCA - $6,544
• Jamie McKibbin Memorial Scholarship Fund - $7,400
“We can’t thank everyone enough who made a donation to the Charity Radiothon. Because of the generosity of so many we were able to surpass our 12-hour goal of $12,000. This wouldn’t be possible without our loyal clients and listeners,” McKibbin Media Group President and Owner Katina McKibbin said. “Thank you to all who were involved in this wonderful event.”
Among some of the dares the DJs completed live on-air Friday in exchange for donations were a hot sauce tasting challenge, a blind taste test of various foods; getting their noses waxed and handling a boa constrictor/snake provided by Wild World Adventures, a coney dog eating challenge, and more.
Several activities were held at the Jackson YMCA including a basketball free throw contest and doing math problems while working out in the gym.
An hour of the radiothon in the morning was a tribute to McKibbin Media Group’s late founder Jamie McKibbin, as Jamie’s 48th birthday was on May 9. Jamie passed away in 2020 just months after purchasing the radio stations in Jackson and Hillsdale. Many of the donations during the 9 a.m. hour benefited the scholarship fund, which is in his name through the Michigan Association of
Broadcasters (MAB) Foundation.
McKibbin Media Group
WKHM-FM/WKHM-AM/WIBM-AM (Jackson)
Event: Community Job Fair (April 22, 2025)
(L-R) McKibbin Media Group's Steve Boyle and Dennis Worden.
On April 22, McKibbin Media Group (Jackson/Hillsdale) hosted a successful Community Job Fair at the Commonwealth Commerce Center. The event brought together local businesses and job seekers in an effort to strengthen workforce connections across Jackson County and surrounding areas.
With over 30 local employers participating and more than 115 attendees walking through the doors, the job fair created valuable opportunities for job seekers to network, apply, and even interview on-site for a variety of positions in industries ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to education and public service.
“We’re thrilled to see such strong community engagement,” said Dennis Worden, General Manager at McKibbin Media Group. “Bringing together businesses that are actively hiring with individuals who are eager to work is exactly the kind of positive impact we strive to make.”
McKibbin Media Group extended heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made this event possible: US Staffing Agency, Jackson County ISD, CertainTeed, Jackson College, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), and Accelerate Jackson County, adding "Their support underscores a shared commitment to community growth, opportunity, and collaboration."
District 7
Gray Television, Inc.
WILX-TV (Lansing)
Community Service Overview
WILX is dedicated to serving Mid-Michigan by going beyond reporting the news. We believe that our community isn’t just where we live; it’s who we are, where we raise our families and serve our community.
In 2025, we expanded our Make an Impact initiative, partnering with nine local nonprofits - using our on-air, digital and social platforms. These efforts raised more than $150,000 and collected tens of thousands of physical donations, all reinvested back into Mid-Michigan communities. Featured partners included Sleep in Heavenly Peace (beds for children), Champions of the Heart (CPR & AED education), Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary (providing forever homes for rescue animals), Footprints of Michigan (footwear for children and veterans), Big Brothers Big Sisters (youth mentorship), Ele’s Place (grief support for children), and It’s A Breast Thing (support for breast cancer patients). Our Toys for Tots drive collected over $20,000 in toys for the local Salvation Army.
Beyond fundraising, WILX supports ongoing community needs through initiatives like Mental Health: You’re Not Alone, People Make an Impact segments, and First Alert Weather coverage, prioritizing safety. Through storytelling, advocacy, and service, we demonstrate how local television can be a powerful force for connection, safety and positive change in Mid-Michigan!
Midwest Communications, Inc.
WJXQ-FM
Event: 22 Day 22 Push Up Challenge (October/November, 2025)
In October and November, 2025, WJXQ-FM (Q106) presented the "22 Day 22 Push Up Challenge," Every day at noon for the 22 days up to and including Veterans Day, listeners were invited to join Q106's Terry Stevens and do 22 push ups at Veterans Memorials around Mid-Michigan.
The station also encouraging listeners to donate $22 to the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, noting that every day, an average of 22 active duty and veteran soldiers of the U.S. Armed Forces lose their battle with PTSD and lose their lives. The station wants to work together to bring that number to zero.
