Nexstar Media Group is doubling the size of its month-long charitable giving campaign as part of the broadcaster’s 30th anniversary celebration, increasing its commitment to local non-profit organizations across the country.
The company announced this week that the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation will award 60 grants totaling $300,000 through its “30 Days of Giving” initiative during June. The program was originally designed to provide 30 grants, but was expanded after receiving more than 100 nominations from employees across Nexstar’s television stations and corporate operations.
The initiative commemorates the 30th anniversary of Nexstar’s founding in June 1996 and is being driven by employee recommendations. Local Founder’s Day committees reviewed submissions from the company’s roughly 13,000 employees before forwarding nominees to the foundation’s board of directors, which selected the final recipients.
Under the expanded program, two non-profit organizations will receive $5,000 grants each day throughout June, with a total of 60 organizations receiving funding by the end of the month.
“A critical part of Nexstar’s legacy is giving back to the local communities we serve through volunteerism, engagement, and direct support,” said Perry Sook, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nexstar Media Group.
“The response to this initiative from our employees was overwhelming and made it clear that we had an opportunity to do more,” Sook said. “Expanding ‘30 Days of Giving’ allows us to support more organizations, extend our reach into more communities, and give back to the local causes that make a meaningful difference in the lives of people every day.”
The company also announced the first two recipients of the program: the Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma and the Spartanburg Humane Society. The organizations were nominated by employees at KFOR (Channel 4, NBC) in Oklahoma City and WSPA-TV (Channel 7, CBS) in Spartanburg, South Carolina, respectively.
The Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma supports music education and artist development through programs including the Granville Community Music School, which provides low-cost music lessons to children from low-income families, and Guitars for Vets, a music program for military veterans. The organization also operates the Oklahoma Opry, which showcases local and regional performers.
Adam F. Chase, the Vice President and General Manager of KFOR and KAUT (Channel 43), said the grant will help further the organization’s efforts to expand music education and strengthen Oklahoma’s cultural heritage.
In South Carolina, the Spartanburg Humane Society was recognized for its work providing shelter, medical care and support services for homeless and neglected animals. The organization has served Spartanburg County since 1964 and now cares for hundreds of animals at a time while operating programs aimed at reducing pet overpopulation and improving animal welfare.
Kenny Lawrence, Vice President and General Manager of WSPA-TV and WYCW (Channel 62), said the grant will help alleviate some of the operational pressures faced by the organization as it continues caring for animals in need.
Nexstar said the public will be able to follow the announcement of grant recipients throughout June on the company’s website and social media channels as additional non-profit organizations are recognized through the expanded campaign.
The initiative is one of several activities that Nexstar is rolling out for the company’s 30th anniversary, which is celebrated this year. Nexstar Media Group incorporated in 1996.
