Skip to content

Press Release

January 11, 2022

Media relations
Mike Monsell
6abc WPVI-TV
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

WPVI Philadelphia Elevates News Veteran Rick Williams to New Role As 11 P.M. Action News Anchor

6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica and Vice President of News Tom Davis named Rick Williams as anchor of its late evening 11 p.m. newscast, beginning Jan. 12, 2022. Williams replaces the legendary Jim Gardner, who is stepping down from the role in 2022.

“I’m delighted that Rick Williams will anchor Action News at 11 p.m. following Jim Gardner,” said Prazenica. “Rick is uniquely qualified by his 30+ years of experience in anchoring Action News in the morning, noon and evening. His knowledge of our region and deep roots in our community make him the perfect choice.” 

In addition, Williams expressed his admiration of Gardner and enthusiasm about his new role: “It’s no small thing to be able to follow a news icon and, in many ways, a role model. Jim set the journalistic bar very high at 11 o’clock, and I hope I can maintain the same standard of excellence … while also having a bit of fun with my evening colleagues. It’s going to be exciting!”

A Philadelphia mainstay for more than three decades, Williams will team up with Ducis Rodgers and chief meteorologist Cecily Tynan, the latter with whom Williams spent five years anchoring the morning newscast together from 1997-2002. Currently co-anchoring Action News at 5 p.m. and Action News at 10 p.m. on PHL-17, Williams has kept 6abc viewers informed for more than 25 years as an anchor and reporter. He also reports for Action News’ weekly “Crimefighters” series. Williams previously co-anchored Action News Mornings, helping to create a dominant early morning program.

Vice President of News Tom Davis added, “Rick is a veteran journalist who has been living and working in Philadelphia at 6abc for more than 30 years. Rick has a rare combination of being a great newsman and an even better person! He’s truly earned our viewers respect and trust.”

During his tenure at 6abc, award-winning Williams has also covered a variety of big events and interviewed various presidents, politicians and celebrities. One of his favorite assignments is hosting the 6abc Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside Cecily Tynan, which he has enjoyed every year since 2009. Among his numerous awards, Williams was also inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2010.

Williams arrived in Philadelphia in 1988 from WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina. Prior to that, he worked at WOWK-TV in Huntington, West Virginia; and at WUSA in Washington, D.C. He began his career in radio soon after graduating from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism.


Although born in New York, Williams considers himself a true Philadelphian, spending much of his time helping to uplift the community and inspire young people in their academic endeavors. He currently sits on the board of Philadelphia Futures, a nonprofit organization which mentors college-bound Philadelphia students. He is also a board member of the Moorestown Theater Company and has taken the stage in a few musical productions with his family and friends.

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia  
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, information, traffic and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures over half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*. In the past year, Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.9%.†   

*Based on April 2020 Nielsen survey  

†Based on May 2019 – April 2020 Nielsen data  

Twitter:https://twitter.com/6abc
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/6abcactionnews/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/6abcActionNews/

Media Contacts: 
6abc WPVI-TV 
Mike Monsell 
mike.monsell@abc.com 

Press Release

November 22, 2021

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

‘The 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade Celebration’ Returns to the Parkway, Airs Live on 6abc and Hulu Thursday, Nov. 25 (8:30 A.M. EST)

The 102nd Annual Tradition and Philadelphia’s No. 1 Parade Will be Star-Studded With Celebrity and Local Appearances and Performances, Featuring WPVI’s Rick Williams, Cecily Tynan, Adam Joseph, Karen Rogers and Alicia Vitarelli, with ‘Good Morning America’’s Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee, Daytime Talk Show Host Tamron Hall and Carson Kressley 

Viewers Can Stream the ‘Thanksgiving Day Parade Celebration’ Live on Hulu, and on  6abc.com6abc Philadelphia News App and 6abc Connected Television Apps on Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku Platforms 

6abc, Philadelphia’s most-watched television station and leading news source, rings in the holiday season with its 11-year title sponsor Dunkin’ for the The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade Celebration” on Thursday, Nov. 25 (8:30 a.m. EST). The No. 1 hometown parade begins with a half-hour preview show, followed by three hours of celebrity appearances, performances and sweepstakes contests throughout the parade’s broadcast. The event is hosted by 6abc Action News’ Rick WilliamsCecily TynanAdam JosephKaren Rogers and Alicia Vitarelli with special guest host Carson Kressley, Emmy®-award winning daytime talk show host Tamron Hall and Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee of “Good Morning America.”  

