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Ambir Sniezko

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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 40^th 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 40^th 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
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Press Release

February 7, 2023

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

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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 49^th 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

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

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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 9^th 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/

Press Release

January 16, 2023

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

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ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a ‘2023 Kingdom Day celebration’

Hulu for the first time will live stream the parade to a national audience

Presenting sponsor Blue Shield California

The Special Airs on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 (11:00 a.m. PST) and Streams Live on the Hulu, ABC7 Los Angeles App, ABC7’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.

In its 15^th year as broadcasting partner, ABC7 Los Angeles announces it will air “2023 Kingdom Day Celebration” special on Monday, Jan. 16, 2021 (11:00 a.m. PST) to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year marks the first time the parade will be live streamed on Hulu to a national audience. The event, which is a live parade that travels down the streets of South Los Angeles, will be a two-hour long televised event, hosted by ABC7 anchors Leslie Sykes and Rachel Brown. They will be joined by ABC7 reporters Josh Haskell and Michelle Fisher along the parade route. The special is presented by Blue Shield California.

The Los Angeles Kingdom Day Parade is the nation’s largest and longest running Kingdom Day Parade and Birthday Celebration, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. A very special guest this year will be newly elected Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass who plans to attend the parade, as well as Congresswoman Maxine Waters, along with a variety of local notables and city council members. Other expected guests include L.A.County Supervisor Janice Hahn, LAPD Police Chief Michel Moore and the LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, along with the Head of LA Head of School Superintendent, Alberto Carvalho.

The annual event held on the Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday features talented marching bands, colorful floats, dynamic dancers, dramatic drumlines, spirited cheer squads, VIP city, state and national leaders, clip-clopping cowboy and charro equestrian units and a diverse array of community groups marching for social justice and in support of Dr. King’s ‘dream.’ In addition, ABC7 will hosting a photo booth and will be participating in the Leimert MLK Festival.

Viewers can also download the free ABC7 Los Angeles app and stream the celebration on Hulu, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.

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/abc7la/
Twitter:	https://twitter.com/ABC7
Facebook:	https://www.facebook.com/ABC7/

Press Release

January 10, 2023

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

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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; ‘Vote 2023: The Race for Chicago Mayor: The Candidates Debate,’ Thursday, Jan. 19, at 7 P.M.

Anchor /Reporter Judy Hsu to Moderate 90-Minute, Commercial-Free Debate

Debate To Stream Live on abc7chicago.com, ABC7’s 24/7 Digital Stream and News App Thursday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.; Also Available on ABC7 YouTube Account and Facebook; Debate To Air on Station’s 7.2

ABC7 Chicago’s Main Channel, 7.1, To Feature Commercial-Free Debate Sunday, Jan. 22, 10:30 P.M.-Midnight

ABC7, Chicago’s most-watched television station and the premier broadcaster of countless local debates for more than two decades, will showcase LIVE and WITHOUT COMMERCIALS, “VOTE 2023: THE RACE FOR CHICAGO MAYOR: THE CANDIDATES DEBATE,” Thursday, Jan. 19, at

7 p.m. at the ABC7 Studios, 190 North State Street. ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Judy Hsu will lead the 90-minute, commercial-free debate among the nine candidates running for mayor of the city of Chicago. The candidates will square off as they also answer questions from ABC7 political reporter Craig Wall and Univision Chicago anchor Enrique Rodriguez.

“VOTE 2023: THE RACE FOR CHICAGO MAYOR: THE CANDIDATES DEBATE” will stream live on abc7chicago.com, ABC7’s 24/7 digital stream and News App, ABC7’s YouTube account and Facebook. The debate will also air on ABC7’s 7.2 channel, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. Then on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 10:30 p.m., the debate will air on ABC7’s main channel, 7.1.

The commercial-free debate will also be simultaneously translated and aired live on Univision’s digital platforms (website, app, YouTube channel and Facebook page) and on UNIMAS (WXFT-TV) on Sunday Jan. 22, at 4 p.m.

According to ABC7 Chicago President and General Manager John Idler, “This debate will give Chicago voters an excellent opportunity to examine all nine candidates who believe they deserve to be the mayor of Chicago and evaluate how they respond to tough questions from our moderator and panelists.”

Participating in the debate are the following candidates:

State Representative Kam Buckner
Congressman Jesus “Chuy’’ Garcia
Community Activist Ja’Mal Green
Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson
Alderwoman Sophia King
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot
Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer
Former CPS CEO Paul Vallas
Businessman Willie L. Wilson

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

December 16, 2022

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

Share this release

ABC7 New York Eyewitness News Series “Missing” Debuts Three New Episodes on Hulu

Official Trailers Found HERE

NEW YORK (Dec. 15, 2022) – The second installment of ABC Owned Television Stations’ popular investigative, true-crime series “Missing” is available today on Hulu. Hosted by ABC7 New York Eyewitness News investigative reporter Kristin Thorne, “Missing” tells the real stories of missing people around the New York City tri-state area whose stories have long gone untold.

The new episodes include:

“Missing: The Mystery of Dr. Sneha Anne Philip”
Dr. Sneha Anne Philip’s disappearance was originally thought to be connected to the tragic events on September 11, 2001. However, many people who have read about her story, studied her case or who knew her, have been skeptical about whether she died in the 9/11 attacks. In this episode of “Missing,” Thorne takes a deeper look at Sneha’s life and whether it’s possible that she did not die in the 9/11 attacks as determined by the New York courts.

“Missing: The Terrifying Case of Ethel Louise Atwell”
On Oct. 24, 1978, Ethel Louise Atwell disappeared while leaving the grounds of the former Willowbrook State School, where she worked as a nursing aid at the Staten Island Developmental Center. Ethel’s disappearance sparked an extensive search in the nearby woods, but police and volunteers only turned up her keys – they found no evidence of Ethel herself. After more than four decades, Thorne returns to the woods to try to uncover clues in this terrifying cold case in this episode of “Missing.”

“Missing: Kassandra Briana Ramirez”
Kassandra Ramirez was a 25-year-old aspiring chef who disappeared from the Bronx in September 2018. Her family says one week before Kassandra disappeared, she testified to a grand jury that she was raped by a family friend a few months before. Thorne hits the streets of the Bronx to try to get answers for Kassandra’s family only to find that the biggest clues in her disappearance could be not only on Long Island, but 1,200 miles away in Kansas.

ABC7 New York Eyewitness News investigative reporter Kristin Thorne was the lead reporter for ABC News on the disappearance of Gabby Petito. It was in covering her story and communicating frequently with her distraught father, Joseph Petito, with whom Thorne has developed a trusted, professional relationship, that Thorne was inspired to create the “Missing” series.

Thorne started to look at databases of missing people across the tri-state area and as she scrolled through the hundreds of faces, she thought about not only those people, but their families and friends and the ripple effect of pain that has been caused by their disappearances.

Now, with the “Missing” series, she hopes to shine a light on victims that might have previously been overlooked in the hopes that the exposure will lead to new clues, and more families and loved ones finding justice.

All six episodes are now available to stream on Hulu, as well as live on ABC Owned Television Stations’ online, mobile and 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, with a record of 2.2 billion minutes streamed, the eight stations are comprised of WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. WABC-New York has remained the No. 1 station in the country for 19 years.

Press Release

December 13, 2022

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

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ABC7 Chicago I-Team Consumer Investigative Reporter Samantha Chatman Promoted to Weekend Morning News Anchor

ABC7 I-Team consumer investigative reporter Samantha Chatman was promoted to weekend morning anchor, it was announced today by Jennifer Graves, Vice President of News, ABC7 Eyewitness News. Chatman will anchor the weekend morning newscasts with Mark Rivera effective immediately while continuing to cover consumer investigative stories for the station.

According to Graves, “We’re thrilled that Samantha Chatman, a Chicago original who grew up watching ABC7 Eyewitness News and later became an ABC7 intern, has been promoted to an important role on the weekend anchor desk. Since joining the station, Samantha has connected with our viewers, in part because of how her stories have helped consumers here but also because of her commitment to our diverse community.”

An Emmy^® Award-winning reporter, Chatman grew up in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side. She joined Chicago’s No. 1 news station in September 2019. Prior to joining ABC7 Eyewitness News, Chatman was a consumer investigative reporter for KXAS-TV, the NBC-owned station in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Before moving to Dallas/Fort Worth, Chatman was the business reporter at WDRB-TV in Louisville, Kentucky. She started her career at WEEK-TV in Peoria, Illinois, where she worked as a multimedia journalist, fill-in anchor and weather anchor.

