Skip to content

Press Release

September 3, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

Mike Carr Named ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston President and General Manager

Michael Carr, President and General Manager, ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston

Mike Carr has been named president and general manager of ABC13/KTRK-TV, the No. 1 station in the Houston market; it was announced today by ABC Owned Television Stations President Chad Matthews. Carr moves to Houston from Fresno, California, where he is president and general manager of ABC30/KFSN-TV with overall management responsibility for the station and its ancillary businesses.

During his tenure, ABC30 has proven to be a powerhouse mid-market station, regularly beating the competition by as much as an astounding 11,000% in total viewers in key time periods. He has overseen coverage of some of the states most devasting wildfires, frequently contributing to Los Angeles, San Francisco and national news coverage. The station has won nine regional Emmy® Awards, producing such lauded specials at “Mountain Strong: Surviving the Creek Fire,” “Feast or Famine: California’s Water Crisis” and “A Critical State of Mind,” which explores the mental health crisis in California, to name a few. 

“Mike is an exceptional leader who regularly outdelivers both in term of ratings and the ability to produce high-quality, high-impact news programming,” said Matthews. “He always steps up to the plate and has been a true asset to the broader stations team. I know his passion and enthusiasm for delivering best-in-class news experiences, as well as his laser-focused, thoughtful and strategic approach to growth and ratings success will be a huge asset at KTRK.”  

“The team at KTRK is among the best of the best,” said Carr. “California and Texas share some of the same environmental concerns like extreme heat, drought and wildfires, so I’ve worked closely with them over the years and admire their dedication to innovation, commitment to authentic storytelling, and focus on getting the facts and telling the stories that will matter most in viewers’ lives. Together, I know we will continue ABC13’s dominance on both broadcast and digital platforms while identifying new and exciting opportunities.” 

In addition to his responsibilities as GM for the Fresno station, Carr is currently the co-lead of the ABC Owned Television Stations Race and Culture team, including helping to oversee the ABC News Storytellers Summit each year in partnership with ABC News. 

Carr has an extensive background in local TV journalism. He previously worked as news director at KFSN, where he oversaw content creation and operations for KFSN’s television, digital and social media platforms. He began his career as an intern at KFSN and has worked as an assignment editor, producer and executive producer prior to news director. In addition to Fresno, he has also worked in newsrooms in San Francisco and Sacramento.

As someone who cares deeply about the communities he serves, Carr sits on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California; The Marjaree Mason Center, a domestic violence shelter and support services program in Fresno County; and Valley Children’s Hospital, one of the largest pediatric healthcare networks in the country. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and journalism from California State University, Fresno, where he also played football for the Bulldogs. In 2017, Carr was named as a fellow to the Fresno State Media, Communication and Journalism Department Hall of Fame. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

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

Ambir Sniezko 
ambir.sniezko@abc.com 

Press Release

August 28, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

ABC7 Is the Exclusive New Home of the ‘San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade,’ One-of-a-Kind Dynamic Six-Year Partnership Begins in 2025

ABC7 KGO-TV To Broadcast and Live Stream the World-Renowned Parade Showcasing the Largest Celebration of Its Kind to Audiences Spanning the Bay Area and Across the Nation

The San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce and ABC7 Bay Area have entered into a six-year commitment making ABC7 the exclusive broadcast home to the city’s world-renowned Lunar New Year celebrations, making the festivities available to viewers nationwide across its industry-leading broadcast and streaming platforms. The station will produce year-round special coverage, including local programming and news stories that showcase the city’s extraordinary monthlong Lunar New Year celebrations, beginning in 2025 with the welcoming of the auspicious Year of the Snake.

ABC7 President and General Manager Tom Ciborowski says, “We are incredibly honored to be the new official broadcaster of a truly San Francisco tradition that dates back to the California gold rush. We can’t think of a better home for the parade than ABC7.”

“ABC7 Presents: The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade” will be available to all audiences LIVE, SATURDAY, FEB. 15, 2025, on all ABC7 streaming platforms and will broadcast in its entirety on ABC7/KGO-TV. Additionally, ABC7 Bay Area will produce a one-hour special program bringing the most colorful moments of the parade to viewers in the days after. The six-year commitment to the community begins with the 2025 parade and runs through the 2030 parade. The parade will also stream LIVE on ABC News LIVE and Hulu.

