ABC OWNED TELEVISION STATIONS ANNOUNCES PRICE TRACKER APP
A Promo for the Price Tracker App Is Available for Download.
The ABC Owned Television Stations Price Tracker app is now live on digital platforms in all eight markets. This impartial, data-driven tool provides current and historical costs for housing, utilities, selected groceries, and gas by region and metropolitan area. Developed by ABC OTV’s Data Journalism team, the application aggregates data on the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The online interactive tools allow users to search for their area and access all relevant data.
Highlights include the following:
Housing: Provides data on average monthly rents and home prices in each metropolitan area beginning January 2015 to the most recent month, allowing viewers to draw comparisons between local prices and the typical cost to rent or own in the U.S, or review changes in housing and rent prices over the past decade, and identify which has increased at a faster rate.
Utilities: Shows average monthly electricity bills by state.
Gas: Provides users with monthly regional data on regular unleaded gasoline prices.
Groceries: Average monthly prices for groceries—including produce, meats, dairy and dry goods—by region. Availability varies regionally. Audiences may also examine historical peak prices from the past decade or identify which products experienced the most significant price increases.
ABC Owned Television Stations’ Data Journalism team focuses on supporting local community reporting. With the development of “smart cities” and the growing amount of publicly available data, newsrooms can offer context and relevance for issues affecting local communities. By analyzing data at the neighborhood level, this approach to investigative reporting aims to provide additional context for the communities served by ABC’s eight owned stations.
About ABC Owned Television Stations Disney Entertainment Television’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television households, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. With WABC-NY, they produce the #1 syndicated daytime series in the country, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and with KABC-LA, we produce the leading syndicated entertainment brand ABC “On the Red Carpet.”
The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to millions of viewers via its streaming channels that feature 24/7 local news coverage, breaking news, weather forecasts, exclusive premium content and feel-good stories from ABC’s award-winning “Localish.” The ABC Owned Television Stations ended 2024 with the most streaming minutes among its competitors and have continued to lead into 2025. They are also the leading local station group on social media, reaching more than 34 million people across platforms, including four stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube.
Mike Carr Named ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston President and General Manager
Michael Carr, President and General Manager, ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
Mike Carr has been named president and general manager of ABC13/KTRK-TV, the No. 1 station in the Houston market; it was announced today by ABC Owned Television Stations President Chad Matthews. Carr moves to Houston from Fresno, California, where he is president and general manager of ABC30/KFSN-TV with overall management responsibility for the station and its ancillary businesses.
During his tenure, ABC30 has proven to be a powerhouse mid-market station, regularly beating the competition by as much as an astounding 11,000% in total viewers in key time periods. He has overseen coverage of some of the states most devasting wildfires, frequently contributing to Los Angeles, San Francisco and national news coverage. The station has won nine regional Emmy® Awards, producing such lauded specials at “Mountain Strong: Surviving the Creek Fire,” “Feast or Famine: California’s Water Crisis” and “A Critical State of Mind,” which explores the mental health crisis in California, to name a few.
“Mike is an exceptional leader who regularly outdelivers both in term of ratings and the ability to produce high-quality, high-impact news programming,” said Matthews. “He always steps up to the plate and has been a true asset to the broader stations team. I know his passion and enthusiasm for delivering best-in-class news experiences, as well as his laser-focused, thoughtful and strategic approach to growth and ratings success will be a huge asset at KTRK.”
“The team at KTRK is among the best of the best,” said Carr. “California and Texas share some of the same environmental concerns like extreme heat, drought and wildfires, so I’ve worked closely with them over the years and admire their dedication to innovation, commitment to authentic storytelling, and focus on getting the facts and telling the stories that will matter most in viewers’ lives. Together, I know we will continue ABC13’s dominance on both broadcast and digital platforms while identifying new and exciting opportunities.”
In addition to his responsibilities as GM for the Fresno station, Carr is currently the co-lead of the ABC Owned Television Stations Race and Culture team, including helping to oversee the ABC News Storytellers Summit each year in partnership with ABC News.
