Type: WLS-TV, Chicago

Ambir Sniezko

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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

A trailer for the episode can be viewed here.

“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

Press Release

May 25, 2023

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

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ABC 7 Eyewitness News Continues Dominant 4, 5, 6 and 10 P.M. News Winning Streak in Household and Key Demos in May 2023 Sweep

ABC 7 Chicago’s News at 10 p.m. continues an incredible household ratings winning streak during the May 2023 sweep, both Monday through Friday and Monday through Sunday. For more than 20 years, ABC 7 Eyewitness News at 10 p.m. has been the No. 1 News, excluding Olympic books with the exception of February 2022 where ABC 7 won despite Winter Olympics and Super Bowl programming. ABC 7 Eyewitness News at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. also continued an amazing first-place run in household ratings (for more than three decades) and demos, Monday through Friday – the No. 1 choice for news in Chicago.

In household ratings, ABC 7 has a 218% advantage at 4 p.m. over its nearest competitor, a 144% advantage at 5 p.m., a 163% advantage at 6 p.m. and a 70% advantage at 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. In the Monday through Sunday news race, ABC 7 has a 72% advantage over its closest competitor at 10 p.m. in household ratings.

Morning and middayABC 7 Eyewitness News also led the pack. At 4:30 a.m. ABC 7 has a 50% advantage over its nearest competitor in household ratings, a 27% advantage at 5 a.m., and ABC 7 ties in household ratings but wins in share at 6 a.m. At 11 a.m. ABC 7 won over its nearest competitor by 54% in household ratings.

“The ABC 7 news team, both on and off air, works hard every day and the results speak for themselves. Our truly amazing decadeslong winning streak continues to be a source of pride for all of us,” said John Idler, president & general manager, ABC 7 Chicago.

In the critical Persons 25-54 demo, ABC 7 has a 125% advantage at 4 p.m. over its nearest competitor, a 117% advantage at 5 p.m., a 180% advantage at 6 p.m. and a 78% advantage at 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. In the Monday through Sunday news race, ABC 7 has an 89% advantage over its closest competitor at 10 p.m. in Persons 25-54. At 11 a.m., ABC 7 has a 25% advantage over its closest competitor in Persons 25-54.

During this May sweep, ABC 7 was Chicago’s station of choice winning sign-on to sign-off in both household ratings with a 117% advantage and Persons 25-54 with an 80% advantage over its nearest competitor based on Monday through Sunday 6 a.m.-2 a.m.

Source: Nielsen Station Index (NSI) Household and Adults 25-54 data. May 2023 based on Chicago Live+SD (4/27 – 5/24/23).

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 and southeast Wisconsin. 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.

Twitter:	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

March 13, 2023

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

Share this release

ABC7 Chicago, in Partnership With Leagues of Women Voters of Chicago, Illinois, and Univision Chicago, To Broadcast and Stream Mayoral Debate With Runoff Candidates

“Vote 2023: The Race for Chicago Mayor: The People’s Forum,” Thursday, March 16, at 7 P.M.

Anchors/Reporters Judy Hsu and Ravi Baichwal To Lead Hourlong, Commercial-Free Debate

Commercial-Free Debate To Air Live Thursday, March 16, on ABC7’s Digital 7.2 Channel From 7:00–8:00 P.M. and Streams Live on abc7chicago.com, ABC7’s 24/7 Digital Stream, the ABC7 News App, ABC7 Facebook and YouTube Channel

Debate Will Air Friday, March 17, on ABC7 Chicago’s Main Channel 7.1 From 10:35–11:35 P.M.; Repeat Sunday, March 19 From 4:00–5:00 P.M. on 7.1

ABC7, Chicago’s most watched television station and the premier broadcaster of countless local debates for more than two decades, will showcase LIVE and COMMERCIAL-FREE, “VOTE 2023: THE RACE FOR CHICAGO MAYOR: THE PEOPLE’S FORUM,” Thursday, March 16, from 7 p.m. -8 p.m. at the ABC7 Studios, 190 North State Street. ABC7 Eyewitness News anchors Judy Hsu and Ravi Baichwal will lead the 60-minute, commercial-free debate between the last two candidates in the Chicago mayoral runoff election in April, Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas. The candidates will square off as they also answer questions from ABC7 political reporter Craig Wall and Univision Chicago anchor Alex Hernandez. Various Chicago community groups have been invited to be part of the studio audience and may have an opportunity to ask questions.

