Hearst Television to Spotlight People and Efforts Across America Working to Unite Communities

NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hearst Television will launch a year-long 2019 initiative to investigate, chronicle and study undertakings across the country focused on uniting people within their communities.  In today's divisive climate, Project CommUNITY will move critical conversations forward and shine a light on the positive efforts bringing neighbors together.

"Through Project CommUNITY, we will facilitate deep discussions that offer broader perspective on issues that divide communities and solutions that are being offered," said Barbara Maushard, Hearst Television senior vice president, news.   "We hope that, through more communication, our viewers will focus on common ground in a way that fosters greater unity."

Project CommUNITY will feature local content developed by each participating Hearst Television station, with the station identifying the topics most appropriate for and applicable to its community.  The effort also will include the following features across all the Hearst Television stations throughout 26 media markets, supported by the resources of the group's Washington, DC, bureau and its recently launched DC-based investigative unit:

• Extended reporting on specific areas of division for each community, with a focus on what is being done to serve others and bring people together;
• Stories, interviews and editorials designed to hold elected representatives accountable for their roles in bridging or furthering the divides;
• CommUNITY Conversations, a quarterly component to spur discussions – including town hall meetings and special programming featuring extended interviews;
• CommUNITY Champion, a weekly feature to highlight people or organizations working to unite communities;
• Digital amplification of Project CommUNITY content via platforms including Hearst Television's national social video brand Stitch, which highlights the powerful and heartwarming stories from local markets bringing people across the country together as a national community.

The Project CommUNITY announcement follows a recent national survey, conducted by research firm SmithGeiger on behalf of Hearst Television, which found that local broadcasters are the most trusted video-news source.   

Project CommUNITY is the latest in a series of multi-pronged journalism projects, lasting a year or more in length, that Hearst Television has undertaken over the past decade to help viewers understand challenges affecting the nation.  In 2009, "Project Economy" chronicled the financial devastation impacting Hearst Television communities across the country.  The ongoing "State of Addiction" addresses America's opioid crisis.  These projects have been interspersed with Hearst Television's Peabody- and Cronkite-award-winning biennial "Commitment" election-coverage projects. 

About Hearst Television

Hearst Television owns and operates television and radio stations serving 26 media markets across 39 states reaching over 21 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all of the major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over nearly 70 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, This TV, Estrella and more.  The radio stations are leaders in Baltimore news/talk and rock music listenership.  Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry's premier companies, and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.  Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst. 

SOURCE Hearst Television

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