Press Release

July 23, 2024

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

jayme.a.nicholas@abc.com

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ABC 7 Chicago’s Doug Whitmire Promoted to Vice President of ABC 7 Eyewitness News

ABC 7 Chicago’s Assistant News Director Doug Whitmire has been promoted to vice president of News, announced today by John Idler, president and general manager, ABC 7 Chicago. The appointment is effective Aug. 5.

According to Idler, “Doug has been a leading force in the newsroom for more than two decades and a key contributor to our success. His impeccable news judgement and in-depth knowledge of Chicago make him ideally suited to take the helm of ABC 7 Eyewitness News.”

Whitmire said, “When I walked into 190 N. State 21 years ago, I remember the sense of awe I had for ABC 7, and I’m fortunate to have the same feeling today. I am inspired by the work the team does day in and day out to serve the people of Chicago. I am looking forward to leading Chicago’s No. 1 news and the hardest working team in the business.”

Since starting at the station in 2003 as a newswriter/producer, Whitmire has been promoted throughout his ABC 7 career. In 2008, he took over as the executive producer of ABC 7 Chicago’s morning news and became the executive producer of the 10 p.m. newscast in 2014. Seven years later, he was again promoted to the position of assistant news director.

He started his television career in Toledo, Ohio, as a daily assignment reporter and producer in 2000.

Whitmire is a 10-time winner, 14-time nominee of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Midwest Regional Emmy^® Awards for his efforts in the categories of breaking news, best newscast and best coverage of a live event.

He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and the first recipient of the university’s Excellent Alumnus Award in Journalism.

About ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago 
ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago is the No. 1 local news source and most-watched television station in Chicago. With top-rated daily newscasts spanning decades and the largest social media presence in the market with more than 2.6 million Facebook followers, ABC7 Eyewitness News provides breaking news, investigative reporting, weather, politics, traffic and sports in the multiplatform space to Chicago, the suburbs and northwest Indiana. Named Best News Operation by the Associated Press for four consecutive years, ABC 7 Eyewitness News produces “Chicago Proud,” a series of features that spotlights everyday heroes in and around Chicago. The station also produces the highest-rated New Year’s Eve special in Chicago, holiday kickoff special “The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival,” syndicated to a national audience, as well as the award-winning program series “Our Chicago,” which showcases the city’s diversity and highlights contributions in the Black, Hispanic, Asian, LGBTQ+ communities, among others. Every Friday, Windy City Weekend, entertains while giving Chicagoans everything they need to know about what’s happening in the city. ABC 7 is the only Chicago station producing and broadcasting parades representing Chicago’s rich cultural history. In addition to producing town halls focused on current social issues, the station has a long and proud tradition of broadcasting political candidate debates keeping Chicago’s electorate informed. ABC7’s outreach efforts include annual partnerships with the Red Cross for life-saving blood drives, one of the biggest one-day drives in the country and, most recently, spearheading an effort to raise more than $1.5 million for area food pantries.  

X:                     https://twitter.com/abc7chicago 
Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/abc7Chicago/ 
Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/abc7Chicago/ 

Media Contact:
Jayme Nicholas
(312) 750-7254
jayme.a.nicholas@abc.com

Press Release

July 11, 2024

Media relations

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

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ABC Owned Television Stations Team Up With Array Filmworks To Present ‘Our America: Hidden Stories With Ava DuVernay’ Beginning July 14

Award-Winning Writer, Director and Producer Ava DuVernay Shares Personal Insight Into Her Highly Anticipated Film ‘ORIGIN’

A trailer for the episode can be viewed here.

ABC Owned Television Stations in association with ARRAY Filmworks present “Our America: Hidden Stories with Ava DuVernay,” beginning, Sunday, July 14, across ABC Owned Television Stations linear and digital platforms, and streaming on Hulu July 19. The compelling and educational one-hour special sheds light on the interconnected issues of caste through the lenses of racism, sexism and other various human hierarchies in America while drawing from thethemes in her landmark film “ORIGIN.” The special aims to engage, inform and inspire viewers to connect on a human level.

Traveling across the United States, with interviews in Los Angeles, Houston and New York, conversation highlights include the following topics:

The Making of “Origin”
In a special “On The Red Carpet” segment, DuVernay shares insights into the making of her highly anticipated film “Origin,” her inspiration, and the intended takeaways for the audience.

Book Bans
DuVernay explores the controversy surrounding the attempted ban of Isabel Wilkerson’s “Caste” in Texas schools, further highlighting the public’s influence on library and textbook decisions.

Caste in America
“All of the ‘isms’ sit on top of caste.” In this segment, WABC-TV anchor Sade Baderinwa and DuVernay dissect the differences between caste, class and all the “isms” that are supported by sometimes seemingly hidden systems of dominance.

