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Author: Rick Ianniciello

Press Release

January 30, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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UPDATE: ABC Owned Television Stations Present ‘Our America: In the Black’

The Special Aims To Raise Awareness of Financial Health and Wellness in the Black Community and Offers Insight Into How To Bridge the Wealth Gap Through Technology

A trailer for the episode can be viewed here.

ABC Owned Television Stations present “Our America: In the Black,” sponsored by Microsoft Corporation, beginning Saturday, Feb. 3. This thought-provoking documentary special chronicles the efforts of Microsoft Philanthropies specialist Darrell Booker in his national quest to raise awareness about building financial health and wellness in the Black community. In the series, Booker explores how technology can serve as a great equalizer to mitigate these disparities while engaging with individuals who are actively working toward financial literacy programs that pave the way for economic mobility and generational wealth creation. The documentary focuses on the stories of three individuals at different stages of their financial journey:

  • “Hannah” – Booker visits Los Angeles where he is introduced to Hannah, a young foster care youth, who dreams of attending Howard University and becoming a mechanical engineer. The episode also features the dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University, Phylicia Rashad. 
  • “Angel Mercedes” – From New York, Booker introduces viewers to the nonprofit RISE, a national charitable institution that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations.
  • “Meagan Naraine” – Booker visits Atlanta for an opportunity to highlight the work he does with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), which leverages Atlanta’s unique position as a nexus of Black enterprise and innovation to pilot strategies that could serve as blueprints for economic racial equity across the nation.

“Our America: In the Black” airs on Hulu’s Black Stories Always hub and across the ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms and linear on the following dates:

Saturday, Feb. 3
12:30 a.m. EST             6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia 
3:00 p.m. PST              ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles
8:30 p.m. PST              ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco
11:30 p.m. CST            ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
10:00 p.m. PST            ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno

Sunday, Feb. 4
12:30 a.m. EST             ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham
11:00 p.m. CST            ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago

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

Saturday, Feb. 10
5:00 a.m. EST              ABC7/WABC-TV New York

Monday, Feb. 12
8:00 p.m. EST              ABC Localish

“Our America: In the Black” is executive produced by Nzinga Blake, executive producer, Race & Culture, ABC Owned Television Stations; and produced by Luke Richards, senior manager, Content Development, ABC Owned Television Stations; Shako Liu, senior producer, ABC Owned Television Stations; and John Garcia, producer editor, Content Development, ABC Owned Television Stations. Post-production services were facilitated by Robeson Parks.

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

About ABC Owned Television Stations 
The eight owned ABC television stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television, reaching 23% of households and more than 34 million Total Viewers and 62 million digital visitors a month, with a record of 2.2 billion minutes streamed, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. WABC-New York has remained the No. 1 station in the country for 19 years. 

More information about ABC Owned Television Stations streaming channels can be found here: ABC7/WABC-TV New York, ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles, ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago, 6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia, ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco, ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston, ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno.

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

Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Press Release

January 24, 2024

Media relations
Richard Horrmann
richard.horrmann@disney.com
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Sandy Kenyon Takes On New Entertainment Role for ABC Owned Television Stations

Veteran Reporter Signs on To Serve as
Consultant to Entertainment Teams Across ABC OTVs

Kenyon Set To Transition Out of WABC-TV On-Air Role on March 31

Photo credit: The Walt Disney Company*

Iconic entertainment reporter Sandy Kenyon, a fixture on the New York and Hollywood beat since the 1980s, will lend his decades of expertise to a new role as consultant for ABC Owned Television Stations. Kenyon, who has served as entertainment reporter and movie critic for WABC-TV’s Channel 7 Eyewitness News in New York since 2005, will partner with producers and reporters across the stations group as they identify new opportunities for innovation and collaboration in entertainment coverage. Kenyon will transition out of his current on-air role on March 31, marking the end of an era for ABC 7 New York viewers who have enjoyed his local-first approach to entertainment reporting at the nation’s No. 1 station.

In his new role, Kenyon will serve as a tactical resource for Debra OConnell, president, Networks and TV Business Operations, Disney Entertainment Television, and report to Chad Matthews, president, ABC Owned TV Stations. He will work closely with OTV entertainment reporting teams to develop and implement strategies aimed at enhancing coverage and reach.