Midwest Communications, Inc.
WJXQ-FM
Event: Warrior Wednesday Request-a-Thon
On June 25, 2025, WJQX (Q106) presented Warrior Wednesday, an event designed to raise funds for the for the VFW Veterans Service Office of Michigan. Held at a local automotive dealer, listeners are invited to make request along with a donation to the effort. This year, Q106 raised over $3000 for the Veterans Service Office. The music requested from from all genres and all for a good cause.
Midwest Communications, Inc.
WJXQ-FM
Event: Pet of the Week (Ongoing)
An ongoing community service effort that WJXQ-FM (Q106) presents is "The Pet of the Week." Every week the station teams up with the Ingham County Animal Control for the Pet Of The Week! Make a difference in a pet’s life and adopt!
The station also encouraging listeners to check out Animal Control's website for other pets available for adopton.
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
WLNS-TV (Lansing)
Event: Day of Giving Hunger Event (December 5, 2026)
On December 5, 2025, Nexstar Media's WLNS-TV (Lansing) held its annual Day of Giving event, this year to focus on stocking area food banks with canned goods as well as cash donations from viewers.
Krol Communications
WHMI-FM (Howell)
Event: WHMI Cares Radiothon (October 9, 2025)
Chuck & Madison, hosts of ‘The Morning Drive,’
emceed the 13-hour ‘WHMI Cares’ Radiothon
on Octpber 9, 2025.
Krol Communications’ WHMI-FM (Howell) held its inaugural WHMI Cares Radiothon on October 9 and raised $52,905 for four community nonprofits – the Livingston County United Way, the Salvation Army of Livingston County, Gleaners Community Food Bank and LACASA – handily exceeding expectations and reinforcing the importance of community.
“Our first-ever 13-hour radiothon brought our sponsors, generous listeners and local leaders together ahead of the upcoming holidays to rally support for four pivotal organizations that address the pressing needs of our community,” said WHMI General Manager Rich Renko. “I’m incredibly proud of ‘Chuck & Madison,’ our morning show hosts, for their marathon achievement, for our listeners who called in or stopped by the station with their checks, and to our civic leaders. Together, they proved that nothing is impossible when we all come together to help each other.
“WHMI is more than a radio station – we’re committed to serving the residents of Livingston County,” Renko added. “The success of the ‘WHMI Cares’ underscores the unrivaled power of our brand in rallying an entire community.”
During the radiothon, which aired from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Chuck & Madison spoke with people who shared their personal – and often emotional – stories describing how they directly benefited from the various nonprofits. Together, the Livingston County United Way, the Salvation Army of Livingston County, Gleaners Community Food Bank and LACASA help residents find shelter, achieve financial stability, address food insecurity, assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and more.
“The ‘WHMI Cares’ radiothon holds great significance for The Salvation Army of Livingston County,” said Lt. Robert Leach of The Salvation Army of Livingston County. “Capt. Stephanie Leach and I are overwhelmed with the generosity of the WHMI listeners and the community of Livingston County. We want to thank WHMI for the time and effort invested in organizing this radiothon. These funds will help
us provide food for families who may struggle to put food on the table, keep the lights and heat on in their homes, or keep a roof over their heads. It will help us to walk families out of the cycle of poverty to self-sufficiency or provide a place for someone to sleep. These funds will allow us to continue to bridge the gap between feeling stuck in a challenging situation and finding hope when all things seem lost.”
Representatives from the Livingston County United
Way, the Salvation Army of Livingston County,
Gleaners Food Bank and LACASA in the ‘WHMI
Cares’ Radiothon command center.
“Livingston County United Way was truly humbled and honored to be part of the ‘WHMI Cares’,” said Executive Director Carrie Newstead. “While raising funds was an important goal, the day’s greatest
impact came from informing our community about the vital services available to them, showing how, together, we can unite to support those in need. It was a powerful opportunity for people to learn more
about our local nonprofits and the missions that drive us. We were warmly welcomed by the entire WHMI team, and by the end of the day, we felt a deep connection with everyone involved. It was incredibly inspiring to witness the hard work that made the event such a success—achieving our fundraising goal, spreading awareness, and bringing our community together in such a meaningful way.”
