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Press Release

October 22, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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Martin Ortiz Named President and General Manager of ABC 30/KFSN-TV Fresno

Martin Ortiz has been promoted to president and general manager of ABC 30/KFSN-TV – the No. 1 source for local news in central California – it was announced today by ABC Owned Television Stations President Chad Matthews. Ortiz has been KFSN-TV’s news director since 2020, overseeing coverage of several major stories, including the Creek Fire in 2020 and the historic 2023 winter storms that led to the reformation of the dormant Tulare Lake. The news comes soon after it was announced that former KFSN President and General Manager Mike Carr is now running ABC13/KTRK-TV in Houston.

“Martin has been invaluable in helping to grow ABC30’s viewership across dayparts and platforms,” said Matthews. “He has a passion and commitment to storytelling, a keen sense of how to develop and grow opportunities for our business, and a deep understanding of Central California that I know are going to be invaluable in leading the station.”  

“I grew up watching Action News and had the great honor of starting my career here,” said Ortiz. “It has been a privilege to work alongside some of the most dedicated storytellers in Central California and to put my passion for local news to work in the community I’m proud to call home. ABC30 has an enduring relationship with our viewers that we never take for granted. I’m very much looking forward to building on that connection, leading this exceptional team, and growing viewership across platforms.”  

With a focus on breaking news, severe weather and community storytelling – Ortiz has helped steer ABC30 Action News during a time of great ratings growth in crucial periods across all dayparts, including the critical 6 a.m., 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. He was also instrumental in the successful expansion of multiple newscasts on several platforms, including new 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. shows. Ortiz also worked with station department heads to help launch the ABC30 Central California 24/7 stream, the only local 24/7 streaming platform in the Fresno DMA.

Before joining the Fresno team, Ortiz served as an executive producer at ABC Owned Television Stations’ San Francisco station ABC7/KGO-TV, where he was in charge of morning news and oversaw the expansion of the 11 a.m. newscast to a full hour.

Ortiz is a Central California native who started his local television career at KFSN-TV as a college intern before joining the team full time as an assignment editor and producer. He is a proud California State University, Fresno, graduate and a member of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). He is also the co-lead of ABC OTV Belong and an ABC News Pride BERG member.

About ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno
KFSN-TV ABC30 is the No. 1 source for local news in central California, both online and on the air. The station has dominated the local news ratings in the San Joaquin Valley for decades as a leader in multiplatform audience engagement. KFSN-TV is an ABC owned television station based in Fresno, serving Fresno, Madera, Merced, Mariposa, Tulare and Kings counties.

Follow ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno on Instagram, X and Facebook. 

Media Contact:
Fonda Berosini
fonda.berosini@disney.com
(818) 441-4983

Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@disney.com
(818) 319-3257

Press Release

September 3, 2024

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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Mike Carr Named ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston President and General Manager

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ambir Sniezko 
ambir.sniezko@abc.com 

Press Release

July 10, 2024

Media relations
Richard Horrmann
richard.horrmann@disney.com
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
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Wendy Granato Named ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles President and General Manager

ABC7/KABC-TV*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release

September 29, 2023

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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Part Two of ‘Our America: Trouble on Tap’ To Air Beginning Sept. 30

‘America’s Lead Problem’ Examines the Lasting Impact of the Use of Lead Pipes and the Water Infrastructure in the United States

A trailer for the episode can be viewed here.

The thought-provoking three-part documentary series, “Our America: Trouble on Tap” from ABC Owned Television Stations, ABC News and National Geographic debuts part two, “America’s Lead Problem,” beginning tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 30. The episode examines the lasting impact of the use of lead pipes and the water infrastructure in America. Nearly 40 years after being banned as a plumbing material by the federal government, lead-based pipes are still carrying water to millions of homes across America, including Chicago, which has one of the highest concentrations of lead pipes in the country. But cities like Newark, New Jersey, which experienced high levels of lead in the water, replaced its lead service lines and is often used as a model of success in combating this public health issue. The special airs on ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms and on linear on the following dates:

Saturday, Sept. 30
8:30 p.m. PDT             ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco
10:00 p.m. PDT           ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles
10:00 p.m. PDT           ABC30/KFSN-TV Fresno
11:00 p.m. PDT           ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago

Sunday, Oct.1
12:01 a.m. CST            ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston

Monday, Oct. 2
8:00 p.m. EDT             ABC Localish

Sunday, Oct. 8
2:00 p.m. EDT              ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham

Monday, Oct. 9
8:00 p.m. EDT             ABC Localish

Sunday, Oct. 22
12:30 a.m. EDT            6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia 

Sunday, Nov. 5
2:00 p.m. EDT             ABC7/WABC-TV New York

“Our America: Trouble on Tap” utilizes data from ABC Owned Television Stations Data Journalism Unit to examine how the effects of environmental pollution, climate change and aging infrastructure are gradually eroding the ability of more and more communities across the United States to have access to free and potable drinking water.    

The first episode, “Life with Forever Chemicals,” 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. It is available to watch here.

The third episode, “Drilling into California’s Water Crisis,” will focus on the effects of drought in California and premieres later this fall.

“Our America: Trouble on Tap” is produced in partnership with Tracy J. Wholf, coordinating producer of the climate unit at ABC News, and Justin Allen, executive producer with ABC Owned Television Stations and National Geographic.

Episodes are available on the 24/7 streaming platforms, 32 connected TV apps across streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Roku and on Hulu.

About ABC Owned Television Stations 
The eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. Collectively No. 1 across all U.S. television, reaching 23% of households and more than 34 million Total Viewers and 48 million digital visitors a month, with a record of 3.1 billion minutes streamed, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. WABC-New York has remained the No. 1 station in the country for 19 years.

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

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

Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com

Press Release

April 10, 2023

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
Share this release

ABC7’s ‘In the Fast Lane’ One-Hour Special Offers an Inside Look at the New York International Auto Show

Hosted by WABC’s Meteorologists Lee Goldberg and Brittany Bell and Sports Anchor Ryan Field

Join ABC7 Eyewitness News meteorologists Lee Goldberg and Brittany Bell and sports anchor Ryan Field for an inside look at the New York International Auto Show, In the Fast Lane, the one-hour special will air on ABC7/WABC-TV, Saturday, April 8th at 7pm ET.

The New York International Auto Show is back with the newest and hottest cars, and ABC7 takes the viewer on a wild ride to see it all. This year, there are more cars than ever, with a continued focus on electric vehicles. The special looks at the Auto Show’s expanded Electric Ride & Drive track, with more than 250,000 square feet of indoor driving surface. Plus, what you need to know to buy a car in today’s market.

Also, the program takes you on several exciting rides in the newest cars, including the 70th anniversary edition hybrid Chevy Corvette, an all-electric Nissan ARIYA, and a Bentley GTC convertible.

You’ll be shaken, not stirred by the elegant Bond exhibit with an actual car from a Bond movie, go inside the wild world of customization with car wraps, and see a real DeLorean like the car used in both the Back to the Future movies AND in the Back to the Future musical hitting Broadway this summer. Plus, find out why cuddly puppies are greeting visitors inside the Javits Center.

The New York International Auto Show is held at the Jacob Javits Center, April 7-16, 2023, Mon. – Sat. 10am – 10pm and Sun. 10am-7pm.

Press Release

March 13, 2023

Media relations
Jayme Nicholas
(312) 750-7254
jayme.a.nicholas@abc.com
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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ABC7 Chicago, in Partnership With Leagues of Women Voters of Chicago, Illinois, and Univision Chicago, To Broadcast and Stream Mayoral Debate With Runoff Candidates

“Vote 2023: The Race for Chicago Mayor: The People’s Forum,” Thursday, March 16, at 7 P.M.

Anchors/Reporters Judy Hsu and Ravi Baichwal To Lead Hourlong, Commercial-Free Debate

Commercial-Free Debate To Air Live Thursday, March 16, on ABC7’s Digital 7.2 Channel From 7:00–8:00 P.M. and Streams Live on abc7chicago.com, ABC7’s 24/7 Digital Stream, the ABC7 News App, ABC7 Facebook and YouTube Channel

Debate Will Air Friday, March 17, on ABC7 Chicago’s Main Channel 7.1 From 10:35–11:35 P.M.; Repeat Sunday, March 19 From 4:00–5:00 P.M. on 7.1

ABC7, Chicago’s most watched television station and the premier broadcaster of countless local debates for more than two decades, will showcase LIVE and COMMERCIAL-FREE, “VOTE 2023: THE RACE FOR CHICAGO MAYOR:  THE PEOPLE’S FORUM,” Thursday, March 16, from 7 p.m. -8 p.m. at the ABC7 Studios, 190 North State Street. ABC7 Eyewitness News anchors Judy Hsu and Ravi Baichwal will lead the 60-minute, commercial-free debate between the last two candidates in the Chicago mayoral runoff election in April, Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas. The candidates will square off as they also answer questions from ABC7 political reporter Craig Wall and Univision Chicago anchor Alex Hernandez. Various Chicago community groups have been invited to be part of the studio audience and may have an opportunity to ask questions. 

“VOTE 2023: THE RACE FOR CHICAGO MAYOR: THE PEOPLE’S FORUM” will air live on ABC7’s digital channel 7.2 on Thursday, March 16, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and will also stream live on abc7chiago.com, ABC7’s 24/7 digital stream, the ABC7 News App, ABC7 YouTube channel and Facebook. Then, on Friday, March 17 from 10:35 p.m.-11:35 p.m., the debate will air on ABC7’s main channel 7.1. with a repeat broadcast on Sunday, March 19 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on 7.1. 

The commercial free debate will also be translated and aired live on Univision’s digital platforms and on UNIMAS (WXFT-TV) on Sunday, March 19at 4 p.m.

According to ABC7 Chicago President and General Manager John Idler, “In this our second mayoral debate, voters will now have the opportunity to focus closely on the two runoff candidates and their plans to govern our city.   The candidates will field questions from our moderator and panelists, and they also will hear from a diverse mix of civic organizations who will ask questions about issues important to the communities they serve.”

Community organizations planning to attend:

  • Access Living
  • ACLU Illinois
  • Chicago Federation of Labor
  • Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
  • Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
  • Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights
  • Chicago United
  • Chicago Urban League
  • Chicago Votes
  • Chinese American Service League (CASL)
  • El Valor
  • Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • League of Women Voters of Chicago
  • Metropolitan Family Services
  • Mikva Challenge
  • Mujeres Latinas en Acción
  • Rainbow PUSH
  • Shriver Center on Poverty Law
  • Southeast Environmental Taskforce
  • YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

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

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

March 8, 2023

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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ABC’s ‘On the Red Carpet’ To Offer Full Coverage of the Oscars® – Hollywood’s Biggest Night and Beyond

ABC Specials To Air Exclusive Content Across ABC Owned Television Stations and Will Be Televised in 88 U.S. Markets Across 20 Countries Worldwide

Hosted by KABC’s award-winning entertainment reporter George Pennacchio, ABC’s “On The Red Carpet” specials will include live coverage from the red carpet starting at 1:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. EDT on Oscar® Sunday, March 12, on the eight ABC Owned Television Stations, and will be syndicated on ABC affiliates across the country, plus on networks around the world. The ABC Owned Television Stations will also be represented on the red carpet with live coverage from WABC-TV New York, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco and KFSN-TV Fresno. Overall, ABC will offer more than seven hours of excusive Oscars® content across linear, digital and streaming media.

The “On The Red Carpet” (OTRC) specials uniquely set the stage for Hollywood’s most-anticipated night of the year:

Beginning Saturday, March 11 – “On The Red Carpet Oscar Sunday Preview” unfurls the carpet for the 95th Academy Awards® with an exclusive preview of Oscar Sunday, available in syndication.  

Sunday, March 12 (1:00-3:30 p.m. PDT) – “On The Red Carpet at The Oscars” covers much of the anticipated red-carpet arrivals and a fly-on-the-wall view of fan viewing parties across the United States as fans and cinephiles celebrate their love for movies. KABC’s award-winning entertainment reporter George Pennacchio assumes first position on the red carpet to deliver scintillating live interviews with this year’s nominees as they head into the Dolby Theatre.

“OTRC”’s correspondents will report live from multiple locations on Oscar Sunday. Supermodel and fashion expert Roshumba Williams will be joined by KABC meteorologist Leslie Lopez to bring live updates of all the glitz and glamour as the stars arrive.  To ensure Roshumba and the other hosts truly shine, “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars” teamed up with El Paseo Jewelers, lending nearly $5 million in diamond jewelry to be worn by the hosts on the big night. KABC’s anchor Rachel Brown and reporter Tony Cabrera will team up and report from an exclusive balcony position over the red carpet bringing live looks at Oscar viewing parties happening across the country, with Michelle Fisher reporting live from the viewing party at the Academy Museum. “On the Red Carpet at The Oscars” can be accessed via digital and streaming outlets only from 3:30-5:00 p.m. PDT.

Sunday, March 12 (9:00-11:00 p.m. PDT) – “On The Red Carpet After The Awards”: George Pennacchio hosts this live special from the Governors Ball, checking in with the night’s biggest winners. Karl Schmid helms the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Gala, and Christiane Cordero covers the Elton John AIDS Foundation event. Brianna Ruffalo joins Roshumba Williams to reveal Roshumba’s best-dressed list, while Lisa Cabello from Disney Movie Insiders joins Jory Rand and Alex Cheney in studio to recap the night, sharing insights about the awards, fashion and parties. 

Sunday, March 12 (11:35-12:00 a.m. PDT) – “On The Red Carpet After Dark”: The showcloses out one of Hollywood’s biggest events. 

For participating stations, check your local listings. 

The 95th Academy Awards will be held Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide. 

Follow @OnTheRedCarpet on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for additional exclusive content including fashion galleries, interviews and more. 

About KABC Los Angeles 
ABC7 Los Angeles is Southern California’s No. 1 local news and information source. ABC7 is a leader in digital and social audience engagements and was the first station in the Los Angeles market to regularly broadcast news in high definition and also the first local television station in the United States to surpass 3 million Facebook followers. The station’s offices and studio are located in Glendale, California.  

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ontheredcarpet/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/ontheredcarpet
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/OnTheRedCarpet/

— KABC —

Press Release

March 2, 2023

Media relations
Jayme Nicholas
(312) 750-7254
jayme.a.nicholas@abc.com
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Veteran ABC7 Chicago Anchors Rob Elgas and Ravi Baichwal Promoted to Station’s Afternoon and Evening Weekday Newscasts

Elgas To Anchor 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Newscasts; Baichwal To Anchor Station’s 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Newscasts

Veteran anchors Rob Elgas and Ravi Baichwal have been promoted to anchor ABC7 Chicago’s top-rated afternoon and evening newscasts. Elgas has been tapped to join Cheryl Burton on the station’s 10 p.m. newscast. He will continue to co-anchor the 4 p.m. newscast with Judy Hsu and the 7 p.m. live stream newscast with Burton. Baichwal will move from weekend evening anchor duties to weekdays and will co-anchor the station’s 5 p.m. newscast with Burton and 6 p.m. newscast with Hsu. The new anchor lineups begin Monday, March 6, 2023.

ABC7 Eyewitness News is Chicago’s most-watched station for news, leading the market with the No. 1-rated newscasts at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. for years. Elgas and Baichwal replace Alan Krashesky, who recently retired. 

“Rob Elgas and Ravi Baichwal are journalists viewers know, like and trust,” said Jennifer Graves, Vice President of News. “They represent decades of solid anchoring and reporting experience in Chicago which we know will serve our viewers well.”

A Crystal Lake, Illinois, native, Elgas joined ABC7 in 2015 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. He is an award-winning journalist who has won prestigious Associated Press, Peter Lisagor and Chicago Midwest Emmy® Awards for everything from reporting breaking news to hosting specials. Elgas is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ).

Ravi Baichwal joined ABC7 Chicago in 2006 as anchor of the station’s 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. weekend evening news. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honored Baichwal with a Chicago Midwest Emmy Award for his anchoring ability. Prior to arriving at ABC7 Chicago, Baichwal was an anchor for CTV News, Canada’s No. 1 news organization. 

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

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

February 16, 2023

Media relations
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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WABC Celebrates Black History Month With Gil Noble “Vault”

ABC Owned Television Stations’ Celebrations Continue Throughout The month of February with news, programming, and vignettes

Gil Noble was a pioneering journalist for WABC-TV who was host of the groundbreaking public-affairs show “Like It Is,” which ran from 1968 to 2011.

The show’s legacy of commitment to and coverage of the African-American community continues in the successor program, “Here & Now,” hosted by Sandra Bookman.

“ABC Owned Television Stations group is proud to celebrate Black History Month with special news reports, programming and vignettes throughout February,” said Chad Matthews, President of the ABC Owned Television Stations. “During Black History Month and throughout the year, ABC Owned Television Stations will feature reports highlighting the many important people and stories in our country’s vibrant Black community across our markets.”

To honor Noble and bring his work and achievements before new generations, WABC-TV has launched the Gil Noble Vault, which features highlights of his many years of journalistic excellence at WABC. These include moments from “Like It Is” as well as examples of Noble’s work as a reporter and longtime anchor at WABC-TV, tributes to him and more.

Throughout his illustrious career in broadcasting that spanned over four decades, Noble joined WABC-TV in July 1967 as a reporter.  He became host of “Like It Is” in November 1968. From 1986 on, Noble concentrated exclusively on “Like It Is.”  Noble won seven Emmy awards and 650 community awards, as was granted five honorary doctors.

As part of this celebration of Gil Noble’s legacy, the “Here & Now” team is preparing a one-hour retrospective of Noble’s life and career that will air Sunday, February 19th on WABC/Channel 7 at 12pm ET and will also be available wherever you stream ABC7. It is currently available on demand at ABC7NY.com/gilnoble and in the Gil Noble Vault section of our streaming app and website. Black History Month programming can be viewed on ABC7 streaming app for Roku/Apple TV/Amazon Fire/Google TV, as well as archival content and extended interviews.

About 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 61 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 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.

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Press Release

February 13, 2023

Media relations
Mike Monsell
6abc WPVI-TV
mike.monsell@abc.com
Fonda Berosini
Disney Entertainment, Networks
Fonda.berosini@disney.com
Ambir Sniezko
ambir.sniezko@abc.com
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6ABC WPVI-TV Philadelphia To Produce Telecast ‘Dancing for a Cure – Live From Thon™’ Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7 P.M.

New York’s WABC and Other Northeast Affiliates To Syndicate

For the second consecutive year, 6abc WPVI-TV Philadelphia will showcase the world’s largest student-run philanthropy – THON™. Penn State students will once again stay on their feet for 46 hours, raising money to fight childhood cancer. Last year, students raised more than $13 million, shattering the previous total from 2014. 6abc will air a live half hour telecast from THON™ on Saturday, Feb. 18th at 7pm ET.

Penn State’s THON is now in its 51st year. All money raised benefits Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. THON’s first dance marathon in 1973 raised just over $2,000. Since then, THON has raised more than $203 million.

THON kicks off Friday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. and wraps up 46 hours later on Sunday at 4 p.m. “Dancing For a Cure – Live From THON” will be hosted by 6abc’s Bob Brooks, Walter Perez and Brittany Boyer. The exclusive underwriter for the broadcast will be Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

“I feel so fortunate to be working with 6abc this year to showcase the magic of THON Weekend 2023,” said Lily Pevoto, executive director of THON. “The impact that this organization has on so many children, families, students, alumni, and supporters is immeasurable, and I can’t wait to be able to give a glimpse of it all through this year’s program.”

The program will also be syndicated to other television markets, including New York. With its syndication partners, roughly 16% of American homes will have access to the program.

Stations simulcasting the program will be the following:

  • WABC New York
  • WTAE Pittsburgh 
  • WHTM Harrisburg 
  • WATM State College

“THON is truly an inspirational event,” said 6abc President & General Manager Bernie Prazenica. “The students of Penn State are to be commended on their ability to conduct and operate an organization that raises $200 million to fight cancer. Through 6abc and our simulcast partners in New York, Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania, we look forward to supporting the PSU students in having another record-breaking year.”  

THON is a year-round effort to raise money in the fight against childhood cancer. Each spring, new student leadership is selected. During the summer, the student volunteers conduct outreach with smaller fundraising efforts and pay visits to Four Diamonds families impacted by childhood cancer. In the fall, the planning for the dance marathon kicks into high gear. The students mobilize all the team captains, and THON Weekend begins to take shape.

THON is programmed and produced entirely by Penn State students. They configure the Bryce Jordan Center. They build the stage. They also manage the concessions and handle all the custodial duties. And, of course, the estimated 700 student dancers stay on their feet for 46 hours straight.

“We continue to be inspired by the relentless efforts of everyone involved with THON to conquer childhood cancer,” said Dr. Yatin Vyas, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. “Their hard work and generosity helps to ensure that all medical expenses are covered for Four Diamonds Children who are treated for cancer at our Children’s Hospital while also making possible a diverse platform of childhood cancer research that seeks improved treatments and cures to benefit kids in Pennsylvania and around the world.”

About Four Diamonds
Four Diamonds’ mission is to conquer childhood cancer. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 4,800 children and families by covering 100% of medical bills for every Four Diamonds family. Four Diamonds also supports a robust pediatric cancer research program at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine, which is dedicated to seeking improved treatments and cures for childhood cancer to benefit every child around the world. For more information, visit FourDiamonds.org.

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, information, traffic and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures over half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*. In the past year, Action News has won 2,462 out of 2,491 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.8%.†  

*Based on December 2022 Nielsen survey.

†Based on January – December 2022 Nielsen data

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

Media Contacts:
6abc WPVI-TV
Mike Monsell
mike.monsell@abc.com