Skip to content

Type: WABC-TV, New York

Press Release

April 29, 2021

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
Share this release

ABC7/WABC-TV New York Names Rehan Aslam As Its New Vice President and News Director for the Most-Watched Station in the Nation

He Joins the Station on May 3, 2021, from KTRK-TV Houston, an ABC Owned Television Station

Photo Courtesy of KTRK-TV

Rehan Aslam has been named vice president and news director of ABC7/WABC-TV New York, effective May 3, 2021, announced today by Chad Matthews, president and general manager, WABC-TV, to whom he will report. Aslam will be responsible for directing the Eyewitness News team for ABC7, the No. 1 source for local news in New York and the most-watched station in the country.

“Rehan is a proven news executive with an impressive record of leading and modernizing news teams across multiple platforms at a time when the industry is changing at an extraordinary pace. I have worked with Rehan in the past, and I’m confident he will continue to elevate Eyewitness News, deliver the highest quality in local news, and be committed to our inclusive and diverse culture.”

“I remember the day I started my career in television and the dream I had to work in New York City one day. When the opportunity became available to work at WABC, a station I admire tremendously, that dream became a reality. I am elated and humbled,” said Aslam. “It is a complete honor to lead the Eyewitness News team at the No. 1 station in the country as we continue to tell stories in an innovative way that is both solutions-driven and critical to the tri-state communities we serve. We will continue to modernize and exceed the expectations of our audiences. It has truly been a privilege to work with KTRK these past 6+ years. I will miss them, and Houston will always be in my heart.”

Aslam exits his role as vice president of News at ABC-owned station ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston, where he also previously served as assistant news director. While in Houston, he navigated the newsroom through major events such as the most recent 2021 unprecedented ice freeze, the COVID-19 pandemic—leading the team to move to a remote-only work environment—and historical disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, where he led the team providing 24/7 news coverage across all ABC13’s platforms for numerous days.

Aslam began his broadcasting career in 2001 at WEWS-TV in Cleveland, Ohio. His previous professional stints include producing the news at WJW-TV in Cleveland, becoming an executive producer at WFLD-TV in Chicago, and moving to Houston in 2014 to join ABC-owned KTRK-TV as assistant news director.

Aslam is a founding member of ABC Owned Television Stations’ Houston Belong Committee, a group that focuses on diversity and inclusion at the workplace. He is a proud South Asian/Pakistani American journalist passionate about diverse representation in a news department and believes that representation matters and increases awareness and understanding in the diverse communities that news stations serve.

Rehan is a 2009 Peabody Award Winner for his work on “The Derrion Albert Beating” story. He is also the recipient of the 2019-2020 Houston Media Alliance News Director of the Year award.

Rehan is a native Northwestern Pennsylvanian and received a bachelor’s degree in media communications at the University of Pittsburgh.

About WABC
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News”is the most-watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/abc7ny
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/abc7ny/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ABC7NY/

*COPYRIGHT ©2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All photography is copyrighted material and is for editorial use only. Images are not to be archived, altered, duplicated, resold, retransmitted or used for any other purposes without written permission of Disney Media Entertainment and Distribution. Images are distributed to the press in order to publicize current programming. Any other usage must be licensed. Photos posted for Web use must be at the low resolution of 72dpi, no larger than 2×3 in size.

Press Release

April 12, 2021

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
Share this release

ABC7/WABC-TV New York Plans To ‘Set the Record Straight’ in an Upcoming Streaming Premiere of Its Jam Master Jay Documentary, Friday, April 16, Across ABC Owned Television Stations’ 32 Connected TV Apps, With an April 20 Hulu Premiere

‘Set the Record Straight: The Jam Master Jay Case’ Features Original Music From Oscar®-Nominated Composer Charles Mack, and Interviews With Music Industry Figures Including Former Def Jam Recordings President Bill Stephney, Rapper Roxanne Shanté, Former Rap Artist and Marketing Executive Orville Hall and Many Others, Along With Never-Before-Seen Footage and On-the-Record Interviews With The NYPD

VIEW THE TRAILER HERE

ABC 7/WABC-TV New York, an ABC Owned Television Station, shares with viewers never-before-seen footage with new and exclusive details surrounding the death of hip-hop legend and member of Run-DMC, Jason “Jam Master Jay’ Mizell, in an exclusive stream-only premiere of “Set the Record Straight: The Jam Master Jay Case,” Friday, April 16, with a Hulu premiere on April 20.  Viewers can stream the premiere on all *ABC Owned Television Stations’ 32 connected TV Apps on streaming platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku. The special will premiere locally for New Yorkers on Channel ABC7/WABC-TV New York, the most-watched station in the nation, on Saturday, April 17 (7:00 p.m. EDT). The WABC-produced special will also air across **ABC Owned Television Stations’ linear channels in the markets of Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno.

“Set the Record Straight: The Jam Master Jay Case” is written, directed and executive produced by Darla Miles and Rashidi Hendrix, along with ABC Owned Television Stations’ Jennifer Mitchell, Luke Richards and Rolando Pujol also executive producing.

Emmy® Award-winning ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter Darla Miles examines the legacy of the hip-hop icon and the investigation into his death that went unsolved for 18 years. The documentary features interviews conducted by Miles, which reveal new and exclusive details about the case. Miles secured on-the-record interviews with the New York Police Department (NYPD), speaking to the highest-ranking African American in the NYPD, Chief of Department Rodney Harrison, former Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce and former Detective 1st Grade Derrick Parker. They discuss complications with the investigation at the time of the murder and explain what led to the arrests of two suspects by the cold case unit.

On Oct. 30, 2002, Eyewitness News reported the news of Jam Master Jay’s death. Over the years, WABC continued to bring viewers exclusive details and robust coverage about the investigation. After nearly two decades, Eyewitness News is still the only news outlet to continue to deliver exclusive content. 

“Set the Record Straight: The Jam Master Jay Case” features unique interviews with Jam Master Jay’s protégé, Fredro Starr of Onyx; music industry expert Rocky Bucano, executive director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum; and veteran music writer Keith Murphy. Music industry legends former Def Jam Recordings President Bill Stephney and trailblazing female rapper Roxanne Shanté share dynamic stories about Jam Master Jay and his role in the hip-hop renaissance that took place in the ‘80s.

There are numerous impassioned stories from industry experts, family members and childhood friends sharing stories and insight into the life and last days of hip-hop’s legend.  The documentary also features original music from Charles Mack, an Oscar ®-nominated composer.

*Viewers can stream the premiere on ABC Owned Television Stations’ connected TV Apps: ABC7/WABC-TV New York, ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles , ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago, 6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia, ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco, ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston, ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno on streaming platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku, with a Hulu premiere on April 20. The special will also air on Channel ABC7/WABC-TV New York on Saturday, April 17 (7:00 p.m. EDT).

**Editor’s Note:

All linear times reflect when the documentary will air in each ABC-owned market.

DateTimeStation
Saturday, April 177:00 p.m. EDTWABC-TV New York
Saturday, April 1711:30 p.m. CDTKTRK-TV Houston
Saturday, April 242:00 p.m. EDTWPVI-TV Philadelphia
Saturday, April 244:00 p.m. CDTWLS-TV Chicago
Saturday, April 245:00 p.m. EDTWTVD-TV Raleigh Durham
Saturday, April 248:30 p.m. PDTKGO-TV San Francisco
Saturday, April 249:00 p.m. PDTKABC-TV Los Angeles
Saturday, April 2410:00 p.m. PDTKFSN-TV Fresno
Saturday, April 24Local listingsLocalish Network

About WABC
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News”is the most watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

About ABC Owned Television Stations  
Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution’s 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 62 million digital visitors a month, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 14 million viewers across America through its digital-first national lifestyle brand and broadcast channel, Localish. Most recently, the stations received five Broadcast & Cable awards, including in the 2020 Best in Local TV Awards category as Station Group of the Year for its innovative and next-generation news reporting, and in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/abc7ny
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/abc7ny/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ABC7NY/

Press Release

February 17, 2021

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
Share this release

WABC News Executive Chad Matthews Named President and General Manager of ABC7/WABC-TV New York

Disney Enterprises, Inc.*

WABC News executive Chad Matthews has been named the president and general manager of WABC-TV, announced Wendy McMahon, president, ABC Owned Television Stations. In his new role, Matthews has overall management responsibility for ABC7/WABC-TV and its ancillary businesses.  

Matthews replaces Debra OConnell, who was elevated to president of Networks for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution last fall, and is now responsible for operational leadership for all of the Company’s linear television networks, including the ABC broadcast network, and its cable channels, as well as oversight of the ABC Owned Stations, Nat Geo Media and commercial marketing across the networks and home entertainment. 

“As news director of WABC, Chad has repeatedly proven his incredible dedication to the station and the community ABC7 serves,” said McMahon. “During his tenure, he led the direction and modernization of the market’s leading local television news and information brand, increasing audience reach and engagement while expertly navigating change and driving innovation. Chad is an insightful, forward-thinking and collaborative executive who will continue successfully leading ABC7/WABC-TV forward.” 

“It is an honor and privilege to lead New York City’s and the nation’s No. 1 station,” said Matthews. “Since the first day I walked in the door in May 2000, I have been in awe of both the leadership and the many talented individuals that collectively make Channel 7 the most-watched station in the country. Together, we will continue to serve the tri-state region. We have never been more committed to creating impactful programming and lifesaving information for our viewers during these unprecedented times.I am extremely proud to lead this amazing team who not only care about the quality of work produced but also, just as importantly, the diverse communities we serve.”

As the news director of WABC for the past three years, Matthews oversaw the overall function of exclusive content creation and operations for WABC’s television and digital channels as well as the launch of connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku. In 2020, he successfully transitioned the station to a remote workforce to produce Eyewitness News without interruption during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, finishing the year with the largest audience of any television station in the nation and carrying a wider margin of success than it had in 2019. During his tenure, the station’s digital platforms experienced record growth adding more than 4 million unique viewers in 2020 alone, a more-than 20% increase from the prior year. Matthews is an award-winning news executive with a total of six Emmy® Awards, four of them as recent as 2020 when WABC won for best newscast in every daypart. He and his Eyewitness News colleagues were presented with the prestigious Governors Award commemorating WABC’s 50th anniversary.

Matthews has an extensive background in local TV journalism and significantly in the tri-state region. He started his career at WABC in 2000 and was promoted to senior executive producer in 2002. He spent 12 years in senior roles for Eyewitness News and won both a Peabody Award in 2001 as the live control room producer for the station’s 9/11 coverage and an Emmy Award in 2007 for Best Evening Newscast. In 2012, Matthews temporarily left WABC for a five-year stint as assistant news director at NBC-owned WTVJ in South Florida. At WTVJ, he won another Emmy Award in 2017 for breaking news coverage during the Ft. Lauderdale airport shooting incident before returning to WABC as the assistant news director later that year.

Matthews has a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from Westfield State University. In 2020, he proudly served as a board member for the nonprofit organization Dance to Unite, which provides free dance instruction and promotes diversity for inner-city children. He’s a member of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists and serves as a senior adviser and executive champion on PRIDE at ABC News and ABC Owned Television Stations Business Employee Resource Group.

About WABC
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News”is the most-watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/abc7ny
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/abc7ny/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ABC7NY/

About ABC Owned Television Stations 
Walt Disney Television’s 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 62 million digital visitors a month, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 14 million viewers across America through its digital-first national lifestyle brand and broadcast channel, Localish. Most recently, the stations received four Broadcast & Cable awards in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.

*COPYRIGHT ©2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All photography is copyrighted material and is for editorial use only. Images are not to be archived, altered, duplicated, resold, retransmitted or used for any other purposes without written permission of Disney Media Entertainment and Distribution. Images are distributed to the press in order to publicize current programming. Any other usage must be licensed. Photos posted for Web use must be at the low resolution of 72dpi, no larger than 2×3 in size. 

Press Release

December 3, 2020

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
Share this release

ABC7 New York Sits Down With Its 1980 Broadcast Team in an Exclusive Eyewitness Account to the Murder of John Lennon, Set to Premiere This Friday, Dec. 4

‘Eyewitness to the Death of John Lennon’ Features Interviews With Geraldo Rivera, Former ABC7 Anchor Ernie Anastos, Former Reporters John Johnson and Doug Johnson, and Former Producer Alan Weiss, the First Person to Break the News of John Lennon’s Death

‘Eyewitness to the Death of John Lennon’ Will Premiere Exclusively as a Stream-Only Special This Friday, Dec. 4, on ABC7NY’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku

L- R Alan Weiss, Geraldo Rivera, Doug Johnson
L- R Ernie Anastos, John Johnson, ABC newsroom Dec. 8, 1980

ABC 7/WABC-TV New York shares with viewers a firsthand account of John Lennon’s murder in an exclusive stream-only premiere of “Eyewitness to the Death of John Lennon,” hosted by ABC7 anchor Bill Ritter this Friday, Dec. 4.Featuring rare footage, viewers will be able to witness the firsthand account when ABC7 was the first to confirm the murder of Lennon and broke the news to the nation during ABC’s Monday Night Football with former ABC7 sports anchor Howard Cosell on Dec. 8, 1980. Viewers can stream the premiere of the special across ABC7 NY’s connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku. The special will also air on Channel 7 on Sunday, Dec. 13 (5:00 p.m.).

As the 40th anniversary of Lennon’s murder approaches, Ritter interviews the 1980 ABC7 broadcast team who were on the ground and covered the story, both in front of the camera – Geraldo Rivera, Ernie Anastos, John Johnson, Doug Johnson – and behind the scenes. The special includes the fascinating firsthand account of former ABC7 producer Alan Weiss who broke the story to the station.  Weiss was receiving medical care at the Roosevelt hospital when the police and emergency responders rushed Lennon into the emergency room. He recounts the moment he witnessed firsthand the doctors working to save the former Beatle’s life, the screams of Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, and how he broke the story to the then ABC7 assignment editor, Neil Goldstein.

The Lennon special is riveting and will tell the story that shook the world from a perspective many have never seen — as it happened, moment by moment, with rare and newly discovered historical footage, all through the eyes of Eyewitness News.

“Eyewitness to the Death of John Lennon” will debut on Friday, Dec. 4, on ABC7’s streaming apps on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV. To stream the special, viewers can search “ABC7 New York” in the app store. The special will also air on Channel 7 on Sunday, Dec. 13 (5:00 p.m.).

About WABC
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News”is the most watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/abc7ny
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/abc7ny/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ABC7NY/

Press Release

October 8, 2020

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
Share this release

ABC7/WABC-TV New York Hosts a Panel Discussion With Election Experts to Educate and Address Viewers’ Voting Concerns

‘Vote 2020 Your Voice’ Virtual Town Hall Will Stream Live TODAY, Oct. 8 at 2:00 p.m. EDT

Exclusive Stream Live at abc7ny.com and ABC7NY’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku 

ABC7/WABC-TV, New York’s and the nation’s No. 1 station presents “Vote 2020 Your Voice” virtual town hall to discuss the upcoming election and answer numerous questions raised by viewers about the upcoming election and voting system. Hosted by ABC7 anchor Sade Baderinwa, the one-hour town hall will stream LIVE TODAY, Oct. 8 (2:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC7 and across ABC7NY’s connected TV apps. 

As she delves into numerous topics with the panel of experts, Baderinwa will address numerous voting concerns ABC7 is hearing from the community and help tristate viewers navigate everything they need to know for the 2020 election. 

Panelist include the following:

  • Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the Asian American Federation
  • Laura W. Brill, director of The Civics Center
  • Andrea Hailey, CEO of Vote.org
  • Ralina Cardona, national vice president for the Northeast League of United Latin American Citizens 

“Vote 2020 Your Voice” virtual town hall is available via LIVE stream at abc7ny.com and ABC7NY’s connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku 

About WABC
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/abc7ny
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/abc7ny/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ABC7NY/

Press Release

September 10, 2020

Media relations

No contacts found

Share this release

WABC-TV to Produce ‘Retail Rescue: Deals & Steals’ Special to Support Small Businesses Across Eight Major U.S. Markets

‘Retail Rescue’ Special Will Air Across All ABC Owned Television Stations, ABC News Live and Stream Live on All the Stations’ Connected TV Apps,
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 12 Through Sunday, Sept. 13

Viewers Can Shop Exclusive Deals From Featured Businesses at ShopRetailRescue.com

WABC-TV, an ABC Owned Television Station and New York’s No. 1 station, produces another “Retail Rescue: Deals & Steals,” half-hour special focused on supporting small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The special will first premiere on KFSN-TV Fresno, SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 (8:30 p.m. PDT), followed by additional broadcast dates and times on ABC Owned Television Stations. ABC News Live will also feature the special on Sunday, Sept. 13 (6:30 p.m. EDT and rebroadcast at 8:00 p.m. EDT). Co-hosted by Tory Johnson of “GMA Deals & Steals” alongside Eyewitness News’ Sam Champion, this is the second special in a series that follows the top-rated program’s premiere in May 2020, where the initial focus was on businesses impacted in the tri-state region.

The upcoming special will expand to feature 27 small businesses located in the communities across the eight DMA markets that make up ABC Owned Television Stations.  The special will air in those respective markets on the stations’ linear broadcast and on Localish’s linear network, spanning across nearly 1,600 communities. The stations include 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, KFSN-TV Fresno and on the Localish network.

With the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has taken a significant toll on small businesses nationwide, “Retail Rescue” reflects the station group’s ongoing commitment to support small businesses and protect jobs during this unprecedented global health and economic crisis. The decision to feature small businesses across all of the stations’ linear platforms gives these companies national brand exposure with the potential viewership of 17 million, and an additional 17 million viewers when it airs on the Localish network in the eight DMAs.

The special will highlight popular product categories including loungewear and face masks; beauty, skincare and haircare; food and wine accessories; kitchen and home, with “Oprah Favorites”; and even “Shark Tank” winners. Viewers will be able to shop featured products at an exclusive, limited-time discounted rate of at least 50%, made available for 24 hours after the airing of the special at ShopRetailRescue.com.

Some of the featured businesses on “Retail Rescue” are the following:

  • Mented Cosmetics, a Black-owned beauty brand started by business school best friends in their Harlem apartments with beloved lipstick, gloss shades and makeup that celebrate all skin tones
  • Brouk & Co., Los Angeles-based makers of premium duffle bags and weekenders that have seen sales plummet as travel has plunged amid the pandemic.
  • Avocurl, creators of deep conditioning hair treatments, based in San Francisco, that has experienced supply chain challenges created by the COVID crisis.
  • Ullo, a popular wine purifier and aerator invented in Chicago
  • True Gold Honey, family-owned Fresno, California, beekeepers who produce award-winning pure raw honey
  • Southern Elegance Candle Company, a handcrafted soy candle company, forced to temporarily close its Raeford, North Carolina, retail store, resulting in staff reduction and slow production due to the pandemic restrictions.
  • SW&G Essentials, a skincare line, whose Houston-based founder was named “Shark Tank”’s most memorable female entrepreneur, is dealing with a significant retail slowdown due to the pandemic while caring for her ailing veteran father who contracted the disease.
  • Side Project Jerky, a premium beef jerky in Philadelphia became a full-time focus to manufacture and market when the owner lost his job at the start of the shutdown.

