Dec. 7 Deadline Looms for 2021 Public Service Reports

posted on 11.22.2021

- Localism is Broadcasters’ Calling Card in DC, Austin

From a raging pandemic to a devastating winter storm that cratered the electrical grid, Texas Radio and TV stations have pushed through the extraordinary challenges of 2021 with their usual dedication to keeping their communities informed, safe and healthy. That work and other efforts – unmatched in the media marketplace – is the focus of TAB’s 2021 Public Service Survey.

Stations are asked to complete their submissions to the electronic survey by midnight Dec. 7. Staff assigned the task of responding can pause during the process without losing data already entered.

Advocacy Tool
The research project, first launched in 1998, documents the amazing service local Radio and TV stations provide their communities year-round. The findings gleaned from the annual survey help power TAB’s advocacy before policymakers in Austin and Washington, DC, as we remind them of the unique service local broadcasters provide in the information ecosystem.

The more participation from stations, the better, as the final report does not extrapolate for stations that do not respond.

Helping policymakers understand the full value of the service local Radio and TV stations provide is as important as ever, especially as Big Tech increasingly commandeers local ad dollars without reinvesting any of their gains in Texas communities.

Introduced in 1998, the annual survey has since documented nearly $6 Billion in public service contributions by Texas broadcasters. In 2020, only 13 percent of Radio stations and 38 percent of TV stations responded, yielding a documented $57 million in public service contributions.

Stories and the Numbers
While the survey requests specific data, it also provides stations an opportunity to go beyond the numbers and share stories of their 2021 public service efforts that proved most meaningful to their communities.

Stations are invited to submit audio or video content no longer than 90 seconds highlighting what stations consider to be their best community service project of the year.

Anything related to the deadly electrical grid failure in February, the COVID-19 vaccine push or ongoing pandemic, summer hurricanes, as well as more routine activities involving local schools, hospitals and other local charitable efforts are just some examples of the work that stations may choose to reflect upon.

Questions? Contact TAB’s Barbara Rodgers or call (512) 322-9944.

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