Student Roundtable
Lastly, DuVernay sits down for an enlightening roundtable discussion with current college students to gain insight into their passions and concerns and what motivates them to drive societal change.

Additionally, the special aims to educate the audience on their role in caste systems, the concept of caste, the issues of othering and belonging to racism and injustice, and the responsibility we all have as a role of individuals in effecting positive change in our communities and our country. Online, viewers are invited to use DuVernay’s free Interactive tools, which will allow viewers access to an “ORIGIN” learning companion that explores how caste shows up in health care, education, technology, the legal system, and even environmental justice. These materials supplement the educational experience, encouraging further exploration and understanding of the film’s themes.

“Our America: Hidden Stories with Ava DuVernay” streams on Hulu beginning, Friday, July 19, and across the ABC Owned Television Stations streaming and digital platforms, and linear on the following dates:

Sunday, July 14
3:00 p.m. PDT ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles

Monday, July 15
8:00 p.m. EDT ABC Localish

Saturday, July 20
11:00 a.m. PDT            ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno
1:00 p.m. EDT             ABC7/WABC-TV New York
8:30 p.m. PDT             ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco

Sunday, July 21
4:00 p.m. CDT ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago
6:00 p.m. EDT ABC Localish

Saturday, July 27
12:30 p.m. CDT ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston

Sunday, July 28
11:30 a.m. EDT ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham

Sunday, Aug. 4
5:00 p.m. EDT 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia

“Our America: Hidden Stories with Ava DuVernay” is executive produced by Ava DuVernay, Tammy Garnes, Paul Garnes, Tilane Jones and Nzinga Blake, executive producer, Race & Culture, ABC Owned Television Stations.

The documentary special is available on the 24/7 streaming platforms, 32 connected TV apps across Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

About ORIGIN
Written, directed, and produced by Academy Award nominee, Ava DuVernay, ORIGIN explores the mystery of history, the wonders of romance, and a fight for our future. While investigating the global phenomenon of caste and its dark influence on society, a journalist faces unfathomable personal loss and uncovers the beauty of human resilience. With an expansive cast that includes Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, and Niecy Nash-Betts, the film was inspired by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson’s novel Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents. Never stop learning with the ORIGIN Learning Companion at ORIGIN101.org.

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 four stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube.

More information about ABC Owned Television Stations streaming channels can be found here: 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.

About ARRAY
ARRAY is a multi-platform media company and arts collective founded by Ava DuVernay focused on narrative change. The collective aims to amplify the work of underrepresented voices and stories in film through the distribution of diverse projects and the creation of original content.

Media Contacts:
Fonda Berosini
fonda.berosini@abc.com

Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Press Release

June 20, 2024

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Leslie Schwartz

leslie.schwartz.-ND@disney.com

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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 TV andRoku.

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.

More information about ABC Owned Television Stations streaming channels can be found here: 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.

Media Contacts:
Fonda Berosini
fonda.berosini@abc.com

Leslie Schwartz
leslie.schwartz.-ND@disney.com

Press Release

June 17, 2024

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

jayme.a.nicholas@abc.com

Share this release

ABC 7 Chicago Celebrates Pride With Live Broadcast From the 53rd Annual Pride Parade Sunday, June 30, at 11 A.M. on ABC7 and ABC7CHICAGO.COM

Will Also Exclusively Stream Live on ABC 7’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku and ABC News Live on Hulu

Hosts Cody LaGrow, ABC 7’s Hosea Sanders and Tanja Babich, and Kim Hunt along with ABC 7’s Jason Knowles, reporting live on the street.caption placeholder

ABC 7 celebrates the 53^rd Annual Chicago Pride Parade with a two-hour, live parade broadcast, Sunday, June 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ABC 7’s Tanja Babich, Hosea Sanders and Jason Knowles host the Chicago Pride Parade broadcast withKnowles capturing all the action live from the street. LGBTQIA+ community advocates join the festivities, including Cody LaGrow (Emmy^® Award-winning journalist), Kim Hunt (Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and senior director of AIDS Initiative Chicago).

The parade will also exclusively stream on ABC 7’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku and ABC News Live on Hulu.

Members of the ABC 7 Chicago Eyewitness News team including Ravi Baichwal, Rob Elgas, Jasmine Minor and Tre Ward are scheduled to ride on the ABC 7 float.

“ABC 7 is proud of our long-standing commitment to Pride, and we are thrilled again to be the station presenting two hours of live parade coverage on multiple platforms,” said John Idler, president and general manager of ABC 7 Chicago. “ABC 7 celebrates cultural inclusion and acceptance and the vibrant LGBTQAI+ community that is so important to our city.”