Chatman attended Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center for middle school, Lincoln Park High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a minor in African American studies. During her senior year at the University of Illinois, Chatman was selected for a news internship at ABC 7 Chicago.

Chatman is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the National Association of Black Journalists.

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

December 6, 2022

Media relations

Mike Monsell

6abc WPVI-TV

mike.monsell@abc.com

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

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WPVI Philadelphia News Veteran Brian Taff To Succeed Jim Gardner at 6 P.M.

6ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica and Vice President of News Tom Davis have named Brian Taff as the next anchor for the 6 p.m. newscast. Taff will succeed lauded news anchor Jim Gardner when he retires later this month. Gardner’s final newscast is scheduled for Dec. 21.

“My thirteen years at 6abc have been life-changing in all of the most meaningful ways,” said Taff. “It’s where I’ve worked alongside colleagues who’ve become like family. It’s also where I have begun a family of my own — meeting my wife, now the mother of my three precious children. I am reminded daily of the extraordinary, unique and beautiful relationship we share with the viewers we serve. All those things make me humbled beyond words to take on this profound responsibility.”

“During my time at Action News, Jim Gardner has become much more than a mentor to me — he’s been a dear friend, a trusted confidant, and a guide for which I’m unendingly grateful,” Taff continues. “He will never be replaced on Action News at 6, but it’s the professional honor of a lifetime to be asked to succeed him. It is an important distinction. The baton I am being handed from him has been used to orchestrate the decades-long construction of our foundation ― one built on honesty, integrity, and trust. I intend to honor and build upon that legacy with every single word, every single night.”

“I’m excited that Brian Taff will be the next anchor of Action News at 6 p.m. following Jim Gardner’s historic run,” said Prazenica. “Over the last 13 years, Brian has displayed the knowledge, skill and talent that the Delaware Valley expects from Action News. Now, with Brian and Rick Williams in place, we can continue to serve our viewers for many years to come.”

“Brian is a very hardworking and talented journalist who loves the Delaware Valley,” added Davis. “He is committed to the creative storytelling that impacts our communities. Jim is also excited about Brian taking on this new role.”

Taff, who came to 6abc in 2009, currently co-anchors the noon and 4 p.m. newscasts. He will remain part of the 4 p.m. team but roll out of the noon anchor chair. Since arriving at 6abc, his reporting assignments have taken him to every corner of the tri-state area and around the world. When the massive BP oil spill threatened the coast of the southern United States, Taff traveled to Florida and Alabama to show viewers the stunning images. When the Catholic Church began the process of electing a new Pope, he spent weeks in Rome to bring Action News inside the age-old traditions of the Vatican. When President Obama saw his first term bogged down by souring polls, Taff was invited to the White House for an exclusive conversation with the president in the historic Cabinet Room. He also brought his passion for politics on the road, as he covered every presidential and vice presidential debate of the 2012 election cycle. His assignments have also taken him flying — at speeds higher than 700mph and forces greater than 9Gs — with the US Air Force Thunderbirds and to the racetrack to test drive cars with the experts at Consumer Reports.

Taff, a graduate of Boston College, began his broadcasting career in Bangor, Maine.

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware, and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, information, traffic, and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures nearly half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*. In the past year, Action News has won 2,478 out of 2,498 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 99.2%.^†

*Based on January – September 2022 Nielsen data.

†Based on September 2021 – August 2022 Nielsen data.

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

Press Release

November 10, 2022

Media relations

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko

Mike Monsell

6abc WPVI-TV

mike.monsell@abc.com

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‘The 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ Returns to the Parkway on 6ABC Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:30 A.M. EST) and Live on Hulu

The 103^rd Annual Tradition and Philadelphia’s No. 1 Parade Will be Star-Studded With Celebrity and Local Appearances and Performances, Featuring WPVI’s Rick Williams, Cecily Tynan, Adam Joseph, Karen Rogers and Alicia Vitarelli, With ‘Good Morning America’’s Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee, Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph from ‘Abbott Elementary,’ Carson Kressley, and musical guest The Spinners.

Viewers Can Stream ‘The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ on 6abc.com, 6abc Philadelphia News App, and 6abc Connected Television Apps on Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV and Roku Platforms.Also available live on Hulu, and on Hulu VOD through Dec. 31.

6abc, Philadelphia’s most-watched television station and leading news source, rings in the holiday season with its 12-year title sponsor Dunkin’ for the “The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade” on Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:30 a.m. EST). Philadelphia’s hometown parade beginswith a half-hour preview show, followed by three hours of celebrity appearances, performances and a sweepstakes promotion throughout the parade’s broadcast. The event is hosted by 6abc Action News’ Rick Williams, Cecily Tynan, Adam Joseph, Karen Rogers and Alicia Vitarelli, with special guest hosts 6abc’s Jim Gardner, Carson Kressley and “Good Morning America”’s chief meteorologist Ginger Zee.

Viewers from across the country will be able to watch the telecast in nine additional markets, including ABC-owned ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh Durham, and it will be available to stream live on Hulu and 6abc.com. The popular Dunkin’ Fan Cam is back LIVE on the streets of Philadelphia, following hosts Alicia and Adam throughout the parade as they share in the festivities with parade-goers and engage with viewers via social media hashtag #6abcTDP. Special guests Kressley and Zee will be joined by Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph from the hit ABC show “Abbott Elementary.” Musical guests also making appearances at the parade are The Spinners, Thelma Houston, Smokey Robinson, C+C Music Factory, Leah Marlene from “American Idol” and Chapel Hart from “America’s Got Talent.” Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are always a crowd favorite, and as tradition holds, Santa and Mrs. Claus will close out the parade to mark the official start of the Christmas season! Click here for a full list of special appearances and parade participants.

“Our 6abc staff and our team of volunteers take great pride in producing this event. To share this holiday tradition with our viewers at home and also with the thousands of parade-goers who line the parade route is truly magical”, said Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of 6abc/WPVI. “And this is all made possible by the support we receive from Dunkin’ and our corporate partners. We can’t thank them enough”.

“Dunkin’ and our greater Philadelphia-area franchisees are thrilled to return to the Parkway to kick off the holiday season with Philadelphia’s favorite Thanksgiving Day tradition,” said Jackie Keown, field marketing director for Dunkin’. “We are so grateful to join the celebration once again as the title sponsor of ‘The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ and look forward to seeing you on Thanksgiving Day!”

Joining title sponsor Dunkin’ (dunkindonuts.com) as major corporate sponsors are ACME (acmemarkets.com), RAM Trucks (ramtrucks.com), NRG (picknrg.com), and Commonwealth Charter Academy ( https://ccaeducate.me/).

Additionally, viewers will have the opportunity to win numerous prizes, including free Dunkin’ coffee for a year and a vacation for four to Walt Disney World Resorts^®! The sweepstakes and rules pertaining to the prizes can be found at 6abc’s “Watch & Win.”

The parade also offers spectators a chance to support the 6abc Dunkin’ Holiday Food Drive. Parade-goers are invited to bring a few canned goods to pass to Scouts, who will collect donations along the parade route. This is a chance to give back and help fight hunger around the region.

Editor’s Note: Click here for a full list and parade participants.

**Syndicated Stations and Markets Parade Will Broadcast:

WATM – Johnstown, Pa.	ABC23
WBOC – Salisbury, Md.	FOX21
WDCW – Washington, D.C.	CW50
WJET – Erie, Pa.	JET24
WSWB – Wilkes Barre/Scranton, Pa.	CW38
WRTV – Indianapolis, Ind.	ABC6
WTVD – Raleigh/Durham, N.C.	ABC11
WRTV – Indianapolis, Ind.	RTV6
WZVN – Fort Myers, Fla.	ABC7
WORA – Puerto Rico	WORA5 (ABC)

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, traffic and weather to more than 3 million homes.

Action News captures nearly half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*.

In the past year, Action News has won 2,478 out of 2,498 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.2%.^†

*Based on January – September 2022 Nielsen data.

†Based on September 2021 – August 2022 Nielsen data.

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

Press Contact:
Ambir Sniezko: Ambir.Sniezko@abc.com
Mike Monsell: mike.monsell@abc.com

Press Credentials:
Contact: diane.hamlet@abc.com

Press Release

November 1, 2022

Media relations

Jayme Nicholas

(312) 750-7254

Fonda Berosini

Disney Entertainment, Networks

Ambir Sniezko