Print Page 1/14/2010

WASHINGTON: The National Association of Broadcasters today announced a voluntary nationwide initiative aimed at boosting relief efforts in response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. (The destruction in Port-au-Prince is pictured below in this United Nations photo. The U.N. headquarters is shown at left in a U.N. photo.)

As part of the initiative, NAB is working closely with the American Red Cross and the Ad Council to distribute critical earthquake relief information. Television and radio PSAs featuring First Lady Michelle Obama will be available for download on NAB’s dedicated public service Web site, NABSpotCenter.org, on Friday, Jan. 15. TV stations can also obtain the PSAs through a special NAB satellite feed on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Specific satellite coordinates will be provided in a communication to stations shortly.

NAB is asking stations to use on-air talent to produce local PSAs boosting Haitian relief efforts.

NAB also announced that Monday, Feb. 1 will be designated as “Broadcasters for Haiti Day.” NAB is urging radio and TV stations to roadblock specific times of day, dedicating airtime to fundraising relief efforts, telephone banks, radiothons and telethons.

“The cruel reality of this week’s disaster demonstrates a desperate need for amplified relief efforts, and the outpouring of assistance from America’s radio and TV stations is already underway,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. “Broadcasters are uniquely positioned to mobilize the masses, and working with our disaster relief partners, we can help ease the suffering of our Haitian neighbors. We urge all stations to participate in ‘Broadcasters for Haiti Day.’”   Print Page