The 53rd Annual Pride Parade features actress, writer and comedian Fortune Feimster as this year’s grand marshal. The 2024 parade theme is “Pride is Power.” The Pride Parade kicks off this year from Sheridan and Broadway, travels through the Northhalsted, Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods and ends on Cannon Drive. The parade features colorful floats, decorated vehicles, musical talent, walking contingents and local government officials all in support of the LGBTQAI+ community.

ABC News Live’s Pride Parade coverage kicked off with a simulcast of KABC-TV’s coverage of LA Pride on June 9 and will culminate with “Pride Across America,” a major streaming event that spans the entire country, featuring five hours of live coverage from three of the nation’s biggest Pride marches and parades on June 30, beginning at 11 a.m. EDT/8 a.m. PDT. In partnership with Hulu and ABC Owned Television Stations WABC (New York), WLS (Chicago) and KGO (San Francisco), “Pride Across America” will begin with a one-hour pre-show, followed by coverage of the Pride marches and parades, and will include live special guest interviews and inspiring stories, spotlighting today’s influential LGBTQIA+ leaders.

The annual parade celebration commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which occurred June 28, 1969, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. Chicago’s Pride Parade takes place the same weekend in the summer, replacing what was once a fight for civil rights with dazzling displays of hope and perseverance.

About ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago 
ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago is the No. 1 local news source and most-watched television station in Chicago. With top-rated daily newscasts spanning decades and the largest social media presence in the market with more than 2.6 million Facebook followers, ABC7 Eyewitness News provides breaking news, investigative reporting, weather, politics, traffic and sports in the multiplatform space to Chicago, the suburbs and northwest Indiana. Named Best News Operation by the Associated Press for four consecutive years, ABC 7 Eyewitness News produces “Chicago Proud,” a series of features that spotlights everyday heroes in and around Chicago. The station also produces the highest-rated New Year’s Eve special in Chicago, holiday kickoff special “The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival,” syndicated to a national audience, as well as the award-winning program series “Our Chicago,” which showcases the city’s diversity and highlights contributions in the Black, Hispanic, Asian, LGBTQ+ communities, among others. Every Friday, Windy City Weekend, entertains while giving Chicagoans everything they need to know about what’s happening in the city. ABC 7 is the only Chicago station producing and broadcasting parades representing Chicago’s rich cultural history. In addition to producing town halls focused on current social issues, the station has a long and proud tradition of broadcasting political candidate debates keeping Chicago’s electorate informed. ABC7’s outreach efforts include annual partnerships with the Red Cross for life-saving blood drives, one of the biggest one-day drives in the country and, most recently, spearheading an effort to raise more than $1.5 million for area food pantries.  

X:                     https://twitter.com/abc7chicago 
Instagram:        https://www.instagram.com/abc7Chicago/ 
Facebook:         https://www.facebook.com/abc7Chicago/ 

Media Contact:
Jayme Nicholas
(312) 750-7254
jayme.a.nicholas@abc.com

Press Release

May 3, 2024

Media relations

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Share this release

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

A trailer for the episode can be viewed here.

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

Monday, May 6
8:00 p.m. EDT ABC Localish

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:

ABOUT
WHO ARE THE NISEI SOLDIERS
TIMELINE
MAP OF CAMPS

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.

More information about ABC Owned Television Stations streaming channels can be found here: 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.

Media Contacts:
Fonda Berosini
fonda.berosini@abc.com

Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Press Release

March 7, 2024

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Share this release

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

Monday, Feb. 5
8:00 p.m. EST ABC Localish

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 TV andRoku.

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.

More information about ABC Owned Television Stations streaming channels can be found here: 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.

Media Contacts:
Fonda Berosini
fonda.berosini@abc.com

Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Press Release

November 10, 2023

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

jayme.a.nicholas@abc.com

Share this release

Lights! Music! Magic!

ABC 7 Chicago Kicks Off the Holiday Season Nationwide With the Broadcast of the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival’ Hosted by Cheryl Burton and Ryan Chiaverini Sunday, Nov. 19, at 6 P.M.The press release title

Featuring grand marshals Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort^® in Florida; special performances on top of Chicago’s Iconic Wrigley Building include Toni Puente Jr., Broadway in Chicago’s “Hamilton,” “Boop: The Musical,” Sister Sledge, The Sugar Hill Gang and more.

The magic of the holidays, Chicago style, is captured for viewers around the country with spectacular entertainment, beloved Walt Disney World characters, luminous floats, Santa and dazzling fireworks as more than a million twinkling Michigan Avenue lights set the stage for the broadcast of the fantastic Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival airing Sunday, Nov. 19, from 6 – 7 p.m. on ABC 7 Chicago. Encore broadcasts will air Sunday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 11 p.m. The parade steps off on Oak Street and travels down Michigan Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m.

