USA Network is so pleased with the effects of the first year of its Characters Unite campaign, which combats prejudice and discrimination, that it's dramatically expanding the initiative. This year's version will include themed original programming, multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) sponsorship opportunities, more digital content and grassroots community events.
Bonnie Hammer, president, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Universal Cable Productions, announced the move Wednesday at the Cable Show.
A large-scale Characters Unite celebration, on and off air, is planned for November, newly designated Characters Unite Month. USA, its distributors and partners will shine a spotlight on efforts to fight social injustice and bridge cultural divides with long- and short-form programming; extensive digital content including an interactive game; a high school curriculum; and special community events.
Beginning this fall, USA also is teaming up with New York City's nonprofit storytelling organization the Moth to produce "Mainstage" shows in five select markets across the country. Each event will feature local and celebrity storytellers sharing a true tale of overcoming prejudice or discrimination. USA and the Moth will train high school students in each of the five select markets to tell their own Characters Unite-themed stories. After-school workshops will culminate in an all-school storytelling assembly, in order to start a dialogue about important issues of diversity, tolerance and respect.
Also in November, USA will unveil a new PSA campaign featuring a call to action for viewers to take a stand against bigotry and intolerance. It also is developing original programming -- special episodes of USA original series and/or movies in the spirit of Characters Unite. Later this month, USA will hold a meeting in Washington, D.C., to bring together Characters Unite's 20 NGO partners and producers/writers from USA's original series to discuss relevant topics, themes and messages to be included in storylines of upcoming shows.
Characters Unite draws on the legacy of USA's original "Erase the Hate" campaign of the 1990s.
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Disney Channel has scheduled the world premiere of “16 Wishes,” starring Debby Ryan, for Friday, June 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Ryan (“The Suite Life on Deck”) plays Abby Jensen, a teenager who can't wait to grow up. But when she's handed the chance to make all her wishes come true, Abby quickly learns the importance of being careful what you wish for.
The cast includes Jean-Luc Bilodeau ("Kyle XY"), Anna Mae Routledge ("Harper's Island") and Karissa Tynes ("Aliens in America").
The MarVista Entertainment production was written by Annie DeYoung (Disney Channel's "StarStruck," "Princess Protection Program") and directed by Peter DeLuise ("Stargate SG-1").
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Reality series “Fear Factor” will begin airing July 24 at 8 p.m. on cable channel Chiller. The NBC Universal-owned Chiller plans to air the show's 139 episodes in back-to-back bursts on Saturday nights.
Hosted by Joe Rogan, “Fear Factor” features a competition between contestants from across the U.S. who battle in extreme stunts designed to challenge them both physically and mentally. If a contestant's fear prevents him or her from completing the stunt, that player is eliminated.