Viewers from across the country will be able to watch the three-and-a-half-hour broadcast in nine additional markets* across the country, including ABC-owned ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh Durham, and available to stream live on Hulu and 6abc.com. The popular Dunkin’ Fan Cam is back LIVE on the streets of Philadelphia, following hosts Alicia and Adam up the Ben Franklin Parkway throughout the parade as they share in the festivities with parade-goers and engage with viewers via social media hashtag #6abcTDP. Special guest hosts Kressley and Zee will be joined by Quinta Brunson, creator, writer, executive producer and star of the upcoming ABC workplace comedy “Abbott Elementary,” which debuts with a special premiere on Tuesday, December 7 (9:30 p.m. EST/8:30 p.m. CST).  

The celebration includes local talent, performances, sports team mascots and numerous celebrity guests and appearances including special guests Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort.  Click here for a full list of special appearances and parade participants.  

“We have enormous pride in presenting ‘The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade Celebration’ to the city we love. It is a tremendous honor for our employees and thousands of volunteers along the Parkway to be involved and, most importantly, to be organized and produced in-person with numerous safety protocols in place to ensure that while we’re having a good time, we’re also remaining safe,” said Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager, 6abc/WPVI. “All the festivities are possible because of our 11-year sponsor Dunkin’ and the rest of our terrific sponsors.”   

“We are thrilled to celebrate the return of ‘The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade Celebration’ and to kick off the holiday season with Philadelphia’s favorite Thanksgiving Day tradition,” said Jackie Keown, field marketing director for Dunkin’. “Dunkin’ and our Greater Philadelphia-area franchisees love being part of such a special day and look forward to celebrating in person and on the parkway this year and with our viewers at home who can’t make it but want to join in the fun!” 

Joining title partner Dunkin’ (dunkindonuts.com) as major corporate sponsors are Acme Markets (acmemarkets.com), Ram Trucks (ramtrucks.com) and NRG (picknrg.com).

Additionally, viewers will have the opportunity to win numerous prizes, from free Dunkin’ coffee for a year to front row seats at Disney on Ice “Let’s Celebrate.” The sweepstakes and rules pertaining to the prizes can be found at 6abc’s “Watch & Win”.  

Viewers can stream the virtual parade celebration live on Hulu, 6abc.com6abc Philadelphia News App and 6abc Connected Television Apps on Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku Platforms. 

Editor’s Note: Click here for a full list and parade participants. 

*Syndicated Stations and Markets Parade Will Broadcast:

WATM – Johnstown, PAABC23
WBOC – Salisbury, MDFOX21
WDCW – Washington, D.C.CW50
WJET – Erie, PAJET24
WSWB – Wilkes Barre/Scranton, PACW38
WTVD – Raleigh/Durham, NCABC11
WWHO– Columbus, OHWWHO53
WZVN – Fort Myers, FLABC7
WORA – Puerto RicoWORA5 (ABC)

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, information, traffic and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures over half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*. In the past year, Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.9%.†   

*Based on April 2020 Nielsen survey 

†Based on May 2019 – April 2020 Nielsen data 

Twitter:https://twitter.com/6abc
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/6abcactionnews/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/6abcActionNews/

Press Credentials:
Contact: diane.hamlet@abc.com

Press Release

November 10, 2021

Media relations
Mike Monsell
6abc WPVI-TV
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

Veteran WPVI Action News Anchor Jim Gardner Dials Back His Schedule, Prepares for Retirement

Photo Courtesy 6abc/WPVI

Longtime 6abc/WPVI-TV veteran Jim Gardner announced he is dialing back his schedule with Action News and plans to retire at the end of 2022 after more than four decades in broadcast. Earlier today, Gardner informed his colleagues of his decision to reduce his schedule by continuing to anchor the 6 p.m. newscast, with Ducis Rodgers and Meteorologist Cecily Tynan, but no longer anchoring the 11 p.m. newscast. His last late newscast is scheduled for early January.  WPVI will announce his replacement in the coming months.

