KVFD-AM Fort Dodge, Iowa National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Radio Award Entry SECTION 1 Summary In 1997, KVFD Radio took a leadership role in community involvement. "Community Service Day" was declared over the airwaves by KVFD General Manager Bill Grady as a day for businesses to join together and complete projects for several non-profit organizations left unfinished due to the lack of manpower. On June 11th, 12 businesses and 70 volunteers shared this vision, bringing the entire community together for one day. KVFD received several recognitions, including the first Corporate Leadership Award given by the United Way, and the Governor's Media Award, presented for excellence in community development. KVFD served the community with original local programming such as Town Talk, a "live" weekly program featuring local community leaders and civic groups, and "live" mayoral and school bond debates. Each included questions from the listening audience. KVFD's station-sponsored community service events included "Students in the Arts" recognizing middle, high school and college students in the fine arts programs, awarding $4,000.00 in scholarships to Iowa Central Community College. KVFD's 15 employees were involved in over 70 activities, and includes 11 Board of Directors, 15 local committee/organization members, 28 volunteers, and 1 coach. At KVFD, we live our commitment to community service every day. TOTAL WORDS: 196 SECTION 2 Consistent Local Programming and Coverage Blanden Memorial Art Museum A weekly 5 minute program with Museum Educator Meg Beshey. Meg talks about the current exhibitions on display, upcoming art classes for children and adults, lectures, and other special events at the museum Chamber Focus A weekly 10 minute program with Executive Director Ellen Diehl. This program gives the Greater Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce a chance to talk to current and potential members about chamber activities and projects. Community Calendar A daily 5 - 10 minute program provides non-profit groups the opportunity to air their announcements free of charge. Local groups mail announcements to KVFD, for the daily "Community Calendar" show, as well as rotating public service announcements throughout the day. Crime Stoppers This cooperation between KVFD and Webster County Crime Stoppers generates a 60 second announcement that airs 5 - 10 times per day. The message contains facts of a recent crime and offers a reward for information on the crime. Debates Two separate debates were broadcast featuring both sides of a proposed school bond issue, and 2 candidates running for mayor of Fort Dodge. Each was an hour long and included call-in questions from the listening audience. Job Service of Iowa Program A daily 5 minute program that features a live report from the Iowa Workforce Development Center office. During the report, listings of available jobs and employment opportunities are broadcast. Local Elections Local elections for mayor and city council were held in June and November. Primary elections were held in June, general elections were held in November. During the primary and general elections, KVFD's election coverage included a 3 hour broadcast live from the Webster County Courthouse, and featured interviews with candidates before and after the election results were announced. Local News Five daily broadcasts featuring extensive coverage oflocal news, weather, sports, and community announcements. Two newscasts are 15 minutes in length. Severe Weather Information KVFD listeners are informed with up to the minute severe weather information 24 hours a day. During severe weather, KVFD broadcasts information gathered from the Fort Dodge Police Department, National Weather Service, Iowa State Patrol, and KVFD's announcing staff Live interviews with the National Weather Service in Johnston, Iowa and local law enforcement officials are aired. "Students in the Arts" Interviews A daily 5 minute interview with a local middle school, high school, or college student who has shown exceptional talent in their expression of the arts. This Week at the "Y" A weekly 10 minute program featuring Bill Otto, Director of the Fort Dodge YMCA, with reports on this week's events at the YMCA, upcoming events, and membership information. Town Talk A weekly half hour program featuring local community leaders and civic groups. This live program also gives the listening audience a chance to call in and ask questions from the guests. United Way Fund Raising Campaign KVFD airs 5 - 10 public service announcements each day highlighting the Fort Dodge United Way. These announcements