Type: WPVI-TV, Philadelphia

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

Share this release

WPVI Philadelphia News Veteran Brian Taff To Succeed Jim Gardner at 6 P.M.

6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica and Vice President of News Tom Davis have named Brian Taff as the next anchor for the 6 p.m. newscast. Taff will succeed lauded news anchor Jim Gardner when he retires later this month. Gardner’s final newscast is scheduled for Dec. 21.

“My thirteen years at 6abc have been life-changing in all of the most meaningful ways,” said Taff. “It’s where I’ve worked alongside colleagues who’ve become like family. It’s also where I have begun a family of my own — meeting my wife, now the mother of my three precious children. I am reminded daily of the extraordinary, unique and beautiful relationship we share with the viewers we serve. All those things make me humbled beyond words to take on this profound responsibility.”

“During my time at Action News, Jim Gardner has become much more than a mentor to me — he’s been a dear friend, a trusted confidant, and a guide for which I’m unendingly grateful,” Taff continues. “He will never be replaced on Action News at 6, but it’s the professional honor of a lifetime to be asked to succeed him. It is an important distinction. The baton I am being handed from him has been used to orchestrate the decades-long construction of our foundation ― one built on honesty, integrity, and trust. I intend to honor and build upon that legacy with every single word, every single night.”

“I’m excited that Brian Taff will be the next anchor of Action News at 6 p.m. following Jim Gardner’s historic run,” said Prazenica. “Over the last 13 years, Brian has displayed the knowledge, skill and talent that the Delaware Valley expects from Action News. Now, with Brian and Rick Williams in place, we can continue to serve our viewers for many years to come.”

“Brian is a very hardworking and talented journalist who loves the Delaware Valley,” added Davis. “He is committed to the creative storytelling that impacts our communities. Jim is also excited about Brian taking on this new role.”

Taff, who came to 6abc in 2009, currently co-anchors the noon and 4 p.m. newscasts. He will remain part of the 4 p.m. team but roll out of the noon anchor chair. Since arriving at 6abc, his reporting assignments have taken him to every corner of the tri-state area and around the world. When the massive BP oil spill threatened the coast of the southern United States, Taff traveled to Florida and Alabama to show viewers the stunning images. When the Catholic Church began the process of electing a new Pope, he spent weeks in Rome to bring Action News inside the age-old traditions of the Vatican. When President Obama saw his first term bogged down by souring polls, Taff was invited to the White House for an exclusive conversation with the president in the historic Cabinet Room. He also brought his passion for politics on the road, as he covered every presidential and vice presidential debate of the 2012 election cycle. His assignments have also taken him flying — at speeds higher than 700mph and forces greater than 9Gs — with the US Air Force Thunderbirds and to the racetrack to test drive cars with the experts at Consumer Reports.

Taff, a graduate of Boston College, began his broadcasting career in Bangor, Maine.

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 nearly half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*. In the past year, Action News has won 2,478 out of 2,498 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 99.2%.^†

*Based on January – September 2022 Nielsen data.

†Based on September 2021 – August 2022 Nielsen data.

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

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

Press Release

November 10, 2022

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

Mike Monsell

6abc WPVI-TV

Share this release

‘The 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ Returns to the Parkway on 6ABC Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:30 A.M. EST) and Live on Hulu

The 103^rd 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, Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph from ‘Abbott Elementary,’ Carson Kressley, and musical guest The Spinners.

Viewers Can Stream ‘The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ on 6abc.com, 6abc Philadelphia News App, and 6abc Connected Television Apps on Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV and Roku Platforms.Also available live on Hulu, and on Hulu VOD through Dec. 31.

6abc, Philadelphia’s most-watched television station and leading news source, rings in the holiday season with its 12-year title sponsor Dunkin’ for the “The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade” on Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:30 a.m. EST). Philadelphia’s hometown parade beginswith a half-hour preview show, followed by three hours of celebrity appearances, performances and a sweepstakes promotion throughout the parade’s broadcast. The event is hosted by 6abc Action News’ Rick Williams, Cecily Tynan, Adam Joseph, Karen Rogers and Alicia Vitarelli, with special guest hosts 6abc’s Jim Gardner, Carson Kressley and “Good Morning America”’s chief meteorologist Ginger Zee.