“Hunger doesn’t have a specific face or ZIP code. We know it resides in every neighborhood and takes our collaboration to solve,” said Katie Choate, senior director, community engagement, for Gleaners
Community Food Bank. “The ‘WHMI Cares’ radiothon, in partnership with other amazing service organizations in Livingston County, is an example of how, when we come together, we can have a tremendous positive impact on our community. We are grateful for the generosity of WHMI, sponsors, supporters and community members.”
“The ‘WHMI Cares’ radiothon was a huge success financially and in raising awareness among listeners about LACASA and the 35 programs we provide in the community,” said LACASA President/CEO
Bobette A. Schrandt, LMSW. “The production was outstanding, and I want to give a special shout-out and heartfelt thank you to WHMI’s Chuck & Madison, who tirelessly worked throughout the day to raise
funds for four community charities. It was a magnificent event and such a fun day for everyone involved. Thank you, WHMI, for your incredible partnership and support—well done!”
Districts 8-9
Krol Communications Inc.
WRSR-FM (Flint)
Event: Annual Feeding Frenzy (February 28, 2025)
On February 28, Krol Communication's WRSR-FM (Flint) held its Fox Feeding Frenzy, an annual event to raise funds for The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. The station, along with many generous sponsors, the station's incredible Listeners & tireless volunteers, were able to raise just shy of $72,000! That is a new record dollar amount that equates to nearly 450,000 meals for those in need.
Program Director and afternoon host Roy Moore told the MAB, "This is truly one of the most fulfilling endeavors that any of us in the area can be a part of. And all of funds generated stay right here in Michigan! This event was nothing shy of electric! The energy in this building was off the hook!"
The 12-hour broadcast aired 7a.m. to 7p.m. from the station studios. The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan provides food and water for it’s 415 partner agencies in 22 counties across Michigan.
WRSR personalities were on the air live encouraging listeners (known as “Hunger Heroes”) to phone their pledge in.
Townsquare Media
WCRZ-FM (Flint)
Event: Annual Roof Sit (August 13-15, 2025)
Townsquare Media’s WCRZ-FM raised $94,000 for Whaley Children’s Center (WCC) during the station’s 8th annual Roof Sit, held July 12-14, 2023, atop the downtown Grand Blanc McDonald’s. The goal of the
Townsquare Media's CARS 108/WCRZ-FM (Flint) raised $60,000 for Whaley Children's Center (WCC) during the station's 10th Annual Roof Sit, held August 13-15 atop the downtown Grand Blanc McDonald's.
For the 3-day event, CARS 108 morning personality Jeremy Fenech was joined by WCC President and CEO Mindy Williams.
The goal of the Roof Sit is to raise awareness and financial support for the center, helping kids in Genesee County who need it most. The WCC is an independent, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, nearly 100 years old, which works to provide every child with a comfortable and living home. They provide residential childcare for children 5 to 17 years old who have suffered chronic abuse and neglect, provide counseling, aftercare services, and more. This fundraiser is an extension of their mission.
Fenech, on his personal Facebook page, wrote: "I want to send a special thank you out to my family at Cars 108 for everything that they did behind the scenes to help us pull off the 10th annual Roof Sit. These awesome people were so supportive technically and emotionally to get through it and it couldn’t have gone any better. I’m so happy with what we have done and I learned so much more about Whaley Children's Center, and made a bunch of great new friends who do some amazing work here for our kids!"
Radio First/Liggett Communications, LLC
WBTI-FM/WHLS-AM/FM/WPHM-AM/ WSAQ-FM
Community Service Overview
Connoisseur Media
WSGW-AM/FM (Saginaw)
Event: Sharing Hope Radiothon (December 11, 2025)
On Thursday, December 11, from 5:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Connoisseur Media'S WSGW-AM/FM (Saginaw) aired its annual “Sharing Hope” Radiothon. Starting with a goal of $60,000, the radiothon would up raising $71,620.00! Listeners were asked to offer a gift to help those in need served at the City Rescue Mission in Saginaw and the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission in Bay City
All Three of the Newest Rescue Ministries Benefit: Impact Designs, Samaritan Youth Services, Higher Purpose. A gift of $35 provides a night of Hope and Care… a warm bed, food, clothing, safety, counseling, life skills, job assistance, and more
The Rescue Ministries care for men, women, families, youth and young adults (12-17), veterans, and more.