“VOTE 2023: THE RACE FOR CHICAGO MAYOR: THE PEOPLE’S FORUM” will air live on ABC7’s digital channel 7.2 on Thursday, March 16, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and will also stream live on abc7chiago.com, ABC7’s 24/7 digital stream, the ABC7 News App, ABC7 YouTube channel and Facebook. Then, on Friday, March 17 from 10:35 p.m.-11:35 p.m., the debate will air on ABC7’s main channel 7.1. with a repeat broadcast on Sunday, March 19 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on 7.1.

The commercial free debate will also be translated and aired live on Univision’s digital platforms and on UNIMAS (WXFT-TV) on Sunday, March 19at 4 p.m.

According to ABC7 Chicago President and General Manager John Idler, “In this our second mayoral debate, voters will now have the opportunity to focus closely on the two runoff candidates and their plans to govern our city. The candidates will field questions from our moderator and panelists, and they also will hear from a diverse mix of civic organizations who will ask questions about issues important to the communities they serve.”

Community organizations planning to attend:

Access Living
ACLU Illinois
Chicago Federation of Labor
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights
Chicago United
Chicago Urban League
Chicago Votes
Chinese American Service League (CASL)
El Valor
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
League of Women Voters of Chicago
Metropolitan Family Services
Mikva Challenge
Mujeres Latinas en Acción
Rainbow PUSH
Shriver Center on Poverty Law
Southeast Environmental Taskforce
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

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.

Twitter:	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

March 2, 2023

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Share this release

Veteran ABC7 Chicago Anchors Rob Elgas and Ravi Baichwal Promoted to Station’s Afternoon and Evening Weekday Newscasts

Elgas To Anchor 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Newscasts; Baichwal To Anchor Station’s 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Newscasts

Veteran anchors Rob Elgas and Ravi Baichwal have been promoted to anchor ABC7 Chicago’s top-rated afternoon and evening newscasts. Elgas has been tapped to join Cheryl Burton on the station’s 10 p.m. newscast. He will continue to co-anchor the 4 p.m. newscast with Judy Hsu and the 7 p.m. live stream newscast with Burton. Baichwal will move from weekend evening anchor duties to weekdays and will co-anchor the station’s 5 p.m. newscast with Burton and 6 p.m. newscast with Hsu. The new anchor lineups begin Monday, March 6, 2023.

ABC7 Eyewitness News is Chicago’s most-watched station for news, leading the market with the No. 1-rated newscasts at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. for years. Elgas and Baichwal replace Alan Krashesky, who recently retired.

“Rob Elgas and Ravi Baichwal are journalists viewers know, like and trust,” said Jennifer Graves, Vice President of News. “They represent decades of solid anchoring and reporting experience in Chicago which we know will serve our viewers well.”

A Crystal Lake, Illinois, native, Elgas joined ABC7 in 2015 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. He is an award-winning journalist who has won prestigious Associated Press, Peter Lisagor and Chicago Midwest Emmy^® Awards for everything from reporting breaking news to hosting specials. Elgas is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ).

Ravi Baichwal joined ABC7 Chicago in 2006 as anchor of the station’s 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. weekend evening news. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honored Baichwal with a Chicago Midwest Emmy Award for his anchoring ability. Prior to arriving at ABC7 Chicago, Baichwal was an anchor for CTV News, Canada’s No. 1 news organization.

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.

