Broadcasters Commit $100 M To Hurricane Relief Fund.

The National Association of Broadcasters announced that local radio and television stations across America will raise a minimum of $100 million for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The “BroadcastUnity for Katrina Relief” initiative, approved by the NAB Board of Directors during a special conference call, includes a $1 million cash donation from the NAB to the American Red Cross.

Thousands of local radio and television stations from coast to coast will be voluntarily donating airtime for special fundraising appeals as part of the initiative. In addition, the NAB has designated Friday, Sept. 9 as “BroadcastUnity Day,” when local radio and TV station talent will “roadblock” specific times of day for fundraising relief efforts, telephone banks, radiothons and telethons.

“Broadcasters are a lifeline to communities in times of crisis, and Hurricane Katrina has touched America’s soul like no natural disaster in our history,” said NAB President and CEO Eddie Fritts. “NAB is pleased to make a $1 million cash donation to aid victims of this tragedy, and I’m confident that local radio and television stations will exceed our $100 million target.”