ABC 7 Eyewitness anchors Cheryl Burton and Ryan Chiaverini will serve as co-hosts of the broadcast along with ABC 7’s Judy Hsu and Hosea Sanders who bring sparkle and excitement reporting street side.

The Lights Festival Parade will be available on demand and stream exclusively on abc7chicago.com and ABC 7’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

Dazzling audience with a star-studded lineup, the country’s largest evening holiday celebration will open with Broadway in Chicago’s Tony^® Award-winning “Hamilton,” celebrating its return to Chicago; and “Boop! The Musical,” a new Broadway-bound extravaganza; along with Latin jazz family legend and musician Tito Puente Jr. – all lighting up Chicago with performances atop the iconic Wrigley Building. Audiences will be sure to sing along when GRAMMY^®-nominated Sister Sledge rocks Chicago belting out their popular and timeless hit, “We are Family.” The pioneers of hip-hop, The Sugar Hill Gang, will have everyone dancing in the streets with their famous hit, “Rapper’s Delight.” Keeping the groove going with the holiday spirit are The Funky Bunch, Chicago native and “The Voice” finalist Katie Kadan and “American Idol” finalist Colin Stough.

In the first official parade of the holidays, grand marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse illuminate over 1 million lights on 200 trees along The Magnificent Mile, one of the grandest avenues in the world. Appearing on an awe-inspiring float, the world’s most famous couple will lead the way for Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Mirabel from “Encanto,” and breathtaking floats. Marching bands from around the country, in addition to returning fan favorites, the Crystal Lake Strikers, will bring the thrill of drums beating down the Mag Mile. Soaring alongside Chicago’s spectacular architecture, helium balloons including Rudolph, presented by the athletes and families of Special Olympics, Illinois, a giant festive gift package from Water Tower Place and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital balloons, will delight parade goers.

This is the 15^th consecutive year the much-anticipated tradition will be broadcast to Chicago audiences on ABC 7, the most-watched television station in the city. Throughout the holiday season, the special will also be watched in 198 U.S. markets throughout the holiday season, reaching nearly 100% of the country plus Toronto, Canada, with encore airings in multiple markets. Check local listings for times.

Members of the ABC 7 Eyewitness News team – Ravi Baichwal, Jessica D’Onofrio, Rob Elgas, Michelle Gallardo, Dionne Miller and Cheryl Scott – will be spreading good cheer as they ride atop ABC 7 Chicago’s whimsical float during the parade. The broadcast’s grand finale will light up the sky (and children’s hearts) with a dazzling fireworks display over the Chicago River, just as Santa makes his exciting arrival on the scene.

About ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago
ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago is the No. 1 local news source and most-watched television station in Chicago. With top-rated daily newscasts spanning decades and the largest social media presence in the market with more than 2.6 million Facebook followers, ABC7 Eyewitness News provides breaking news, investigative reporting, weather, politics, traffic and sports in the multiplatform space to Chicago, the suburbs and northwest Indiana. Named Best News Operation by the Associated Press for four consecutive years, ABC 7 Eyewitness News produces “Chicago Proud,” a series of features that spotlights everyday heroes in and around Chicago. The station also produces the highest-rated New Year’s Eve special in Chicago, holiday kickoff special “The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival,” syndicated to a national audience, as well as the award-winning program series “Our Chicago,” which showcases the city’s diversity and highlights contributions in the Black, Hispanic, Asian, LGBTQ+ communities, among others. Every Friday, Windy City Weekend, entertains while giving Chicagoans everything they need to know about what’s happening in the city. ABC 7 is the only Chicago station producing and broadcasting parades representing Chicago’s rich cultural history. In addition to producing town halls focused on current social issues, the station has a long and proud tradition of broadcasting political candidate debates keeping Chicago’s electorate informed. ABC7’s outreach efforts include annual partnerships with the Red Cross for life-saving blood drives, one of the biggest one-day drives in the country and, most recently, spearheading an effort to raise more than $1.5 million for area food pantries.

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Media Contact:
Jayme Nicholas
(312) 750-7254
jayme.a.nicholas@abc.com

Press Release

October 24, 2023

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

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Part Three of ‘Our America: Trouble on Tap’ To Begin Airing Oct. 28 press release title

‘Drilling into California’s Water Crisis’ Delves Into the Impact of California’s Extreme Weather Conditions and the Recent Influx of Water After Years of Drought

“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

Sunday, Oct.29
12:00 a.m. CDT ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
12:30 a.m. EDT 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia

Monday, Oct. 30
8:00 p.m. EDT ABC Localish

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 TV andRoku.

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.

More information about ABC Owned Television Stations streaming channels can be found here: 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.

Media Contacts:
Fonda Berosini
fonda.berosini@abc.com

Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com