Goal is to provide $60,000 to provide 1714 nights of Hope and Care
Districts 10-13
E.W. Scripps Company
WXYZ/WMYD-TV (Southfield/Detroit)
Event: Day of Giving Back (July 22, 2025)
On July 22nd, Scripps' Media's WXYZ-TV (Detroit) held its "Day of Giving Back" on Tuesday in collaboration with Forgotten Harvest to help fight food insecurity across metro Detroit. During the Day of Giving, the community generously donated enough money to provide 408,000 meals to families in the metro.
Forgotten Harvest is metro Detroit's largest food rescue organization. They have a fleet of 50 trucks on the road six days a week to pick up food from over 520 food donors. Volunteers then clean and repack the food into family-sized portions, and distribute it to families in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The team delivers 144,000 pounds of surplus food per day to local charities.
During its "Day of Giving Back," WXYZ-TV, along with the Scripps Howard Fund, matched the first $10,000 in donations.
E.W. Scripps Company
WXYZ/WMYD-TV (Southfield/Detroit)
Event: If You Give A Child A Book (February, 2025)
Mike Murri
In early February, 2025, Scripps Media's WXYZ-TV/WMYD-TV (Detroit) has announced the kickoff of the 2025 "If You Give A Child A Book" campaign. Employees at the stations along with the Scripps Howard Foundation, have made it their mission to get high-quality books to the children in their community. This past summer, the station did a call-out for donations from employees and the community. With those collected funds and with a matching contribution from the Scripps Howard Foundation, they are able to give more than 20,000 books to children in the community this year. In partnership with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Scholastic, WXYZ-TV is distributing books at partner schools in the Detroit and metro Detroit area through various events and book drive-thrus. Books are chosen to be specific to each school and classroom. “It does get bigger and better every year, and I can't think of a better way to start the year out than with our 'If You Give A Child A Book' campaign,” said Mike Murri, WXYZ-TV & WMYD-TV20 Detroit vice president and general manager. “Because of the generosity from our community, our employees, we're able to start this year out by distributing over 20,000 new, age-appropriate books to children in metro Detroit — and the need has never been greater. The impact is tremendous, it's transformative for these children.” The book giveaway events started this week with a kickoff book drive at Pepper Elementary in Oak Park. Each student was able to pick out five brand new books.
CBS Television Stations
WWJ-TV (Southfield/Detroit)
Event: Filthy Cares Adopt-A-Block Campaign (December, 2025)
CBS Detroit demonstrated the impact of local broadcasting through its partnership with Detroit music producer “Filthy” Rockwell and his grassroots initiative, Filthy Cares. After featuring Rockwell on its noon show, the station helped amplify his mission to provide Christmas gifts to children in low income Detroit neighborhoods. CBS Detroit invited him back on-air multiple times, encouraged community toy donations, and joined volunteers in wrapping and delivering gifts. This collaboration not only strengthened local ties but inspired viewers across the region to give back—showing how local broadcasters can spark generosity, amplify community voices, and directly improve lives.
Audacy
WWJ-AM (Detroit)
Event: Salvation Army Red Kettle Day Campaign (December, 2025)
In December, 2025, WWJ partnered with the Salvation Army on the Red Kettle Campaign. This is an effort that runs for several weeks leading up to Christmas. The station joins forces with their listeners to help The Salvation Army provide food, clothes, shelter, and other necessities to Metro Detroiters who are struggling this holiday season, and all year round. Money raised in the kettles also helps parents buy gifts for their children.
Audacy
WYCD-FM (Detroit)
Event: Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon (December 11-12, 2025)
St. Jude’s hospital protocol is used at local area hospitals, which includes numerous Michigan families.