Viewers can view the linear broadcast in each market’s respective owned station and shop the full list of featured products online, ShopRetailRescue.com. The special will also air on the Localish network (check local listings for airdate information).

STATIONDAYDATETIME
ABC30/KFSN-TVSat9/128:30 p.m. PDT
ABC7/KGO-TVSat9/129:30 p.m. PDT
ABC7/KABC-TVSat9/1210:00 p.m. PDT
ABC11/WTVD-TVSun9/131:30 p.m. EDT
6ABC/WPVI-TVSun9/135:00 p.m. EDT
ABC7/WABC-TVSun9/135:30 p.m. EDT
ABC13/KTRK-TVSun9/134:30 p.m. CDT
ABC7/WLS-TVSun9/134:30 p.m. CDT

About WABC
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

About ABC Owned Television Stations 
ABC Owned Television Stations (OTV) is the multiplatform leader in local news and information, collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television and reaching 23% of households through its eight stations: 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. OTV also delivers locally sourced storytelling to more than 14 million viewers across America through its digital-first national lifestyle brand and broadcast channel, Localish. Named the 2019 Broadcasting & Cable’s Multiplatform Broadcaster of the Year, OTV continues to set the industry standard for next-generation storytelling, deep community connections and a progressive commitment to solutions-based journalism.

Media Contact:
Elita Fielder Adjei
(424) 247-3517
elita.adjei@disney.com

Elisa Bolduc
VP, Corporate Communications, Walt Disney Television
elisa.bolduc@disney.com

Press Release

August 26, 2020

Media relations

No contacts found

Share this release

ABC7/WABC-TV New York Hosts Live Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Back-to-School Plans for the Tri-State Area

‘ABC7 Back to School’ Virtual Town Hall to Stream Live, Thursday, Aug. 27 (5:00-6:00 p.m. EDT)

Exclusive Stream Live at abc7ny.com and ABC7NY’s connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku

WABC-TV, New York’s and the nation’s No. 1 station, presents a one-hour virtual town hall, “ABC7 Back to School,” Thursday, Aug. 27 (5:00-6:00 p.m. EDT), via LIVE stream only abc7ny.com and ABC7NY’s connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku. The town hall will be hosted by Eyewitness News reporter and weekend co-anchor Michelle Charlesworth.

As families and school districts across the tri-state region prepare for the return of school, there are numerous challenges they face with unanswered questions. ABC7NY’s “Back to School” town hall is bringing experts together from New York City and across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to answer your questions. The panel of experts will address concerns such as how to help your child excel in a remote classroom and how to keep students who are attending in-class instruction safe. They will provide guidelines on what questions parents should ask about their school’s remote learning plan, as well as other concerns. Viewers are encouraged to submit their questions in advance via abc7ny.com.

The panelists will include the following:

  • Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News chief medical correspondent
  • Dr. Victor Fornari, chief of Division, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Long Island Jewish Medical Center
  • Ronald Chaluisán, executive director of the Newark Trust for Education

“ABC7 Back to School” virtual town hall is available via LIVE stream at abc7ny.com and ABC7NY’s connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku

About WABC
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/abc7ny
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/abc7ny/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ABC7NY/

WABC Media Contact:
Elita Fielder Adjei
(424) 247-3517
elita.adjei@disney.com

Elisa Bolduc,
VP, Corporate Communications, Walt Disney Television
elisa.bolduc@disney.com

Press Release

June 11, 2020

Media relations

No contacts found

Share this release

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rosie Pérez, Esaí Moráles, Gilberto Santa Rosa, La India and Pedro Capó Among the Stars Headlining the National Puerto Rican Day Parade TV Special on June 14

Program to feature the traditional Afro-Puerto Rican dance, Bomba, historically used as an artistic and peaceful form of protest and cultural pride