contain an explanation of what the Fort Dodge United Way is trying to accomplish, and how listeners can help. Volunteer Hot Line A weekly 5 minute program featuring a different non-profit group or organization. During this interview, an explanation of the organization's mission, purpose or project, is discussed_ Listeners are given information on how they can join the organization or help with the project. Webster County Extension Service This daily 5 minute program is hosted by 4 representatives of the Webster County Extension Service. Each representative hosts one of the daily shows which features their specialized department. These programs include topics, such as farm news and local crop reports, 4-H news, consumer information, and home economic tips for the homemaker. Wheel of Misfortune In cooperation with the Fort Dodge Police Department and the Webster County Crime Stoppers, KVFD airs Wheel of Misfortune, a weekly program which highlights a wanted fugitive in our area. Many fugitives from the law have either turned themselves in or have been arrested within minutes of the broadcast. .._, SECTION 3 Evidence of Interaction "You, my friend, have shown such kindness. Your donation at Shelter Repair is greatly needed and appreciated." "Thank you for helping maintain the central Iowa blood supply and for being a vital link between people who donate blood and patients that receive blood." "I know of no other company in Fort Dodge that does so 1nany different things in the interest of improving the community for all. You are to be com1nended for your extensive activ ity in this area." "KVFD-KUEL certainly is an intregal part of education at Iowa Central as well as the community it serves and the Iowa Broadcasters Association. KVFD-KUEL is a valued resource for many people. We are glad to be in partnership with you." "We also commend you and your staff at KUEL 92 and KVFD for spear heading this project. I know that it meant a lot to the non-profit groups who benefited from your efforts." General Manager Bill Grady is presented the "Governors Media Award" by Iowa Governor Terry Brandstad General Manager Bill Grady is presented with an award from Webster County Crime Stoppers Community Service Day - KVFD Staff painting Senior Center Community Service Day - Volunteers taking lunch in between painting the Bethany House. Kids Fun Night - Face Painting makes the night extra fun! KVFD receives the Corporate Leadership Award from the United Way. Community Service Day - KVFD Staff at the Senior Center after a job well done! SECTION 4 Station-sponsored Community Service Events Community Service Day KVFD Radio aired a schedule of announcements asking non-profit groups to apply to have volunteers come and help with a project not completed due to the lack of volunteer help. Eight groups applied for assistance. KVFD Radio then aired a schedule of announcements asking for volunteers. On Wednesday, June 11th, Fort Dodge area businesses volunteered their employees to help local non-profit organizations. Twelve businesses volunteered 70 employees to take on various clean up, fix up, and painting projects during the business day on June 11th. Organizations assisted include the United Way, Domestic Sexual Assault Outreach Center, Blanden Memorial Art Museum, Bethany House, Senior Center, Webster County Historical Society, and the Webster County Red Cross. KVFD aired a one hour live broadcast from each work site, giving volunteers and the non-profit organizations much needed publicity. Because of the success of this first Community Service Day, KVFD plans to have this as an annual event with several volunteers and projects already committed to in 1998. Man Hours: 355 Promotional Announcements: 1,084 Air Hours: 72 Value of Donated Volunteer Time: $4,480.00 Students in the Arts Students in the Arts is a program recognizing middle school, high school and college students in the Fort Dodge area for excelling in the fine arts programs at their schools. Each month 18 students representing the areas of vocal, instrumental, visual, and theatrical arts are highlighted. Each recipient has their name and picture in the "Wall of Fame" displayed in their respective school, their name on a plaque displayed at a sponsoring b_usiness, and an interview on KVFD. 180 students are awarded a special T-shirt, and 8 graduating seniors received a $500.00 scholarship each to Iowa Central Community College. Man Hours: 245 Promotional Announcements :2,920 Air Hours: 98 Value of Scholarships: $4,000.00 Kids Fun Night KVFD Radio hosted the 4th Annual Kids Fun Night at the Fort Museum on September 23, 1997. Two thousand students from