[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13721]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING MONTANA'S LOCAL BROADCASTERS

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
important role that Montana's local broadcast stations play in 
informing and serving their communities.
  Local broadcast stations across the country serve their communities 
in as many different ways as there are communities. A recent study by 
the National Association of Broadcasters found that American local 
broadcast stations gave almost 10 billion dollars in community service 
last year. In Montana, it is estimated that local radio and television 
stations contributed 78 million dollars. These impressive numbers 
represented stations' Public Service Announcements, donated airtime, 
money raised for local and national charities and non-profits, and 
other community work. Montanans are fortunate to be served by stations 
that are so dedicated to their communities.
  Today, I would like to recognize two of those stations for their 
outstanding service.
  In Helena, KMTX-FM provided more than $15,000 to the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency's ``Project Impact.'' This program works to 
promote local, grassroots initiatives that make American communities 
more disaster resistant. KMTX was so supportive that the station's 
general manager, Kevin Shaalure, was awarded the Outstanding Project 
Impact Media Individual. The local manager for Project Impact said, and 
I quote: ``Kevin and KMTX embraced Project Impact from the start, 
working to give preparedness a high profile.''
  Montanans have a long tradition of helping those who are less 
fortunate and Montana broadcast stations exemplify this effort. KDBM-AM 
in Dillon, MT, collected 600 coats for area students in 2001 through 
its annual Coats for Kids drive. With collection boxes placed 
throughout Dillon and in neighboring Twin Bridges, the station 
encouraged its listeners to drop off coats, gloves, hats, and anything 
else to help keep local children warm. The coats were then distributed 
by school teachers to students and by the local Women's Resource 
Center, the Pioneer Youth Home and the food pantry.
  I am proud of my local Montana stations. The United States system of 
free, over-the-air local broadcasting is the envy of the world and 
these stations show why. To them I offer my sincere 
congratulations.

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