Commemorative TV special to air on June 14 on ABC7 in New York and streamed live on abc7ny.com at noon EDT, and on ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco at 2:00pm PDT

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade announces an all-star lineup of Puerto Rican luminaries from television, film, music and theater to headline the commemorative TV special to air on WABC-TV channel 7 on June 14 at noon EDT, given the postponement of the 63rd Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade that normally takes place on 5th Avenue, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Confirmed artists include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rosie Pérez, Esaí Morales, Gilberto Santa Rosa, La India, Victor Manuelle, Ivonne Coll, Pedro Capó Anthony Ramos, Ariana DeBose, Kany García, and many others. The TV special will continue the longstanding tradition of the largest celebration in America that recognizes Puerto Rican culture and history, in addition to raising awareness of the issues that affect Puerto Rico.

A key feature in the program will be the Puerto Rican community’s solidarity with Black people around the world by showcasing the traditional dance of Bomba, an Afro-Puerto Rican tradition of music and dance that represents resistance, survival, celebration and healing. Bomba originates from the black slaves who worked on the sugar plantations in 17th century Puerto Rico. Today, Bomba has become an artistic and culturally meaningful form of protest and a symbol of pride.

For the first time ever, National Puerto Rican Day Parade programming will air in the San Francisco Bay area on ABC7/KGO-TV, at 2:00pm PDT, as well as on ABC5 WORA-TV in Puerto Rico at noon EDT. It will also be streamed on abc7ny.com, the station’s connected TV apps on Amazon FireTV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku. The stream will also be available on the websites of the ABC Owned Television stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh/Durham and Fresno.

In late May, WABC-TV Channel 7 and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) Board of Directors announced their plans to broadcast a 90-minute TV special, hosted by WABC-TV anchors Joe Torres and David Novarro along with Sunny Hostin, co-host of “The View.”

About WABC
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

About the National Puerto Rican Day Parade
Now in its 63rd year, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) is America’s largest celebration of cultural pride in the nation. Programs and events preserve Puerto Rican culture through special tributes to national symbols, historical figures and campaigns to raise awareness on important issues impacting the community. NPRDP’s hallmark program is the Scholarship Program, which serves to advance educational achievement in the Puerto Rican community. The Parade’s TV broadcast is a top-rated program and has been nominated for an Emmy® for three consecutive years.

WABC Media Contact
Elita Fielder Adjei
(424) 247-3517
Elita.Adjei@disney.com

NPRDP Media Contact New York
Javier E. Gomez
(917) 533-1247
javier@highpitchpr.com

NPRDP Media Contact Los Angeles
Jasmin Espada
Espada PR
(818) 521-3807
jasmin@espadapr.com

NPRDP – Media Contact Puerto Rico
Wilson Nazario
(787) 409-8376
wilson.nazario@gmail.com

Press Release

May 26, 2020

Media relations

No contacts found

Share this release

WABC-TV Channel 7 and National Puerto Rican Day Parade Announce Official National Puerto Rican Day Virtual Celebration

National Puerto Rican Day Parade Special Airs June 14 at Noon EDT

Stream Live at abc7ny.com and ABC7NY’s connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku

Photo Courtesy: National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc.

WABC-TV, the No. 1 broadcast station in the U.S., and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) committee announced an exciting 90-minute community celebration taking place on SUNDAY, JUNE 14, at noon EDT. The program will be hosted by WABC-TV anchors Joe Torres and David Novarro along with Sunny Hostin, co-host of “The View.” Featured will be special appearances from community leaders like Luis Miranda Jr. as well as Puerto Rican television, film and music luminaries, including award-winning actor, composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda. The historic program is in tribute to the popular annual parade known for its festive display up 5th Avenue, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but will carry on the tradition of America’s largest celebration of Puerto Rican history, culture, historical figures and issues of importance.

