KTAL nationally recognized for commitment to community service

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—KTAL-TV has been nationally recognized for its dedication to serving the community. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Leadership Foundation bestowed the Crystal Eagle award on KTAL as part of the 2025 Celebration of Service to America Awards.

This award was granted for KTAL’s partnership with Geaux 4 Kids on Project Geaux Bags. The non-profit provides bags full of personal items to children who must be pulled from their homes by law enforcement during crisis situations. The bags provide essentials and comfort during the first night away from home.

Geaux 4 Kids has provided Geaux Bags to law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Louisiana to be distributed to children in crisis. With the help of KTAL, Project Geaux Bags has now expanded into Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Geaux 4 Kids founder K.C. Kilpatrick saw the need for Geaux Bags, more than a decade ago, when she received her foster children whom she adopted. They had little more than the clothes on their backs. She wanted to make sure other children were better supported and began distributing Geaux Bags from the back of her car. The non-profit now impacts thousands of children in four states. KTAL is proud to stand with her in expanding this vital service.

“This award is the pinnacle of validation and recognition of our efforts to serve our communities. Geaux Bags is near and dear to our hearts,” said Mark McKay, KTAL VP and General Manager. “What brings us to be so involved is K.C.’s compelling story and how she grew this project literally from the trunk of her car. Her heart shines through this program every day.”

According to the NAB Leadership Foundation website, “the 2025 Celebration of Service to America Award winners have proven their excellence and commitment to community service through their dedication and initiatives put forth in 2024. From holding fundraisers and food drives to help those in need, conducting investigative reports that protect businesses and consumers to providing the most trusted news to keep audiences safe and informed, broadcasters play an integral part in local communities each and every day.”

KTAL was a finalist in the Celebration of Service to America Awards in 2023 for its random acts of kindness performed by the Cares Krewe, and again in 2024 for its docuseries on Human Trafficking. The Crystal Eagle award will be presented to KTAL on June 10, 2025, during a ceremony in Washington D.C.