ABC7 is the bay area leader for live parade coverage. In addition to the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, ABC7 Bay Area is the proud exclusive broadcast partner of one of the largest LGBTQIA+ Pride celebrations in the world, the San Franciso Pride Parade and the exclusive home of community celebrations around the Bay Area, including the Oakland Pride and Black Joy Parades.

ABC7’S Commitment to the Chinese New Year Festival and Parade
ABC7 is committed to covering the Chinese New Year Festival and Parade and the Miss Chinatown U.S.A. Pageant and coronation. This partnership is not just an opportunity to celebrate Lunar New Year but a chance to highlight the amazing and diverse communities that make up the Bay Area.

About the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade
Named one of the Top 10 parades in the world by International Festivals & Events Association, the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is one of the few remaining nighttime illuminated parades in North America and the biggest parade celebrating the lunar new year outside of Asia.

The parade starts at 2nd and Market Streets, goes around Union Square and ends at Kearny Street and Columbus Ave. The distance of the parade route is approximately 1.3 miles. The parade is a free event for all to attend.

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Entertainment Television’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television households, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno.  With WABC-NY, they produce the #1 syndicated daytime series in the country, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and with KABC- LA, we produce the leading syndicated entertainment brand ABC “On the Red Carpet.”

The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to millions of viewers via its streaming channels that feature 24/7 local news coverage, breaking news, weather forecasts, exclusive premium content, and feel-good stories from ABC’s award-winning “Localish.” The ABC Owned Television Stations ended 2023 with the most streaming minutes among its competitors and have continued to lead into 2024.  They are also the leading local station group on social media reaching more than 34 million people across platforms, including 4 stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube.

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

July 29, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

The press release titleABC News and ABC Owned Television Stations Launch ‘Climate Ready,’ a New Climate-Based Initiative Aiming To Deliver Solutions-Minded Content for ViewersThe press release title

ABC News Kicks Off Monday, July 29, With ABC News Chief Meteorologist and Chief Climate Correspondent Ginger Zee Demonstrating the Climate Benefits of a Native Garden

Today, ABC News and ABC Owned Television Stations are announcing Climate Ready, anew editorial initiative created to amplify vital climate preparedness stories focused on ways for viewers to keep their families safe, protect their financial futures, and support their communities during extreme weather events. National programming kicks off today with ABC News chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent Ginger Zee spotlighting the ABC News special Saving the Planet, Saving on Your Lawn,” which offers ways to convert water-guzzling lawns into native gardens that are drought-resistant and reduce the risk of flooding. Market-specific programming will also be available this week airing across the ABC Owned Television Stations (check local listings) covering solutions to such issues as extreme heat and flooding. Climate Ready programming is also available on ABC News Live and on ABC Owned Television Stations streaming platforms.

ABC Owned Television Stations coverage:

  • In “Hot Subways and Urban Heat,” ABC7/WABC-TV New York’s Eyewitness News reporter Anthony Carlo investigates the high temperatures in the city’s subway system by using multiple thermometers to measure both air and surface temperatures. Carlo rides the subway with New Yorkers to find out how they cope with the heat, why it gets so hot underground, and what the city is doing to address this issue.
  • The 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia special segment, “Increase Tree Coverage,” looks at Philadelphia’s plan to increase tree coverage highlighting the benefits of CO2 exchange, which aids in preventing soil erosion and water absorption, and how this will ultimately provide more shade to help reduce the urban heat island effect.
  • ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles’ “Cool Pavement Project” shares how a community in Los Angeles with some of the hottest temperatures is partnering with the city and North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer to cover pavement in a special reflective coating that reduces surface temps and ambient heat.
  • ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston sheds light on The South Shore Drainage Project with “Sunny Day Street Flooding.” The initiative hopes to bring a much-needed pump station to Galveston that could bring relief to residents who withstand hurricanes and rainstorms.

Additional topics to be highlighted throughout the coming months:

Aerial Firefighting

ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco’s “Fire Drones” examines how autonomous helicopters equipped with giant water balloons could help fight wildfires.

Geothermal Systems
ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago’s “Blacks in Green” explores how a Chicago-based organization is planning to use geothermal heating and cooling to produce more affordable and more sustainable energy for low-income neighborhoods.

Wildfire Go-Bags
ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno’s “Wildfire Evacuation Go-Bags” shows viewers how to assemble specialized go-bags so they are prepared in case of any emergency.

About ABC Owned Television Stations 
Disney Entertainment Television’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television households, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. With WABC-NY, they produce the No. 1 syndicated daytime series in the country, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and with KABC- LA, we produce the leading syndicated entertainment brand ABC “On the Red Carpet.” 

The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to millions of viewers via its streaming channels that feature 24/7 local news coverage, breaking news, weather forecasts, exclusive premium content and feel-good stories from ABC’s award-winning “Localish.” The ABC Owned Television Stations ended 2023 with the most streaming minutes among its competitors and have continued to lead into 2024.  They are also the leading local station group on social media reaching more than 34 million people across platforms, including four stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube. 

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. 

About ABC News
ABC News is America’s No. 1 news source, providing straightforward, fact-driven journalism across broadcast, streaming, digital and audio. ABC’s award-winning programs include “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight with David Muir,” “Nightline,” “20/20,” “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” “GMA3: What You Need to Know,” and “The View.” Other platforms include ABC News Live, ABC News Studios, ABC News Digital, ABC Audio, FiveThirtyEight, and NewsOne. Based in New York City, ABC News is comprised of three U.S. bureaus and eight international bureaus, with a presence in more than 20 countries around the world.

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

Brooks Lancaster
brooks.lancaster@abc.com

Press Release

July 23, 2024

Media relations
Jayme Nicholas
(312) 750-7254
Share this release

ABC 7 Chicago’s Doug Whitmire Promoted to Vice President of ABC 7 Eyewitness News

ABC 7 Chicago’s Assistant News Director Doug Whitmire has been promoted to vice president of News, announced today by John Idler, president and general manager, ABC 7 Chicago. The appointment is effective Aug. 5.

According to Idler, “Doug has been a leading force in the newsroom for more than two decades and a key contributor to our success.  His impeccable news judgement and in-depth knowledge of Chicago make him ideally suited to take the helm of ABC 7 Eyewitness News.”

Whitmire said,When I walked into 190 N. State 21 years ago, I remember the sense of awe I had for ABC 7, and I’m fortunate to have the same feeling today. I am inspired by the work the team does day in and day out to serve the people of Chicago. I am looking forward to leading Chicago’s No. 1 news and the hardest working team in the business.”

Since starting at the station in 2003 as a newswriter/producer, Whitmire has been promoted throughout his ABC 7 career. In 2008, he took over as the executive producer of ABC 7 Chicago’s morning news and became the executive producer of the 10 p.m. newscast in 2014. Seven years later, he was again promoted to the position of assistant news director.

He started his television career in Toledo, Ohio, as a daily assignment reporter and producer in 2000.

Whitmire is a 10-time winner, 14-time nominee of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Midwest Regional Emmy® Awards for his efforts in the categories of breaking news, best newscast and best coverage of a live event.

He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and the first recipient of the university’s Excellent Alumnus Award in Journalism.

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

July 11, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

ABC Owned Television Stations Team Up With Array Filmworks To Present ‘Our America: Hidden Stories With Ava DuVernay’ Beginning July 14

Award-Winning Writer, Director and Producer Ava DuVernay Shares Personal Insight Into Her Highly Anticipated Film ‘ORIGIN’

A trailer for the episode can be viewed here

ABC Owned Television Stations in association with ARRAY Filmworks present “Our America: Hidden Stories with Ava DuVernay,” beginning,Sunday, July 14, across ABC Owned Television Stations linear and digital platforms, and streaming on Hulu July 19. The compelling and educational one-hour special sheds light on the interconnected issues of caste through the lenses of racism, sexism and other various human hierarchies in America while drawing from thethemes in her landmark filmORIGIN. The special aims to engage, inform and inspire viewers to connect on a human level. 

Traveling across the United States, with interviews in Los Angeles, Houston and New York, conversation highlights include the following topics: 

The Making of “Origin” 
In a special “On The Red Carpet” segment, DuVernay shares insights into the making of her highly anticipated film “Origin,” her inspiration, and the intended takeaways for the audience. 

Book Bans 
DuVernay explores the controversy surrounding the attempted ban of Isabel Wilkerson’s “Caste” in Texas schools, further highlighting the public’s influence on library and textbook decisions. 

Caste in America
“All of the ‘isms’ sit on top of caste.” In this segment, WABC-TV anchor Sade Baderinwa and DuVernay dissect the differences between caste, class and all the “isms” that are supported by sometimes seemingly hidden systems of dominance.  

 
Student Roundtable 
Lastly, DuVernay sits down for an enlightening roundtable discussion with current college students to gain insight into their passions and concerns and what motivates them to drive societal change. 

