First Informers
During Emergencies
Local broadcasting is essential during emergencies and extreme weather in NYS
In New York State, news media is recognized as an essential service. Broadcasters provide life-saving information to their local communities during emergencies and extreme weather events. They are first responders who report on dangerous incidents, how to find food and water in a crisis, what roads are closed, evacuation details, and other crucial public safety services. On a day-to-day basis, your local stations serve your best interest.
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When the power goes out or cell phone services get overloaded, broadcasters are still on the air. You can stay informed through a battery-powered radio, a TV or radio station's digital platforms, or a vehicle's AM radio. To continue to serve their community during an emergency, some stations have backup technology and fuel reserves for generators and news vehicles. Essentially, radio and TV can be a lifeline in the bleakest of times. Broadcasters are there for YOU during emergencies.​​​
Emergency Alert System
During emergencies, many stations provide uninterrupted life-saving information. Our one-to-many broadcast system allows us to simultaneously send detailed emergency messages to all New Yorkers free of charge. We are founding partners in the state AMBER Alert program and fully support programs to help vulnerable persons.
When Hurricane Sandy hit New York City in 2012, radio and TV stations in the city provided countless hours of continuous coverage that reached millions through broadcast and digital platforms. Every TV station in the city stayed on the air and even transmitted their audio feed to local FM radio stations, which also remained up and running. Because of this, communities were kept informed during the disaster; radio listenership was up 70% in the New York Metro area and an astounding 245% in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Stations worked with their parent companies to raise millions in relief funds. News coverage during this time was the ultimate team effort.
Extreme weather in New York is not just limited to hurricanes. In July 2024, a tornado touched down in Rome, New York, which devastated downtown businesses, nearby neighborhoods, and multiple historic churches. November 2024 saw wildfires ravage sections of the northeast that extended beyond New York and included Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maine. The western part of the state also faces overwhelming snowfall each year. Local news coverage is more important than ever during increasingly common extreme weather events.​​
Public Service
We celebrate broadcasters’ commitment to serving their communities by presenting stations with a Serving New York Award. We also honor the public service groups that work with local stations to improve the quality of life in communities throughout NYS.
Foxx & Annie's Food Fund - WCBS-FM
Did you know nearly 1.3 Million New Yorkers are struggling to feed themselves and their families? With Foxx & Annie’s growing families, and everything becoming less affordable, they know all New Yorkers must be feeling the same pressure. Foxx & Annie teamed up with City Harvest, a non-profit organization that’s been around for over 40 years! City Harvest helped start the food rescue mission. We set out a goal to raise 50,000 meals for hungry New Yorkers. Along the way, we met volunteers and those who benefitted from City Harvest’s services. We are so grateful to have reached above and beyond our goal, we were able to provide 55,282 meals to New Yorkers!!
Giving Day For Oishei Children's Hospital - WEDG, WHTT, WGRF
Cumulus Buffalo radio stations 103.3 The Edge, Classic Hits 104.1, and 97 Rock joined forces with its listeners on Tuesday, May 21st, to raise over $430,000 for Buffalo’s John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital through the first-ever Giving Day for OCH Radiothon. Our passionate listener community helped raise funds for critical programs, services and care for the most vulnerable moms, kids, and babies in Western New York.
