Nexstar Media Foundation Announces Honorees for Day Twenty-One of “30 Days of Giving” Initiative
Play It Forward and AutismUp Named as Recipients of $5,000 Grants
Irving, TX (June 21, 2026) – Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST), today announced that the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation is making a $5,000 contribution to both Play It Forward and AutismUp as part of the company’s “30 Days of Giving” initiative, a month-long program recognizing and supporting nonprofit and charitable organizations serving communities across Nexstar’s nationwide footprint.
“30 Days of Giving” is an employee‑driven initiative created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Nexstar’s founding in June 1996. Locally-led committees reviewed submissions from Nexstar’s 13,000 employees and selected charitable and nonprofit organizations to nominate for grants. More than 100 organizations were nominated, and the Nexstar Charitable Foundation’s Board of Directors chose 60 to receive $5,000 each. Every day during the month of June, the Foundation will award two $5,000 grants; by the end of the month the Foundation will have committed $300,000 to “30 Days of Giving.”
The Foundation today recognized Play It Forward and AutismUp as recipients of $5,000 grants. The organizations were nominated by employees at KOIN-TV, the Nexstar television station serving Portland, OR, and WROC-TV in Rochester, NY, respectively.
Play It Forward (PIF) provides musical instruments, instruction, and performance opportunities to students in need across the Pacific Northwest. The organization is dedicated to helping children reach their full cognitive and social potential by addressing barriers such as poverty, systemic racism, and historic inequities that often limit access to music education.
PIF also distributes gently used instruments to families, schools, and art and cultural organizations, and partners with local nonprofits, and after-school programs to provide piano and guitar instruction to young musicians.
To learn more about Play It Forward, visit https://pifmusic.org/ and to donate, go to https://pifmusic.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/pifmusic/donation.jsp.
AutismUp provides resources, programs, and lifespan services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. The organization serves more than 4,000 families and guides them from diagnosis through adulthood and offering innovative programs, resources, and advocacy that foster growth, independence, and confidence.
“This grant means a lot because it was driven by our WROC employees,” said Wendy Bello, Vice President and General Manager of WROC-TV in Rochester, NY. “This is our home – we truly value this community – and we’re proud to support AutismUp and the impact they have on so many local families here in Rochester.”
Commenting on her nomination of the Autism Up, WROC-TV Sales Assistant Kathy Ramirez said: “My son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism at age three and is now 25 and thriving. He’s taken several classes run by AutismUp that have helped him make new friends, gain independence, and learn new life skills. He’s also enjoyed fun events like dances and ice cream socials. I love what AutismUp does for our children and our community. We truly could not have made it without this organization and their wonderful staff.”
For more information on AutismUp, and to donate, visit https://autismup.org/.
The Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation’s mission is to contribute to and work with public charities and non-profit organizations to improve the communities in which Nexstar Media and its subsidiaries do business.
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About Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST) is a leading diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms. For more information, please visit nexstar.tv.
Media Contact
Gary Weitman
EVP and Chief Communications Officer
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
(972) 373-8800 or gweitman@nexstar.tv