Press Release

December 16, 2021

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

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ABC Owned Television Stations Expand Its ‘Unsolved,’ ‘True Crime’ Slate, Premiering Tuesday, Dec. 21, on Hulu

The Station Group’s Slate Highlights Greed, Murder and a Mysterious Disappearance, Produced Respectively by News Station Leaders 6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia, ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston and ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles

**View “No Good Deed” Trailer**

**View “Texas True Crime: The Candyman Murders” Trailer**

**View “Disappearance of Mitrice Richardson” Trailer**

ABC Owned Television Stations is expanding its true-crime and “Unsolved” slate to release on Hulu on Dec. 21 to meet its audience’s growing interest. True-crime followers from across the country can stream some of the popular local stories on Hulu that were investigated and covered on ABC-owned news stations but carried national appeal.

ABC Owned Television Stations’ slate, set to be released Tuesday, Dec. 21, on Hulu,includes the following productions:

6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia premieres the documentary “No Good Deed: A Crowdfunding Holiday Heist,” about what started as a heartwarming 2017 holiday story that turned into the biggest scandal in GoFundMe history, which WPVI investigated and reported.

WPVI investigative reporter Chad Pradelli and Special Projects producer Cheryl Mettendorf are co-executive producers. “No Good Deed” updates viewers about Johnny Bobbitt Jr., a homeless man, who gave his last $20 to help a woman, Katelyn McClure, who ran out of gas. At the time, WPVI and other local stations covered the touching story that went viral and became a national story as McClure created a GoFundMe page to help him out of homelessness. As the story went viral, McClure and her boyfriend, Mark D’Amico, raised nearly a half-million dollars for Bobbitt and appeared on local and national news shows. But lavish social media posts of luxury spending sprees, parties, gambling and other strange behavior led Pradelli and Mettendorf to begin investigating. As pressure built around the trio, a fallout ensued eventually exposing the “Good Deed” as a lie that defrauded GoFundMe and thousands of kindhearted supporters.

As Danny Gordan, former vice president for Trust and Policy at GoFundMe, states in the documentary, “This was the largest GoFundMe guarantee payout that the company has had done and I think to this day is still the largest. And that tells you something.”

Pradelli and Mettendorf speak to family and friends of those criminally charged, prosecutors and GoFundMe executives. The hourlong documentary shares an explosive audio recording of McClure and D’Amico and newly released excerpts from WPVI’s 2018 exclusive interview with Bobbitt. “No Good Deed” explores how social media contributed to the significant increase in donations and ultimately brought down the trio.

“Acts of kindness bring out the best in people but this is a story that brought out the worst,” said Pradelli.

WPVI created a detailed “No Good Deed” immersive experience site that takes viewers through a timeline of events. The immersive page shares actual social media posts, audio recordings, text messages, court documents and other factors of this scandal.

ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston releases “Texas True Crime: The Candyman Murders” on Hulu about a case that haunted a Texas community nearly 50 years ago. ABC13 reporter Jessica Willey revisits killer Dean Corll’s horrific mass murders that dubbed him a “serial killer” before the term was widely used. Earlier this year, ABC13, Houston’s news leader, released a new series “Texas True Crime” on Hulu and season two of its successful and highly streamed “Unsolved” series. All ABC13’s “Unsolved” and “Texas True Crime” documentaries are available on Hulu.

“Deciding to share these locally produced true-crime stories on Hulu is indicative of the demand we are seeing from viewers who are obsessed with the content,” said Wendy Granato, president and general manager of KTRK. “It also speaks to the experience of our reporters, whose work gives a voice to the victims.” Since producing true crimes and unsolved cases, ABC13 receives numerous phone calls from community members and has worked with more than a dozen law enforcement agencies and investigators to help solve crimes.

ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles, the most-watched station in Southern California, releases “Unsolved LA: The Disappearance of Mitrice Richardson”on Hulu about a 2009 unsolved mystery of a young woman who vanished near Malibu Creek State Park. In the hourlong special, ABC7 Veronica Miracle examines the case of Richardson who, before going missing, appeared to have a mental health crisis in an upscale Malibu restaurant that led to her being brought to an LA county jail. Controversy ensued regarding how she was released in the middle of the night with no phone or car and vanished. Her remains were found 11 months later in a remote canyon nearby. Miracle looks at the events leading up to her disappearance, retraces Richardson’s steps, talks to those who loved her, and revisits how law enforcement treated her before and after her disappearance.

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution’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, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 17 million viewers across America through its multiplatform lifestyle network, Localish. In 2020, the stations received five Broadcast & Cable awards, including in the 2020 Best in Local TV Awards category as Station Group of the Year for its innovative and next-generation news reporting, and in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the Group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.

Press Release

December 2, 2021

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

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ABC Owned Television Stations Present ‘The Story of Ady Barkan,’ the Powerful 11th Installment of the ‘Our America’ Series, Set To Premiere Friday, Dec. 3, on Hulu and Saturday, Dec. 4 (10:30 P.M. PST) on ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles

‘Our America: Accomplices -The Story of Ady Barkan’ Shines a Light on the Challenges the Disabled Community Faces Through the Riveting Journey of Healthcare Activist Ady Barkan Who is Living With ALS

ABC Owned Television Stations present “Our America: Accomplices – The Story of Ady Barkan” premiering Friday, Dec. 3, on Hulu, which also marks the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities.” The half-hour special provides behind-the-scenes access into the riveting journey of healthcare activist Ady Barkan, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2016 and experienced firsthand the many challenges disabled and senior communities face that prevent them from leading independent quality lives. The special is authentically narrated by Ady Barkan as he speaks through a Tobii Dynavox, an electronic device that tracks his eye movements to type out words, so he can share his story in his own words.

Barkan, an American lawyer, activist and one of Time Magazine’s “Most Influential People of 2020,” has been fighting for social justice for historically underrepresented and marginalized communities since his youth. After being diagnosed with ALS in 2016, he began to shed light on the inequities in the American healthcare system. Be A Hero, the organization Ady co-founded, has been advocating affordable and accessible home care, which Ady attributes to helping him stay alive. He believes that all disabled, sick or aging individuals should be afforded the same access.

“Our America: Accomplices – The Story of Ady Barkan” shares with viewers Ady Barkan’s fight for healthcare justice as he premieres his film, “Not Going Quietly.” Viewers will also experience the power behind home caregivers as they witness those who care for Ady throughout his daily life and brave journey.

In the special, Ady introduces a new form of allyship, called “accomplice ship” and the powerful modern-day meaning, as he shifts the national conversation – challenging politicians and government officials and encouraging everyone to be a modern-day “accomplice” to underrepresented communities — which includes the disabled community. “’Accomplice ship’ requires working hand in hand with the most marginalized, underrepresented and excluded voices toward a world where everyone can live with dignity and [have] the basic resources they need to thrive,” said activist Ady Barkan.

The special was led by ABC Owned Television Stations’ Race and Culture executive producer Nzinga Blake. “Persons with disabilities are often communities that are ignored and excluded within the conversations of diversity and inclusion,” said Blake. “Ady’s story and advocacy is an incredible reminder that people with disabilities can lead productive lives and be major contributors to society if given the resources and support to do so.”

“Our America: Accomplices – The Story of Ady Barkan” captures Ady’s life, mission and journey while exemplifying modern-day “accomplice ship” and what courage and influence against all odds looks like.

The special premieres on Friday, Dec. 3, on Hulu, and is available to stream across each owned stations free news apps: 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, and connected TV apps on streaming platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku. Additionally, the special will air on Saturday, Dec. 4 (10:30 p.m.) on ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles, the most-watched station in Southern California.

The “Our America” series aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities by examining social issues, exploring historical context and providing insightful information while celebrating heritage, triumphs and common humanity. The “Our America” series is executive produced by ABC Owned Television Stations’ Race and Culture executive producers Nzinga Blake, Porsha Grant and Mariel Myers.

Press Release

November 15, 2021

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

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ABC Owned Television Stations Present an Episodic Visual Journal of Indigenous Life in ‘Our America: Indigenous and Urban,’ Available To Stream on Wednesday, Nov. 17

In Celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the ‘Our America’ Streaming Special Can be Accessed Across ABC’s Connected TV Apps on Streaming Platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku

Watch ‘Our America: Indigenous and Urban’ Trailer Here

ABC Owned Television Stations embrace the heritage and traditions of Indigenous people in “Our America: Indigenous and Urban,” available to stream on Wednesday, Nov. 17, across the owned station’s 32 connected TV apps on streaming platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

Executive produced by Porsha Grant, Nzinga Blake and Mariel Myers, the station group’s race and culture leads, the streaming special is an episodic visual journal of Indigenous life off the reservations, offering a more authentic view of their lives in urban America. The special shares their modern-day experience.

Approximately 70% of Indigenous people live outside of reservations, embedded in day-to-day society. Yet extraordinarily little is known or seen about them in mainstream media. “Our America: Indigenous and Urban” shows viewers the beauty and complexity as they embrace their rich heritage and preserve the traditions of what it means to be Indigenous.

The episodes will feature unique highlights such as the music and original prose by Lyla June, an Indigenous scholar, public speaker and award-winning poet whose messages focus on Indigenous rights, supporting Indigenous youth and healing intercultural trauma.

“Our America: Indigenous and Urban” showcases the following:

Travel with ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston’s reporter Charly Edsitty as she leaves Houston to return to her childhood home in the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation in the Four Corners region of the Southwest.
Get personal with Quentin Fuller, a police officer in suburban Philadelphia. When not in uniform, he spends time passing on the traditions and customs of his Seminole heritage to his children.
Meet Afro Indigenous public health leader and social entrepreneur Sutton Cole King, who founded the Urban Indigenous Collective (UIC). She shares the richness of her work with Indigenous youth, discusses inequities that urban native people experience, and shares her proud connection to her Afro Indigenous roots and the native heritage being reclaimed in her community.

In addition to streaming “Our America: Indigenous and Urban,” viewers in each local market of ABC Owned Television Stations will see daily news coverage examining social and cultural issues locally that impact Indigenous people.

ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles’s “On The Red Carpet Presents Storytellers Spotlight” will feature Indigenous entertainers that include the creators of the popular FX’s “Reservation Dogs,” who introduced the nation to life on the reservation for four Native young people. Show creator Sterlin Harjo and actors D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai and Lane Factor give viewers a look at what it is like to navigate the traditions of reservation life and the Hollywood culture that has overlooked the community for so long. “The Storytellers Spotlight” will also provide more insight into the life and mission of Indigenous public speaker Lyla June, who is featured throughout the “Our America: Indigenous and Urban” special.

“Our America: Indigenous and Urban” is available via streaming on Nov. 17 across each *Owned Stations Free News App: 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, and connected TV Apps on streaming platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution’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, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 17 million viewers across America through its multiplatform lifestyle network, Localish. In 2020, the stations received five Broadcast & Cable awards, including in the 2020 Best in Local TV Awards category as Station Group of the Year for its innovative and next-generation news reporting, and in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.

Press Release

October 29, 2021

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Share this release

ABC Owned Television Stations Announce Exclusive Streaming Docuseries, ‘Being Blago’ Premiering Friday, Nov 5 on Hulu

Being Blago’ Features Unprecedented Access to Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, Who Was Convicted of Conspiring to Sell a Senate Seat

The Limited Series Features 100+ Hours of Archival Footage, Four Months of Exclusive Raw Access to Blagojevich’s Life Post-Prison as he Searches for Redemption and Determines a Return to Politics

ABC Owned Television Stations announced that it produced an exclusive streaming docuseries, “Being Blago,” about former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, which premieres on Hulu, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. The four-part docuseries is a story about Blagojevich’s life after prison – his journey, purpose, lost power, search for redemption, and if he plans to reenter politics.

The limited series features more than 20 years and 100+ hours of archival footage and four months of exclusive access to Blagojevich’s day-to-day life after being released from prison. The exclusive access is unprecedented and raw. In his own words, Blagojevich states, “I’m breaking a rule – don’t let the media in the house.”

“While the story of Rod Blagojevich has local appeal in Chicago, the overall journey, including his downfall and release from prison, has broad national appeal,” said Justin Allen, “Being Blago”’s co-executive producer and director, and senior coordinating producer, Content Development at ABC Owned Television Stations.

ABC Owned Television Stations continue to prioritize producing high-impact streaming content, outside the daily news cycle, for its connected TV apps and, in the case of “Being Blago,” specifically for OTT, direct-to-consumer streaming platforms like Hulu. “As we consider premium content with an appeal to a broader audience, it was a no-brainer for ABC Owned Television Stations to produce Rod’s story and distribute it nationally on Hulu,” adds Allen.

Former twice-elected Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (2002-2009) was a force to be reckoned with – a well-liked and relatable politician by the constituents he served daily. He was married into a political powerhouse family, and in the early 2000s, his rise to the top of American politics looked inevitable. It all came crashing down when he was charged with conspiring to sell the senate seat of Barack Obama when he became president. Blagojevich was impeached and later sentenced to 14 years – the second-longest term ever delivered in a federal court in Chicago for a public corruption case. In 2020, his 14-year sentence was commuted by then-president Trump, and he was released from a federal prison in Colorado.

Most of the archival footage is from 20 years of ABC-owned WLS-TV Chicago, following the career and downfall of Blagojevich, which included reporting from WLS’s chief investigative reporter Chuck Goudie.

“WLS is no stranger to Rod and has long covered his journey,” said Matt Knutson, director of Content Innovation at WLS, and co-executive producer and director of “Being Blago.” “However, ‘Being Blago’ is not a news story. It’s a very raw look at a man trying to amend his past and forge a new, meaningful and untarnished legacy. ‘Being Blago’ reminds viewers what happened through a visual timeline of events while simultaneously following Rod in his next chapter.”

“Being Blago” episodes include the following:

Episode one: “I Want You to Run” follows Blagojevich’s ascent to governor and the events that led to the FBI investigation allegedly triggered by his father-in-law, who was an Alderman. Episode 1 shows Rod grappling with how to regain relevancy post-probation.

Episode two: “All Falls Down” focuses on the time when Blagojevich‘s life was crashing down around him. He’s indicted, impeached and convicted while becoming a national punchline. Fast forward to 2021, Blagojevich finds himself gaining public support and attention, despite his wife, Patti, making it crystal clear (again) that if he runs for office, she’s out.

Episode three: “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow” opens with Blagojevich recounting his last moments at home before prison while following the journey of his wife, Patti, as she becomes a single mother and realizes she can live without him. Forward to 2021, Blagojevich prepares for a big performance and shares further his current day-to-day life.

Episode four: “Rod v. Everyone” – The series closes with Blagojevich facing an uncertain future at home and in the public eye.

“Being Blago” is directed and executive produced by Justin Allen and Matt Knutson, and Barb Markoff as senior producer.

Editor’s Note: “Being Blago” Press Kit Attached

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution’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, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 17 million viewers across America through its multiplatform lifestyle network, Localish. In 2020, the stations received five Broadcast & Cable awards, including in the 2020 Best in Local TV Awards category as Station Group of the Year for its innovative and next-generation news reporting, and in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.

Press Release

September 13, 2021

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Share this release

ABC Owned Television Stations Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Month With the Streaming Premiere of News Special ‘Our America: Todos Unidos’ on Wednesday, Sept. 15, Across 32 Connected TV Apps on Streaming Platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku and Hulu

The ‘Our America’ Series Celebrates Hispanic and Latino Cultures and Will Also Air Across the Eight Owned Stations the Weekend of Sept 18-19, With an Additional Airing on National Geographic and FX on Sept. 26, and Freeform on Sept. 27

**View “Our America: Todos Unidos” Trailer**

**View “Hispanic Heritage Month” Explainer**

ABC Owned Television Stations kick off Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 with the streaming premiere of its multiplatform news special “Our America: Todos Unidos” on Sept. 15. The news special features a collection of personal stories and a 60-minute special celebrating Hispanic and Latino cultures available to stream across the eight-owned stations’ 32 connected TV apps and on Hulu. The hourlong special will debut on-air on the ABC-owned stations in New York, Los Angeles Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno the weekend of Sept. 18-19*. The special will also air on National Geographic and FX on Sept. 26 (8:00 a.m. EDT), FX on Sept. 26 (9:00 a.m. EDT), and Freeform on Sept. 27 (11:00 a.m. EDT).

“Our America: Todos Unidos” celebrates the diverse cultures and rich traditions of Hispanic and Latino communities while looking at social and cultural challenges unique to their communities. ABC Owned Television Stations’ news special spotlights stories from each station’s market in New York, Los Angeles Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno.

The special is executive produced by ABC Owned Television Stations’ Race and Culture executive producers Mariel Calizo Myers, Porsha Grant and Nzinga Blake. They worked closely with an editorial team comprised of Latino and Hispanic colleagues who contributed their unique perspectives to each aspect of the docuseries. The special is hosted by ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles Race and Culture Reporter Anabel Muñoz.

An example of how cultural perspectives were incorporated in the special can be seen in details such as the main title graphic for “Our America: Todos Unidos.” The creative team applied nontraditional colors inspired by elements that speak to different traditions. Pink is used as a base, commonly called “Rosa Mexicano” that has been an important symbol of the Mexican culture. The magenta, a traditional color used in typical costumes in central American countries and a hint of green representing the nature and richness found in Puerto Rico and the jungles and forests of the continent. The backgrounds with hints of flowers representations on papel picado alluding to a celebration of the culture and the festival traditions that surround Hispanic and Latino cultures.

From actors and activists to immigrants, Afro-Latinos and indigenous people, Hispanic and Latino people are building communities and keeping traditions alive while influencing the very fabric of the United States through entrepreneurship, advocacy, art, music and food. “Our America: Todos Unidos” shines a light on voices from this diverse, multiracial community with roots in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Venezuela and more as they honor their heritage and express their identity.

Examples of the diverse culture and rich tradition featured in “Our America: Todos Unidos” include the following:

Edward James Olmos & Latino Film Institute – Award-winning actor, activist and founder of the Latino Film Institute, Edward James Olmos, shares his mission of introducing the art of filmmaking to young children in Southern California. Olmos, and the CEO of the festival, Rafael Agustín, show how this brand of artistry can change a young person’s life while also being a source of cultural pride.
Latino | Latinx | Hispanic – The meaning behind each term, how they overlap and why they matter to the community. The ongoing debate is discussed in first-person narratives representing diverse Hispanic and Latino regions, generations and nations of origin. People proudly share how they identify, explore the meaning of the terms, and highlight the diversity within the community.
Separated and Reunited – In this emotional story, we learn about Mabel Gonzalez and her three sons who fled their native Honduras together but were separated for years when Mabel was deported. The eldest son shares his personal journey of becoming a caregiver to his brothers while their mother worked to return to the United States.
Más Masa – Diverse cultures, one common ingredient: Masa! Venezuelan, Mexican and Salvadoran chefs show how their respective communities use masa to make dishes unique to their cultures. Recipes steeped in nostalgia for immigrant families and considered staples in many Latino homes.

Beginning Sept. 15, the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, viewers can stream the stories of Hispanic and Latino communities spotlighted in “Our America: Todos Unidos” across ABC Owned Television Stations’ eight websites and each owned stations Free News App: 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, and connected TV Apps on streaming platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

*“Our America: Todos Unidos,” the 60-minute special, will air on WABC-TV New York, Sunday, Sept. 19 (1:00 p.m. EDT); KABC-TV Los Angeles, Saturday, Sept. 18 (10:00 p.m. PDT); WLS-TV Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 19 (11:00 p.m. CDT); WPVI-TV Philadelphia, Sunday, Sept. 19 (2:00 p.m. EDT); KGO-TV San Francisco, Saturday, Sept. 18 (9:00 p.m. PDT); KTRK-TV Houston, Saturday, Sept. 18 (11:35 p.m. CDT); WTVD-TV Raleigh Durham, Sunday, Sept. 19 (2:00 p.m. EDT); and KFSN-TV Fresno, Saturday, Sept. 18 (10:00 p.m. PDT). * Check your local listings for air times on ABC’s Localish Network.

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution’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, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 17 million viewers across America through its multiplatform lifestyle network, Localish. In 2020, the stations received five Broadcast & Cable awards, including in the 2020 Best in Local TV Awards category as Station Group of the Year for its innovative and next-generation news reporting, and in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.

Press Release

September 2, 2021

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Share this release

ABC Owned Television Stations Release Trailer for Their Upcoming ‘Hispanic Heritage Month’ News Special, ‘Our America: Todos Unidos,’ Today, Sept. 2, 2O21

The Eighth Installment of the ‘Our America’ Series Premieres Sept. 15, 2021, Across the Eight Owned Stations and Available Via Streaming Across Its 32 Connected TV Apps on Streaming Platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku and Hulu

**View “Our America: Todos Unidos” Trailer**

ABC Owned Television stations will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 with the streaming premiere of a weeklong news special, “Our America: Todos Unidos,” on Sept. 15, available to stream across the eight-owned station’s 32 connected TV apps. The multiplatform news program culminates with a one-hour special that debuts across linear the weekend of Sept. 18-19.

“Todos Unidos” celebrates the rich cultures and traditions in the Hispanic and Latino communities while looking at social and cultural challenges unique to their community. From actors and activists to business owners who are keeping traditions alive, the hourlong news special shines a light on diverse voices from the Hispanic community honoring their heritage, celebrating their culture and expressing their identity.

The special is executive produced by ABC Owned Television Stations’ Race and Culture Content executive producers Mariel Myers, Porsha Grant and Nzinga Blake.

“Our America: Todos Unidos” is available on Sept. 15 via streaming across each Owned Stations Free News App: 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, and connected TV Apps on streaming platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution’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, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 17 million viewers across America through its multiplatform lifestyle network, Localish. In 2020, the stations received five Broadcast & Cable awards, including in the 2020 Best in Local TV Awards category as Station Group of the Year for its innovative and next-generation news reporting, and in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.

Press Release

August 18, 2021

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Share this release

ABC Owned Television Stations Announce an Exclusive Streaming ‘Hiring Our Heroes: Career Fair’ Town Hall on Aug. 19 (1:00–2:00 P.M. Pdt) To Honor Veterans

Viewers Can Stream the Town Hall on the Station Group’s 32 Connected TV Apps on Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Roku, and Across Its Eight Websites

ABC Owned Television Stations will stream a town hall special, “Hiring our Heroes: Career Fair,” on Aug. 19 (1:00-2:00 p.m. PDT). The hourlong special is hosted by ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles Eyewitness News anchor Phillip Palmer. Viewers can stream the special on ABC Owned Television Stations’ free news apps: 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, and connected TV Apps on streaming platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

Palmer will speak to veteran affairs experts that will provide tips and resources to job seekers and address employment issues that impact veterans. Expert panelists include the following:

Kevin Preston, Diversity & Inclusion / Disney Veterans Programs
Ron Green, United States Marine Corps (retired), Southwest Airlines
Laura Nugent, Operations and Logistics Manager, Disney Institute
Phil Martin, Talent Acquisition Manager for Enterprise Holdings
Abie Chong (USAF Veteran) Leading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion & U.S. Military Talent Recruitment for Hilton.

The town hall will also provide guidance on how veterans can prepare for the upcoming virtual Veterans Institute Summit. The Summit is virtual and is a complimentary event created by The Walt Disney Company’s Heroes Work Here initiative. The initiative places a focus on hiring, training and supporting military veterans and military spouses. Heroes Work Here has resulted in more than 10,000 veterans joining The Walt Disney Company since its launch in 2012. The Veterans Institute Summit helps companies learn how to build or improve effective veteran-hiring initiatives of their own.

The “Hiring of Heroes: Career Fair” is produced by Kristie Bihn and ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles and will stream across the eight owned stations websites and 32 connected TV apps.

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution’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, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 17 million viewers across America through its multiplatform lifestyle network, Localish. In 2020, the stations received five Broadcast & Cable awards, including in the 2020 Best in Local TV Awards category as Station Group of the Year for its innovative and next-generation news reporting, and in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.

Press Release

June 9, 2021

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

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ABC Owned Television Stations Announce Premium Content Slate and Resources for Pride Month 2021

ABC Owned Television Stations Further Solidify Their Commitment To Serve the LGBTQ+ Community and Their Allies With Premium Content and Community Resources Across Its Eight Stations in Celebration of Pride Month 2021

In a Range of Annual Pride Parade Coverage Across Linear—Including the Exclusive Streaming Special ‘Our America: Who I’m Meant to Be,’ Daily News Reporting, Educational Town Halls and Community Resources—Pride is on Display Across the Eight-Owned Stations’ Markets

ABC Owned Television Stations announce their content for Pride Month, with the addition of educational town halls and community resources for the LGBTQ+ community and viewers across their markets of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno.

Yesterday, ABC Owned Television Stations released the two-episode premiere of “Our America: Who I’m Meant to Be,” with full episodes of the series available for viewers beginning June 21 on the station group’s connected TV apps. The eight-episode short documentary series amplifies the voices of the transgender community across America through first-person narratives. On June 23, the “Our America: Who I’m Meant to Be” town hall will be available to stream across the station group’s connected TV apps. The post-documentary will discuss issues impacting the transgender community. The town hall will be co-hosted by transgender activist and award-winning writer Raquel Willis and KGO-TV reporter Reggie Aqui.

ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles, Southern California’s most-watched station, will exclusively air “Thrive with Pride Celebration,” SATURDAY, June 12, (9:00-10:00 p.m. PDT). The special is co-produced by ABC7 Los Angeles and Christopher West. Actress Raven-Symoné and ABC7 “Eyewitness News” anchors Ellen Leyva and Brandi Hitt host the one-hour special, with correspondents Karl Schmid and Eric Resendiz. Highlights from the special include how the LGBTQ+ community has evolved over the past five decades, where the community stands today in terms of equality, honors LGBTQ+ frontline heroes, and revisits the tragedy of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando on the fifth anniversary. The special also includes several pride performances from award-winning musicians such as the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and the Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean, performing his song “Love Song Love,” which celebrates the transgender community. Special appearances include “Grey’s Anatomy” star Jake Borelli, “Pose” stars Billy Porter and Mj Rodriguez, Freeform’s “Everything’s Gonna be Okay” star Adam Faison, and the cast of Hulu’s “Love, Victor.” Viewers can find uplifting pride content all year long at https://abc7.com/pride.

ABC7/WABC-TV,the most-watched station in the nation,is the broadcast partner for the “2021 NYC Pride March” for the fifth year in a row. Throughout the month, the No. 1 station will feature local LGBTQ+ leaders and provide resources and local news coverage celebrating Pride, leading up to a three-hour celebration of the “2021 NYC Pride March,” airing on SUNDAY, June 27 (12:00-3:00 p.m. EDT)and available on streaming platforms.Grand Marshals Wilson Cruz, Ceyenne Doroshow, Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, and Aaron Philip are heading this year’s celebration. Viewers can find uplifting pride content all year long at https://abc7ny.com/pride

An overview of Pride Month programming across linear and streaming includes the following:

ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago celebrates Pride month featuring extensive news coverage of LGBTQ+ issues, events and activities. ABC7 will air a half-hour special, “Our Chicago: Celebrating Pride” on SATURDAY, June 26 (6:30 p.m. CDT) with a rebroadcast on SUNDAY, June 27 (11:00 p.m. CDT).In addition, ABC7 Chicago hosts two streaming “Our Chicago: Voices of the Community” town halls hosted by WLS’s “I-Team” consumer investigator Jason Knowles. The first town hall, “Issues Facing the LGBTQ+ Community,” airs on THURSDAY, JUNE 10 (2:00-3:00 p.m. CDT). The forum will share programs to address anti-gay hate, legislation impacting transgender people, and whether the lesbian community feels heard within the general LGBTQ+ discourse. Expert panelists will discuss “Northalsted” (the new name for the historically gay neighborhood known as “Boystown”) and the petition to change the name, and the controversy surrounding current FDA (Food and Drug Administration) restrictions on blood donations from gay men. The second town hall, “LGBTQ+ Youth Town Hall” is available on THURSDAY, June 24 (2:00-3:00 p.m. CDT) and focuses on LGBTQ+ youth issues – including homelessness, coming out, transgender youth and trans-youth sports. Additional pride-focused content will air on ABC7’s “Windy City Live” which features weekly pride segments all month long. Viewers can find uplifting pride content all year long at https://abc7chicago.com/pride.

6abc/WPVI-Philadelphia’s “FYI Philly” Pride episode airs on SATURDAY, June 19 (7:00 p.m. EDT) with a rebroadcast the next day. The following week, WPVI’s long-running diversity-focused community affairs program, “Visions,” will spotlight events happening in the LGBTQ+ community. Viewers can find uplifting pride content all year long at https://6abc.com/pride.

ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston presents a streaming town hall “Protecting Our LGBTQ+ Youth” on TUESDAY, June 22 (7:00–8:00 p.m. CDT),followed by an ABC13 “Localish: Houston Pride” half-hour Pride special on SATURDAY, June 26 (6:30 p.m. CDT). Viewers can find uplifting pride content all year long at https://abc13.com/pride.

ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco plans to air weekly content that includes discussions about the transgender community, proper terminology, and a community-led town hall focusing on issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community. There will be ongoing news coverage of local pride events—leading up to the “San Francisco Pride 2021” celebration taking place on SUNDAY, June 27. Viewers can find uplifting pride content all year long at https://abc7news.com/pride.

ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh Durham will have ongoing news coverage of local pride events and initiatives throughout the month and will host a digital Pride town hall, “Why Terminology Matters,” on THURSDAY, June 24 (6:00 -7:00 p.m. EDT). Viewers can find uplifting pride content all year long at https://abc11.com/pride

Each owned station will post resources on its websites that are relevant to the LGBTQ+ community and allies who would like to have more information or educate themselves. Additionally, all station websites have pride content that displays positive and uplifting stories about the LGBTQ+ community all year round.

Regardless of where viewers live, they can stream ABC Owned Television Stations pride content, including full episodes of “Our America: Who I’m Meant to Be” by downloading one of the following free news apps: 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 on their mobile device or streaming platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution’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, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 17 million viewers across America through its multiplatform lifestyle network, Localish. In 2020, the stations received five Broadcast & Cable awards, including in the 2020 Best in Local TV Awards category as Station Group of the Year for its innovative and next-generation news reporting, and in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.

Press Release

June 7, 2021

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Share this release

ABC Owned Television Stations Drops the First Two Episodes of Its ‘Pride’ ‘Our America’ Streaming Special Dedicated to the Transgender Community Ahead of the Full Release

‘Our America: Who I’m Meant To Be’ Premieres Today, June 7, Across the Station Group’s Free News Apps and 32 Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV and Roku

**View ‘Honey Mahogany’ Episode** **here**

**View ‘Kaylee Harris’ Episode** **here**

ABC Owned Television Stations announced today, MONDAY, JUNE 7, that thefirst two-episodes of the “Our America: Who I’m Meant to Be” docuseriesare now available on its 32 connected TV apps across streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV and Roku. The Pride special is an eight-episode short documentary series dedicated to amplifying the voices of transgender communities across America through first-person narratives.

The first two episodes, available now, tell the stories of Honey Mahogany, one of the co-founders of the Transgender District in San Francisco and first transgender person elected to serve in the San Francisco Democratic Party; and Kaylee Harris, who struggled with gender dysphoria and was able to undergo gender hormone therapy during the pandemic in the privacy of her home.

The full slate of “Our America: Who I’m Meant to Be” episodes will be made available for viewers beginning June 21 on the station group’s connected TV apps. “Who I’m Meant to Be” is executive produced by ABC Owned Television Stations’ race and culture executive producers Nzinga Blake, Porsha Grant and Mariel Myers.

Viewers can stream the special on ABC Owned Television Stations’ free news apps: 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 and connected TV Apps on streaming platforms Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution’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, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 17 million viewers across America through its multiplatform lifestyle network, Localish. In 2020, the stations received five Broadcast & Cable awards, including in the 2020 Best in Local TV Awards category as Station Group of the Year for its innovative and next-generation news reporting, and in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.

Press Release

May 7, 2021

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Fonda.berosini@disney.com

Ambir Sniezko

ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Share this release

ABC Owned Stations Win Seven 2021 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, Including Two of Their Top Stations Winning the Overall Excellence Award, the Highest Honor Awarded

WABC-TV New York and KABC-TV Los Angeles Honored With the Overall Excellence Award and KGO-TV San Francisco Won the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award

ABC Owned Televisions today won seven Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) for news coverage in 2020. Both ABC7/WABC-TV New York, the most-watched station in the country, and ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles, the most-watched station in Southern California, received the Overall Excellence award. This is KABC-TV’s second consecutive year receiving the honor. Additionally, WABC-TV received two additional distinctions for Best Newscast and Best News Documentary, while KABC-TV received the distinction for Breaking News, and Best Feature. Adding to the station group’s honors, ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco won the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award.

“I’m extraordinarily proud of the work our stations produce throughout the year. We are intentional and dedicated to delivering purposeful, high-impact and locally relevant news,” said Debra OConnell, president of Networks, Disney Media Entertainment and Distribution. “For WABC-TV and KABC-TV, which reside in the top two markets in the country, to receive the Overall Excellence award during a time when the country experienced an unprecedented pandemic and social unrest illustrates these teams’ unwavering dedication to providing the best news, solutions and resources to the communities we serve.”

ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco won in a new category, Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award for Region 2, which covers California, Nevada and Hawaii.

OConnell adds: “KGO-TV intensified their commitment to reporting on issues of systemic racism and social justice with greater context, urgency, and empathy. I’m very proud of the team for their remarkable work last year identifying these issues and telling stories that help positively impact the communities we serve. Winning the ‘Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ award is a testimony to the tremendous dedication and work of the entire team in illuminating these important issues.”

ABC Owned Television Stations’ seven award-winning categories for 2020 news coverage include the following:

WABC-TV New York Region 11, Large Market Television

Overall Excellence Award for ongoing coverage of the pandemic, the civil unrest, breaking news, extreme weather and in-person and virtual community events.
Best Newscast in Large Market Television for “Living Through the Pandemic”
Best News Documentary for “Eyewitness to the Death of John Lennon”

KABC-TV Los Angeles Region 2, Large Market Television

Overall Excellence Award for breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, data journalism, community journalism, and continuing coverage of ongoing stories during the pandemic and social justice movement.
Breaking News Coverage for its special edition of Eyewitness news coverage of the social justice movement, sparked by the killing of George Floyd, throughout Southern California.
Best Feature Reporting for “FACEism: The Only One” by Eyewitness News anchor David Ono. The feature examines the damaging effects of stereotypes toward Muslims in America and the battle to teach love and respect for all people.

KGO-TV San Francisco Region 2, Large Market Television

Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusionfor “From Anger to Action,” which is part of KGO-TV’s “Building a Better Bay Area” ongoing initiative to devote more time and resources to covering major stories around race and social justice that directly impact the quality of life in the Bay Area.

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) sponsors The Edward R. Murrow Awards and honors outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism.

ABC Owned Television Stations’ seven award-winning entries will advance to the National Murrow Award competition.

About ABC Owned Television Stations
Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution’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, 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. The stations also deliver locally sourced storytelling to more than 14 million viewers across America through its digital-first national lifestyle brand and broadcast channel, Localish. Most recently, the stations received five Broadcast & Cable awards, including in the 2020 Best in Local TV Awards category as Station Group of the Year for its innovative and next-generation news reporting, and in the major market category for 2020: Best News Coverage, Best Digital Multiplatform or Website, Best Investigative Reporting Station Group and Best Public Affairs Programming, illustrating the group’s strength and ever-increasing growth and reach in the multiplatform space.