Audacy
WOMC-FM (Detroit)
Event: Turn Up the Miracles Radiothon (November 20, 2025)
On November 20, 2025, WOMC raised $655,000 for the Children's Miracle Network. Listeners and businesses donated to support pediatric care, equipment, research and services for Metro Detroit children. This is in partnership with Beaumont Children's Hospital in Royal Oak.
The radiothon broadcast live from Sound Space at Audacy Detroit, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anchoring the production were WOMC personalities Beau Daniels and Val Berry.
Radiothon listeners had fun with the on-air talent and special guests and learned about Corewell Health Children’s pediatric programs from local patients and families who received care at the facility.
Audacy
WOMC-FM (Detroit)
Event: 2025 Walk for Miracles (September 13, 2025)
WOMC's Jason Raithel and JoAnne Purtan
On September 13, Audacy's WOMC-FM (Detroit) personalities JoAnne Purtan and Jason Raithel joined more than 2,000 superheroes for the Corewell Health Children’s Walk for Miracles at the Detroit Zoo. Event proceeds of $116,000 will benefit Children’s Miracle Network programming at Corewell.
Both WOMC's Purtan and Raithel wore their superhero capes!
Many participants dressed as their favorite superhero or fantasy character. All walkers received a superhero cape and enjoyed visiting the animals along the two-mile path around the zoo. Along the way, families met popular fairytale and comic book heroes provided by the League of Enchantment.
In addition to funds raised by walkers, corporate sponsors added to the success of the event. Some of the sponsors included: Walmart, Lady Jane’s, Credit Union One, Genisys Credit Union, Wicked Awesome Wishes, Grand Valley State University, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation, Radiant Dental, Royal Oak Ford, Sam’s Club, Audacy, Hour Detroit, and Whitlock Business Systems.
Audacy
WYXT-FM (Detroit)
Event: Middle School Combine at the Corner (July 16, 2025)
In addition to the Middle School Combine, the station promotes the Student Heart Check program. This program has saved dozens of lives of young athletes who undergo physicals, free of charge.
Audacy
WWJ-AM (Detroit)
Event: 22nd annual Winter Survival Radiothon to benefit THAW (January 30, 2025)
On January 30, 2025, WWJ-AM held its 22nd annual Winter Survival Radiothon to benefit THAW, The Heat and Warmth Fund. The effort raised $298,508 to bring warmth for Michigan families in need. THAW assists families in need by preventing utility shut-offs, providing fuel, or restoring services. They also help seniors on a fixed income and others who are struggling to replace broken furnace or other essential appliances. The 14-hour event featured an online auction, hourly incentives, and generous listeners calling in to make donations.
Beasley Media Group
WDMK-FM/WMGC (Ferndale/Detroit)
Event: Annual Coat Giveway (December 6, 2025)
Beasley Media Group's WDMK-FM and WMGC-FM proudly partnered with the Marshall Mathers Foundation and Forman Mills for the annual Marshall Mathers Coat Giveaway, distributing warmth and smiles to children across metro Detroit.
The free community event took place on December 6, 2025 at the Bel Air Luxury Cinema on Eight Mile Road, where more than 1,100 school-age children received brand-new winter coats. With the support of additional sponsors, families also received free socks, hats, gloves, backpacks, and toys, helping ensure children were fully prepared for the winter season.
On-air personalities from both stations were on site to support the event and connect with families. Mason & Starr from 105.9 KISS-FM broadcast live, while Lisha B. and Clay from the 105.1 The BOUNCE Morning RollOut joined volunteers in welcoming attendees and assisting with distribution. The celebration was energized by KISS-FM’s Tune-Up Man, along with DJ Scorpion and DJ Jinx, who provided music and helped create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for families as they arrived.
For more than two decades, Bel Air Luxury Cinema has served as the host location for this meaningful tradition, made possible by the Marshall Mathers Foundation. Providing warm, new coats to children in need has long been a passion of the Foundation, reinforcing a deep commitment to supporting local families during Michigan’s cold winter months.
The success of this year’s event was made possible thanks to the generous support of community partners, including Forman Mills, David Femminineo Law, PNC Bank, DWIHN, Northwestern Technology Institute, The Henry Ford (Jackson Home Exhibit), International Outdoor, Bel Air Luxury Cinema, the Marshall Mathers Foundation, and Faygo.