Twitter:	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

February 7, 2023

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

Share this release

ABC7 Chicago Celebrates Black History Month With News, Vignettes and ‘Our Chicago: Spirit and Perseverance’

South Side Chicagoan, Edward Vaughn, aka Rockstar EV, studied rocket science in college and now hopes to become a rock star. Editor/photographer Jordan Arseneau captures his remarkable talent for ABC 7’s Black History Month special, *OUR CHICAGO: SPIRIT AND PERSEVERANCE.*

**ABC 7’s Hosea Sanders and Cheryl Burton host the Black History Month Special, OUR CHICAGO: SPIRIT AND PERSEVERANCE.**

ABC 7 CHICAGO celebrates Black History Month with vignettes, a series of news stories and a half-hour special “OUR CHICAGO: SPIRIT AND PERSEVERANCE.”

Hosted by ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton and Hosea Sanders, “OUR CHICAGO: SPIRIT AND PERSEVERANCE” showcases the unique stories and cultural contributions of Black Chicagoans. The half-hour program airs Saturday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. with an encore presentation the following day on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 11 p.m. and will also stream live exclusively on abc7chicago.com and ABC 7’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

Burton and Sanders host the special from historic Liberty Baptist Church, located at 49^th Street and Martin Luther King Drive. Built in 1956, Liberty Baptist Church served as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s home base during his “Chicago Freedom Movement.” They will kick off the show highlighting the historic influence of Black churches in Chicago.

Vignettes featuring amazing, every day Chicagoans will be showcased throughout February on ABC7, including Englewood resident, guitarist and engineer, Edward Vaughn, “Rockstar E.V.”; inspirational, dancing crossing guard, Tammy Anderson; bakery and candy factory entrepreneur, Stephanie Hart; author and advocate Leanne Stuckey; Loyola University’s AfroDescent Dance Team and caretaker Jeannette Jordan, who reflects on her remarkable love story with her husband, Dr. Robert Jordan.

“OUR CHICAGO: SPIRIT AND PERSEVERANCE” highlights individuals and groups in the Black Chicago community with unique stories and community contributions including the following:

Chicago Freedom Movement: In 1966, Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta, moved to Chicago, where he launched the Chicago Freedom Movement, the historic open housing campaign which was Dr. King’s first major protest movement in the North. The campaign had a major influence on Chicago – it brought Jesse Jackson to the city, where he launched Operation Breadbasket. It also brought other major figures to the city, like Rev. Al Sampson, a longtime minister on the South Side. The special revisits this historic campaign with Rev. Sampson, King biographer Jonathan Eig and others.

Life is Sweet: Owner Stephanie Hart,one of Chicago’s most notable minority businesswomen and owner of beloved South Side bakery Brown Sugar, is keeping the candy making business in Chicago. She purchased the Cupid Candies factory, brought it back to life and is now aiming to expand her Life is Sweet candy treats to a larger market. By renovating the factory, Hart helps the neighborhood, creates jobs and gives people a chance to make a living wage. Hart is one of the only Black-owned candy makers in the country.

Chicago’s “Notebook” Love Story – In Sickness and in Health: Pastor Jeannette Jordan and her husband, Dr. Robert Jordan, have been married for over 50 years and share five children. Robert, a retired pediatrician, became Rush Hospital’s first Black chief resident of pediatrics in 1979. A few years ago, Robert was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Now, his wife, Jeannette, has dedicated her life to caring for him.

Mielle Organics: Chicago founders Monique and Melvin Rodriguez established the Merrillville, Indiana-based hair and skin care company, Mielle Organics, in their basement. Now worth $100 million, they follow in the footsteps of great Black-owned hair care companies from the past, like Johnson Products and Soft Sheen (owned by Edward and Bettiann Gardner).

Loyola AfroDescent Dance Team: AfroDescent is the first and only African dance team at Loyola University Chicago that expresses themselves through the movement of their African ancestors and a variety of styles that have transcended from the African diaspora. As a diverse team, they seek to highlight the joyous and artistic expression of African Dance and showcase them to the Loyola community.

Faith Leaders Bring Credit Union to Austin Neighborhood: Faith leaders at the Great True Vine Baptist Church in Austin join forces with a local investment banker to open a credit union at a neighborhood community center later this year in hopes of bringing financial stability to the people of Austin.