Viewers from across the country will be able to watch the telecast in nine additional markets, including ABC-owned ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh Durham, and it will be 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 throughout the parade as they share in the festivities with parade-goers and engage with viewers via social media hashtag #6abcTDP. Special guests Kressley and Zee will be joined by Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph from the hit ABC show “Abbott Elementary.” Musical guests also making appearances at the parade are The Spinners, Thelma Houston, Smokey Robinson, C+C Music Factory, Leah Marlene from “American Idol” and Chapel Hart from “America’s Got Talent.” Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are always a crowd favorite, and as tradition holds, Santa and Mrs. Claus will close out the parade to mark the official start of the Christmas season! Click here for a full list of special appearances and parade participants.

“Our 6abc staff and our team of volunteers take great pride in producing this event. To share this holiday tradition with our viewers at home and also with the thousands of parade-goers who line the parade route is truly magical”, said Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of 6abc/WPVI. “And this is all made possible by the support we receive from Dunkin’ and our corporate partners. We can’t thank them enough”.

“Dunkin’ and our greater Philadelphia-area franchisees are thrilled to return to the Parkway to kick off the holiday season with Philadelphia’s favorite Thanksgiving Day tradition,” said Jackie Keown, field marketing director for Dunkin’. “We are so grateful to join the celebration once again as the title sponsor of ‘The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ and look forward to seeing you on Thanksgiving Day!”

Joining title sponsor Dunkin’ (dunkindonuts.com) as major corporate sponsors are ACME (acmemarkets.com), RAM Trucks (ramtrucks.com), NRG (picknrg.com), and Commonwealth Charter Academy ( https://ccaeducate.me/).

Additionally, viewers will have the opportunity to win numerous prizes, including free Dunkin’ coffee for a year and a vacation for four to Walt Disney World Resorts^®! The sweepstakes and rules pertaining to the prizes can be found at 6abc’s “Watch & Win.”

The parade also offers spectators a chance to support the 6abc Dunkin’ Holiday Food Drive. Parade-goers are invited to bring a few canned goods to pass to Scouts, who will collect donations along the parade route. This is a chance to give back and help fight hunger around the region.

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

**Syndicated Stations and Markets Parade Will Broadcast:

WATM – Johnstown, Pa.	ABC23
WBOC – Salisbury, Md.	FOX21
WDCW – Washington, D.C.	CW50
WJET – Erie, Pa.	JET24
WSWB – Wilkes Barre/Scranton, Pa.	CW38
WRTV – Indianapolis, Ind.	ABC6
WTVD – Raleigh/Durham, N.C.	ABC11
WRTV – Indianapolis, Ind.	RTV6
WZVN – Fort Myers, Fla.	ABC7
WORA – Puerto Rico	WORA5 (ABC)

Action News captures nearly half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*.

In the past year, Action News has won 2,478 out of 2,498 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.2%.^†

*Based on January – September 2022 Nielsen data.

†Based on September 2021 – August 2022 Nielsen data.

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

Press Contact:
Ambir Sniezko: Ambir.Sniezko@abc.com
Mike Monsell: mike.monsell@abc.com

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

Press Release

February 15, 2022

Media relations

Mike Monsell

6abc WPVI-TV

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

Share this release

WPVI To Produce and Broadcast ’THON™ – 50 Years for the Kids®,” a Celebration of the World’s Largest Student-Run Philanthropy on Saturday, Feb. 19 (7:00 P.M. EST)

The Half-Hour Special Will Air on 6abc Philadelphia, ABC7/WABC-NY, an ABC-Owned Station and the No.1 Station in the Country, Along With Other Northeast Affiliates Set To Air the Historic Telecast

6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia will produce and broadcast “THON™ – 50 Years For The Kids^®,” set to air Saturday, Feb. 19, 7:00 p.m. EST, in honor of Penn State’s THON, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. For five decades, THON has held a dance marathon that is now 46 hours of dancing to raise money for children battling cancer. The highly popular and successful initiative that began in 1973 has raised more than $190 million. All money raised benefits Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, the exclusive underwriter for the broadcast, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. “THON – 50 Years For The Kids” will be hosted by 6abc’s Walter Perez, Alicia Vitarelli and Ducis Rodgers.