“It’s hard to imagine that I have had the opportunity to spend a professional lifetime with colleagues so committed, resourceful and wonderful. They have taught me so much about television journalism and about myself. I am profoundly grateful,” said Gardner. “I have spent most of my adult life at Action News, and many of our viewers have grown up and experienced life along with me and the on-air team I’ve worked side-by-side with. I’ve been blessed to raise a family here and to be a member of this community over the past 45 years. I feel I have a special relationship with our viewers and the communities we serve, and I plan to continue to enjoy every minute with them over the next year.”

Gardner has held the long-tenured position of anchor of Action News at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. since May 11, 1977, after joining WPVI as a reporter and anchor during Noon newscast on June 1, 1976.

Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of WPVI, shared his thoughts: “For many of us, Jim is the last news voice we hear before ending our day. He has guided us through the good and the bad with calm confidence for more than 40 years, often reassuring us that tomorrow will bring a better day. His presence will be missed by our viewers and by all of us at 6abc. Thankfully, we have another year with him during the 6 p.m. newscast, and we look forward to his continued presence and leadership.”

Gardner received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University in 1970. Following his graduation, Gardner worked briefly on the radio at the all-news WINS Radio in New York and later WFAS Radio in White Plains, New York. He began his television broadcast career at WKBW-TV in Buffalo before joining WPVI, where he remained for more than four decades.

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, information, traffic and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures over half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*. In the past year, Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.9%.†    

*Based on April 2020 Nielsen survey

†Based on May 2019 – April 2020 Nielsen data

Twitter:https://twitter.com/6abc
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/6abcactionnews/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/6abcActionNews/

Media Contacts:
6abc WPVI-TV
Mike Monsell
mike.monsell@abc.com

Bernie Prazenica is president and general manager of WPVI-TV/6abc in Philadelphia. The top-rated news and entertainment television station in the Delaware and Lehigh Valley, WPVI-TV is an ABC owned television station in the country’s fourth largest television market. It is nationally recognized as one of the preeminent stations in news, local programming and community involvement, with a ratings dominance that spans nearly 45 years.

Under Prazenica’s leadership, the station completed construction of a state-of-the-art, 110,000-square foot, all-digital facility next to its previous home on City and Monument Avenues in 2009. He also oversees 6abc.com, its mobile applications and two digital channels. The station’s website is the most popular television website in the Delaware Valley.

Prazenica’s career in television spans 43 years and across a number of stations and markets. Prior to current role, which he assumed in 2007, he served as president and general manager of WTVD-TV, ABC’s owned station in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he guided the station in construction of the market’s first street-level studio, started a 10 p.m. News program, and brought a new commitment to local programming. In 1994, Prazenica was appointed as director of Sales for WPVI-TV, after representing ABC Owned Television Stations in the mid-Atlantic region in their ABC National TV Sales department. He began his career at Pittsburgh’s WPTT-TV as an account executive, before transitioning to WXEX-TV in Richmond, Virginia, and then returning to his college town of Philadelphia to begin a long stand with WPVI-TV.

Since returning to Philadelphia, Prazenica has continued a long tradition of WPVI-TV community involvement. He is actively involved on various boards such as Pennsylvania Visitors and Convention Bureau, Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Corporate Council, City Avenue Special Services District, and Castlemans Disease Collaborative Network Board of Advisors. He is also a past chairman of the Police Athletic League and chairman of Temple University’s Klein College Board of Advisors.

In 2009, Prazenica was the proud recipient of the Lew Klein Alumni in the Media Award. In 2014, Temple University also inducted him into its Gallery of Success in the School of Media and Communication. That same year, he was recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the City’s 75 Most Influential People and in 2020 he received the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia’s highest award.

Prazenica graduated cum laude from the Klein School of Media and Communications at Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in communications, radio-TV-film.

WPVI-TV

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia

For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, information, traffic and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures over half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*. In the past year, Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.9%.

  • WPVI serves close to 7 million people 2+ who reside in The Delaware Valley, an area covering Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware.
  • In the past year Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in households for a winning percentage of 99.8%.
  • In an average day Action News captures nearly 45% of all adult 25-54 news viewers.
  • Won the 2019 Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards for best anchor, ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor Terrell Brown, and best spot news coverage on the killing of McHenry County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Keltner and the hours-long standoff with the suspect
  • No. 1 in 45 years
  • Thanksgiving Day Parade – 100 years old in 2019

Press Release

November 20, 2020

Media relations
Mike Monsell
6abc WPVI-TV
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

Celebrities Join the Fun As 6ABC’S Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Celebration Kicks Off Thursday, Nov. 26 (8:30 A.M. EST)

Featuring ‘Live’’s Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, and ‘Good Morning America’’s Ginger Zee

Viewers Can Stream the Virtual Parade Celebration Live on 6abc.com6abc Philadelphia News App and 6abc Connected Television Apps on Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Hulu and Roku Platforms

Viewers Can Win Fantastic Prizes in 6abc’s Watch and Win Sweepstakes

Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest; Ginger Zee; DJ Jazzy Jeff
Carson Kressley; Julia Rae

6abc, Philadelphia’s most-watched television station and leading news source, rings in the holiday season with its 10-year title sponsor Dunkin for the “The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Celebration,” on Thursday, Nov. 26 (8:30 a.m. EST), followed by three and a half hours of virtual celebrity appearances, performances and sweepstakes contests throughout the special. The reimagined celebration is hosted by 6abc Action News Rick WilliamsCecily TynanAdam JosephKaren Rogers and Alicia Vitarelli with special guest host Carson Kressley and Julia Rae. They are joined by special guests Ginger Zee of “Good Morning America,” “Live” hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, and Philadelphia’s DJ Jazzy Jeff.

“We were determined to provide our viewers with the wonderful Thanksgiving morning programming they have enjoyed for decades,” said Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia. “While we can’t be together for a parade on the parkway, we can be together through the magic of sharing Thanksgiving as a community on 6abc. For out-of-town families that used to visit the parade, we encourage them to download one of our streaming apps and host a virtual watch party with their family.”

In addition to the hosts, the virtual celebration includes performances and celebrity appearances that include the most-awarded female gospel artist of all time CeCe Winans, musician DaVonda Simmons, actress Hayley Orrantia, Disney Channel’s star Ruby Rose Turner of “Coop & Cami Ask the World,” Mandy Gonzalez, Norm Lewis, Billy Flanigan, Deniece Williams, Just Sam, Louis Knight, Runaway June, Disney’s The Lion King, Philadanco, with special guests from Walt Disney World, and viewers can enjoy past memorable parade moments.

“As Dunkin’ celebrates its 10th anniversary as the title sponsor of the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade, our Greater Philadelphia-area franchisees are thrilled to continue being a part of such a special holiday tradition,” said Jackie Keown, Field Marketing Director for Dunkin’ Brands. “We want to thank our amazing partners at 6abc for a decade-long partnership that brings Philadelphia’s favorite holiday tradition to the community and beyond and look forward to celebrating safely this year with viewers at home!”  

Joining title partner Dunkin’ (dunkindonuts.com) as major corporate sponsors are Acme Markets (acmemarkets.com), Ram Trucks (ramtrucks.com), NRG (picknrg.com), Verizon Fios (verizon.com), and Forman Mills (formanmills.com).

Additionally, viewers will have the opportunity to win numerous Prizes range from a Florida vacation for six to TradeWinds Island Resorts to free Dunkin coffee for a year. The contest and rules pertaining to the prizes can be found at 6abc’s “Watch & Win”.

