Station WFRM honored

Radio Station WFRM of Coudersport has been chosen to receive the Pa. Assn. of Broadcasters "Excellence in Broadcasting" award for public service in small markets.

WFRM's award is for its public service campaign created by Station Manager Gerri Miller, entitled "Coudy Yes!" It's designed to promote positive attitudes about Coudersport and Potter County in the wake of the Feb. 5 closing of the Time Warner call center.

Miller serves on the board of directors of the Potter County Visitors Association and the station is active in the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce. Both organizations in late January began addressing the issue of public morale in the wake of loss of more than 500 jobs.

Many local leaders spoke on the air about the quality of life in Potter County and the area's attributes. WFRM continues to air the spots as a public service and is accepting other testaments to the community.

"The campaign does what radio does best -- deliver a personal message to create reaction," Miller said. "Hearing their friends and neighbors talk about why they like living and working in the area reinforces why listeners choose to live and work here. It focuses on the area's many assets, rather than on its losses."

The award will be presented to Miller on Monday during the Pa. Assn. of Broadcasters' annual convention in Hershey.

Pennsylvania's entries were judged by directors of the Virginia State Assn. of Broadcasters.