ABC7 Eyewitness news will feature many compelling stories for Black History Month under the banner “Building a Better Chicago,” including the following:

Anchor Rob Elgas takes a trip to Funky Town, the first Black-owned brewery in Chicago.
Reporter Leah Hope reports on the local mother behind Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream. Her ice cream will be featured at the Museum of Ice Cream starting in February.
Anchor Samantha Chatman investigates diversity in dispensaries, exploring the number of Black marijuana dispensary applicants in comparison to the number of approved applicants that obtain dispensary licenses.
Race and Culture Reporter Will Jones highlights a local entrepreneur spreading positive messages through clothing.
Reporter John Garcia delves into The Bears Organization to uncover the progress of diversity in their program.
Traffic Anchor Roz Varon takes a trip back in time visiting an exhibit called The Negro Motorist Green Book.

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.

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

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

Press Release

February 2, 2023

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

Share this release

ABC 7 Chicago To Present the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, Live, Saturday, February 11 at 6:00 PM

ABC 7 Anchors Jim Rose, Ryan Chiaverini, Tracy Butler, Roz Varon and Val Warner To Host Hourlong Special

It’s time to get revved up to find your dream car when ABC 7 gives a preview of the 2023 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW, Saturday, February 11 at 6:00 P.M. on ABC 7. Hosted by ABC 7 Anchors Jim Rose, Ryan Chiaverini, Tracy Butler, Roz Varon and Val Warner,this live, hour-long special spotlights all of the bells and whistles that come with some of the most spectacular cars, trucks, and SUVs the industry has to offer. An encore broadcast of the live special will air later that eveningat midnight and again on Sunday, February 12 from 3:30-4:30 P.M. on ABC 7. The special will also stream live exclusively on abc7chicago.com and ABC 7’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

They’re back! The indoor test tracks are fan favorites and ABC 7 Anchors Jim Rose and Val Warner will take viewers along for the ride. Featuring five returning tracks and two new indoor tracks, attendees can ride in the latest vehicles from two tracks at Ford, Jeep, Hyundai, Ram, Toyota and Ram Truck and can dive deep into the world of electric vehicles in the new Chicago Drives Electric test track and EV education center.

Chicago Drives Electric EV track powered by ComEd and educational hub will debut this year. ABC 7’s Traffic Anchor Roz Varon will take a sweet ride on the auto show’s newest Electric Vehicle test track. The 100,000 square feet of electric track is triple the size from 2022. A range of EVs from luxury to mainstream will be explored including — BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Nissan and Volkswagen. The educational hub will provide consumer information on tax credits and incentives as well as where to charge their EVs.

What could be more thrilling than jumping behind the wheel of a great new car, truck or SUV from Ford, Kia, Subaru and Volkswagen for an outdoor test drive on the streets of Chicago? Host Ryan Chiaverini is in the driver’s seat when the rubber meets the road outside the showroom floor.

Thinking about a new puppy to ride along in your new car? The 2023 auto show, with assistance from Roz Varon, can help with both. Roz will be live at the Subaru Loves Pets exhibit with an adorable and adoptable pack of puppies ready to find a loving home. Since the Subaru Loves Pets auto show adoption events began in 2018, more than 946 pets have been adopted. Puppies will be available for adoption throughout the show’s run.

More and more women are leading change across the automotive industry and Meteorologist Tracy Butler highlights the auto show’s efforts to recognize and award outstanding female professionals, including Jen Morand, President, Chicago Automobile Trade Association General Manager, Chicago Auto Show.

The 2023 Auto show will not only highlight the cars that are stars but will preview some of the other ‘must-try’ interactive events including Friday Night Flights where guests get to sample beer from a dozen local breweries. The Toyota Miles Per Hour Run featuring a unique, indoor 2.4 mile running track set on the auto show floor. On Sunday, February 12 Chicago runners can get up early, and view amazing cars while fitting in a good work out– all before the auto show opens to the public and the big game begins.

