Families in Grand Rapids who are looking for a special way to celebrate a child’s birthday now have a simple, free option on the local FOX 17 Morning News. The station invites parents to send a short request so their son or daughter can receive a personalized birthday shoutout on the air.
How to Submit a Request
To participate, parents should email [email protected] with the child’s full name, a clear picture, the birth date and the age the child will be turning. The email must arrive at the station at least one day before the birthday. Requests received on the day of the birthday or after will not be honored.
What the Shoutout Looks Like
During the live broadcast of the FOX 17 Morning News, the station’s anchors will read the child’s name and age, and display the submitted photo on screen. The brief segment is meant to give families a moment of recognition and joy as they start the day.
Why It Matters to the Community
Local television remains a trusted source of information and connection for many households in the Grand Rapids area. By offering birthday shoutouts, FOX 17 reinforces its role as a community‑focused outlet that celebrates everyday milestones. The service aligns with the station’s broader mission to provide family‑friendly content and to engage viewers beyond the news headlines.
Guidelines and Limitations
Because the segment is produced live, the station can only accommodate requests that are submitted in advance. The policy of requiring a one‑day lead time helps ensure the production team has sufficient time to prepare the graphics and script. Families are asked to double‑check that all information is accurate before sending the email.
Stay Connected
View past birthday shoutouts and learn more about the program on the FOX 17 website. The station also encourages viewers to follow FOX 17 on social media platforms—including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube—for additional community updates and behind‑the‑scenes content.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
