DETROIT, MI, December 14, 2020 — Cumulus Media announces that WJR Detroit radio PM Drive host, author and writer Mitch Albom’s 9^th Annual Mitch Albom SAY Detroit Radiothon hit a new fundraising record this year, raising $1,519,041 for Detroit charities on Thursday, December 10^th. The 15-hour radiothon, hosted by Albom and his WJR on-air partner, Ken Brown, was broadcast on WJR from 6am-9pm and streamed live online from Somerset North’s Grand Court.

This year’s Mitch Albom SAY Detroit Radiothon featured more guests than ever before, including: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Mike Tirico, Jane Pauley, Matthew Stafford, Paul Stanley, Katie Couric, Tim Allen, Dr. Phil, Dave Coulier, J.K. Simmons, Lily Tomlin, Jim Harbaugh, Hoda Kotb, Anderson Cooper, Kirk Cousins, Tom Izzo, and dozens of others.

Albom challenged listeners to break the $1 million mark by 7pm, and they met the challenge, raising $1.019 million by that time. The radiothon was capped by the biggest donation of the day, as Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores made a $350,000 gift, including $100,000 to make new programs in the city to benefit Detroit children. The nearly $1.52 million raised in this year’s virtual Mitch Albom SAY Detroit Radiothon topped last year’s radiothon, which raised $1.36 million.

“I was stunned by the outpouring of kindness and generosity this year,” Albom said. “We know COVID-19 left so many of us challenged. But it also seems to have many, many more empathetic to the plight of others – particularly those who were already challenged by economic, health or housing difficulties. This year’s total speaks to the incredible spirit of the Michigan community.”

Steve Finateri, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Detroit, added: “I’m not surprised by the outpouring of generosity and support. As a media titan and host of WJR’s afternoon drive for over 25 years, Mitch has an incredible connection with Michiganders. No one in the media arena works harder to serve the neediest in our community. We are all lucky to have him.”

Since its first broadcast in 2012, the annual Mitch Albom SAY Detroit Radiothon has raised over $8 million to help the poor, the homeless, families without homes, children without medical care, students hoping to reach the college of their dreams and veterans who have hit hard times. One hundred percent of all funds raised go directly to the needy through SAY (Super All Year) Detroit, an umbrella 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that funds programs including: the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic, the SAY Play Center, Working Homes/Working Families, the Dream Scholars, and several other local charitable efforts that serve the area’s neediest and work towards a revitalized Detroit.

To donate to SAY Detroit, visit: https://www.mitchalbomradiothon.com/index.php. For more information, visit: https://saydetroit.org/ or https://www.wjr.com/2020/12/08/mitch-albom-say-detroit-radiothon/.

About Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is a leading audio-first media and entertainment company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 422 owned-and-operated stations across 87 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the Masters, the Olympics, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across nearly 8,000 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through on-air and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information, visit www.cumulusmedia.com.

Contact: Lisa Dollinger, Dollinger Strategic Communication for Cumulus Media, 512.633.4084, lisa@dollcomm.com.