[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 87 (Wednesday, June 26, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S6125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     FREE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCASTING

  Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
important role that free, over-the-air broadcasting plays in local 
communities.
  Every 2 years, the National Association of Broadcasters conducts an 
industry-wide census of television and radio broadcasters' public 
service efforts. The results from the most recent census found that 
America's radio and television stations contributed a staggering $9.9 
billion in service to their local communities throughout 2001.
  The President has spoken in recent months of how Americans have 
rediscovered the value of service. Today, I would like to applaud an 
industry that consistently demonstrates how small business can weave 
itself into the fabric of a community and play a vital role in helping 
others.
  In my home State, radio and television stations often assist local 
charities and non-profits. It is estimated that local Arkansas 
television and radio stations' community service efforts during 2001 
amounted to over 71 million dollars.
  During 2001, KPOM-TV in Fort Smith continued its partnership with the 
Salvation Army to support the charity's year-end Red Kettle Drive. The 
event netted a quarter of a million dollars to support needy families 
in the surrounding area. On their end, KPOM ran a schedule of 10 public 
service announcements per day to support the effort.
  Local Arkansas stations have also actively worked to promote health 
and health awareness in their communities. In Little Rock, radio 
stations KURB-FM and KLAL-FM were official sponsors and hosts of this 
year's Arkansas Race for the Cure benefit for the Susan G. Komen Breast 
Cancer Foundation. Thanks to these stations' promotional activities, 
more than 34 thousand people participated, bringing in more than 1.6 
million dollars to fight cancer. In Mountain Home, AM and FM stations 
KTLO and KCCT-FM partner every year to put on a Senior Fair and 
Hospital Expo. The event brings in more than 3,000 senior citizens 
every year for free health tests, information and referrals. In 
Jonesboro, KAIT-TV conducted an active Public Service Announcement 
campaign to promote prostate cancer awareness. The on-air effort 
included interviews with prostate cancer survivors in the community. 
The timing of the campaign coincided with a local hospital's program to 
provide free screenings for area men.
  While $9.9 billion is an impressive figure, what is most impressive 
about broadcasters' community service work is that each station 
endeavors to meet the community's unique needs. The efforts of 
broadcasters are as diverse as the different communities they serve. 
Local broadcast stations serve every community differently.
  In this new era, I think it is important that we recognize those 
among us who have a solid record of service. And so to my local 
Arkansas broadcasters, I would like to say thank you. We appreciate 
everything that you do to make our communities and our lives better, 
and we sincerely hope that you will keep up the good work.

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