Beasley Media Group
WDMK-FM (Ferndale/Detroit)
Event: St. Jude's Radiothon (March 6-7, 2025)
Beasley Media Group has announced that its WDMK-FM (Detroit) raised $102,524 with their annual PRAISE Radiothon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The inspiring two-day event took place on March 6-7. 2025, live from the station’s studios in the Motor City.
Led by veteran On-Air Personality Randi Myles, with the support of Pastor Keenan Knox from Impact Church, this year’s Radiothon exceeded expectations, surpassing last year’s fundraising total of $74,798. The overwhelming generosity of listeners and community members played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone.
Additionally, Beasley Media Group’s Detroit sister stations, WRIF-FM, WCSX-FM and WMGC-FM 105.1 provided vital on-air promotion, encouraging listeners to contribute to the cause by making donations at detroitpraisenetwork.com.
“I was honestly so nervous this year during the Radiothon because I really wanted to break the $100K mark,” said Randi Myles. “When we received that final Partner in Hope donation that tipped the scale, I became incredibly emotional! Thank you to everyone at Beasley Media Detroit, especially Ben Perez, Jade Springart, Clay Church, and the teams from KISS, BOUNCE, WCSX, and WRIF for all of your support! I’m over the moon!”
The funds raised will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support their lifesaving mission of advancing research and providing treatment for children battling cancer and other catastrophic diseases, ensuring no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
Beasley Media Group extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the listeners, donors, and staff who contributed to the success of this year’s Radiothon. Their generosity and dedication continue to make a profound impact in the lives of children and families in need.
iHeartMedia
WJLB-FM (Detroit)
Event: Coats for Kids (November 16, 2025)
This was 979 WJLB's 43rd Annual Coats for Kids Event and it took place in Eastern Market Shed 5 in Detroit on Sunday, November 16, 2025. In years past they have done a radiothon to raise money to purchase coats but found that their audience is the people who need the coats in the community so they decided to change up how they do the event and distribute coats. With the contributions from great partners, WJLB was able to collect and distribute coats to 700 kids in the metro. The line was wrapped around the building that morning to collect.
iHeartMedia
WKQI-FM (Detroit)
Event: Mojo's Breaking and Entering Christmas (November/December, 2025)
Each holiday season with the help of our amazing local community, the team at Mojo in the Morning hosts the Breaking and Entering Christmas Wish event for families in need during the Holidays. Donations are collected and used to bring the holidays to families who are experiencing some misfortune in their lives. After all the nominations are in and families have been picked, they secretly collect gifts from their wish list and surprise them with gifts leading into the Christmas Holiday. This year they were able to bless 8 families as well as a school that asked for coats for the children in attendance as many didn't have them to get through the winter.
iHeartMedia
WNIC-FM (Detroit)
Event: Jay's Juniors (November/December, 2025)
Jay's Juniors was created with the mission of bringing hope, joy, and magical moments to children battling chronic and terminal health conditions by sending them and their families (everyone living in the home) on a all expenses paid Walt Disney World Vacation. This was the station's 11th year doing the program and their biggest year yet. On December 2, 2025, they took 28 kids and their families on a privately chartered jet from Delta Airlines, to Walt Disney World with a 5 Day 4 Night stay at the Contemporary Resort...that includes park hopper tickets, food, spending money, parking, and ground transportation. This year they raised around $1 Million dollars to cover trip expenses. Since the start of the program they have raised over $5 Million and took more then 200 families on this trip of a lifetime.
iHeartMedia
WNIC-FM (Detroit)
Event: Cereal Drive (May/June, 2025)
From May 30 through June 7, 2025, Jay Towers in the Morning partnered with the Nurses Council at DMC Children's Hospital to benefit Gleaners Food Bank to help feed kids in the Metro who normally would not have breakfast during the summer due to school being out of session. This event is heavily promoting on WNIC as well as gets day of news coverage from Fox 2 News Detroit as Jay Towers morning anchors the news while doing his radio show in the morning. They were able to collect around 600,000 servings of cereal to benefit the kids in the metro as a part of the program this year.