Viewers can stream the virtual parade celebration live on6abc.com6abc Philadelphia News Appand6abc Connected Television Apps on Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Hulu and Roku Platforms

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia 
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, information, traffic and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures over half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*. In the past year, Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.9%.†  

*Based on April 2020 Nielsen survey 

†Based on May 2019 – April 2020 Nielsen data 

Twitter:https://twitter.com/6abc
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/6abcactionnews/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/6abcActionNews/ 

Media Contact
6abc WPVI-TV
Mike Monsell
mike.monsell@abc.com

Press Release

September 25, 2020

Media relations

No contacts found

Share this release

6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia Kicks Off a Virtual Lineup to Celebrate Community Parades, Beginning This Sunday, Sept. 27 (12:30 P.M. EDT), With the Puerto Rican Day Celebration

Viewers Can Stream the Virtual Parade Celebrations on 6abc.com6abc News App and 6abc Connected Television Apps

The 56th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade makes its way down the Ben Franklin Parkway.

6abc continues Philadelphia’s tradition of recognizing various communities by airing and streaming half-hour virtual celebrations for the following parades: The Puerto Rican Day Celebration, Pulaski Day Celebration (celebrating Polish heritage), Italian American Heritage Celebration and the Veterans Day Celebration. The first celebration kicks off this weekend with the Puerto Rican Day Celebration to air SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 (12:30-1:00 p.m. EDT), hosted by anchor Walter Perez.

Although all city-wide parades have been canceled in Philadelphia until January 2021, these half-hour linear broadcasts will feature parade hosts coming together virtually to discuss current events and share with viewers how they are celebrating their respective cultures virtually. The celebratory specials will also highlight the previous year’s community parades.

“These community events are the fabric of what makes Philadelphia so unique, and today they are more important than ever,” says Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of 6abc. “It is our distinct honor to share these events with our 6abc television and digital audiences.”

The virtual community parades’ celebrations will air as follows:

Puerto Rican Day CelebrationSunday, Sept. 2712:30-1:00 p.m. EDT
Pulaski Day CelebrationSunday, Oct. 412:30-1:00 p.m. EDT
Italian American HeritageSunday, Oct. 1112:30-1:00 p.m. EDT
Veterans Day CelebrationSunday, Nov. 812:30-1:00 p.m. EDT

Viewers can also stream the half-hour virtual parade celebrations on 6abc.com, 6abc news app and 6abc connected television apps.

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news information, traffic, and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures over half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*.  In the past year, Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.9%.† 

*Based on April 2020 Nielsen survey.

†Based on May 2019 – April 2020 Nielsen data.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/6abc
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/6abcactionnews/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/6abcActionNews/

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

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

Press Release

September 11, 2020

Media relations

No contacts found

Share this release

6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia Sits Down With Mayor Jim Kennney, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and Community Leaders in a Virtual Town Hall To Address Gun Violence

‘Building It Better Together Town Hall: Gun Violence’ Will Air on 6abc, Sunday, Sept. 13 (9:30-10:30 a.m. EDT)

Viewers Can Live Stream Town Hall on 6abc.com, 6abc News App and 6abc Connected Television Apps

6abc, Philadelphia’s leading news source, presents a one-hour virtual town hall, “Building It Better Together Town Hall: Gun Violence,” on Sunday, Sept. 13 (9:30-10:30 a.m. EDT). Hosted by 6abc Action News anchor Sharrie Williams and reporter Corey Davis, the town hall will air on 6abc and streamed live simultaneously on 6abc.com, 6abc news app and 6abc connected television apps

Gun violence is escalating in the city of Philadelphia. With three months remaining in 2020, the city has experienced more than 300 homicides for the year, more than the total sum of homicides in previous years. In fact, homicides in the city are up 34% from 2019 and over 100 children are victims of gun violence in the city thus far. Recently, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw joined members of the community in a peace walk. She will join 6abc’s town hall to discuss what the department and the city are doing to stop gun violence. 