Carr has an extensive background in local TV journalism. He previously worked as news director at KFSN, where he oversaw content creation and operations for KFSN’s television, digital and social media platforms. He began his career as an intern at KFSN and has worked as an assignment editor, producer and executive producer prior to news director. In addition to Fresno, he has also worked in newsrooms in San Francisco and Sacramento.
As someone who cares deeply about the communities he serves, Carr sits on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California; The Marjaree Mason Center, a domestic violence shelter and support services program in Fresno County; and Valley Children’s Hospital, one of the largest pediatric healthcare networks in the country.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and journalism from California State University, Fresno, where he also played football for the Bulldogs. In 2017, Carr was named as a fellow to the Fresno State Media, Communication and Journalism Department Hall of Fame. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
ABC News and ABC Owned Television Stations Launch ‘Climate Ready,’ a New Climate-Based Initiative Aiming To Deliver Solutions-Minded Content for ViewersThe press release title
ABC News Kicks Off Monday, July 29, With ABC News Chief Meteorologist and Chief Climate Correspondent Ginger Zee Demonstrating the Climate Benefits of a Native Garden
Today, ABC News and ABC Owned Television Stations are announcing Climate Ready, anew editorial initiative created to amplify vital climate preparedness stories focused on ways for viewers to keep their families safe, protect their financial futures, and support their communities during extreme weather events. National programming kicks off today with ABC News chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent Ginger Zee spotlighting the ABC News special “Saving the Planet, Saving on Your Lawn,” which offers ways to convert water-guzzling lawns into native gardens that are drought-resistant and reduce the risk of flooding. Market-specific programming will also be available this week airing across the ABC Owned Television Stations (check local listings) covering solutions to such issues as extreme heat and flooding. Climate Ready programming is also available on ABC News Live and on ABC Owned Television Stations streaming platforms.
ABC Owned Television Stations coverage:
In “Hot Subways and Urban Heat,” ABC7/WABC-TV New York’s Eyewitness News reporter Anthony Carlo investigates the high temperatures in the city’s subway system by using multiple thermometers to measure both air and surface temperatures. Carlo rides the subway with New Yorkers to find out how they cope with the heat, why it gets so hot underground, and what the city is doing to address this issue.
The 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia special segment, “Increase Tree Coverage,” looks at Philadelphia’s plan to increase tree coverage highlighting the benefits of CO2 exchange, which aids in preventing soil erosion and water absorption, and how this will ultimately provide more shade to help reduce the urban heat island effect.
ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles’ “Cool Pavement Project” shares how a community in Los Angeles with some of the hottest temperatures is partnering with the city and North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer to cover pavement in a special reflective coating that reduces surface temps and ambient heat.
ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston sheds light on The South Shore Drainage Project with “Sunny Day Street Flooding.” The initiative hopes to bring a much-needed pump station to Galveston that could bring relief to residents who withstand hurricanes and rainstorms.
Additional topics to be highlighted throughout the coming months:
Aerial Firefighting ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco’s “Fire Drones” examines how autonomous helicopters equipped with giant water balloons could help fight wildfires.
Geothermal Systems ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago’s “Blacks in Green” explores how a Chicago-based organization is planning to use geothermal heating and cooling to produce more affordable and more sustainable energy for low-income neighborhoods.
Wildfire Go-Bags ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno’s “Wildfire Evacuation Go-Bags” shows viewers how to assemble specialized go-bags so they are prepared in case of any emergency.
About ABC Owned Television Stations Disney Entertainment Television’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television households, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. With WABC-NY, they produce the No. 1 syndicated daytime series in the country, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and with KABC- LA, we produce the leading syndicated entertainment brand ABC “On the Red Carpet.”
The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to millions of viewers via its streaming channels that feature 24/7 local news coverage, breaking news, weather forecasts, exclusive premium content and feel-good stories from ABC’s award-winning “Localish.” The ABC Owned Television Stations ended 2023 with the most streaming minutes among its competitors and have continued to lead into 2024. They are also the leading local station group on social media reaching more than 34 million people across platforms, including four stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube.
