WDIV-Local 4 was presented with the Service to America Award Tuesday night in Washington, D.C. by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation.
WDIV received the prestigious award, above all local broadcast stations in the country, for its ongoing commitment to outstanding community service.
The NAB Service to America Award recognizes the efforts of the entire station as a leader in serving the public with significant contributions from every department.
Hallmarks of this station-wide commitment:
• Year-long coverage of the Flint Water Crisis which included an unwavering news focus, a primetime special and travel to Washington, D.C. to cover developments on Capitol Hill. Using the power of local television and the support of a strong and caring community, the station organized the Flint Water Crisis 4 Our Families statewide telethon and raised $1.13 million.
• Help Me Hank: The School Project is a commitment to improve the physical environment of Thurgood Marshall Elementary-Middle School in Detroit. The station’s consumer unit, Help Me Hank, partnered with the Detroit Public School Community District to identify a school that was in crucial need of building renovations.
• Arab in America with Sandra Ali is a series of news reports showcasing the personal stories of Arab Americans in Metro Detroit.
• True Blue is a series of stories dedicated to showing life as a police officer and putting a face with the badge. The Local 4 Defenders are trying to bridge the gap between police and the community to stop future violence.
• Support of The Heat and Warmth Fund, Komen’s Race for the Cure, Red Cross, JDRF, Bookstock and other community organizations.
• Strong locally produced long and short-form programming that showcases the heart of our community. Highlights include the North American International Auto Show, America’s Thanksgiving Parade, Live in the D, The Ford Fireworks, Flashpoint and the Local 4 Film Challenge.
“This award reflects the hard work and contribution of every single member of our WDIV/ClickOn Detroit team. I couldn’t be more happy and proud of what we do here at this station,” said Vice-President and General Manager Marla Drutz.
In the NABEF’s press release announcing the award recipients it was stated, “Through news coverage, philanthropy, and community service, WDIV puts the needs of viewers first.”
Jon Bon Jovi was honored Tuesday night with the Service to America Leadership Award for his efforts to house and feed the homeless. He also performed at the event.
Other finalists for the Service to Community award included television stations in Baton Rouge, LA;
Boston, MA; Orlando, FL; and Atlanta, GA.
Here is the video played at last night's award reception: