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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
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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.

Twitterhttps://twitter.com/abc7ny
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/abc7ny/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ABC7NY/

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
Share this release

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

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

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

Press Release

February 9, 2023

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

Tiempo Celebrates Its 40th Year On-Air Anniversary

WABC’s ‘Tiempo’ Addresses Topics of Relevance to the Hispanic Community

“Tiempo,” the Emmy® Award-winning public affairs program dedicated to issues of interest to the Hispanic community in the New York metropolitan area, is celebrating its 40th on-air anniversary. The English-language morning talk show airs weekly on WABC-TV New Yorkon Sundays at 11:30 a.m. ET. “Tiempo” is hosted by the Emmy Award-winning Joe Torres, WABC-TV’s longstanding news anchor and reporter, who also anchors the station’s Saturday and Sunday night newscasts with Sandra Bookman. A native New Yorker of Puerto Rican heritage, Torres has been hosting the show for over 20 years. A special anniversary edition of “Tiempo” will air and stream Sunday, Feb. 12, at 11:30 a.m. ET.

“‘Tiempo’ has been serving the Hispanic community for 40 years, keeping its viewers informed and up to date on topics that matter the most to Latinos in the New York area,” said Marilu Galvez, president and general manager of WABC and the first Hispanic woman to hold the position. “I cannot begin to express how proud I am to be part of this truly momentous occasion and to be at the helm of this historic program that has served the Hispanic community so well. We look forward to continuing to bring ‘Tiempo’’s thought provoking, impactful and informative format to its viewers and to deliver critical information to the greater communities we serve.”

The special edition of “Tiempo” airing Sunday, Feb. 12, will feature three former hosts as guests: David Novarro, Anna Carbonell and Miguel Pérez.

Emmy Award-winning journalist David Novarro currently anchors ABC7 Eyewitness News at noon and 4:00 p.m. Novarro helped grow the Eyewitness News community affairs show “Tiempo” and served as a co-host for many years. Novarro started his career with Eyewitness News and rose through the ranks to become a reporter. He was later named New Jersey bureau correspondent and became a news anchor of Eyewitness News Sunday Morning. 

Anna Carbonell hosted and produced the Sunday morning talk show for more than 13 years on ABC7.


Miguel Pérez has spent his career covering the issues and concerns of America’s Latino population. In 1983, he served as one of the first co-hosts of “Tiempo.”

In addition to interviews with the former hosts of “Tiempo,” there will be featured snippets of segments looking back at “Tiempo” from its inception in 1983. For context, there will also be an interview with Centro, the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, that will focus on the evolution of the Latino population in NYC since 1983. 

Additionally, “Tiempo” will receive congratulatory 40th anniversary video messages from such Hispanic luminaries as father-and-son duo, Luis Miranda and Lin-Manuel Miranda – songwriter, actor, singer, filmmaker, rapper and playwright best known for creating the Broadway musicals “Hamilton” and “In the Heights.” Latino actor/musician Ruben Blades will join them. Congressman Ritchie Torres, Senator Bob Menendez, NY Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and NY Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Ruben Diaz Jr. and Sunny Hostin will also make video appearances for the occasion.

The special anniversary edition of “Tiempo” will air and stream Sunday, Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m. ET. It will also be available on demand on abc7ny.com/tiempo and the ABC7 WABC-TV streaming app for Roku/Apple TV/Amazon Fire/Google TV, along with archival content and extended interviews from the special.

About ABC7-WABC-TV New York
WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 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.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/abc7ny
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/abc7ny/
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Press Release

February 7, 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 Celebrates Black History Month With News, Vignettes and ‘Our Chicago: Spirit and Perseverance’

South Side Chicagoan, Edward Vaughn, aka Rockstar EV, studied rocket science in college and now hopes to become a rock star. Editor/photographer Jordan Arseneau captures his remarkable talent for ABC 7’s Black History Month special, OUR CHICAGO:  SPIRIT AND PERSEVERANCE.   
ABC 7’s Hosea Sanders and Cheryl Burton host the Black History Month Special, OUR CHICAGO:  SPIRIT AND PERSEVERANCE. 

ABC 7 CHICAGO celebrates Black History Month with vignettes, a series of news stories and a half-hour special “OUR CHICAGO: SPIRIT AND PERSEVERANCE.”

Hosted by ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton and Hosea Sanders, “OUR CHICAGO: SPIRIT AND PERSEVERANCE” showcases the unique stories and cultural contributions of Black Chicagoans. The half-hour program airs Saturday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. with an encore presentation the following day on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 11 p.m. and will also stream live exclusively on abc7chicago.com and ABC 7’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

Burton and Sanders host the special from historic Liberty Baptist Church, located at 49th Street and Martin Luther King Drive. Built in 1956, Liberty Baptist Church served as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s home base during his “Chicago Freedom Movement.” They will kick off the show highlighting the historic influence of Black churches in Chicago.

Vignettes featuring amazing, every day Chicagoans will be showcased throughout February on ABC7, including Englewood resident, guitarist and engineer, Edward Vaughn, “Rockstar E.V.”; inspirational, dancing crossing guard, Tammy Anderson; bakery and candy factory entrepreneur, Stephanie Hart; author and advocate Leanne Stuckey; Loyola University’s AfroDescent Dance Team and caretaker Jeannette Jordan, who reflects on her remarkable love story with her husband, Dr. Robert Jordan. 

“OUR CHICAGO: SPIRIT AND PERSEVERANCE” highlights individuals and groups in the Black Chicago community with unique stories and community contributions including the following:

Chicago Freedom Movement: In 1966, Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta, moved to Chicago, where he launched the Chicago Freedom Movement, the historic open housing campaign which was Dr. King’s first major protest movement in the North. The campaign had a major influence on Chicago – it brought Jesse Jackson to the city, where he launched Operation Breadbasket. It also brought other major figures to the city, like Rev. Al Sampson, a longtime minister on the South Side. The special revisits this historic campaign with Rev. Sampson, King biographer Jonathan Eig and others.

Life is Sweet: Owner Stephanie Hart,one of Chicago’s most notable minority businesswomen and owner of beloved South Side bakery Brown Sugar, is keeping the candy making business in Chicago. She purchased the Cupid Candies factory, brought it back to life and is now aiming to expand her Life is Sweet candy treats to a larger market. By renovating the factory, Hart helps the neighborhood, creates jobs and gives people a chance to make a living wage.  Hart is one of the only Black-owned candy makers in the country.

Chicago’s “Notebook” Love Story – In Sickness and in Health: Pastor Jeannette Jordan and her husband, Dr. Robert Jordan, have been married for over 50 years and share five children. Robert, a retired pediatrician, became Rush Hospital’s first Black chief resident of pediatrics in 1979. A few years ago, Robert was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Now, his wife, Jeannette, has dedicated her life to caring for him.

Mielle Organics: Chicago founders Monique and Melvin Rodriguez established the Merrillville, Indiana-based hair and skin care company, Mielle Organics, in their basement. Now worth $100 million, they follow in the footsteps of great Black-owned hair care companies from the past, like Johnson Products and Soft Sheen (owned by Edward and Bettiann Gardner).

Loyola AfroDescent Dance Team: AfroDescent is the first and only African dance team at Loyola University Chicago that expresses themselves through the movement of their African ancestors and a variety of styles that have transcended from the African diaspora. As a diverse team, they seek to highlight the joyous and artistic expression of African Dance and showcase them to the Loyola community.

Faith Leaders Bring Credit Union to Austin Neighborhood: Faith leaders at the Great True Vine Baptist Church in Austin join forces with a local investment banker to open a credit union at a neighborhood community center later this year in hopes of bringing financial stability to the people of Austin.

ABC7 Eyewitness news will feature many compelling stories for Black History Month under the banner “Building a Better Chicago,” including the following:

  • Anchor Rob Elgas takes a trip to Funky Town, the first Black-owned brewery in Chicago.
  • Reporter Leah Hope reports on the local mother behind Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream.  Her ice cream will be featured at the Museum of Ice Cream starting in February.
  • Anchor Samantha Chatman investigates diversity in dispensaries, exploring the number of Black marijuana dispensary applicants in comparison to the number of approved applicants that obtain dispensary licenses.
  • Race and Culture Reporter Will Jones highlights a local entrepreneur spreading positive messages through clothing.
  • Reporter John Garcia delves into The Bears Organization to uncover the progress of diversity in their program.
  • Traffic Anchor Roz Varon takes a trip back in time visiting an exhibit called The Negro Motorist Green Book.

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

Press Release

February 2, 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
Share this release

ABC 7 Chicago To Present the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, Live, Saturday, February 11 at 6:00 PM

ABC 7 Anchors Jim Rose, Ryan Chiaverini, Tracy Butler, Roz Varon and Val Warner To Host Hourlong Special

It’s time to get revved up to find your dream car when ABC 7 gives a preview of the 2023 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW, Saturday, February 11 at 6:00 P.M. on ABC 7.  Hosted by ABC 7 Anchors Jim Rose, Ryan Chiaverini, Tracy Butler, Roz Varon and Val Warner,this live, hour-long special spotlights all of the bells and whistles that come with some of the most spectacular cars, trucks, and SUVs the industry has to offer.   An encore broadcast of the live special will air later that eveningat midnight and again on Sunday, February 12 from 3:30-4:30 P.M. on ABC 7. The special will also stream live exclusively on abc7chicago.com and ABC 7’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

They’re back!  The indoor test tracks are fan favorites and ABC 7 Anchors Jim Rose and Val Warner will take viewers along for the ride.  Featuring five returning tracks and two new indoor tracks, attendees can ride in the latest vehicles from two tracks at Ford, Jeep, Hyundai, Ram, Toyota and Ram Truck and can dive deep into the world of electric vehicles in the new Chicago Drives Electric test track and EV education center.  

Chicago Drives Electric EV track powered by ComEd and educational hub will debut this year. ABC 7’s Traffic Anchor Roz Varon will take a sweet ride on the auto show’s newest Electric Vehicle test track.  The 100,000 square feet of electric track is triple the size from 2022.  A range of EVs from luxury to mainstream will be explored including — BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Nissan and Volkswagen.  The educational hub will provide consumer information on tax credits and incentives as well as where to charge their EVs.

What could be more thrilling than jumping behind the wheel of a great new car, truck or SUV from Ford, Kia, Subaru and Volkswagen for an outdoor test drive on the streets of Chicago?  Host Ryan Chiaverini is in the driver’s seat when the rubber meets the road outside the showroom floor.

Thinking about a new puppy to ride along in your new car?  The 2023 auto show, with assistance from Roz Varon, can help with both.  Roz will be live at the Subaru Loves Pets exhibit with an adorable and adoptable pack of puppies ready to find a loving home. Since the Subaru Loves Pets auto show adoption events began in 2018, more than 946 pets have been adopted.  Puppies will be available for adoption throughout the show’s run.

More and more women are leading change across the automotive industry and Meteorologist Tracy Butler highlights the auto show’s efforts to recognize and award outstanding female professionals, including Jen Morand, President, Chicago Automobile Trade Association General Manager, Chicago Auto Show.

The 2023 Auto show will not only highlight the cars that are stars but will preview some of the other ‘must-try’ interactive events including Friday Night Flights where guests get to sample beer from a dozen local breweries.  The Toyota Miles Per Hour Run featuring a unique, indoor 2.4 mile running track set on the auto show floor.  On Sunday, February 12 Chicago runners can get up early, and view amazing cars while fitting in a good work out– all before the auto show opens to the public and the big game begins.

The 2023 Chicago Auto Show special returns for the 9th year to ABC 7 through a partnership with the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and ABC 7 Chicago – pairing the most watched television station in Chicago with the largest auto show in North America.  This year will mark the 115th edition of the show. FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY has raised nearly $60 million for local charities over the years.

The Auto Show special will be broadcast live on ABC 7’s  7.1, available on the ABC 7 News App and will also be available live and on-demand on ABC7Chicago.com.

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/