About ABC News ABC News is America’s No. 1 news source, providing straightforward, fact-driven journalism across broadcast, streaming, digital and audio. ABC’s award-winning programs include “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight with David Muir,” “Nightline,” “20/20,” “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” “GMA3: What You Need to Know,” and “The View.” Other platforms include ABC News Live, ABC News Studios, ABC News Digital, ABC Audio, FiveThirtyEight, and NewsOne. Based in New York City, ABC News is comprised of three U.S. bureaus and eight international bureaus, with a presence in more than 20 countries around the world.
ABC Owned Television Stations Announces Nine-Part Special ‘Our America: In the Black – Conversations With Arlan Hamilton’
A trailer for the first episode can be viewed here.
ABC Owned Television Stations’ thought-provoking “Our America: In The Black” series returns today, Thursday, June 20, with a nine-part special, “Our America: In The Black – Conversations With Arlan Hamilton.” Hosted by serial entrepreneur, investor and author Arlan Hamilton, the special continues the conversations surrounding financial health and wellness. The first episode is available now across ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms as well as on ABC News Live.
Each episode in the series features an intimate discussion with influential guests from business, entertainment and technology. Together, they share personal stories and insights on achieving financial health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of financial education and the pursuit of financial freedom. Timed to resonate with the themes of freedom surrounding Juneteenth and July Fourth, this series addresses the pressing issue of the lack of financial freedom in America. With 78% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck and many lacking sufficient savings, Arlan Hamilton – who transformed her life from homelessness to raising over $30 million for startups through Backstage Capital – leads conversations that aim to inspire and empower viewers.
In the first episode, “Rachel Rodgers,” Hamilton sits down with her longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Rachel Rodgers. Rodgers, who founded the multimillion-dollar company, Hello Seven, which teaches diverse entrepreneurs how to earn more money and build wealth, talks about getting into the right mindset to be entrepreneurial and the importance of bridging the wealth gap.
Additional episodes in the series will be available over the summer and will spotlight the following interviews:
Episode 2: “Lauren Chan” – For the second episode in the series, Hamilton sits down with Lauren Chan, a size-inclusion activist who created the plus-sized luxury fashion company, Henning. Chan, who is a former Sports Illustrated model and who identifies as plus-sized, AAPI, and LGBTQ+, talks about the importance of diverse representation in fashion and positions of power.
Episode 3: “Holly Levow” – Hamilton is joined by fellow businesswoman Holly Levow, who runs two production companies, Equitas Entertainment Partners and Catalyst Studios. Levow, whose focus is on providing opportunities, investment and support for women and nonbinary talent, speaks on the importance of uplifting female voices in a way that is beneficial to everyone.
Episode 4: “Dean Forbes” – Hamilton speaks with CEO Dean Forbes, who heads billion-dollar software company Forterro and is the chairman of the social mobility foundation Forbes Family Group. During their conversation, Forbes speaks about his struggles climbing the economic ladder and about his effort to elevate disadvantaged people through his position of power.
Episode 5: “Suneera Madhani” – Hamilton sits with fellow businesswoman Suneera Madhani, who serves as the CEO of billion-dollar fintech company Stax Payments and the co-creator of fintech startup Worth AI. Madhani discusses her groundbreaking tech inventions that have the power to change business transactions and her desire to disrupt norms by hiring a diverse team.
Episode 6: “Teri Ijeoma” – Hamilton sits with CEO Teri Ijeoma, who created the acclaimed online course, Trade and Travel. Ijeoma, who has a decade of successful, million-dollar-making stock trading experiences, speaks about her journey from teacher to businesswoman and provides advice for the next generation of traders.
Episode 7: “Crystal Alonzo” – Hamilton speaks to actress Crystal Alonzo about her career as a comedian that propelled her family out of poverty. Alonzo explains how her success, which reached a pinnacle when she became the first Latina to create and star in her eponymous sitcom, “Cristela,” was attributed to her community and her familial relationships.
Episode 8: “Bridgid Coulter Cheadle” – Hamilton sits down with small business owner Bridgid Coulter Cheadle, the founder of Blackbird – a workspace for women of color and their allies. During their chat, Cheadle discusses the power of physical spaces in connecting a community and the importance of uplifting marginalized people.
