Broadcasters Foundation Sets First TV Giving Day For Sept. 22

The Broadcasters Foundation of America is launching its first TV Giving Day on Thursday, Sept. 22. The group describes the planned annual event as “a day to come together as one community to support television professionals across every position in need of financial assistance due to a critical illness, accident or disaster. In addition, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the charitable mission of the Broadcasters Foundation and to ensure that someone who qualifies for aid, knows they can reach out and apply. The Broadcasters Foundation is the only charity devoted exclusively to helping TV and radio professionals in dire circumstances.”

“We need to make sure everyone working in television stations across America is aware of what we do,” said Tim McCarthy, co-president of the Broadcasters Foundation. “It’s a tragedy to think that one of our colleagues might qualify for aid but they don’t apply because they don’t know about us. We’re asking everyone who works in television to spread the word, especially if they know someone who we might be able to help.”

The Broadcasters Foundation is encouraging TV groups and stations to implement employee donation drives in support of TV Giving Day. Several media companies and television station groups have already committed to helping the new initiative, including Hearst, NBC-Owned Stations, and the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB).

“We’re very grateful to the broadcast radio companies that have joined us in support of TV Giving Day. To date, the Broadcasters Foundation has provided financial assistance to every television broadcaster who qualified, and that is a track record we aim to maintain,” continued McCarthy. “The requests for aid continue to increase exponentially every year. We’re asking everyone who works in TV to consider a donation of any size on TV Giving Day and help us help those in our industry who need it most.”

Last year, the Broadcasters Foundation awarded nearly $2 million in monthly and one-time emergency grants. Recipients are from all size markets and groups and a wide variety of positions, including current and former program directors, traffic managers, reporters, account executives, camera operators, production assistants, producers, board operators, promotions managers, on-air talent, and others.

To make a donation to the Broadcasters Foundation on TV Giving Day, click here. To apply for financial aid or make a general donation, radio and TV professionals may visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250, or email [email protected].