For the past six years, Audacy’s I’m Listening program has provided a platform for mental health conversations in communities across the country. “We’re proud to be a company that uses what we do best – the power of storytelling and real human connection – to host more mental health conversations,” said Sarah Harris, vice president of Social Impact, Audacy, in an interview with NAB’s Melissa Eastlake. “As a national company rooted in local communities, we all knew we had to find ways to shake the stigma of a health challenge that so many face. We are trusted companions and loyal friends to our listeners. We know the power of talk saves lives. We meet people where they are, assure them it’s okay to not be okay and create moments for them to share or to listen.”
I’m Listening public service campaigns feature artists, celebrities and athletes sharing their experiences with mental health.
With the recent launch of 988, the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, the team at Audacy “committed to participating and saw the alignment with I’m Listening and a core value of our business,” Harris said. They produced English and Spanish I’m Listening 988 PSAs to support widespread public awareness for the new hotline.
Audacy has made these spots available to all stations. Download them, along with more 988 and mental health resources, at nab.org/journalistsMentalHealth.
The I’m Listening campaign culminates in an annual special broadcast in which listeners from across the country call in to ask questions, share their stories and connect with show hosts. In addition, Audacy stations across the country focus on the communities they serve.
Riggs, a host on 103.7 KISS FM in Milwaukee, “brings local connection to our national relationship with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,” Harris said. “He recently interviewed Dr. Christine Moutier to share more about 988 on Audacy public affairs programming, authored a men’s mental health blog post for AFSP’s website and chaired Milwaukee’s Out of the Darkness walk in 2018 – helping raise a record $300,000+.”
With deep connections to their local communities, radio stations have a special ability to reach listeners, and they take this responsibility seriously. “Radio listeners share a connection, a trusted relationship with our on-air talent,” Harris said. “When the voices they know and love are talking about mental health, it makes the topic accessible in a non-taboo way. It lets people know they are not alone, and that’s it’s ok to not be okay.”
“As we move toward our sixth annual special event this September 21, we look forward to once again bringing listeners and experts together in conversation – sharing powerful mental health stories and coping tips to help us all be at our best. Stories that resonate with lived experiences – and equip people with the information, resources and encouragement to care for their mental health and well-being.”
Learn more about Audacy’s I’m Listening program here, and learn more about local broadcasters’ public service contributions, including health awareness campaigns, at WeAreBroadcasters.com.
