None of these doctors want to create a fuss and risk their jobs so they aren't fighting back.
Do you guys have any ideas or strategies that can be used to persuade hospital administration to allow their employees to protect themselves? I've thought about calling local news stations on their behalf, but is there a better way to persuade them?
Sadly, public embarrassment is likely the fastest way to get a change in attitude out of the admins at any individual hospital. So yeah, try to get the local news stations to carry the story (and to call those admins and ask pointed questions).
The slower, but more reliable way that helps everyone everywhere, would be to convince their regulatory bodies (CDC? or whomever) to issue a decree that all medical personnel should be wearing masks at all times. Then, because it is a requirement from "on high" the local admins will likely relent.
The staff probably have grounds for an OSHA case (if this is in the US; equivalent body in any other developed country) and/or a lawsuit.
The media is probably the way to get the quickest action; but you may want to also look into getting legal representation.