“Sandy is the gold standard when it comes to telling meaningful stories about the films, shows and talent that make The Walt Disney Company the global leader in entertainment,” said OConnell. “We want to harness that talent to amplify the outstanding reporting across our stations as they craft and share industry news that is of interest to our viewers.”

“We continue to raise the quality of our storytelling across all platforms and Sandy is an essential part of taking us to the next level,” added Matthews. “Fresh and compelling entertainment stories are an integral part of our broadcast and streaming content strategy, and we want to produce and distribute them in an impactful way that will not only benefit our stations but, most importantly, our communities.”

“I am truly privileged to be presented with such a unique opportunity by Debra and Chad, who continue to transform our business through relentless innovation,” said Kenyon. “I’ve had a front-row seat – literally! – to the biggest events and talent that have shaped the entertainment industry since my early days with CNN, and there’s no company better equipped to tell the stories behind the storytellers than Disney.”

In addition to Channel 7 Eyewitness News, Kenyon has appeared on “LIVE with Kelly and Mark,” offering awards analysis, and has hosted Oscars® specials for the OTVs. Additionally, his feature reports and reviews can be seen in thousands of New York City taxicabs each week as part of WABC-TV’s Taxi TV.

Before joining the Eyewitness News Team, Kenyon’s reports were heard every weekday morning on 1010 WINS Radio in New York. Prior to that, he was CNN’s chief entertainment correspondent in Los Angeles, where he developed his signature “Hollywood Minute” report. Kenyon began his TV career as an associate producer at WNET/Thirteen in New York. He is a graduate of Princeton University, where he co-hosted a national radio show, “Focus on Youth.”

*COPYRIGHT ©2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All photography is copyrighted material and is for editorial use only. Images are not to be archived, altered, duplicated, resold, retransmitted or used for any other purposes without written permission of Disney Entertainment Television. Images are distributed to the press in order to publicize current programming. Any other usage must be licensed.  

Media Contact:
Richard Horrmann
Disney Entertainment Television
(818) 460-6654
richard.horrmann@disney.com

Press Release

January 11, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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ABC7/WABC-TV New York Names Sandra Bookman As New Noon Anchor and Welcomes News Anchor/ Reporter Pedro Rivera to the Eyewitness News TeamThe press release title

ABC7/WABC-TV is announcing today key additions to its anchor lineups for weekdays at noon and weekend mornings.

Sandra Bookman, who has been a weekend anchor at WABC for more than two decades, moves to Eyewitness News At Noon where she’ll anchor weekdays with David Novarro. Bookman – who is a three-time local Emmy® Award winner – joined Eyewitness News in 1998 as a reporter and shortly after was named a weekend anchor.

Since joining WABC, Bookman has covered several important stories ranging from the 2008 Democratic National Convention to the inauguration of President Trump as well as the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Bookman will continue to host ABC7’s Emmy Award-nominated Community Affairs program, “Here and Now.”

“Sandra’s leadership in the newsroom has been critical to our success with Eyewitness News, earning her the respect of our viewers and the entire New York City community,” said Marilu Galvez, president and general manager of ABC7/WABC-TV New York. “Her warmth and humanistic approach to journalism are hallmarks of what it means to be an Eyewitness News anchor.”

Eyewitness News is also welcoming anchor/reporter Pedro Rivera, who will join Michelle Charlesworth as a co-anchor for WABC’s weekend morning programs beginning Saturday, Feb. 3.  Before joining WABC, Rivera was an anchor for KTLA in Los Angeles, where he anchored the 5 p.m. news and reported for the 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts.

“Pedro’s passion, versatility and quick reactions to breaking news make him an excellent choice to round out the ABC Eyewitness News team,” added Galvez.

Rivera is an Emmy and LA Press Club Award-winning journalist, who has reported on such nationally significant stories as the Robb Elementary School mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas; the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy; the Boston Marathon bombing; and the Camp Fire in northern California, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the state’s history.    

This is a homecoming for Rivera who is a New York native. He was born in the Bronx and graduated from Pace University, where he completed an internship in the WABC Sports Department.

