Gray Television’s Stations Help to Raise Over $12.6 Million for Local Relief Efforts in March and April

ATLANTA, May 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray”) (NYSE: GTN) announced today that, during March and April 2020 alone, our television stations collectively helped to raise more than $12,600,000 in donations benefiting local residents and local organizations in need.  The efforts included a wide variety of telethons, on-air and online fundraisers, musical concerts, and other events lasting from one hour to a few weeks. 

Many of the stations launched their campaigns after learning about the difficulties that local food banks and other worthy charities were experiencing as public health concerns resulted in the cancelation or curtailment of their normal fundraising activities, just as they experienced dramatic increases in need for their services.  Some of the stations’ fundraising efforts involved local advertising partners and/or other local broadcasters who also chose to use their resources to give back in these difficult times. 

In addition, Gray stations have worked very hard to support local businesses during the public health emergency.  In early April, Gray’s stations launched interactive, online local business directories to enable residents to find which businesses remained open - and their new hours.  The directories also allow online visitors to place orders directly through the site for pickup or delivery, obtain coupons, and even apply for jobs.  By the end of April, more than 14,500 local businesses joined the online directories (all for free) across Gray’s markets.

“Local broadcast stations are important local institutions employing talented residents who put community service first, through news, information, and support for local organizations and businesses,” said Gray Executive Chairman and CEO Hilton H. Howell.  “We are therefore especially proud that our own stations and staff were able to distinguish themselves so well during the last several weeks by their truly exemplary donations of their time, resources, and creativity to support their local communities through this challenging period.”

During March and April 2020, Gray Television’s local stations and employees helped raise needed funds benefiting local organizations, relief funds, and residents through the following initiatives, as well as others not listed below:

March 12 – WAGM in Presque Isle, ME, partnered with the United Way of Aroostook for a one-day telethon “Operation 24” benefiting Catholic Charities Food Bank, which supports 24 food pantries in Aroostook County.  The effort raised $28,000.