A Discussion We Must Have
As Radio continues to be an essential tool in reaching local communities, locally owned, ESPN 960 and its parent company, Broadway Media, feels compelled to address a major public health crisis affecting local communities across the state. On September 15th, from 9-10AM, Broadway Media will host a public event, to openly discuss the topic of suicide and suicide prevention, which will be broadcast live on all Broadway Media radio stations.
Suicide is a public health crisis in Utah, and continues to be the number one leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24, and the number two cause of death for young adults ages 25-44, in the state. Suicide kills more people in Utah than cancer, auto accidents, homicide and heart disease, and yet, despite these disparaging numbers and Utah ranking 5th in the nation for suicide deaths, the discussion around the topic of suicide and suicide prevention has been shrouded in secrecy and shame. After many years of partnership with the Utah chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to promote the annual Out of Darkness walk, Broadway Media has decided that with the tools at their disposal, it is now more critical than ever to step up as a voice for those who are struggling, and provide hope to those who feel hopeless.
ESPN 960 and Broadway Media would like to thank our partners on this broadcast
On the morning of September 15th, 2017, from 9-10AM, radio personalities Jon Watkins of Mix 105.1, and Bill Allred of X96, will host a town hall style discussion along with a panel of guests, which includes: Attorney General Sean Reyes, Lt. Governor Spencer Cox and other leading local health experts who will address questions from participating high school students and listeners to start an open discussion about suicide prevention. This event will be broadcast live on all Broadway Media radio stations: Mix 105.1 (KUDD), X96 (KXRK), U92 (KUUU), Rewind 100.7 (KYMV), Eagle 101.5 (KEGA), ESPN 700 (KALL) and ESPN 960 (KOVO), and will be live streamed on radio station Facebook platforms, and online at www.broadwaymediagroup.com. Broadway Media hopes that leading this open discussion will help the local community feel empowered to openly engage their friends, family members and neighbors about prevention, and bring the topic of suicide out of the shadows.
“After learning about the statistics of suicide in this state, I decided it was time for us to use our voice to shine a light on this growing health crisis. This event is not about doom and gloom. This event is about starting a conversation no one wants to have and sharing the unbelievable and free resources that are available to anyone in despair. This broadcast is about hope.” – Kayvon Motiee, President, Broadway Media
ESPN 960 and Broadway Media invites their media peers, clients, and partners, and members of the community who would like to attend, to join them on-site the morning of September 15th at 50 West Café, to take part in this discussion and learn how to take action, and raise awareness about suicide prevention. ESPN 960 and Broadway Media would like to implore the community for their support in this endeavor. As this crisis continues to take the lives of Utahn’s and their loved ones, it is time to move past the fear and speak out about this growing public health issue, and open a safe forum for support, information and local resources.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, established in 1987, is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. As a critical resource in the community, the AFSP provides funding for scientific research, education to the public about mental health and suicide prevention, and support and aid for those affected by suicide. If you or a loved one is in distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK, they offer free, 24/7 service that can provide suicidal persons or those around them with support, information and local resources.
Click here to donate or Register for the Out of the Darkness Walk, coming up on September 16th
Based in Salt Lake City, Broadway Media, is a multi-station cluster, which includes KXRK, KUDD, KUUU, KYMV, KEGA, KOVO and KALL. Formed in 2014 by owner, Dell Loy Hansen, who has strong affiliations in the Salt Lake Community with several successful businesses and ventures including; Wasatch Properties, and Utah’s Major League Soccer team ReAL Salt Lake, Broadway Media has continued to be a market leader in Salt Lake Radio.
Thank you, in advance, for tuning in and starting this very important discussion.
