Radio networks across Asia have raced to organise major fundraising efforts for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines at the weekend.
Local media launched their own donation drives following the tragedy, which killed as many as 2,500 people and left nearly 700,000 displaced.
News/talk radio network DZMM and the TV news channel ABS-CBN have launched a special website calling for volunteers and donations for the effort.
The two channels have even produced solidarity T-shirts with the slogan “Tulong na Tabang na Tayo na” (a mix of Tagalog and Visayan languages meaning “Help now, Help now, Let’s go!”), available for sale from the website and the ABS-CBN store at their studio centre in Quezon City.
Other campaigns include Manila-based K-Lite Radio, which told Asia Radio Today it is appealing on air for cash and other essential items.
Listeners have been dropping off supplies at their studios in Mandaluyong City over the past two days.
Sister station Jam 88.3FM is planning a benefit concert for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan – known as Yolanda in the Philippines, according to a Linkedin post by one of its jocks.
Elsewhere in Asia, Media Prima, which owns three radio stations as well as tv and publishing businesses in Malaysia has set up its own relief fund.
Ahmad A. Talib, Executive Director of News and Editorial Operations, Media Prima Berhad said: “We truly share the grief of our Filipino brothers and sisters in this difficult time. We hope fellow Malaysians will rally behind the Filipino people and help them through these dark days.”
Contributions from Malaysia can be channelled to Maybank account number 5642-7651-1188 under the name “Tabung Bencana Taufan Haiyan Media Prima – NSTP“.
Singapore’s largest broadcaster MediaCorp is taking part in a donation drive on Thursday, which is being promoted on its radio stations.
The company’s Green Alliance project team are calling for second-hand clothes, shoes, bed sheets, towels and blankets among other items.
Another Singapore station UFM 100.3 asking listeners to visit the Red Cross website to donate money.
Other stations in the region are also publicizing the huge relief efforts being undertaken by the world’s largest aid agencies, directing listeners to contribute to those NGOs.