“The Parade is more than a celebration of pride and culture. It’s a platform for preserving our heritage while advancing our community by informing on important issues and promoting educational achievement,” said Louis Maldonado, board chair for the parade committee. “Given the profound impact COVID-19 has had on New York and communities across the nation, and with Puerto Rico still grappling with incessant earthquakes and its own COVID19-related pause, the Parade Board agrees it’s critically important to continue the Parade’s legacy while celebrating our resilience.”

The celebration will showcase winners of the NPRDP Scholarship program and serve as a fundraiser for the scholarship fund. For four consecutive years, the NPRDP has awarded $200,000 to 100 exceptional high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors of Puerto Rican descent.

“It’s more important than ever for communities to celebrate,” said Debra OConnell, WABC-TV president and general manager. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade committee on their official celebration this year.”

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade Celebration will broadcast on WABC-TV, Channel 7, from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. EDT, on Sunday, June 14. It will also be streamed on the station’s website abc7ny.com as well as on the station’s free news and connected TV apps on Amazon FireTV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku

Additional guest community leaders and artists will be announced in upcoming weeks.

About WABC
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

About the National Puerto Rican Day Parade
Now in its 63rd year, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) is America’s largest celebration of cultural pride in the nation. Programs and events preserve Puerto Rican culture through special tributes to national symbols, historical figures and campaigns to raise awareness on important issues impacting the community. NPRDP’s hallmark program is the Scholarship Program, which serves to advance educational achievement in the Puerto Rican community. The Parade’s TV broadcast is a top-rated program and has been nominated for an Emmy® for three consecutive years.

WABC Media Contact
Elita Fielder Adjei
(424) 247-3517
elita.adjei@disney.com

NPRDP Media Contact New York/Puerto Rico
Javier Gomez
(917) 533-1247
javier@highpitchpr.com

NPRDP Media Contact Los Angeles
Jasmin Espada
Espada PR
(818) 521-3807
jasmin@espadapr.com

Press Release

April 29, 2020

Media relations

No contacts found

Share this release

ABC7NY/WABC-TV New York Host Instagram Live Town Hall to Address COVID-19 Racial Disparity in the African American Community

‘Coronavirus Pandemic: Impact on African Americans Mortality, Messaging and Money’ Town Hall on Instagram Live,
Thursday, April 30 (7:00-8:00 P.M. EDT)

Audience Members Are Invited to Participate in a Q &A With ABC7NY News and a Panel of Experts via @ ABC7NY Instagram Page

WABC-TV, New York’s and the nation’s No. 1 station, presents a one-hour virtual town hall on Instagram Live, Thursday, April 30 (7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT), to discuss COVID-19-related socioeconomic factors impacting the African American community. The virtual town hall is hosted by Eyewitness News reporter Darla Miles and features ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton .

In an eye-opening report that aired Thursday, April 9, WABC took an early lead in reporting the harsh reality of the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. Data revealed that while African Americans make up 22% of New York City’s population, they accounted for 28% of coronavirus-related deaths.

The panel, consisting of both influencers and stakeholders in the African American community, will answer questions, give guidance on COVID-19, and discuss mortality, messaging and money. The town hall will be live on @ABC7NY Instagram page.

The panelists will include the following:

  • Tanya Christian, ESSENCE News & Politics Editor – addressing unique challenges to the African American community, i.e., socioeconomic disparities, social distancing challenges
  • Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent – discussing the latest on COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, treatments and vaccines
  • Claire Sulmers, CEO, Fashion Bomb Daily – discussing the impact of counter-messaging about coronavirus to communities of color and millennials on social media
  • Gregg Bishop, NYC Commissioner of Small Business Services – providing resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and give advice on how to adapt to the new economic landscape

Viewers are encouraged to submit their questions via comments during the live feed on @ABC7NY Instagram page.

A recording of the Instagram town hall will also be available the following day on abc7ny.com and ABC7NY/WABC’s community page, and archived on @ABC7NY Instagram page.

About WABC
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.