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Press Release

November 20, 2020

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

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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

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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

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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

Press Release

June 16, 2020

Media relations
Mike Monsell
6abc WPVI-TV
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6ABC Action News Celebrates 50 Years! One-Hour Special Takes Viewers Down Memory Lane, Thursday, June 18 at 8 P.M. EDT

Philadelphia’s leading news source turns 50! Action News, 6abc’s local news franchise, has been the most-trusted and highest-rated newscast since the mid-1970s. This THURSDAY, JUNE 18 at 8:00 p.m., 6abc will take a look back at the past five decades and discover the DNA of this iconic Philadelphia institution.

In the late ‘60s, WPVI was a non-factor in the booming local TV news business. Needing a strong boost, WPVI debuted Action News in April 1970 as a fast-paced, more regionalized news program with an increased use of video. Instantly a hit and competitive in the ratings, 6abc Action News soon became Philadelphia’s overwhelming favorite TV news brand and most-watched newscast, leading to four straight decades of TV ratings dominance.

“This program will be a great trip down memory lane for any fan of Action News,” says John Morris, vice president of Multiplatform Programming at 6abc. “Everyone here has loved producing this special, and we think our loyal viewers will have a great time looking back with us as they watch the program.”

Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of 6abc, added, “We are so excited to celebrate the golden anniversary of Action News with our viewers. It’s our viewers who have made Action News No. 1, and this special is a salute for their many years of support.”

The special will feature familiar faces, past and present, including Larry Kane, Dave Roberts, Lisa Thomas-Laury and more. 6abc has also published a coffee table book commemorating its 50th celebration. Released last fall, it is available for purchase on 6abc.com.

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
Mike Monsell
mike.monsell@abc.com

Press Release

June 4, 2020

Media relations
Mike Monsell
6abc WPVI-TV
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6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia to Stream Virtual Town Hall on Combating Racial Injustice and Dealing With Racial Trauma

‘Race, Rage and Healing: Where Do We Go From Here?’ Virtual Town Hall to Stream Sunday, June 7 (12:30 – 1:30 p.m. EDT), at 6abc.com

In the wake of continued national civil unrest due to the George Floyd homicide at the hands of law enforcement, 6abc anchor Sharrie Williams will moderate a town hall, “Race, Rage and Healing: Where Do We Go From Here?,” with prominent community leaders from Philadelphia, SUNDAY, JUNE 7 (12:30-1:30 pm EDT), on 6abc. This hour-long conversation will also be streamed live simultaneously on 6abc.com, 6abc news app, and 6abc connected television apps.

Anchor Gray Hall will field questions from the community with topics including actionable next steps  for combating racial injustice, pushing for policy changes in law enforcement, addressing the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the health and economics in communities of color as well as discussing racial trauma.

Panelists will include (but not be limited to) the following:

  • Chad Dion Lassiter – executive director, PA Human Relations Commission; and national speaker on race relations and Black Male Violence Prevention 
  • Dr. Erica Wilkins – psychologist and Drexel associate professor researching the residual effects of slavery and sociocultural factors in African Americans in the treatment of post-traumatic stress and grief counseling
  • Rev. Dr.  Alyn E. Waller – pastor of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, the largest African American Church in Pennsylvania.
  • Andrea Custis – president & CEO of the National Urban League Philadelphia 
  • George Burrell – attorney, former politician and local leader in business, civic and political affairs in Philadelphia for 30 years
  • Retired Detective Crystal Williams-Coleman – Philadelphia Police Department – president of the Guardian Civic League – social justice organization for African American police officers 
  • Lauren Footman – director of Outreach and Equity for the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence

Viewers can submit questions to 6abc.com and the Action News Facebook Page.

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/

Contact:
Mike Monsell
mike.monsell@abc.com