Episode 9: “Lamar and Ronnie Tyler” – Hamilton sits down with married couple and business collaborators Lamar and Ronnie, who co-founded Traffic Sales & Profit, a business designed to elevate Black entrepreneurs into financial success. In the conversation, Lamar and Ronnie emphasize the importance of bringing Black people into a place of financial success and advise Black businesspeople to focus on cultivating their strengths.
“Our America: In The Black – Conversations With Arlan Hamilton” is executive produced by Nzinga Blake, executive producer, Race & Culture, ABC Owned Television Stations. The first installment of “Our America: In the Black” debuted in February and featured Microsoft Philanthropies specialist Darrell Booker talking about how technology can help bridge generational wealth gaps.
The Our America series is available on the 24/7 streaming platforms, 32 connected TV apps across streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TVandRoku.
About ABC Owned Television Stations Disney Entertainment Television’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television households, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. With WABC-NY, they produce the No. 1 syndicated daytime series in the country, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and with KABC- LA, we produce the leading syndicated entertainment brand ABC “On the Red Carpet.”
The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to millions of viewers via its streaming channels that feature 24/7 local news coverage, breaking news, weather forecasts, exclusive premium content and feel-good stories from ABC’s award-winning “Localish.” The ABC Owned Television Stations ended 2023 with the most streaming minutes among its competitors and have continued to lead into 2024. They are also the leading local station group on social media reaching more than 34 million people across platforms, including 4 stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube.
ABC Owned Television Stations To Air Documentary Special, ‘Our America: Defining Courage,’ Presented by Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-Winning ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor David Ono Beginning Sunday, May 5
ABC Owned Television Stations to present “Our America: Defining Courage,” beginning Sunday, May 5. The documentary special takes viewers backstage for an intimate journey into the making of “Defining Courage” a stage show produced by Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker and KABC news anchor David Ono and his nonprofit production company, Story Boldly. It shares the story of the Nisei Soldiers, Americans of Japanese ancestry, who served in the segregated military units during World War II. Although considered the greatest fighting units in American military history, their efforts were overshadowed by prejudice at home. While many of the soldiers were away at battle for the U.S., their families were incarcerated in America’s concentration camps, with only a few hearing their extraordinary stories.
“Our America: Defining Courage” airs across the ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms and linear on the following dates:
Sunday, May 5 3:00 p.m. PDT ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles
Saturday, May 11 5:00 a.m. EDT ABC7/WABC-TV New York 9:00 p.m. PDT ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco
Sunday, May 12 11:00 p.m. CDT ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago 11:30 p.m. CDT ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
Monday, May 13 8:00 p.m. EDT ABC Localish
Saturday, May 18 12:30 a.m. EDT 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia 2:00 p.m. PDT ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno
Sunday, May 19 5:00 a.m. EDT ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham
Additionally, special interactive tools are available online to allow viewers nationwide to further explore the history of the Nisei Soldiers, which includes a message from David Ono and features the following highlights:
The “Our America: Defining Courage” documentary special was produced by Justin Allen, former senior producer, Content Development, ABC Owned Television Stations, and Rachel Schwartz, director, Content Operations, ABC Owned Television Stations.
The special features music by composers Enzo De Roza and Sheridan Seyfried.
About Story Boldly’s “Defining Courage” “Defining Courage” is presented by Story Boldly, the Japanese American National Museum, and Outside In Theatre. Local partners for the Veterans Day performance are the Go For Broke National Education Center, Japanese American Citizens League, Japanese American Veterans Association, National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, National Veterans Network, and US-Japan Council. Story Boldly was founded by Ono and Emmy-winning filmmaker Jeff MacIntyre two decades ago to tell engaging stories using journalist practices to educate the public about important chapters in history and teach others how to use digital media to share stories that matter. Both are multiple Emmy Award-winning storytellers, journalists, filmmakers, and educators.
About ABC Owned Television Stations Disney Entertainment Television’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television households, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. With WABC-NY, they produce the #1 syndicated daytime series in the country, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and with KABC- LA, we produce the leading syndicated entertainment brand ABC “On the Red Carpet.”