About ABC7/WABC-TV New York
ABC7 has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for 75 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most-watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Mark,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology, and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

X: https://twitter.com/abc7ny
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abc7ny/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABC7NY/

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

Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Press Release

November 28, 2023

Media relations
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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‘Take Action: San Francisco,’ a Live ABC7 Special Event With Real Answers About the Future of the City, Streams Live Monday, Dec. 4, at 7 P.M. and Broadcasts on ABC7 Kgo-TV on Dec. 9 and 10

Mayor London Breed, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and Chief of Police William Scott
Take Direct Questions From ABC7 News and Community Leaders in the Live Audience

Starting Nov. 27, ABC7 News Airs a Week of Special Coverage
Leading Up to ‘Take Action: San Francisco’

The Week of In-Depth Coverage and Hourlong Town Hall Bring Tough Questions,
No Spin, and Real Answers for the City’s Biggest Challenges: 
Crime, Drugs, Homelessness and an Empty Downtown

After the recent APEC Conference, the city remains at a pivotal turning point. The image of the city remains tarnished, especially by media outlets that continue to spread a negative storyline this election season.

ABC7’s Reggie Aqui, Lyanne Melendez and Phil Matier will drive the live conversation beyond the talking points, diving into real statistics around four key issues facing San Francisco: Drugs, Homelessness, Downtown Recovery and Crime. “TAKE ACTION: SAN FRANCISCO” streams LIVE MONDAY, DEC. 4, AT 7 P.M. and will broadcast in its entirety on ABC7 KGO-TV SATURDAY, DEC. 9, at 9 P.M. and SUNDAY, DEC. 10, at 6 P.M.

ABC7 President and General Manager Tom Cibrowski says, “Our entire team is focused on driving this critical conversation about this amazing city’s future. We want to understand how our quality of life can improve and what the benchmarks are for success.”

Community leaders, business owners, and viewers have been invited to submit their questions to the panel viaabc7news.com/TakeActionSF.  

Programming Notes: ABC7 News coverage leading up to “TAKE ACTION: SAN FRANCISCO” is as follows and will broadcast LIVE on ABC7 News and available wherever viewers stream:


MONDAY, NOV. 27: THE STATE OF SAN FRANCISCO TODAY
TUESDAY, NOV. 28: SAN FRANCISCO’S DRUG EPIDEMIC
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29: SAN FRANCISCO’S HOMELESS CRISIS
THURSDAY, NOV. 30: DOWNTOWN SAN FRANCISCO
FRIDAY, DEC. 1: CRIME IN SAN FRANCISCO
MONDAY, DEC. 4 at 7 P.M.: “TAKE ACTION: SAN FRANCISCO” (streaming LIVE)

ABC7 is partnering with The San Francisco Standard and the San Francisco Press Club in preparation for the discussion.

ABC7 KGO-TV is an ABC Owned Television Station. 

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 62 million digital visitors a month, with a record of 2.2 billion minutes streamed, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. WABC-New York has remained the No. 1 station in the country for 19 years.

Media Contact:
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Press Release

November 10, 2023

Media relations
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
Mike Monsell
6abc WPVI-TV
mike.monsell@abc.com
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‘The 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ Returns to the Parkway Thursday, Nov. 23

The 104th Annual Tradition and Philadelphia’s No. 1 Parade Promises To Be a Star-Studded Event That Includes Appearances by Carson Kressley, John DeBella, Sam Champion and Star of Season 28 of ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’ Joey Graziadei, With Featured Performances From ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Pros Alan Bersten, Britt Stewart, Jenna Johnson and Koko Iwasaki and Musical Guest The Commodores

‘The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ Will Air Live on 6abc and Hulu Beginning at 8:30 a.m. EST and Across 6abc’s Digital and Streaming Platforms

6abc, Philadelphia’s most-watched television station and leading news source, rings in the holiday season with its 13-year title sponsor, Dunkin’, for the “The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade” on Thursday, Nov. 23 (8:30 a.m. EST). Philadelphia’s hometown parade beginswith a half-hour preview show followed by three hours of celebrity appearances and performances. The event will be hosted by 6abc Action News’ Rick Williams, Cecily Tynan, Adam Joseph, Karen Rogers and Alicia Vitarelli.

Special guests making appearances include JoeyGraziadei from the upcoming 28th season of “The Bachelor,” Carson Kressley (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” “Dancing with the Stars” season 13), ABC7 New York weather anchor and “Good Morning America” contributing weather correspondent Sam Champion, ESPN’s Kevin Negandhi and radio legend John Debella.

Among the musical guests making appearances at the parade are The Commodores, The Village People, Ashlee Keating, Colin Stough, the Sharpe Family Singers, Omar Joes Cardona and Tito Puente Jr. Viewers will also enjoy a special holiday dance performance from ABC’s hit “Dancing with the Stars” current pros Alan Bersten, Britt Stewart, Jenna Johnson and Koko Iwasaki, choreographed exclusively for the parade audience by Alan Bersten.