Additionally, the special aims to educate the audience on their role in caste systems, the concept of caste, the issues of othering and belonging to racism and injustice, and the responsibility we all have as a role of individuals in effecting positive change in our communities and our country. Online, viewers are invited to use DuVernay’s free Interactive tools, which will allow viewers access to an “ORIGIN” learning companion that explores how caste shows up in health care, education, technology, the legal system, and even environmental justice. These materials supplement the educational experience, encouraging further exploration and understanding of the film’s themes. 

Our America: Hidden Stories with Ava DuVernay” streams on Hulu beginning, Friday, July 19, and across the ABC Owned Television Stations streaming and digital platforms, and linear on the following dates:

Sunday, July 14
3:00 p.m. PDT             ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles

Monday, July 15
8:00 p.m. EDT             ABC Localish

Saturday, July 20
11:00 a.m. PDT            ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno
1:00 p.m. EDT             ABC7/WABC-TV New York
8:30 p.m. PDT             ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco

Sunday, July 21
4:00 p.m. CDT             ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago
6:00 p.m. EDT             ABC Localish

Saturday, July 27
12:30 p.m. CDT           ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston

Sunday, July 28
11:30 a.m. EDT            ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham

Sunday, Aug. 4
5:00 p.m. EDT             6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia 

Our America: Hidden Stories with Ava DuVernay” is executive produced by Ava DuVernay, Tammy Garnes, Paul Garnes, Tilane Jones and Nzinga Blake, executive producer, Race & Culture, ABC Owned Television Stations. 

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

About ORIGIN
Written, directed, and produced by Academy Award nominee, Ava DuVernay, ORIGIN explores the mystery of history, the wonders of romance, and a fight for our future. While investigating the global phenomenon of caste and its dark influence on society, a journalist faces unfathomable personal loss and uncovers the beauty of human resilience. With an expansive cast that includes Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, and Niecy Nash-Betts, the film was inspired by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson’s novel Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents. Never stop learning with the ORIGIN Learning Companion at ORIGIN101.org.

About ABC Owned Television Stations  
Disney Entertainment Television’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television households, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno.  With WABC-NY, they produce the #1 syndicated daytime series in the country, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and with KABC- LA, we produce the leading syndicated entertainment brand ABC “On the Red Carpet.” 

The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to millions of viewers via its streaming channels that feature 24/7 local news coverage, breaking news, weather forecasts, exclusive premium content and feel-good stories from ABC’s award-winning “Localish.” The ABC Owned Television Stations ended 2023 with the most streaming minutes among its competitors and have continued to lead into 2024.  They are also the leading local station group on social media reaching more than 34 million people across platforms, including four stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube. 

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. 

About ARRAY
ARRAY is a multi-platform media company and arts collective founded by Ava DuVernay focused on narrative change. The collective aims to amplify the work of underrepresented voices and stories in film through the distribution of diverse projects and the creation of original content. 

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

Ambir Sniezko 
ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Press Release

July 10, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

Wendy Granato Named ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles President and General Manager

ABC7/KABC-TV*

Wendy Granato has been named president and general manager of ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles — the No.1 station in Southern California — it was announced today by ABC Owned Television Stations President Chad Matthews.

Granato arrives in Los Angeles from Houston, where she is currently the president and general manager of ABC13/KTRK-TV, also No. 1 in the market on both broadcast and digital platforms. In her new role at KABC, she will be responsible for leading and building on the momentum of this iconic station in the nation’s second largest market and the entertainment capital of the world, shaping its editorial vision and managing the strategies and teams that drive audience and growth across platforms. She assumes the position left vacant by the retirement of Cheryl Fair in March.

“Wendy is a true innovator, long championing modernization in the newsroom with a laser focus on how best to optimize programming across platforms,” said Matthews. “She is also keenly aware of what is important to viewers and is resolute in her commitment to impactful, high-quality journalism. I know she will put her trademark tenacity, passion for problem-solving and creative thinking to work to ensure that KABC continues to be the market leader in Los Angeles.”

“I’ve had ample opportunities over the years to collaborate with the KABC team. They are among the most pioneering and innovative storytellers in the business, and I’m very much looking forward to leading this remarkable team,” said Granato. “I’m particularly impressed with their forward-thinking approach to breaking news and how best to elevate it across myriad platforms. I look forward to working closely with community leaders across the city to amplify stories and organizations that make a difference in the lives of Los Angeles viewers. And I cannot wait to immerse myself in all things SoCal!”

