Buffalo, NY – WNED Buffalo/Toronto has been awarded a 2009 My Source Community Impact Award for Engagement from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for “Emergency Preparedness” programming on WNED-AM 970 and WNED-TV. The national award recognizes the public broadcaster’s service during and after Western New York’s 2006 “October Surprise Storm.” It will be presented on July 8 in San Diego, California.

“Public broadcasting stations are trusted sources of information and engagement for citizens of all ages, races and backgrounds,” said CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. These awards recognize stations for their commitment and responsiveness to their communities as they provide innovative services — on-air, online and in-person — that have measurable results.

During the devastating fall snow storm, 24/7 news and information station WNED-AM 970 received overwhelmingly positive feedback from listeners for its extensive special coverage. Program hosts and reporters stayed on the air throughout, gathering essential safety information and updates, and taking calls from listeners.

WNED continued to take a proactive role in helping the community deal with the storm’s aftermath and prepare for future emergencies.  WNED-TV, AM 970 and Classical 94.5/WNED all offered Emergency All-in-One Radios as thank-you gifts during fall and winter membership drives. A total of 2,400 radios were ordered.

WNED also joined with Crisis Services of Buffalo and Erie County to present “Out On a Limb,” a free community forum to address post-storm/pre-holiday stress. Held at WNED’s studio in December 2006 and broadcast on WNED-AM 970, the program featured experts who provided information about community resources and tips to cope with stress.

In addition, the fourth program in the WNED-produced LIFE JOURNEYS: SOLUTIONS FOR CAREGIVING series focused on the special emergency preparedness needs of senior citizens and their caregivers. This was part of a continuing outreach effort targeting elder caregivers, conducted in partnership with the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter. The program will be re-broadcast Monday, May 18 at 8 pm on WNED’s ThinkBright TV (Time Warner 21/Digital 17.3).

“Our service to the community has always been a top priority,” said WNED President and CEO Donald K. Boswell. “We take great pride in partnering with committed organizations -- and using the considerable power of public broadcasting -- to address community needs in creative ways.”

Through WNED-AM 970 The Information Station, Classical 94.5/WNED, WNED-TV and ThinkBright TV, the member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto provides high quality programming and services that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate Western New York and Southern Ontario communities. Additional information about WNED can be found at www.wned.org.