The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to millions of viewers via its streaming channels that feature 24/7 local news coverage, breaking news, weather forecasts, exclusive premium content, and feel-good stories from ABC’s award-winning “Localish.” The ABC Owned Television Stations ended 2023 with the most streaming minutes among its competitors and have continued to lead into 2024. They are also the leading local station group on social media reaching more than 34 million people across platforms, including 4 stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube.
ABC Owned Television Stations Present ‘Our America: In the Black’
The Special Aims To Raise Awareness of Financial Health and Wellness in the Black Community and Offers Insight Into How To Bridge the Wealth Gap Through Technology
ABC Owned Television Stations present “Our America: In the Black,” sponsored by Microsoft Corporation, beginning Saturday, Feb. 3. This thought-provoking documentary special chronicles the efforts of Microsoft Philanthropies specialist Darrell Booker in his national quest to raise awareness about building financial health and wellness in the Black community. In the series, Booker explores how technology can serve as a great equalizer to mitigate these disparities while engaging with individuals who are actively working toward financial literacy programs that pave the way for economic mobility and generational wealth creation. Booker is joined by Dr. Jatali Bellanton who serves as a financial expert throughout the special, offering audiences insights and tips toward what she describes as financial liberation. The documentary focuses on the stories of three individuals at different stages of their financial journey:
“Hannah” – Booker visits Los Angeles where he is introduced to Hannah, a young foster care youth, who dreams of attending Howard University and becoming a mechanical engineer. The episode also features the dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University, Phylicia Rashad.
“Angel Mercedes” – From New York, Booker introduces viewers to the nonprofit RISE, a national charitable institution that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations.
“Meagan Naraine” – Booker visits Atlanta for an opportunity to highlight the work he does with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), which leverages Atlanta’s unique position as a nexus of Black enterprise and innovation to pilot strategies that could serve as blueprints for economic racial equity across the nation.
“Our America: In the Black” airs on Hulu’s Black Stories Always hub and across the ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms and linear on the following dates:
Saturday, Feb. 3 12:30 a.m. EST 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia 3:00 p.m. PST ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles 8:30 p.m. PST ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco 11:30 p.m. CST ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston 10:00 p.m. PST ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno
Sunday, Feb. 4 12:30 a.m. EST ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham 11:00 p.m. CST ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago
Saturday, Feb. 10 5:00 a.m. EST ABC7/WABC-TV New York
Monday, Feb. 12 8:00 p.m. EST ABC Localish
“Our America: In the Black” is executive produced by Nzinga Blake, executive producer, Race & Culture, ABC Owned Television Stations; and produced by Luke Richards, senior manager, Content Development, ABC Owned Television Stations; Shako Liu, senior producer, ABC Owned Television Stations; and John Garcia, producer editor, Content Development, ABC Owned Television Stations. Post-production services were facilitated by Robeson Parks.
The documentary special is available on the 24/7 streaming platforms, 32 connected TV apps across streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TVandRoku.
About ABC Owned Television Stations The eight owned ABC television stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television, reaching 23% of households and more than 34 million Total Viewers and 62 million digital visitors a month, with a record of 2.2 billion minutes streamed, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. WABC-New York has remained the No. 1 station in the country for 19 years.
“Our America: Trouble on Tap” the thought-provoking three-part documentary series from ABC Owned Television Stations, ABC News and National Geographic draws to a close with the third episode in the series, “Drilling into California’s Water Crisis” beginning, Saturday, Oct. 28. Hosted by Emmy® Award-winning Action News anchor Dale Yurong, the episode delves into the emerging water crisis that is putting the security of the state’s water, food and economy at risk. With interviews with some of the leading experts working toward tenable solutions, the final episode of the series explores the following three key areas.
The Drought: California leads the U.S. in food production with over $51 billion in revenue and is the fifth largest supplier of food in the world; but with a state that’s been dealing with a mega drought for decades, what does it mean for farmers? The episode examines the science behind California’s increasing droughts and the impacts it has on every California resident.