Granato added: “On a personal note, it’s such an honor to step into the shoes of the great Cheryl Fair, who is such an inspiration to so many of us in the industry. I’m incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside her during her tenure and to continue to call her my friend.” 

Matthews will oversee management at KTRK until a new general manager is named, with Granato continuing to provide support during this transitional period.

As general manager of KTRK, Granato spearheaded the launch of the station’s 24/7 news stream, delivering the most live, local coverage in the Houston market and cementing the station’s status as Houston’s leading source for local news and information across broadcast, digital and social platforms.

She has led the station through numerous weather emergencies, including Hurricane Beryl, which hit Houston earlier this week resulting in multiple fatalities, extreme flooding and power outages. In addition to hurricanes, tornadoes and freezes, the station has chronicled additional big, breaking news events of national significance like the border crisis, the Santa Fe and Uvalde school shootings, and the Astro World concert tragedy.

Under her leadership, ABC13 produces 13 hours of live news daily, including “ABC13 Weather Now,” a first-of-its-kind weather show. In addition to newscasts, the station produces 175-plus hours of premium content each year, including community specials, station drives and live events. Granato also led the station’s introduction of two advocacy journalism documentary series, “Unsolved” and “Texas True Crime,” that are so popular they’re now available on Hulu.

Prior to becoming general manager at ABC13, Granato served as the vice president of News for ABC13 for five years. In charge of all editorial decisions and operations, she was responsible for the successful merger of broadcast and digital departments, and helped the station become the No. 1 local news station in the market. Before that, she was executive producer of special projects and executive producer of the daily talk show, “Debra Duncan.”

As a leader who is passionate about innovation and investing in skills of the future, Granato is a founding director of OTV University, an educational program for all eight ABC Owned Television Stations.

During her tenure, the station has won 99 Emmys® and 13 Edward R. Murrow Awards. Most notably, as VP of News, she was instrumental in leading the station’s Emmy Award-winning coverage of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, during which time KTRK was on the air nonstop for eight consecutive days. Most recently, the station won both a regional and national Edward R. Murrow Award in Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for its piece “Taking Back Gulfton.” She has been named to Radio+Television Business Report’s Top Local Leaders list twice, was named among the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston in 2022, and most recently named 2024’s TV Market Manager of the Year by Media Alliance of Houston.

Granato is also passionate about the station’s community outreach efforts, working closely with partners such as Black Heritage Society, Crimestoppers, Goodwill Houston, the Houston Marathon Foundation, the Houston Texans, Latino Learning Center, League of United Latin American Citizens and VOICE of Asia News. Notably, the station supports Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and hosts an E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. The station also broadcasts the city’s major events, including The Chevron Marathon, the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, and numerous parades such as Art Car, Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, Galveston Mardi Gras, MLK, Pride and more.

Before joining ABC13, Granato was the news director for KNWS Houston. Earlier in her career, she was a news reporter and morning news anchor for KATC in Lafayette, Louisiana.

She studied at the Manship School of Mass Communication, where she received a degree in broadcast journalism from Louisiana State University.

*COPYRIGHT ©2024 American Broadcasting Companies, 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 KABC. Images are distributed to the press in order to publicize current programming. Any other usage must be licensed.

Media Contacts:
Richard Horrmann
richard.horrmann@disney.com
(818) 460-6654

Fonda Berosini
ffonda.berosini@disney.com
(818) 441-4983

Press Release

June 20, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

ABC Owned Television Stations Announces Nine-Part Special ‘Our America: In the Black – Conversations With Arlan Hamilton’

A trailer for the first episode can be viewed here.

ABC Owned Television Stations’ thought-provoking “Our America: In The Black” series returns today, Thursday, June 20, with a nine-part special, “Our America: In The Black – Conversations With Arlan Hamilton.” Hosted by serial entrepreneur, investor and author Arlan Hamilton, the special continues the conversations surrounding financial health and wellness. The first episode is available now across ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms as well as on ABC News Live.

Each episode in the series features an intimate discussion with influential guests from business, entertainment and technology. Together, they share personal stories and insights on achieving financial health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of financial education and the pursuit of financial freedom. Timed to resonate with the themes of freedom surrounding Juneteenth and July Fourth, this series addresses the pressing issue of the lack of financial freedom in America. With 78% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck and many lacking sufficient savings, Arlan Hamilton – who transformed her life from homelessness to raising over $30 million for startups through Backstage Capital – leads conversations that aim to inspire and empower viewers.