eleven local elementary schools were invited to compete in several games to raise money for their school. Students competed in a variety of games including football throw, pie eating, and trivia. Over 50 volunteers helped with the event which raised $1,825.00, with $500.00 going to the Fort Dodge Public Library. Man Hours: 35 Promotional Announcements:112 Air Hours: 3 Money Raised: $1,825.00 Bus Safety In April, KVFD began a program recognizing bus safety and inviting over 2,000 local students to vote for their favorite bus driver. Each Friday during the month of April, KVFD broadcast the entire morning show from a moving school bus full of school kids (with the aid of cellular technology). On the last Friday of the month, KVFD announced the \\ nning bus driver voted by the entire school system. The winner received a plaque and congratulation announcements on-the-air, and their bus received a party with pizza, pop, chips, and ice cream at a local grocery store. Man Hours: 26 Promotional Announcements: 220 Air Hours: 24 Crime Stoppers Members of the local Crime Stoppers recorded messages telling residents how to prevent and report crime. At the end of 1997, it was reported at the Crime Stoppers monthly meeting major crimes were down considerably, and a special award was given to KVFD for community leadership in the fight against crime. Man Hours: 25 Promotional Announcements: 2,800 United Way Fundraising Campaign The local United Way needed to raise over $300,000 to reach their annual fundraising goal. The Board of Directors of the United Way and KVFD Radio led an all out effort to help attain this goal. General Manager Bill Grady was elected to the Board of Directors, and volunteered to serve on the publicity committee. The United Way was invited to use KVFD's airwaves on a continuing basis to inform the public on all aspects of the United Way, and to urge businesses and individuals to help the United Way attain it's annual goal. During the year, KVFD ran public service announcements featuring the local director of the United Way. The United Way was featured as the topic on the weekly program "Town Talk" several times. During the fund raising campaign, interviews and news stories were aired featuring the directors of the United Way agencies. KVFD's General Manager, Bill Grady, hosted the annual Kick Off Breakfast which featured an "'Office Olympics" to raise the enthusiasm of the volunteers. During the final days of the campai1:,'Tl, KVFD did 2 live remotes, one on October 31st and another on December 18th urging those who had not made a contribution to do so. KVFD was recognized with the first ever Corporate Leadership Award, for "setting the example so others may follow". Man Hours: 250 Air Hours: 95 Promotional Announcements: 2,100 Money Raised: $295,000.00 Mainstreet Fort Dodge's 10th Anniversary To celebrate 10 years of leadership in downtown Fort Dodge, Mainstreet Fort Dodge sponsored a special anniversary night on August 14, 1997. Featured guests included Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. KVFD ran public service announcements featuring Mainstreet Fort Dodge Director Barb Smidt KVFD was later recognized by the State of Iowa with the "Governor's Media Award" for the station's excellence in community betterment. Man Hours: 8 Air Hours: 2 Promotional Announcements: 100 Downtown Fort Dodge Day KVFD declared April 23rd as Downtown Fort Dodge Day. Volunteers from Mainstreet Fort Dodge were interviewed and highlights for 1997 were aired throughout the day. Man Hours: 20 Promotional Announcements: 50 Air Hours: 8 WalkAmerica KYFD provided leadership to WalkAmerica by being the official media sponsor during the event. Sales Representative Ann Halbur served as publicity chairman and Sales Representatives Kim Wetzel and Ann Halbur, Traffic Coordinator Deb Telfer, Sales Manager Kim Ewing, along with General Manager Bill Grady participated in the walk. Participation included airing promotional announcements plus interviews with committee members throughout the drive. Man Hours: 200 Air Hours: 20 Promotional Announcements : 150 Frontier Days lOK/SK/1 Mile Run KVFD sponsored the 10K/5K/1 Mile Run during Frontier Days. Participation included promotional announcements prior to the event, organizing the event, and a live remote at the 10K/5K/l Mile Run. Man Hours: 80 Air Hours: 3 Promotional Announcements: 150 Farmer of the Year KYFD awarded the "Farmer of the Year" at the Webster County Fair. This award went to a nominated farmer who demonstrated sound business and farming practices, community leadership, and commitment to his profession. Man Hours: 50 Air Hours Promotional