The 2023 Chicago Auto Show special returns for the 9^th year to ABC 7 through a partnership with the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and ABC 7 Chicago – pairing the most watched television station in Chicago with the largest auto show in North America. This year will mark the 115th edition of the show. FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY has raised nearly $60 million for local charities over the years.

The Auto Show special will be broadcast live on ABC 7’s 7.1, available on the ABC 7 News App and will also be available live and on-demand on ABC7Chicago.com.

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.

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

Press Release

January 10, 2023

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

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ABC7 Chicago, in Partnership With Leagues of Women Voters of Chicago, Illinois, and Univision Chicago, To Broadcast and Stream Mayoral Debate; ‘Vote 2023: The Race for Chicago Mayor: The Candidates Debate,’ Thursday, Jan. 19, at 7 P.M.

Anchor /Reporter Judy Hsu to Moderate 90-Minute, Commercial-Free Debate

Debate To Stream Live on abc7chicago.com, ABC7’s 24/7 Digital Stream and News App Thursday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.; Also Available on ABC7 YouTube Account and Facebook; Debate To Air on Station’s 7.2

ABC7 Chicago’s Main Channel, 7.1, To Feature Commercial-Free Debate Sunday, Jan. 22, 10:30 P.M.-Midnight

ABC7, Chicago’s most-watched television station and the premier broadcaster of countless local debates for more than two decades, will showcase LIVE and WITHOUT COMMERCIALS, “VOTE 2023: THE RACE FOR CHICAGO MAYOR: THE CANDIDATES DEBATE,” Thursday, Jan. 19, at

7 p.m. at the ABC7 Studios, 190 North State Street. ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Judy Hsu will lead the 90-minute, commercial-free debate among the nine candidates running for mayor of the city of Chicago. The candidates will square off as they also answer questions from ABC7 political reporter Craig Wall and Univision Chicago anchor Enrique Rodriguez.

“VOTE 2023: THE RACE FOR CHICAGO MAYOR: THE CANDIDATES DEBATE” will stream live on abc7chicago.com, ABC7’s 24/7 digital stream and News App, ABC7’s YouTube account and Facebook. The debate will also air on ABC7’s 7.2 channel, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. Then on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 10:30 p.m., the debate will air on ABC7’s main channel, 7.1.

The commercial-free debate will also be simultaneously translated and aired live on Univision’s digital platforms (website, app, YouTube channel and Facebook page) and on UNIMAS (WXFT-TV) on Sunday Jan. 22, at 4 p.m.

According to ABC7 Chicago President and General Manager John Idler, “This debate will give Chicago voters an excellent opportunity to examine all nine candidates who believe they deserve to be the mayor of Chicago and evaluate how they respond to tough questions from our moderator and panelists.”

Participating in the debate are the following candidates:

State Representative Kam Buckner
Congressman Jesus “Chuy’’ Garcia
Community Activist Ja’Mal Green
Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson
Alderwoman Sophia King
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot
Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer
Former CPS CEO Paul Vallas
Businessman Willie L. Wilson

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.

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

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

Press Release

December 13, 2022

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

Share this release

ABC7 Chicago I-Team Consumer Investigative Reporter Samantha Chatman Promoted to Weekend Morning News Anchor

ABC7 I-Team consumer investigative reporter Samantha Chatman was promoted to weekend morning anchor, it was announced today by Jennifer Graves, Vice President of News, ABC7 Eyewitness News. Chatman will anchor the weekend morning newscasts with Mark Rivera effective immediately while continuing to cover consumer investigative stories for the station.

According to Graves, “We’re thrilled that Samantha Chatman, a Chicago original who grew up watching ABC7 Eyewitness News and later became an ABC7 intern, has been promoted to an important role on the weekend anchor desk. Since joining the station, Samantha has connected with our viewers, in part because of how her stories have helped consumers here but also because of her commitment to our diverse community.”