In the first episode, “Rachel Rodgers,” Hamilton sits down with her longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Rachel Rodgers. Rodgers, who founded the multimillion-dollar company, Hello Seven, which teaches diverse entrepreneurs how to earn more money and build wealth, talks about getting into the right mindset to be entrepreneurial and the importance of bridging the wealth gap.

Additional episodes in the series will be available over the summer and will spotlight the following interviews:

Episode 2:
“Lauren Chan” – For the second episode in the series, Hamilton sits down with Lauren Chan, a size-inclusion activist who created the plus-sized luxury fashion company, Henning. Chan, who is a former Sports Illustrated model and who identifies as plus-sized, AAPI, and LGBTQ+, talks about the importance of diverse representation in fashion and positions of power.

Episode 3:
“Holly Levow” – Hamilton is joined by fellow businesswoman Holly Levow, who runs two production companies, Equitas Entertainment Partners and Catalyst Studios. Levow, whose focus is on providing opportunities, investment and support for women and nonbinary talent, speaks on the importance of uplifting female voices in a way that is beneficial to everyone.

Episode 4:
“Dean Forbes” – Hamilton speaks with CEO Dean Forbes, who heads billion-dollar software company Forterro and is the chairman of the social mobility foundation Forbes Family Group. During their conversation, Forbes speaks about his struggles climbing the economic ladder and about his effort to elevate disadvantaged people through his position of power.

Episode 5:
“Suneera Madhani” – Hamilton sits with fellow businesswoman Suneera Madhani, who serves as the CEO of billion-dollar fintech company Stax Payments and the co-creator of fintech startup Worth AI. Madhani discusses her groundbreaking tech inventions that have the power to change business transactions and her desire to disrupt norms by hiring a diverse team.

Episode 6:
“Teri Ijeoma” – Hamilton sits with CEO Teri Ijeoma, who created the acclaimed online course, Trade and Travel. Ijeoma, who has a decade of successful, million-dollar-making stock trading experiences, speaks about her journey from teacher to businesswoman and provides advice for the next generation of traders.

Episode 7:
“Crystal Alonzo” – Hamilton speaks to actress Crystal Alonzo about her career as a comedian that propelled her family out of poverty. Alonzo explains how her success, which reached a pinnacle when she became the first Latina to create and star in her eponymous sitcom, “Cristela,” was attributed to her community and her familial relationships.

Episode 8:
“Bridgid Coulter Cheadle” – Hamilton sits down with small business owner Bridgid Coulter Cheadle, the founder of Blackbird – a workspace for women of color and their allies. During their chat, Cheadle discusses the power of physical spaces in connecting a community and the importance of uplifting marginalized people.

Episode 9:
“Lamar and Ronnie Tyler” – Hamilton sits down with married couple and business collaborators Lamar and Ronnie, who co-founded Traffic Sales & Profit, a business designed to elevate Black entrepreneurs into financial success. In the conversation, Lamar and Ronnie emphasize the importance of bringing Black people into a place of financial success and advise Black businesspeople to focus on cultivating their strengths. 

“Our America: In The Black – Conversations With Arlan Hamilton” is executive produced by Nzinga Blake, executive producer, Race & Culture, ABC Owned Television Stations. The first installment of “Our America: In the Black” debuted in February and featured Microsoft Philanthropies specialist Darrell Booker talking about how technology can help bridge generational wealth gaps.  

The Our America series 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
Disney Entertainment Television’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television households, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. With WABC-NY, they produce the No. 1 syndicated daytime series in the country, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and with KABC- LA, we produce the leading syndicated entertainment brand ABC “On the Red Carpet.”

The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to millions of viewers via its streaming channels that feature 24/7 local news coverage, breaking news, weather forecasts, exclusive premium content and feel-good stories from ABC’s award-winning “Localish.” The ABC Owned Television Stations ended 2023 with the most streaming minutes among its competitors and have continued to lead into 2024. They are also the leading local station group on social media reaching more than 34 million people across platforms, including 4 stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube.

