Editor’s note: Tom Bergeron, well known for his broadcasting career that includes “Dancing with the Stars,” “Hollywood Squares” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” is asking WHAV listeners and readers to support nonprofit local news on this Giving Tuesday.
Bergeron launched his career at WHAV in 1972 and credits late WHAV News Director Edwin V. Johnson for getting him started. Johnson mentored Bergeron and generations of students as a Haverhill High School English and public speaking instructor. Bergeron reflects on Johnson’s local news approach that carries on at today’s nonprofit WHAV and appeals for donations that will be doubled during this year’s NewsMatch campaign.
As you may know, Haverhill is my hometown and I still have family here.
Former News Director Edwin V. Johnson set the standard for local news reporting over his nearly 35-year-career at WHAV.
Thanks to my Haverhill High School mentor, Ed Johnson, I began my career right here at WHAV. Ed was not only my public speaking teacher, he was WHAV’s afternoon news director. He taught me about the importance of local news—and the need for accuracy, truth and timeliness.
Those lessons are more meaningful than ever as newsrooms across the country shrink or close. Today’s WHAV—on-air, online, everywhere—has stepped up to meet critical local needs. It continues to serve thanks to its public, nonprofit model.
But, paying for reporters and getting the word out—never mind keeping the lights on—means your help is especially needed right now as other funding disappears.
If you act now, NewsMatch, the largest grassroots fundraising campaign to support nonprofit news in the U.S., will match your new or additional donation dollar for dollar up to $1,000.
Please make your contribution today and double your impact by clicking here. Your family, friends and community will thank you.
Sincerely,
Tom Bergeron