Williams is bringing a panel of experts together that will include the following:

  • Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw
  • Mayor Jim Kenney, City of Philadelphia 
  • Senator Sharif Street, Pennsylvania State Senate
  • Keir Bradford-Grey, executive director, Philadelphia Defenders Association
  • Solomon Jones, radio personality, author and Inquirer columnist 
  • Ted Qualli, executive director, Philadelphia Police Athletic League
  • Bilal Qayyum, activist and founder, Father’s Day Rally Committee 
  • Derrick Wood, inspector, Philadelphia Police Department  
  • Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, founder and national director, Mothers In Charge 

There are numerous topics to cover. WPVI’s Williams and Davis will work to address concerns they are hearing from the community. They will seek answers and guidance from the panel to provide solutions to issues facing the communities. The topics will range from law enforcement response to escalating shootings and homicides, City of Philadelphia’s response to violence amid the COVID-19 pandemic, public policy and gun laws, poverty and the correlation to educational, healthcare disparities and unemployment, to motivating communities and neighborhoods to get involved and “take back their streets” and many other topics of concern.

“Building It Better Together Town Hall: Gun Violence” will air Sunday, Sept. 13 (9:30-10:30 a.m. EDT), on 6abc/WPVI-TV. Viewers can also stream livethe hour-long conversation on 6abc.com, 6abc news app and 6abc connected television apps

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and centralDelaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news information, traffic, and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures over halfof all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*.  In the past year, Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of98.9%.† 

*Based on April 2020 Nielsen survey. 

†Based on May 2019 – April 2020 Nielsen data.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/6abc
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/6abcactionnews/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/6abcActionNews/

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

Press Release

August 21, 2020

Media relations

No contacts found

Share this release

6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia Brings Philadelphia and Tri-State Superintendents Together for a Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Back-to-School Plans

‘Building It Better Together Town Hall: Back to School’ Will Air on 6abc, Sunday, Aug. 23 (9:30-10:30 a.m. EDT)

Viewers Can Live Stream Town Hall on 6abc.com, 6abc News App and 6abc Connected Television Apps

6abc, Philadelphia’s leading news source, presents a one-hour virtual town hall, “Building It Better Together Town Hall: Back to School” on Sunday, Aug. 23 (9:30-10:30 a.m. EDT), to air on 6abc and streamed live simultaneously on 6abc.com, 6abc news app and 6abc connected television apps. The town hall will be hosted by 6abc Action News anchor Tamala Edwards and reporter Jaclyn Lee.

As families and school districts across Philadelphia and the tri-state region grapple with back-to-school challenges, 6abc has kept viewers informed of school opening plans as they have developed and been released by the Philadelphia School District superintendent, as well as informing the community how the district plans to address food and internet concerns during virtual learning.

The town hall brings superintendents together, before the Sept. 2 start date, from Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware to discuss a range of challenges that include back-to-school plans, the economic impact on school district employees and vendors, address families’ concerns and provide information about aid and resources to assist underrepresented communities with the many challenges faced with distance learning. Viewers can submit questions to 6abc.com and the Action News Facebook Page.

Panelists will include the following:

  • William Hite,D., superintendent, Philadelphia Public School District
  • Nancy Hacker, Ed.D., superintendent, School District of Springfield Township (Montgomery County, Pennsylvania)
  • Jeffrey Menzer, D., superintendent,Colonial School District (Delaware)
  • Joseph Meloche D., superintendent, Cherry Hill Public Schools
  • Scott Gordon, CEO,Mastery Charter Schools

There are numerous topics to cover. Edwards and Lee will work to address concerns they are hearing from the community. They will seek answers and guidance from the panel pertaining to childcare assistance, the equity and fairness of “pandemic pods,” teachers’ union demands, school transportation concerns, safety   protocols when children return, plus details on the best way to track  symptoms among students and teachers, along with many other concerns.

“Building It Better Together Town Hall: Back to School” will air  Sunday, Aug. 23 (9:30-10:30 a.m. EDT), on 6abc/WPVI-TV. Viewers can also stream live the hour-long conversation on 6abc.com, 6abc news app and 6abc connected television apps.

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news information, traffic, and weather to more than 3-million homes. Action News captures over half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*.  In the past year, Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.9%. #

*Based on April 2020 Nielsen survey.

#Based on May 2019 – April 2020 Nielsen data.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/6abc
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/6abcactionnews/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/6abcActionNews/

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