Also in attendance will be crowd favorites Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, and as tradition holds, Santa 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 team takes great pride in kicking off the holiday season with the nation’s first Thanksgiving Day parade,” said Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of 6abc. “Whether you’re at home preparing the big meal or if you join us on the parkway, we appreciate all the families who share this holiday tradition with us. This is a truly magical event, and it is all made possible by the hundreds of volunteers who come back year after year. And we also could not make this happen without the support we receive from Dunkin’ and our corporate partners.”

“Dunkin’ and our greater Philadelphia-area franchisees are thrilled to return to the Parkway for our 13th year 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 everyone on the Parkway for Thanksgiving morning!”

Joining title sponsor Dunkin’ (dunkindonuts.com) as major corporate sponsors are ACME (acmemarkets.com), RAM Trucks (ramtrucks.com) and NRG (picknrg.com).

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 the Scouts, who will be collecting donations along the parade route. This is a chance to give back and help fight hunger around the region.

This year, viewers across the country can watch the telecast in nine additional markets, including ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh Durham. The parade will also be available to stream live on Hulu, 6abc.com, the 6abc Philadelphia News App, and 6abc’s Connected Television Apps on Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV, Roku Platforms and any place you can stream 6abc.

**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, N.C.ABC11
WWHO – Columbus, OhioThe CW Columbus
WORA – Puerto RicoWORA 5 (ABC)

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

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 2,467 out of 2,499 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.7%.†  

*Based on June 2023 Nielsen survey.
†Based on July 2022-June 2023 Nielsen data.

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

Press Contact:
Ambir Sniezko: ambir.sniezko@kenya003
Mike Monsell: mike.monsell@abc.com

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

Press Release

Media relations
Jayme Nicholas
(312) 750-7254
jayme.a.nicholas@abc.com
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Lights! Music! Magic!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release

October 24, 2023

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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Part Three of ‘Our America: Trouble on Tap’ To Begin Airing Oct. 28 press release title

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

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

August 30, 2023

Media relations
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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ABC7/WABC-TV New York Announces ‘Back to School: Academic Recovery’ Town Hall, Streaming Sept. 6 press release title

As kids head back to class, ABC7/WABC-TV NY examines the challenges impacting educators and administrators with the “Back to School: Academic Recovery” town hall special, hosted by WABC-TV “Eyewitness News This Morning” weekday co-anchor Mike Marza and reporter and co-anchor of “Eyewitness News” Saturday and Sunday mornings Michelle Charlesworth, on Wednesday, Sept. 6 (5:00-6:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC7’s streaming and digital platforms: online, mobile and connected TV apps.

WABC-TV New York’s president and general manager, Marilu Galvez, will welcome a group of education experts to speak on the panel, which will include esteemed guest New York City Department of Education Chancellor David Banks, for an hourlong discussion on topics ranging from managing the asylum-seeker crisis to pandemic-related academic challenges to safety and more.

Additional guest panelists include the following:

About ABC7/WABC-TV New York
ABC7 has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for 75 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most-watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Mark,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology, and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

Media Contact:
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Press Release

August 25, 2023

Media relations

No contacts found

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East Los Angeles’ beloved Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival returns Sunday, Sept. 10, for its 77th year

‘Live with Kelly and Mark’ Co-Host Mark Consuelos Named Grand Marshal 

Eyewitness News’ Jovana Lara and Danny Romero To Host Live Coverage of the Parade Beginning at 10:00 a.m. PDT on ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles 

The beloved traditional Mexican Independence Day Parade will return to East Los Angeles Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. Now in its 77th year, it is the longest-running and largest Mexican heritage parade in the country. As grand marshal, notable actor, producer and “Live with Kelly and Mark” co-host Mark Consuelos (“Riverdale,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “How I Met Your Father”) will lead this year’s festivities which will include live music, cultural entertainment, attractions, food and fun for the entire family.  

Hosted by ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Jovana Lara and weathercaster Danny Romero, the parade will broadcast live from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PDT on ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles, Southern California’s most-watched television station and the official broadcast partner for the East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival. The parade route will travel east on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, starting from Mednik Avenue and culminating at Record Avenue. The festivities will continue at the Grand Festival on Mednik Avenue, between East César E. Chávez Avenue and First Street, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PDT.  Live simulcasts of the parade will be available across the ABC OTV streaming and digital platforms, Hulu and ABC News Live.

