Atlanta's Leading Radio Stations Unite for Broadcasters for Babies - July 29

ATLANTA, GA – (July 22, 2008) Atlantans will wake up to their usual cup of coffee, tune into their favorite radio stations and hear a full morning of reasons to help Georgia babies survive and thrive during this year’s Broadcasters for Babies radio fundraiser to benefit the March of Dimes. Twenty-eight major Atlanta radio stations will put competition aside on July 29th (6 am-11 am) to raise money in support of life saving research and critical programs focused on giving every baby a healthy start or providing comfort to families when the unexpected happens. 

   All stations will direct listeners to make donations by calling the toll free number 1-866-MOD BABY (663-2229) or by going online at www.marchofdimes.com/georgia . Certain pledge amounts will earn listeners prizes such as AirTran Airways business class tickets for domestic travel; two-night stays at Beau Rivage Resort on the scenic Mississippi Gulf Coast; Vacation Express travel packages to Oasis Hotels and Resorts in Cancun, Mexico and dinner for two at some of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants. 

   Last year, Atlanta’s radio community raised $140,000 for the March of Dimes through Broadcasters for Babies (formerly known as Breakfast for Babies) and the annual Achievement in Radio (A.I.R. Awards) Dinner. Atlanta’s leading radio stations are once again spearheading Broadcasters for Babies with a generous donation of morning air time rooted in a 70 year history with the March of Dimes. In 1938, radio personality Eddie Cantor first coined the term “March of Dimes,” playing on the popular newsreel feature "The March of Time." Cantor appealed to radio listeners all over the country to send their dimes directly to the White House to raise money to wipe out polio. The campaign proved successful, and the great partnership between the March of Dimes and the radio industry continues today with a focus on ensuring healthy outcomes for every baby. 

The Facts: 

   Thousands of children are alive today, and millions more are leading healthier lives because of advances in treatment and prevention made possible by March of Dimes funded research. Despite decades of research, scientists have yet to develop effective ways to prevent premature birth. 

   In an average week in Georgia, 372 babies are born preterm facing an increased risk of death and serious medical complications such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, developmental delays and vision and hearing problems. 

   Between 1995 and 2005, the rate of infants born too soon and too small in Georgia increased more than 16%. 

   In the U.S., 120,000 babies will be born with a birth defect and nearly 30,000 babies will die before their first birthday. 

Participating Stations: 

1. WZGC - 92.9 FM - Dave FM 

2. WSTR - 94.1 FM - Star 94 

3. WUBL - 94.9 FM - The Bull 

4. WBTS - 95.5 FM - 95.5 The Beat 

5. WKLS - 96.1 FM - Project 9-6-1 

6. WWLG - 96.7 FM – The Legend 

7. WSRV - 97.1 FM - The River 

8. WPZE - 97.5 FM - Praise 97.5 

9. WSB - 98.5 FM - B 98.5 FM 

10. WWWQ - 99.7 FM - All the Hits Q100 

11. WNNX - 100.5 FM – Rock 100.5 

12. WKHX - 101.5 FM - Kicks 101.5 

13. WAMJ- 102.5 FM– Grown Folks Radio 102.5 

14. WVEE - 103.3 FM - V-103 

15. WALR- 104.1 FM- Kiss 104.1 

16. WFSH - 104.7 FM - 104.7 The Fish 

17. WBZY - 105.3 FM - El Patron 

18. WWVA - 105.7 FM - Viva 105.7 

19. WJZZ - 107.5 FM - Smooth Jazz 107.5 

20. WHTA - 107.9 FM - Hot 107.9 

21. WGST - 640 AM - Atlanta. Talk. Radio. 

22. WCNN - 680 AM – 680 The Fan 

23. WSB - 750 AM - News/Talk 750 WSB 

24. WQXI - 790 AM - 790 The Zone 

25. WGKA—920 AM—Atlanta News Talk Station 

26. WAOK- 1380 AM- 1380 News & Talk 

27. WEKS – 92.5 FM – The Bear 

28. 99.7 HD2 – 99X.com