iHeartMedia
WMXD-FM (Detroit)
Event: Sista Strut (September 27, 2025)
On September 27, 2025 Mix 92.3 hosted the 26th Annual Sista Strut event at Spirit Plaza in Detroit. Sista Strut celebrated survivors and honored the memory of loved ones affected by breast cancer. The walk aims to raise awareness for early detection and treatment of breast cancer, encourage participants to take advantage of the community resources that help prevent, detect and treat the disease, and teach attendees about breast cancer’s effects on the Black community. This past year's event had around 750 in attendance and raised $26,298 to benefit Henry Ford's Game on Cancer.
iHeartMedia
WLLZ-FM (Detroit)
Event: Free Bikes 4 Kidz (September 27, 2025)
WLLZ hosted the Free Bikes 4 Kidz Collection Day on Saturday, September 27th. They collected a total of 1,471 bikes across 11 locations and the Woodward Corners flagship site collected 455 of those. A local men's group - the 100 Men Club, also presented a check for $9000. There was a steady flow of cars dropping off bikes for five hours. WLLZ had a band, live broadcast, food and they were able to connect with hundreds of listeners while giving back to the community. Free Bikes For Kidz is a local non-profit that collects unused bikes, volunteers refurbish them, and they give to kids who need a bike at Christmas. They do amazing work.
2025 Stats:
- 3,327 Bikes Collected for the Program
- 2,811 Bikes given away this holiday season
iHeartMedia
WMXD-FM (Detroit)
Event: Pink Gala(May 18 ,2025)
On May 18, 2025, Mix 92.3 hosted their 3rd Annual re-vamped Pink Gala at the Roostertail in Detroit. They invited listeners to a upscale brunch with live entertainment and programming to show support to the women fighting, supporting, and surviving breast cancer. In addition to the the tickets sales raising money for Henry Ford's Game on Cancer, there was also a raffle to raise additional dollars for the program and in partnership with MJR Theatres they raised money via popcorn sales at their locations the previous weekend. This year Mix 92.3 raised $25,304 to support those in the fight against cancer!
Cumulus Media
WJR-AM (Detroit)
Event: SAY Radiothon (December 11, 2025)
On December 11, Cumulus Media’s WJR-AM (Detroit) held its 14th annual SAY Detroit Radiothon, bringing in a record $2,494,040, beating its previous all-time high of 2.2m in 2024. The annual event is hosted by S.A.Y. Detroit Founder, author and WJR host Mitch Albom, who continues his mission of funding healthcare, housing, and community support programs.
This year's event was held at The Somerset Collection in Troy. For 15 hours, Albom was joined by local leaders and national celebrities, including Hugh Jackman, Tim Allen, Hank Azaria, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit Tigers radio voice Dan Dickerson and others.
“We arrived at six in the morning, and there was a man here with a $10,000 check,” Albom told WDIV-TV. “We got off to a great start and five minutes in, Alice Cooper called from London, and he was our first guest.”
Money raised from the annual event supports Albom’s S.A.Y. Detroit initiatives, which include the S.A.Y. Detroit Family Health Clinic, Better Together, MI-Cycle, Working Homes/Working Families, and the Hole In The Roof Foundation. The annual fundraiser serves as a major source of funding for the nonprofit’s expanding set of services.
Local Michigan Radio & Television Broadcasters Help Drive the State Economy
The local commercial broadcast industry, terrestrial radio and television stations, is critically important to the United States economy as a whole and to local economies in particular.
Local radio and television’s key role in the dissemination of entertainment and local programming is well established. Its important value to the national economy is often overlooked, and in many ways taken for granted. This analysis quantifies some of the core ways commercial local radio and television stations enhance economic productivity, efficiency, and growth.
Direct Economic Impact on Michigan
$1.71 billion
10,254 jobs
Economic Impact on Other Michigan Industries
$4.30 billion
25,582 jobs
Stimulative Effect on Michigan Economy
$31.90 billion
45,295 jobs
Total Economic Impact in Michigan
Television
Radio
All data ©2025 Woods & Poole Economics, Inc. Used with permission from the National Association of Broadcasters.