An Emmy^® Award-winning reporter, Chatman grew up in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side. She joined Chicago’s No. 1 news station in September 2019. Prior to joining ABC7 Eyewitness News, Chatman was a consumer investigative reporter for KXAS-TV, the NBC-owned station in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Before moving to Dallas/Fort Worth, Chatman was the business reporter at WDRB-TV in Louisville, Kentucky. She started her career at WEEK-TV in Peoria, Illinois, where she worked as a multimedia journalist, fill-in anchor and weather anchor.

Chatman attended Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center for middle school, Lincoln Park High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a minor in African American studies. During her senior year at the University of Illinois, Chatman was selected for a news internship at ABC 7 Chicago.

Chatman is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the National Association of Black Journalists.

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.

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

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

Press Release

November 1, 2022

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

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 Alan Krashesky Sunday, November 20 at 6:00 PM

Featuring Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mousefrom Walt Disney World® Resort; Special Performances Including One of the Top Female Groups of All Time, The Pointer Sisters; R&B vocal favorites, The Spinners, American Singer-Songwriter Debbie Gibson, and the go to dance band, C&C Music Factory.

2021 Lights Festival with Alan Krashesky and Cheryl Burton

The magic of the holidays, Chicago style, is captured for viewers around the country with musical performances, beloved Walt Disney World characters, and dazzling fireworks, as more than a million twinkling Michigan Avenue lights set the stage for the broadcast of the spectacular Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Sunday, November 20 from 6-7:00 P.M. on ABC 7 Chicago. Encore broadcasts will air Saturday, December 10, from 11 A.M.-Noon and Christmas Eve from 4-5 P.M. on ABC 7.

ABC 7 Eyewitness News Anchors Cheryl Burton and Alan Krashesky will serve as co-hosts of the broadcastwith ABC 7’s Tracy Butler and Hosea Sanders capturing the magic from the street for viewers at home.

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile 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.

The hour-long special, showcasing the country’s largest evening holiday parade celebration, will showcase a performance by one of the country’s all-time, top female groups, The Pointer Sisters, sparking everyone’s excitement when they perform their hit single, “I’m so Excited.” American rhythm and blues vocal favorites, The Spinners, will also perform, making it a night to remember. American singer-songwriter Debbie Gibson will perform songs from her eleventh studio album, Winterlicious, and C&C Music Factory will perform the song that always signals a good time, “Everybody Dance Now!” on the Enjoy Illinois float.

In addition, Phillip Mkhize will perform “The Circle of Life,” from Broadway in Chicago’s The Lion King, now at the Cadillac Palace. The cast of Wicked, and Lookingglass Theater’s The Steadfast Tin Soldier will entertain viewers and parade goers alike. After performing on the parade route, The Spinners will offer a medley of their classic hits for an uplifting finale.

In the first official parade of the holidays, Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, illuminate over one million lights on 200 trees along “The Magnificent Mile,” one of the greatest avenues in the world. Appearing on an awe-inspiring float, the world’s most famous characters will lead the way for four new marching bands from around the country including the Gulf Coast Shark Band (Naples,FL), Greendale High School Marching Band (Greendale, WI), Vandalia-Butler Marching Aviators And Kickline (Vandalia, OH), and Archbold High School Bluestreak Marching Band (Archbold, OH) in addition to returning fan favorites including the Crystal Lake Strikers, and others. Floating high above the crowds will be Twinkles the Snowman, beautiful gift packages and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital balloons.

Members of the ABC 7 Eyewitness News team— Judy Hsu, Rob Elgas and Jessica D’Onofrio will be spreading good cheer as they ride atop ABC 7 Chicago’s whimsical float during the parade.

The broadcast’s grand finale, The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular, will light up the sky (and children’s hearts) with a dazzling fireworks display over the Chicago River, after Santa ushers in the holiday season on a beautiful float!

This is the 16th consecutive year the much-anticipated tradition will be broadcasted to Chicago audiences on ABC 7, the most watched television station in the city. Throughout the holiday season, the special will be watched in nearly 100% of the country’s television markets as well as Toronto, Canada, with encore airings in multiple markets. Check local listings for times.

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.

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

Press Release

January 28, 2022

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko