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Press Release

August 30, 2023

Media relations
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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

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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
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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

Press Release

August 11, 2023

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
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ABC7 New York celebrates 75th anniversary with Mayor Eric Adams at Empire State Building lighting ceremony today, Thursday, Aug. 10

Mayor Adams Declares Aug. 10 as WABC-TV Day in New York City in Honor of Milestone Anniversary for the Country’s No. 1 Station

View Special Moments in ABC7 History Here

Photos of tonight’s ceremony will be available to press following the illumination.

Today, in honor of ABC7 New York’s 75th anniversary, New York City Mayor Eric Adams named Aug 10 as WABC-TV Day and joined members of the WABC-TV team in the lobby of the Empire State Building for a special lighting ceremony. This evening the building will be bathed in “ABC7 Eyewitness News blue” light in honor of this momentous milestone. 

In addition to Mayor Adams, attendees included ABC Owned Television Stations President Chad Matthews; WABC-TV President and General Manager Marilu Galvez; and WABC-TV anchors Sade Baderinwa, Shirleen Allicot, Mike Marza, Sam Champion and Sandra Bookman. They were joined by the commissioner of the city’s Department for the Aging and representatives from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens boroughs, as well as the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Food Bank for New York City, Harlem Stage, Neighborhood Technical Association Clinic, Friends of Firefighters, League of Women Voters and the Broadway Association. 

WABC-TV is the No. 1 station in the country and has held that position for more than two decades, covering breaking news from the 9/11 terrorist attacks to the NY blackouts and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. WABC-TV actively supports the community by partnering with multiple organizations and nonprofits, and highlighting local events like the NYC Pride March, the NY Marathon, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, and more. WABC-TV was recently nominated for 40 New York Emmy® Awards and received four prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards earlier this year including the Overall Excellence Award.

About ABC7/WABC-TV New York
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 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 the No. 1 syndicated talk show, “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” 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
Fonda Berosini
fonda.berosini@disney.com

Press Release

June 2, 2023

Media relations
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ABC Owned Television Stations Announces Its Annual Pride Programming Lineup

Pride Parade Coverage Will Air Live From San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago

Tune-in information for each station can be found here.

ABC Owned Television Stations today announces its annual Pride programming lineup to include live broadcasts from some of the country’s largest Pride parades and marches including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago with simulcasts on ABC OTV streaming and digital platforms, Hulu and ABC News Live, as well as an extensive lineup of special event programming, community events and virtual town halls.  

Highlights include the following:

STATIONWIDE PROGRAMMING
“Pride Across America” –ABC News Live celebrates Pride like never before with Pride Across America. This unprecedented streaming event spans the entire country, featuring live anchored coverage from Pride marches in New York City with Eva Pilgrim, Gio Benitez, LZ Granderson and comedian Murray Hill; in Chicago with Ginger Zee and Alex Perez; and San Francisco with Christiane Cordero and Devin Dwyer. Live coverage starts at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday, June 25, on ABC News Live and will also stream on Hulu.

“Our America: Who I’m Meant To Be” – In partnership with ABC News, the one-hour special showcases six transgender people from The GenderCool Project. Each shares their personal stories offering insight into who they are, their ambitions, and what they want others to know about their generation. Hosted by Emmy® Award-winning ABC News correspondent Gio Benitez. The special premieres JUNE 1 across ABC OTV streaming and digital platforms, ABC News Live and Hulu; will make its linear debut beginning Saturday, JUNE 3; and will air across all eight ABC Owned Television Stations and on the award-winning Localish Network.

“On the Red Carpet Celebrates Pride” –On the Red Carpet is celebrating Pride Month with a look at how LGBTQIA+ celebrities are making history and how Hollywood is telling more inclusive stories. The show will air live from the Pride in the Park event in Downtown Los Angeles, Saturday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. PDT on ABC7 Los Angeles, then rebroadcast on the other owned television stations during the following week.

ABC7/KABC-TV LOS ANGELES
2023 L.A. Pride Parade – The parade will feature a special performance presented by the ACLU SoCal and staged by Morgan McMichaels to music by 14-time Oscar® nominee Diane Warren. It will air live Sunday, June 11, on longtime L.A. Pride broadcasting partner ABC7/KABC-TV beginning at 11:00 a.m. PDT. It will also air nationally on ABC News Live and Hulu, and wherever viewers stream KABC-TV including abc7.com and the ABC7LA mobile app. Anchor Ellen Leyva and reporter Christiane Cordero from ABC7 Eyewitness News will co-host the broadcast.

“On the Red Carpet Storytellers’ Spotlight” – Brandon Kazen-Maddox, an ASL performer who has worked with Disney on Broadway in the “Lion King” and “Newsies,” shares their story about being a nonbinary, two-spirited, biracial person and GODA (grandchild of deaf adults). The spotlight will be available here beginning Friday, June 2.

LGBTQIA+ Night at Dodger Stadium – KABC-TV will be broadcasting live from Dodger Stadium as the L.A. Dodgers battle the S.F. Giants on June 16 during the 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. PDT newscasts and – for the first time ever – both teams will be wearing Pride colors on their team caps.

ABC30/KFSN-TV FRESNO
Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade – KFSN will once again be a media sponsor of the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade, taking place Saturday, June 3, at 10:00 a.m. PDT in Fresno.

ABC7/KGO-TV SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration – One of the largest LGBTQIA+ celebrations in the world, the San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration will be broadcast and streamed live by KGO-TV, the exclusive media partner of San Francisco beginning at 10:30 a.m. PDT. Also airing on KGO-TV’s website, streaming channels and Hulu with more coverage on KGO-TV’s stream from 12:00-2:00 p.m.

ABC13/KTRK-TV HOUSTON
“Action 13: Black LGBQTIA+ Mental Health Town Hall” – Streaming anchor Brittaney Wilmore leads a panel discussion on Black LGBTQIA+ Pride and mental health at the Black Queer Advancement Festival in Houston. The special will begin streaming Thursday, May 25.

Houston Pride Parade – KTRK-TV is the official media sponsor for45th Annual Houston Pride Parade on Saturday, June 24, beginning at 7:00 p.m. CDT in Downtown Houston. Viewers can tune in to join ABC13 Houston’s Erica Simon, Mayra Moreno, Pooja Lodhia and Bob Slovak for a live stream of the parade; encore presentations will air on linear and KTRK-TV’s 24/7 stream.

ABC7/WABC-TV NEW YORK
The NYC Pride March – From its beginning in 1970 – one year after the Stonewall Uprising – The NYC Pride March has been an annual civil rights demonstration. This year’s march on Saturday, June 24, will show “Strength in Solidarity” as NYC Pride seeks to spotlight the power and resiliency of the community. It airs at 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EDT and streams on abc7ny.com and YouTube.

“Pride 2023: Strength in Solidarity” – On Saturday, June 24, at 7:00 p.m. EDT, WABC will air a 30-minute special that examines and amplifies the theme of this year’s NYC Pride March, “Strength in Solidarity.” It will include profiles of inspiring LGBTQIA+ individuals, segments on the history of the community, important current events, and more in an uplifting, entertaining and informative celebration of unity.

ABC7/WLS-TV CHICAGO
52nd Annual Pride Parade – ABC7’s live broadcast and stream will begin at 12:00 p.m. CDT on Sunday, June 25, featuring anchors Tanja Babich, Hosea Sanders and Jason Knowles along with special guests Cody LaGrow and Kim Hunt. It will also stream on ABC News Live and the WLS-TV’s 24/7 stream.

6abc/WPVI-TV PHILADELPHIA:
Philadelphia Gay News Pride “Stonewall Awards Brunch” – To honor those who have impacted the LGBTQIA+ community, Philadelphia Gay News will host the Stonewall Awards Brunch taking place on Pride Day, June 4, at the Arts Ballroom in Center City. The event will be hosted by 6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph and livestreamed by WPVI-TV beginning at 11:00 a.m. EDT.

“6abc Philly Proud Town Hall Celebrating Pride Month” – Hosted by 6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph, WPVI-TV will honor community nonprofits and individuals making a difference in the local LGBTQIA+ community. The Town Hall will also feature interviews and discussion of current events affecting the community and will be available to stream beginning June 10.

“FYI Philly” – Philly’s weekly lifestyle show will feature a special 30-minute LGBTQIA+-themed special on Saturday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. EDT on linear and streaming.

“Visions” Pride Month Special – Hosted by 6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph, this special episode on Sunday, June 17, at 7:00 p.m. will re-air on Sunday, June 18, at midnight and will be available on WPVI-TV’s digital platforms.                

ABC11/WTVD-TV RALEIGH-DURHAM
Out! Raleigh Pride – WTVD-TV is the official media sponsor of “Out! Raleigh Pride” on Saturday, June 24.  WTVD-TV talent will greet community members in a “pop-up studio” from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EDT. The festival is an inclusive and family-friendly event with live entertainment, local vendors and artists, food, a KidsZone, beer garden and a wellness pavilion with information on mental health, health disparities, financial literacy and more.

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

May 25, 2023

Media relations
Jayme Nicholas
(312) 750-7254
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ABC 7 Eyewitness News Continues Dominant 4, 5, 6 and 10 P.M. News Winning Streak in Household and Key Demos in May 2023 Sweep

ABC 7 Chicago’s News at 10 p.m. continues an incredible household ratings winning streak during the May 2023 sweep, both Monday through Friday and Monday through Sunday. For more than 20 years, ABC 7 Eyewitness News at 10 p.m. has been the No. 1 News, excluding Olympic books with the exception of February 2022 where ABC 7 won despite Winter Olympics and Super Bowl programming. ABC 7 Eyewitness News at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. also continued an amazing first-place run in household ratings (for more than three decades) and demos, Monday through Friday – the No. 1 choice for news in Chicago.  

In household ratings, ABC 7 has a 218% advantage at 4 p.m. over its nearest competitor, a 144% advantage at 5 p.m., a 163% advantage at 6 p.m. and a 70% advantage at 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. In the Monday through Sunday news race, ABC 7 has a 72% advantage over its closest competitor at 10 p.m. in household ratings.

Morning and middayABC 7 Eyewitness News also led the pack. At 4:30 a.m. ABC 7 has a 50% advantage over its nearest competitor in household ratings, a 27% advantage at 5 a.m., and ABC 7 ties in household ratings but wins in share at 6 a.m. At 11 a.m. ABC 7 won over its nearest competitor by 54% in household ratings.

“The ABC 7 news team, both on and off air, works hard every day and the results speak for themselves. Our truly amazing decadeslong winning streak continues to be a source of pride for all of us,” said John Idler, president & general manager, ABC 7 Chicago.  

In the critical Persons 25-54 demo, ABC 7 has a 125% advantage at 4 p.m. over its nearest competitor, a 117% advantage at 5 p.m., a 180% advantage at 6 p.m. and a 78% advantage at 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. In the Monday through Sunday news race, ABC 7 has an 89% advantage over its closest competitor at 10 p.m. in Persons 25-54. At 11 a.m., ABC 7 has a 25% advantage over its closest competitor in Persons 25-54.

During this May sweep, ABC 7 was Chicago’s station of choice winning sign-on to sign-off in both household ratings with a 117% advantage and Persons 25-54 with an 80% advantage over its nearest competitor based on Monday through Sunday 6 a.m.-2 a.m.

Source: Nielsen Station Index (NSI) Household and Adults 25-54 data.  May 2023 based on Chicago Live+SD (4/27 – 5/24/23).

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 and southeast Wisconsin. 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.

Twitter: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 23, 2023

Media relations
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ABC Owned Television Stations Documentary ‘Our America: Mental State’ to Premiere on Hulu Friday, May 26, and Will Air Across the Eight ABC Owned Television Stations Beginning May 27

Trailer Debuts Today, May 23

View the ‘Our America: Mental State’ Trailer Here

ABC Owned Television Stations presents the original documentary “Our America: Mental State.” The one-hour documentary further continues the story from ABC30/KFSN’s award-winning five-part documentary series “A Critical State of Mind: A Look into California’s Mental Health,” examining the state of mental health in America, looking inside the lives of those who suffer, the stigma associated with mental illness, organizations making a difference, and those standing up to give hope.