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

Leslie Schwartz
leslie.schwartz.-ND@disney.com

Press Release

June 17, 2024

Media relations
Jayme Nicholas
(312) 750-7254
Share this release

ABC 7 Chicago Celebrates Pride With Live Broadcast From the 53rd Annual Pride Parade Sunday, June 30, at 11 A.M. on ABC7 and ABC7CHICAGO.COM

Will Also Exclusively Stream Live on ABC 7’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku and ABC News Live on Hulu

Hosts Cody LaGrow, ABC 7’s Hosea Sanders and Tanja Babich, and Kim Hunt along with ABC 7’s Jason Knowles, reporting live on the street.caption placeholder

ABC 7 celebrates the 53rd Annual Chicago Pride Parade with a two-hour, live parade broadcast, Sunday, June 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ABC 7’s Tanja Babich, Hosea Sanders and Jason Knowles host the Chicago Pride Parade broadcast withKnowles capturing all the action live from the street. LGBTQIA+ community advocates join the festivities, including Cody LaGrow (Emmy® Award-winning journalist), Kim Hunt (Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and senior director of AIDS Initiative Chicago).

The parade will also exclusively stream on ABC 7’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku and ABC News Live on Hulu.

Members of the ABC 7 Chicago Eyewitness News team including Ravi Baichwal, Rob Elgas, Jasmine Minor and Tre Ward are scheduled to ride on the ABC 7 float.

“ABC 7 is proud of our long-standing commitment to Pride, and we are thrilled again to be the station presenting two hours of live parade coverage on multiple platforms,” said John Idler, president and general manager of ABC 7 Chicago. “ABC 7 celebrates cultural inclusion and acceptance and the vibrant LGBTQAI+ community that is so important to our city.”

The 53rd Annual Pride Parade features actress, writer and comedian Fortune Feimster as this year’s grand marshal. The 2024 parade theme is “Pride is Power.” The Pride Parade kicks off this year from Sheridan and Broadway, travels through the Northhalsted, Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods and ends on Cannon Drive. The parade features colorful floats, decorated vehicles, musical talent, walking contingents and local government officials all in support of the LGBTQAI+ community.

ABC News Live’s Pride Parade coverage kicked off with a simulcast of KABC-TV’s coverage of LA Pride on June 9 and will culminate with “Pride Across America,” a major streaming event that spans the entire country, featuring five hours of live coverage from three of the nation’s biggest Pride marches and parades on June 30, beginning at 11 a.m. EDT/8 a.m. PDT. In partnership with Hulu and ABC Owned Television Stations WABC (New York), WLS (Chicago) and KGO (San Francisco), “Pride Across America” will begin with a one-hour pre-show, followed by coverage of the Pride marches and parades, and will include live special guest interviews and inspiring stories, spotlighting today’s influential LGBTQIA+ leaders.

The annual parade celebration commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which occurred June 28, 1969, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. Chicago’s Pride Parade takes place the same weekend in the summer, replacing what was once a fight for civil rights with dazzling displays of hope and perseverance.

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

May 3, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

ABC Owned Television Stations To Air Documentary Special, ‘Our America: Defining Courage,’ Presented by Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-Winning ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor David Ono Beginning Sunday, May 5

A trailer for the episode can be viewed here.

ABC Owned Television Stations to present “Our America: Defining Courage,” beginning Sunday, May 5. The documentary special takes viewers backstage for an intimate journey into the making of “Defining Courage” a stage show produced by Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker and KABC news anchor David Ono and his nonprofit production company, Story Boldly. It shares the story of the Nisei Soldiers, Americans of Japanese ancestry, who served in the segregated military units during World War II. Although considered the greatest fighting units in American military history, their efforts were overshadowed by prejudice at home. While many of the soldiers were away at battle for the U.S., their families were incarcerated in America’s concentration camps, with only a few hearing their extraordinary stories.

“Our America: Defining Courage” airs across the ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms and linear on the following dates:

Sunday, May 5
3:00 p.m. PDT             ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles

Monday, May 6
8:00 p.m. EDT             ABC Localish

Saturday, May 11
5:00 a.m. EDT              ABC7/WABC-TV New York
9:00 p.m. PDT             ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco

Sunday, May 12
11:00 p.m. CDT           ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago
11:30 p.m. CDT           ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston

Monday, May 13
8:00 p.m. EDT             ABC Localish

Saturday, May 18
12:30 a.m. EDT            6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia 
2:00 p.m. PDT            ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno

Sunday, May 19
5:00 a.m. EDT              ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham

Additionally, special interactive tools are available online to allow viewers nationwide to further explore the history of the Nisei Soldiers, which includes a message from David Ono and features the following highlights:

ABOUT
WHO ARE THE NISEI SOLDIERS
TIMELINE
MAP OF CAMPS

The “Our America: Defining Courage” documentary special was produced by Justin Allen, former senior producer, Content Development, ABC Owned Television Stations, and Rachel Schwartz, director, Content Operations, ABC Owned Television Stations.