The 30-minute special will air on 6abc and its 24/7 streaming channel. Viewers will tune in during the dance marathon’s 25^th hour of dancing. Celebrating the history and purpose of the event, the special will air live video from State College where THON takes place.

“I am so thrilled to be working with Penn State Health and 6abc on this program highlighting the 50 years of THON,” said Kate Colgan, executive director of THON. “This organization and the work that it does is one of the most incredible things that I have ever experienced, and I am ecstatic to be able to share its story with so many.”

The program will also be syndicated to other Pennsylvania television markets that include Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Scranton, and lastly New York, expanding linear viewership to roughly 11% of American homes who will now have access to watch the historical program. Additionally, the program will be offered across 6abc’s 24/7 streaming channels, allowing viewers, regardless of the market they live in, to stream the program on their mobile or connected TV apps through Roku, Android TV, Fire TV and Apple TV.

The stations simulcasting the program include the following:

WABC New York (an ABC-owned television station)
WTAE Pittsburgh
WHTM Harrisburg -Lancaster -Lebanon -York
WNEP Wilkes Barre – Scranton
WATM Johnstown-Altoona

“All of us in the Penn State community are awestruck by the scale and impact of THON, and the remarkable accomplishments of Penn State students year after year, for half a century,” said Eric Barron, president of Penn State. “Our students have built an unparalleled movement in the fight against pediatric cancer. This special will expand THON’s message and fundraising to even larger numbers. I know viewers will be inspired by the magic our students create and the incredible families they serve.”

“Through our news coverage, we have shined a spotlight on THON for more than 10 years, so it brings all of us immense joy to produce a televised celebration that showcases the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of these student volunteers,” said Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of WPVI. “We hope this live broadcast will extend THON’s message to a whole new audience of supporters.”

THON is a year-round effort to raise money in the fight against childhood cancer. Each spring, new student leadership is selected; and, in the summer, the student volunteers conduct outreach with smaller fundraising efforts and pay visits to Four Diamonds families impacted by childhood cancer. In the fall, the planning for the dance marathon kicks into high gear with students mobilizing all the team captains, and THON Weekend takes shape.

THON is programmed and produced entirely by Penn State students who configure the Bryce Jordan Center, build the stage, manage the concessions, and handle all the custodial duties. And, of course, the estimated 700 student dancers stay on their feet for 46 hours straight.

“The hard work and generosity of everyone involved with THON ensure that young people battling cancer can receive the most advanced care at our Children’s Hospital at no cost to their families,” said Dr. Yatin Vyas, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. “The money raised for Four Diamonds helps our physicians, clinical researchers and scientists in their efforts to better understand, treat and cure pediatric cancers.”

About Four Diamonds
Four Diamonds’ mission is to conquer childhood cancer. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 4,800 children and families by covering 100% of medical bills for every Four Diamonds family. Four Diamonds also supports a robust pediatric cancer research program at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine, which is dedicated to seeking improved treatments and cures for childhood cancer to benefit every child around the world. For more information, visit FourDiamonds.org.

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

January 11, 2022

Media relations

Mike Monsell

6abc WPVI-TV

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

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

Ambir Sniezko

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.com, 6abc 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 Williams, Cecily Tynan, Adam Joseph, Karen 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.com, 6abc 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, PA	ABC23
WBOC – Salisbury, MD	FOX21
WDCW – Washington, D.C.	CW50
WJET – Erie, PA	JET24
WSWB – Wilkes Barre/Scranton, PA	CW38
WTVD – Raleigh/Durham, NC	ABC11
WWHO– Columbus, OH	WWHO53
WZVN – Fort Myers, FL	ABC7
WORA – Puerto Rico	WORA5 (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

Ambir Sniezko