Announcements: 75 Fall Fest KVFD produced and aired Fall Fest interviews featuring local participants, and aired live broadcasts during the event. KVFD General Manager Bill Grady served on the steering committee as past chairman. Man Hours: 150 Promotional Announcements: 100 Air Hours 6 Silver Bells on Central KVFD featured a live broadcast from Silver Bells on Central. General Manager Bill Grady served as Master of Ceremonies. Man Hours: 5 Promotional Announcements: 50 Air Hours: 2 SECTION 5 Community Leadership - 1997 Jeremy Borash - Operations Manager: Nominee, Small Market Personality of the Year, Marconi Radio Awards; Special Events Committee, United Way of Fort Dodge; Board of Directors, Lakota Girl Scout Council; Master of Ceremonies, Annual Iowa Central Community College talent show; Volunteer, Mainstreet Fort Dodge; Volunteer, Foster Grandparents; Volunteer, Webster County Red Cross; Volunteer, Blanden Memorial Art Museum; Volunteer, Fort Dodge Family YMCA; Volunteer, Webster County Mental Health Center; Volunteer, St. Paul's Lutheran School; Volunteer, Fort Dodge Kennel Club; Guest Speaker, Iowa Central Community College. Suzanne Elsbecker - Sales Representative: Volunteer, Iowa Blood Bank Volunteer, Webster County Red Cross; Guest Speaker, High School Career Day; Cantor, St. John's Catholic Church. Kim Ewing - Sales Manager: Coach, Fort Dodge Youth Soccer League; Participant, March of Dimes WalkAmerica; Bus Driver, First Presbyterian Church; Member, First Presbyterian Church. Bill Grady - General Manager: Board of Directors, Iowa Broadcasters Association; Board of Directors, Greater Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors, United Way of Greater Fort Dodge; Member, Vo-Tech Task Force, Iowa Central Community College; Advisory Board Member, Broadcasting Department, Iowa Central Community College; Scholarship Selection Committee, Broadcasting Department, Iowa Central Community College; Public Relations Committee, Fort Dodge United Way; Steering Committee, Greater Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce Fall Fest; Past Chairman, Greater Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce Fall Fest; Master of Ceremonies, Silver Bells on Central; Master of Ceremonies, Prince and Princess Contest, Mainstreet Fort Dodge; Ambassador, Greater Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce; Participant, March of Dimes WalkAmerica; Scholarship presenter at St. Edmond High School, JA-MAR Scholarship; Scholarship presenter at Fort Dodge Senior High School, JA-MAR Scholarship. Ann Halbur - Sales Representative: Chairman of the Board, Webster County Red Cross; Mentor, Fair Oaks Middle School; Mentor, Phillips Middle School: Mentor, Duncombe Elementary School; Recruitment Team Chair, March of Dimes WalkAmerica; Guest Speaker, Early Risers Rotary Club; Presenter of awards, Students in the Arts scholarship program; Presenter of awards, Fort Dodge Kids Fun Night. Chandra Hendrickson - Telephone Sales Representative: Volunteer, Webster County Red Cross. Max Landes - Sales Representative: Awarded the Legion of Honor (50 years of Continuous Service), Kiwanis Club; Member, Fort Dodge Kiwanis Club; Board of Directors, Webster County Crime Stoppers; Board of Directors, Frontier Days; Junior Vice Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 29; Volunteer, V.F.W. Post 1856 Bingo Night; Weekly usher, First United Methodist Church; Bus Driver, First United Methodist Church; Member, American Legion Post #130; Member, National Iowa Letterman's Club; Member, University of Iowa Alumni Association, Senior Vice Commander of Chapter 264, Military Order of the Purple Heart. Pat McGinty - Sales Representative: Volunteer, Heart of Iowa Chapter of Alzheimer's Association; Volunteer, Webster County Red Cross; Volunteer, Senior Citizens Center, Rockwell City; Volunteer, Marion Home Volunteer Appreciation Week; Volunteer, Iowa Central Community College._ Ed Miska - Announcer: Chairman of the Foster Grandparents Advisory Council. Brian Peters - Announcer: Volunteer, United Way of Greater Fort Dodge. Joe Peterson - News Director: Volunteer, United Way of Greater Fort Dodge Linda Trager - Sales Representative: Committee Member, Retail Area Trade Committee, Greater Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce; Volunteer, Domestic Sexual Assault Outreach Center; Member, Beta Sigma Phi Theta Omega Sorority; Secretary for Church Council, St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Belmond. Kim Wetzel - Sales Representative: Board Member, American Heart Association; Member, P.E. 0., Chapter LV; Participant, March of Dimes WalkAmerica; Member, Theta Omega.