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CHARACTERS UNITE to Fight Racism and Intolerance at USA NETWORK
New Multiplatform Pro-Social Initiative Underscores Action And Celebrates
Diversity
NEW YORK, March 26 -- Drawing on the legacy of USA
Network's original "Erase The Hate" campaign in the 1990's, CHARACTERS
UNITE has been unveiled as the network's new pro-social initiative
dedicated to combating intolerance and promoting acceptance, it was
announced today by Bonnie Hammer, president, cable entertainment and cable
studios, NBC Universal.
"'Erase the Hate' succeeded in showing the ways society can confront
and remedy the devastating impact of bigotry," said Hammer. "Characters
Unite takes things one step further. It's all about providing tools to help
embrace our diversity, celebrating what makes us different and special.'
A multi-platform initiative, CHARACTERS UNITE will provide network
viewers and clients with innovative ways to fight prejudice and to promote
diversity. The underlying message will focus on what each of us can do
individually and collectively to acknowledge and respect our shared
humanity.
Additionally, it will provide an empowering new platform to bring
together a wide mix of non-profit organizations, corporate sponsors,
educators and characters all across the country through on-air programming,
online social networking and activities on-the-ground in communities across
the USA.
During its five-year run, "Erase The Hate" was a multi-faceted campaign
that received national attention as the U.S. Senate voted to designate
April 30 as National Erase The Hate and Eliminate Racism Day. Further, it
featured Emmy award-winning original programming, specialized educational
curricula, and community activities including a national Erase The Hate
Honor Roll.
While the "Erase The Hate" program raised awareness and made a
significant impact in homes, communities and schools across the USA,
clearly - and sadly - hate and intolerance remain very much with us.
Research from the Southern Poverty Law Center shows that hate groups have
shown a startling +48% increase since 2000 - and they reside in virtually
every state in the country. The only answer to such a prevalent and
virulent problem must be persistence and vigilance. The only answer can be
for characters across the country - people of all ages, races, affiliations
and backgrounds - to come together in interesting and engaging ways to
address such a serious, underlying problem.
USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series
and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television
shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 network in basic cable, USA
Network is seen in nearly 94 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site
is located at http://www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.
USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of
NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies
in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and
information to a global audience.
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