It’s not unprecedented, but very rare that the Syracuse television and radio stations come together to collaborate on their programming. It’s something in the past that’s been reserved for only the most important causes. For the first time in more than 15 years, stations have come together to jointly produce a one-hour, commercial-free television special on child abuse. Protecting Our Children was telecast on Wednesday, April 25, on our own YNN, WCNY, WSYR-9, WSTM-3, WTVH-5, CW-6, and Fox-68. The telecast is also being supported and promoted by ClearChannel radio and by Cumulus radio.
Protecting Our Children was co-hosted by news anchors from each participating television station, with Julie Chapman representing YNN. The special will focus on the issue of child abuse and the local human service and public safety agencies tasked with handling those cases. The McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center coordinates those services in the Syracuse area, and the Center and staff will be a major component of the special. The Bernie Fine scandal led to broader community discussion of child abuse over the past several months. The local media determined now is the time to help continue to raise awareness and to further educate the public about child abuse in our community, and what everyone can do to help prevent it.
Additional media support is provided by Cumulus Radio and Sinclair Broadcasting.