Sinking Groundwater: California’s largest source of water is in danger of running out due to the overreliance on pumping groundwater. There are 5,300 wells which have gone dry throughout the state since 2014. If over-pumping continues, over 9,200 wells could go dry by 2040, putting the most rural, disadvantaged communities in peril and without the water they need. Additionally, over-pumping causes subsidence leaving many areas susceptible to flooding.
Flooding: In 2023, California’s wet season saw 31 atmospheric rivers bringing a record year of rainfall and snow. Several communities throughout the state were displaced due to power outages and flooding. In addition, hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland were destroyed by flooding, putting Central California’s economy at risk and consumers seeing the impact at grocery stores throughout the country.
“Drilling into California’s Water Crisis” airs on ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms and on linear on the following dates:
Saturday, Oct. 28 10:00 p.m. PDT ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles 10:00 p.m. PDT ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno 11:00 p.m. CDT ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago
Saturday, Nov. 4 8:30 p.m. PDT ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco
Sunday, Nov. 5 2:00 p.m. EST ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham
Monday, Nov. 6 8:00 p.m. EST ABC Localish
Sunday, Dec. 31 1:00 p.m. EST ABC7/WABC-TV New York
“Our America: Trouble on Tap” utilizes data from ABC Owned Television Stations Data Journalism Unit to examine how the effects of environmental pollution, climate change and aging infrastructure are gradually eroding the ability of more and more communities across the United States to have access to free and potable drinking water.
The first episode, “Life with Forever Chemicals,” looks at per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination in North Carolina. This episode takes viewers to Cape Fear, North Carolina, often referred to as ground zero for PFAS water contamination or water polluted by toxic “forever chemicals.” For decades, the drinking water supply for more than 250,000 people was contaminated as a result of a chemical company dumping toxic PFAS into the Cape Fear River. Years after the contamination was first publicly revealed, the region continues to grapple with ongoing health concerns, multiple lawsuits and constructing costly water treatment plants as it struggles to cope with decades of chronic exposure. It is available to watch here.
The second episode, “America’s Lead Problem,” examines the lasting impact of the use of lead pipes and the water infrastructure in America. Nearly 40 years after being banned as a plumbing material by the federal government, lead-based pipes are still carrying water to millions of homes across America, including Chicago, which has one of the highest concentrations of lead pipes in the country. But cities like Newark, New Jersey, which experienced high levels of lead in the water, replaced its lead service lines and is often used as a model of success in combating this public health issue. It is available to watch here.
“Our America: Trouble on Tap” is produced in partnership with Tracy J. Wholf, coordinating producer of the climate unit at ABC News, and Justin Allen, executive producer with ABC Owned Television Stations and National Geographic. ABC30/KFSN-TV, Central California’s ABC television station’s Tim Sarquis, Brandon Ridge, Jacqueline McLean and Ricky Courtney serve as executive producers for part three in the series “Drilling into California’s Water Crisis.”
Episodes are available on the 24/7 streaming platforms, 32 connected TV apps across streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TVandRoku.
About ABC Owned Television Stations
The eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television, reaching 23% of households and more than 34 million Total Viewers and 48 million digital visitors a month, with a record of 3.1 billion minutes streamed, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. WABC-New York has remained the No. 1 station in the country for 19 years.
Wendy Granato is president and general manager of ABC13/KTRK-TV, in Houston, Texas where she has overall management responsibility for ABC13 and all of its ancillary businesses.
As the general manager at ABC13, Granato spearheaded the launch of KTRK’s 24/7 news stream, featuring the most live, local coverage in the Houston market. She was recently selected as a 2023 Top Local TV Leader by Radio + Television Business Report. Under her leadership, ABC13 produces 75+ hours of community specials and events each year and recently won both a regional and nation Edward R. Murrow Award in Excellence in Diversity Equity and Inclusion for its piece “Taking Back Gulfton.” She has led the station through numerous emergencies and big breaking news events such as the recent Texas drought and uptick in wildfires, the impeachment and acquittal of Attorney General Ken Paxton, and the Santa Fe and Uvalde school shootings. As a leader who is passionate about innovation and investing in skills of the future, Granato is a founding director of OTV-University, an educational program for all eight ABC Owned Television Stations.