The special features music by composers Enzo De Roza and Sheridan Seyfried.

About Story Boldly’s “Defining Courage”
“Defining Courage” is presented by Story Boldly, the Japanese American National Museum, and Outside In Theatre. Local partners for the Veterans Day performance are the Go For Broke National Education Center, Japanese American Citizens League, Japanese American Veterans Association, National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, National Veterans Network, and US-Japan Council. Story Boldly was founded by Ono and Emmy-winning filmmaker Jeff MacIntyre two decades ago to tell engaging stories using journalist practices to educate the public about important chapters in history and teach others how to use digital media to share stories that matter. Both are multiple Emmy Award-winning storytellers, journalists, filmmakers, and educators.

About ABC Owned Television Stations 
Disney Entertainment Television’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television households, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno.  With WABC-NY, they produce the #1 syndicated daytime series in the country, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and with KABC- LA, we produce the leading syndicated entertainment brand ABC “On the Red Carpet.”

The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to millions of viewers via its streaming channels that feature 24/7 local news coverage, breaking news, weather forecasts, exclusive premium content, and feel-good stories from ABC’s award-winning “Localish.” The ABC Owned Television Stations ended 2023 with the most streaming minutes among its competitors and have continued to lead into 2024.  They are also the leading local station group on social media reaching more than 34 million people across platforms, including 4 stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube.

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

April 4, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Share this release

ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco Debuts Documentary Special ‘California’s Case for Reparations’

A trailer for the episode can be viewed here.

ABC7/KGO-TV’s original documentary special California’s Case for Reparations, presented by Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning ABC7 News anchor  Julian Glover, aims to uplift the stories of families who could be repaired by reparations, explores the groundbreaking work of the reparations task force, and examines the package of legislation being proposed, and if there is the political will to pass it. California’s Case for Reparations is now available to stream across ABC7’s 24/7 streaming platforms and will make its linear debut on Saturday, April 6.

California made history in 2020 with the creation of the nation’s first state-level task force to study and develop reparations for the descendants of enslaved African Americans. The state made history again in 2023 when said task force released its monumental report outlining California’s Anti-Black policies that extended beyond slavery and the more than 100 recommendations for making the community whole. Today, California’s state legislature is the first in the nation to seriously consider reparations for the descendants of the enslaved. The special also looks to answer the question, “Are reparations radical?,” by revisiting the successful push for reparations by Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII.

“The fight for reparations to Black people for slavery and centuries of anti-Black policies has been decades long,” said Glover, the executive producer for California’s Case for Reparations and Race, Culture and Social Justice reporter at ABC7/KGO-TV Bay Area. “As the nation continues with this struggle, the questions remain, ‘How do we repair those Black lives? How do we make Black people whole?’ California’s Case for Reparations looks at how the state is pushing the conversation forward toward action.”

Glover’s reporting on issues of appraisal discrimination earned him a regional Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award for excellence in reporting on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Emmy Award-winning documentary Our America: Lowballed profiles three separate cases of appraisal discrimination experienced by families in California and Indiana. Glover’s impactful reporting on the devaluation of Black and Latino homes spurred new state laws and led President Biden to create the Property Appraisal Valuation Equity task force to identify solutions to root out appraisal bias. In addition, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, also featured in the documentary, introduced legislation to combat appraisal bias with the Fair Appraisal and Inequity Reform legislation.

California’s Case for Reparations airs Saturday, April 6, at 8:00 p.m. PDT on ABC7/KGO-TV.

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 StationsDisney Entertainment Television’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television households, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno.  With WABC-NY, they produce the #1 syndicated daytime series in the country, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and with KABC- LA, we produce the leading syndicated entertainment brand ABC “On the Red Carpet.”

The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to millions of viewers via its streaming channels that feature 24/7 local news coverage, breaking news, weather forecasts, exclusive premium content, and feel-good stories from ABC’s award-winning “Localish.” The ABC Owned Television Stations ended 2023 with the most streaming minutes among its competitors and have continued to lead into 2024.  They are also the leading local station group on social media reaching more than 34 million people across platforms, including 4 stations that have reached Gold Creator Status on YouTube.

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