IRVING, Texas—As part of the 30th anniversary of Nexstar Media Group’s 1996 founding, the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation in June will launch “30 Days of Giving,” providing nonprofits and charities with a total of $150,000 in donations.

During the 30 days of June, the foundation will award a $5,000 grant every day to non-profit and charitable organizations located in 30 communities served by Nexstar’s television stations, networks and digital operations.

“A critical part of Nexstar’s legacy is giving back to the communities we serve, not just by delivering outstanding journalism and unbiased fact-based local news, but through volunteer work, community engagement, and financial support,” Nexstar Founder, Chairman and CEO Perry Sook said. “Nexstar launched ‘Founder’s Day’ in 2016 to commemorate our 20th anniversary, and every year we mark the occasion with paid time off for our employees to volunteer at local charities and nonprofit organizations. The launch of ‘30 Days of Giving’ will expand our impact as we mark our 30th anniversary, uniting the company around a meaningful initiative that deepens our support of the communities in which we are located.”

“30 Days of Giving” is an employee-driven initiative, with local Founder’s Day committees made up of employees deciding which community charitable or non-profit organization to nominate to receive a grant. The Foundation will choose worthy recipients from 30 different communities served by Nexstar, with a $5,000 grant being awarded every day during June.

Nexstar was founded with one television station on June 17, 1996, with a single broadcast television station, WYOU-TV, in Scranton, Pa., and has since become the largest U.S. broadcast station group, with more than 200 owned or operated local television stations, the NewsNation cable television news network, The CW broadcast network, and digital media outlets like The Hill.

PHILADELPHIA—Comcast NBCUniversal and the Universal Orlando Foundation have announced that they will donate $2 million to support relief and recovery efforts in Florida following the catastrophic flooding and devastating effects of Hurricane Ian. 

The commitment includes $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions to the Florida Disaster Fund with the remainder distributed among the Comcast NBCUniversal Employee Assistance Fund, United Way, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Team Rubicon, and American Red Cross.

Universal Orlando is donating food in partnership with local organizations. 

NBCUniversal, Telemundo, and NBC/Telemundo owned TV stations in Florida have also launched a donation and awareness campaign to encourage contributions and support impacted communities.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Florida, including thousands of severely affected employees and customers, during this most challenging time,” said Christine Whitaker, central division president for Comcast Cable. “In this moment, having reliable Internet and mobile connectivity is critical. We are grateful for our teammates who are working around the clock alongside emergency personnel to rebuild and restore these vital connections for Floridian homes, businesses, and communities across the state.”

Ahead of Hurricane Ian making landfall last week, Comcast opened its network of more than 200,000 Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina for anyone to use, including non-Xfinity customers, for free. 

Where commercial power and Xfinity services have been restored, these hotspots remain open to assist residents, businesses, and relief workers in staying connected. In addition, Xfinity has created an On Demand destination where customers can access the latest recovery and response news on X1 and Flex – simply say “Hurricane Ian” into the Xfinity Voice Remote, the company reported. 

Through the Comcast NBCUniversal Employee Disaster Assistance Fund, the company is providing grants to employees in need as well as matching employee donations to eligible nonprofit disaster relief organizations through the Comcast NBCUniversal Matching Gift Program, the company said. 

NEW YORK—The Broadcasters Foundation of America has set a record in 2017 in grants, as the organization has distributed more than $1 million in aid to broadcasters across the country. That figure is the most ever in a single year, according to a BFA press release.

BFA will look to add to that total figure, as it is launching its year-end appeal for personal donations to the Guardian Fund and corporate contributions to the Angel Initiative.

More than $200,000 in emergency aid was distributed to broadcasters who were impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the California wildfires and other disasters.

“Requests for aid have multiplied over the past several years, and we have been able to help every qualifying broadcaster who sought assistance from us,” said Jim Thompson, president of the BFA. “As we enter the season of giving, I ask every broadcaster to review any good fortune that our business has bestowed upon them and consider donating to help our colleagues in need.”

“It is incumbent on everyone in our industry to help ensure that the Broadcasters Foundation can continue to provide this much-needed financial assistance to our colleagues,” said Dan Mason, chairman of the BFA.

To learn more or to donate to the BFA, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org.