When I sat down to assemble this week’s Pulse, I looked at dozens of stories and photos of stations doing good things, raising money for their communities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and so many others.
There was no way to include everyone’s event. Many of these are annual events with station heritage.
People are probably in a more generous giving mood this time of year, but many organizations and charities are also looking for help.
If I was a bit overwhelmed trying to decide what to put in this column, it stands to reason that people are a little stretched trying to decide who to contribute to.
The fact of the matter is that the need doesn’t just exist between November and January 1.
Instead of competing with everyone else in the fourth quarter for charity dollars, why not hold a fundraiser in the summer or first quarter?
Granted, depending on your market, a coat drive might not be good for summer. But sadly, homelessness exists year-round, animal shelters need help, and food pantries will be happy to get donations.
Holding these events at another time allows you to stand out in the community.
The charity of your choice will likely do better, and your station will stand out as a community partner.
Community Connections:
The Two Days of Compassion Radiothon, hosted by Country 92.5 KJJY, Des Moines, raised $149,335 for Variety – The Children’s Charity. The event was broadcast live from the Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines. In addition to the financial contributions, the radiothon also provided 597 teddy bears for children receiving care at local hospitals.
Press Communications’ 107.1 The Boss held its 7th Annual Mistletoe Rock Radiothon on December 6. The event raised $56,252, benefiting JBJ Soul Kitchen, a nonprofit community restaurant operated by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.
Max Media’s 100.5 The Vibe successfully wrapped up its inaugural Vibe Coat Closet Winter Coat Drive, amassing more than 200 coats for the ECHO Family Care Center. This initiative aimed at supporting foster children and families in the Norfolk and Hampton Roads areas.
Bonneville Denver has announced that Country 98.5 KYGO has raised $702,551 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during their annual St. Jude Radiothon, achieving a new record for donations. This event, part of the St. Jude Country Cares program, was held on December 4 and 5.
Listeners of Christian WGTS 91.9 have played a vital role in supporting the homeless community in Washington, DC, through a donation initiative called “Loads of Hope.” In 2024, the station’s audience actively engaged in various Sticker Stops and events, resulting in the collection of 1,347 bottles of laundry detergent to assist local families in need.
Beasley Fayetteville’s WKML and Sunny 94.3 have announced the successful outcome of their 38th annual Country Cares Radiothon, which raised $207,273 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Industry Happenings:
Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has announced a virtual singer/songwriter competition to uncover the next generation of talent in country music. The overall winner will be able to perform alongside Tyler Hubbard, Rhett Akins, and Old Dominion at Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley during CRS 2025.
This competition, in partnership with LOOT8, will kick off with four live-streamed preliminary rounds on January 7, 8, 14, and 15. The Grand Finals are set for January 22. In addition to the chance to perform at CRS 2025, the grand prize package includes cash awards, professional judging, and significant global exposure for the winner.
The Grand Ole Opry will kick off its centennial celebration on January 3, 2025, with a special performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The event will feature Charlie Worsham, Charlie McCoy, Craig Morgan, and others. In addition to the opening gala, further “Opry at the Ryman” shows are set for January 4, 10, 11, and 17, 2025, showcasing performances from Opry members Kelsea Ballerini, Henry Cho, Ashley McBryde, Gary Mule Deer, Steve Wariner, and Lainey Wilson.
A new exhibition commemorating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry is set to launch on January 3, 2025.
Add Ons:
WSM-AM/Nashville will begin reairing classic episodes of American Country Countdown with Bob Kingsley on January 5. These episodes will be available on WSM-AM/Nashville and on WSM Digital Streaming Platforms. Listeners can tune in on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bob Kingsley Presents @ The Bluebird Cafe will kick off its new season on February 19 at 9 PM, with additional shows to be announced throughout the year. This series features classic audio introductions from Kingsley’s archives, complemented by live performances from talented songwriters. The Bob Kingsley Estate collaborated with The Bluebird Cafe in 2021 to complete a preservation project focused on the venue’s extensive audio recordings spanning over 40 years.
Futuri has announced a partnership with Florida’s Division of Emergency Management and the University of Florida to introduce BEACON, an AI-powered emergency communication system.
BEACON, which stands for Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network, integrates artificial intelligence with the reliability of broadcast technology. This system aims to enhance communication between emergency managers, first responders, and communities before, during, and after disasters.
According to the press release, BEACON represents the nation’s first 24/7 emergency preparedness network, delivering critical and real-time information designed to help keep citizens safe during emergencies. Dive deeper here. https://futurimedia.com/solutions/beacon/
Bit Of The Week:
In future weeks, The Pulse will include the “Bit Of The Week.” If you want to be featured, please send me an mp3 of your best, most recent bit to jeff@barrettmedia.com.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