To kick off the celebration, a press conference is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 8, 11:00 a.m. PDT, at the offices of the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, located at 2401 West 6th Street in Los Angeles. 

For 77 years, the Comite Mexicano Civico Patriotico has been the driving force behind the iconic Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival in East Los Angeles. As a symbol of unity and tradition for the Mexican community, this parade attracts thousands of multigenerational participants and attendees, and consistently surpasses attendance expectations year after year. Since its establishment in 1931, the Comite Mexicano Civico Patriotico has stood as one of the pillars of the Los Angeles Mexican American community. 

The East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival is presented and produced by the Comite Mexicano Civico Patriotico, Alexandra Lozano Immigration Law and ABC7, with the support of the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and City of Los Angeles. 

Media Contacts: 
Mariluz González 
Vesper Public Relations 
(818) 667-6403 
mgonzalez@vesperpublicrelations.com 

For Sponsorship opportunities, contact: 
Judy Roldan 
Direct: (562) 682-0030 ]
judyroldan11@gmail.com 
www.eastla-parade.com 

Mexican Civic Patriotic Committee 
Sergio Tinoco  
Parade Director 
Direct: (323) 816-8819 
rusticoimports@gmail.com 

Press Release

August 17, 2023

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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ABC Owned Television Stations announce 10 o’clock morning newscasts for ABC7/WABC-TV New York, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia and ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham stations
Beginning Sept. 11

Today, ABC Owned Television Stations is announcing a new 10 a.m. newscast beginning Sept. 11 in New York, Philadelphia and Raleigh-Durham. The broadcast will fill the time slot previously held by the Tamron Hall show, which – after record-breaking season four ratings – is taking over the 2 p.m. time slot in those markets, aligning her with the other ABC Owned Television Stations’ afternoon programming.  

“Tamron has had an exceptional year, and I know this move will grow her incredibly passionate Tam Fam even more,” said Chad Matthews, president, ABC Owned Television Stations. “And the addition of local news programming at 10 a.m. – led by these extraordinary teams – will allow us to dig even deeper into the topics and events that showcase our local communities and the issues most impacting them, as well as extend and expand upon breaking news and topics being discussed on ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘Live with Kelly and Mark.’”

Local news talent covering the 10 a.m. hour include the following:

ABC7/WABC-TV New York co-anchors Shirleen Allicot and Mike Marza – who has just been promoted from “Eyewitness News Weekends” – will take on the additional 10 a.m. time slot.

Sam Champion will also join the 10 a.m. hour along with meteorologist Dani Beckstrom. Meteorologist Brittany Bell – who is also being promoted from weekends to the weekday morning team – will join Champion weekday mornings from 4:30-7:00 a.m.

6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia’s news anchors Alicia Vitarelli, Alyana Gomez and Nydia Han will host “Action News at 10 a.m.” with meteorologist Karen Rogers expanding her duties and joining the team with the AccuWeather forecast.

ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham’s “Eyewitness News” morning newscast will be led by trusted co-anchors John Clark and Barbara Gibbs, and will be joined by meteorologist Kweilyn Murphy.

About ABC7/WABC-TV New York
ABC7 has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for 75 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most-watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Mark,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology, and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

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 2,467 out of 2,499 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.7%.†  
*Based on June 2023 Nielsen survey.  
†Based on July 2022 – June 2023 Nielsen data.  

About ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham
The only local news station with a street-level studio located in Downtown Raleigh, ABC11 Eyewitness News provides 48.5 hours of local news every week, serving more than 1.3 million TV households in a 23-county area in Central and Eastern North Carolina and Virginia. Eyewitness News also provides news, weather and sports information 24 hours a day on ABC11.com, the ABC11 mobile news app and the 24/7 streaming channel on the new connected TV app available on Roku, Fire, Apple, and Android TVs. ABC11 WTVD is one of eight ABC Owned Television Stations as part of the Disney Networks.

About ABC Owned Television Stations 
The eight owned ABC television stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television, reaching 23% of households and more than 34 million Total Viewers and 62 million digital visitors a month, with a record of 2.2 billion minutes streamed, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. WABC-New York has remained the No. 1 station in the country for 19 years.

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

Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com