The documentary explores five key areas:

  • The state of mental health in America — One in five adults in the United States is diagnosed with a mental disorder every year, with one in 10 children facing serious emotional disturbance. Despite cries for help and a pandemic that has brought to light these struggles, there are not enough mental health providers to help those in need and an insurance system that’s too complicated to navigate. How did we get here, and what needs to change?
  • Stigma — A look at the issues stigma creates and how we can break free of the misconceptions of mental illness.
  • Speaking up — Would you be able to recognize someone struggling with mental health? The mother of a high school football star who died by suicide is speaking up and using her trauma to help others.
  • Built from the ground up — A lack of mental health providers for children and adults can have dire consequences later in life. Experts agree that early prevention is crucial in staving off future issues. Meet the people building access to care for everyone from the ground up.
  • Change — Experts agree that early prevention can tremendously help anyone going through a mental health crisis. Dr. Felipe Mercado, an advocate and former drug addict, knew his life could have been different had someone intervened when he was younger. Hear his story and how he is determined to make a change by training the next generation of mental health experts.

The ABC Owned Television Stations, which collectively reach 23% of households across all U.S. television, have made a commitment to producing high-impact content representing various voices within communities and newsrooms across the country. “Our America: Mental State” will aim to inform and support those suffering from and affected by mental illness.

“Our America: Mental State” will be available on Hulu beginning Friday, May 26, and will air as follows across the eight ABC Owned Television Stations and on ABC’s award-winning Localish Network:

Saturday, May 27
ABC7/WABC-TV New York at 1:00 p.m. EDT
6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia at 2:00 p.m. EDT
ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham at 2:00 p.m. EDT

Sunday, May 28
ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston at 12:30 a.m. CDT
ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco at 10:00 p.m. PDT
ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles at 11:30 a.m. PDT
ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago at 1:00 p.m. CDT

Monday, May 29
Localish Network at 8:00 p.m. EDT

Sunday June 4
ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno at 10:30 p.m. PDT

Monday, June 5
ABC Localish at 8:00 p.m. EDT

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.

ABC Owned Television Stations Media Contact
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Press Release

April 6, 2023

Media relations
Anna Kukelhaus
Director of Communications
National Geographic Media and ABC Owned Television Stations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
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ABC Owned Television Stations Honor Earth Month With New Documentary Series in Partnership With ABC News and National Geographic, ‘Our America: Trouble on Tap’

Three-Part Documentary Series Examines the US Water Crisis and Will Feature a Number of Prominent Thought Leaders and Scientists, Including Michael S. Regan, Head of the US Environmental Protection Agency; US Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey; Erik D. Olson, Senior Strategist at the Natural Resources Defense Council; and More

Trailer Debuts Today, April 6; First Episode Available Beginning April 21

WATCH TRAILER HERE

SHARE TRAILER HERE

VISUALS AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

KEY ART HERE

As issues of access to safe drinking water make headlines across the United States, ABC Owned Television Stations are producing a three-part documentary series with ABC News and National Geographic titled “Our America: Trouble on Tap.” The first episode will premiere April 21 – in time for Earth Day on April 22 – at ouramericaabc.com and on Hulu on April 22. The trailer is available here now.

“Our America: Trouble on Tap” is a three-part documentary series – produced by Tracy J. Wholf, coordinating producer of the climate unit at ABC News, and Justin Allen, executive producer with ABC Owned Television Stations – that looks at how environmental pollution, climate change and aging infrastructure are gradually eroding the ability for more and more communities across the United States to have access to free and potable drinking water. Over the last few decades, the safe and available drinking water that many Americans have taken for granted is now at risk. ABC Owned Television Stations and their Data Journalism unit, whose data was utilized to show the severity of the contamination levels across the United States and the communities they impact, in partnership with ABC News and National Geographic, will take viewers across America to examine this emerging crisis and offer solutions along the way.

“Our America: Trouble on Tap” is a powerful and thoughtful exploration of the growing issues surrounding Americans’ access to clean drinking water. The series brings together the talent and expertise of the amazing teams from ABC Owned Television Stations, National Geographic, and ABC News with national and local experts and leaders to ask what we can do to solve these problems and protect the health of people across the country. I’m incredibly proud of the work these teams have done to bring this informative and timely topic to light,” said Debra OConnell, President, Disney Entertainment, Networks.

“Issues around access to clean water vary across the country,” added Chad Matthews, president, ABC Owned Television Stations. “Our Data Journalism team is looking at information specific to local markets and working to help tell stories that offer viewers greater context and understanding around how water – or lack of water – may be impacting them. We focus on specific problems, possible solutions and tell the stories of those living it firsthand.”

The documentary series will include three hourlong episodes:

  • The first episode, “Life with Forever Chemicals,” premiering April 21, takes a look 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.
  • The second episode, “Chicago’s $8 Billion Water Problem,” will premiere in July and examine lead pipes and water infrastructure in Chicago. More than 30 years after lead was 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. With an estimated 400,000 lead pipes delivering water to Chicago-area residents, “It’s an $8 billion problem,” according to Andrea Cheng, Chicago’s water department commissioner. This episode examines the key issues of water infrastructure to explore whether bills such as Senator Cory Booker’s Water Infrastructure Funding Act and others will help alleviate some of the financial strain on communities and truly help solve the many issues hitting residents, often in communities that are predominantly Black, Latino and Indigenous.
  • The third episode, “Drilling into California’s Water Crisis,” will premiere in August and focus on the effects of drought in California. In late November 2022, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed that nearly 85% of California was in severe drought conditions or higher. While the current drought conditions have changed, due to recent winter 2023 precipitation, California continues to experience water emergencies throughout the state as resources continue to vary, based on current conditions. This episode takes viewers to Orosi, California, to check in with a family whose water supply from the state is set to expire in four months. What will happen to the water they use to drink, cook and bathe with? California Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan around water resilience and retention will be examined; and the process of subsidence, the gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land, will also be explored, including the process as it relates to water and the effects it can have on land. 

The series will debut April 22 on linear across the eight ABC stations 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. It will be available on the 24/7 streaming platforms, 32 connected TV apps across streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Roku and available April 22 on Hulu.

ABC Owned Television Stations, which collectively reach 23% of households across all U.S. television, have made a commitment to produce high-impact content representing various issues and voices within communities and newsrooms across the country. “Our America: Trouble on Tap” will aim to inform audiences on the complex challenges facing everyday residents and lawmakers alike, when it comes to access to clean drinking water in the United States. The series will feature scientists, government officials and activists, and will amplify the voices of a number of individuals and families directly affected by these water issues. 

To view the trailer for “Our America: Trouble on Tap,” visit ouramericaabc.com.

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.

LINK TO KEY ART HERE

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 Contacts:
Anna Kukelhaus
Director of Communications
National Geographic Media and ABC Owned Television Stations
(202) 258-8020
anna.kukelhaus@natgeo.com

Press Release

March 23, 2023

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
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Tamron Hall Hosts Half-Hour Special ‘Our America: Women on a Roll’ Airing Across the Eight ABC Owned Television Stations Beginning Saturday, March 25

The ‘Our America: Women on a Roll’ Special Is Part of the ABC Owned Television Stations’ Exclusive Programming in Support of Women’s History Month

View “Our America: Women on a Roll” Teaser

Beginning Saturday, March 25, and throughout the month, viewers can tune in for “Our America: Women on a Roll” hosted by the Emmy® Award-winning Tamron Hall, broadcast journalist host of the syndicated daytime talk show of the same name. In this Women’s History Month half-hour special, which will air across the eight ABC Owned Television Stations and ABC Localish, Tamron Hall laces up her skates and explores how the sport empowers women in cities across America and continues to move our culture forward decade after decade.

From an 11-year-old “shredding” in Philadelphia to a skating rink in Texas breaking down barriers, women are riding fearlessly into sports once dominated by men. “Women on a Roll” highlights diverse women and girls who are making a difference in their neighborhoods by uplifting and defining skate culture. From feminists fighting elbow-to-elbow on a roller derby flat track to a mother-and-daughter duo reshaping their community one rink at a time, these local skate icons share their inspiring stories, impart the lessons they’ve learned, and demonstrate how anyone can do anything with determination and perseverance – especially when one is on eight wheels.

The series will air as follows across the eight ABC Owned Television Stations and on ABC’s award-winning Localish network:

Saturday, March 25
ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston at 5:00 p.m. CDT
ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles at 10:00 p.m. PDT
ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco at 10:00 p.m. PDT
ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno at 10:30 p.m. PDT

Sunday, March 26
ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago at 11:00 p.m. CDT

Monday, March 27
ABC Localish at 8:30 p.m. EDT

Sunday, April 2
ABC7/WABC-TV New York at 2:00 p.m. EDT
6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia at 2:00 p.m. EDT
ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham at 2:00 p.m. EDT

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Network’s 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.

Press Release

March 21, 2023

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
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‘Disney100: The Exhibition — Making the Magic’

Half-Hour Special To Mark 100 Years of Beloved Characters and Timeless Stories

Click Here for Trailer

The Walt Disney Archives has opened its vaults to mark 100 historic years of making magic! In honor of this global celebration of a century of Disney storytelling, the ABC Owned Television Stations will present a 30-minute special, “Disney100: The Exhibition — Making the Magic,”hosted by Alicia Vitarelli and TaRhonda Thomas of 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia. The special will debut March 23 (7:30 p.m. EDT) on 6abc and across the ABC Owned Television Stations on linear, digital and streaming platforms, and will be available on the Localish network and for Hulu subscribers.  For participating stations, viewers can check local listings. 

The special goes behind the scenes of Disney100: The Exhibition, which debuted at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on Feb. 18, 2023. Created for the 100-year celebration of The Walt Disney Company, the exhibit, which is open to the public and where people can see many rare Disney artifacts for the very first time, runs through Aug. 27, 2023, before it travels to other destinations across the United States. A second unit of the exhibition opens in Munich in April.

“Disney100: The Exhibition — Making the Magic” is a dazzling journey through this immersive exhibit, featuring more than 250 artifacts and works of art, costumes and props, and memorabilia from the Walt Disney Archives’ vault of treasures, including many of its “crown jewels,” such as the following:

  • Disneyland Employee Badge No. 1, issued in 1955 to Walt Disney
  • Costumes from “Black Panther,” “Jungle Cruise,” “Cruella,” “Enchanted” and more
  • Prop storybooks featured in “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”and “Sleeping Beauty”
  • Skywalker Lightsaber Hilt from “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” used by Daisy Ridley
  • Attraction vehicles from Matterhorn Bobsleds and Peter Pan’s Flight at Disneyland Park

Viewers will pay a visit to the Walt Disney Archives in Burbank to see how this incredible 15,000-square-foot exhibition was produced and will have an insider’s look into how Disney has created some of its most popular characters, films, shows and attractions—from Disneyland to Walt Disney World and beyond. It will also document for the viewer how the Walt Disney Archives crafted the 10 magnificent and imaginatively themed galleries at The Franklin Institute, featuring moving stories, unique interactive installations and exciting insider details, which take guests on a virtual journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, celebrating the classics from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”to the upcoming “Peter Pan & Wendy” as well as the latest members of the Disney family—Pixar, Lucasfilm, Marvel and National Geographic.

“Disney100: The Exhibition — Making the Magic” will reveal how the philosophies of visionary filmmaker and innovator Walt Disney laid the foundation for The Walt Disney Company. From the contract that established the company and the creation of Mickey Mouse to immersive theme parks and blockbuster films such as “Frozen” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” viewers will experience incredible moments from Disney’s rich legacy.

About the Walt Disney Archives
For more than 50 years, the Walt Disney Archives has carefully safeguarded the most treasured items from The Walt Disney Company’s history, including original scripts, movie props and costumes, Walt Disney’s correspondence and script notes, theme park artifacts, merchandise, millions of archival photographs, and many of Walt’s personal effects. Founded by Disney Legend Dave Smith in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives is a vital resource for every part of Disney, as well as an important research center for Disney scholars, researchers, and writers. The Archives also shares its countless pieces with Disney fans everywhere through its exhibitions and close association with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Network’s 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.