Multi-Platform Campaign to Recognize Extraordinary Individuals Working to Combat Hate and Discrimination in their Communities
(Bethpage, NY) USA Network, in partnership with Cablevision today announced the launch of the fourth Characters Unite Awards, part of USA’s ongoing public affairs campaign to address social injustices and bridge cultural divides. Kicking off during Characters Unite Month in February, a time when the Network leverages all its platforms to shine a special spotlight on the importance of promoting greater tolerance, respect and acceptance, the program recognizes extraordinary individuals who have made significant and lasting efforts to champion civil and human rights in their communities. In addition to the awards, the month will also include new PSAs, original programming, the documentary “NFL Characters Unite,” digital content, events across the country, and more.
“Cablevision is pleased to partner again with USA Network on the Characters Unite Awards,” said Cablevision Vice President of Public Affairs Jennifer Ostrager. “By giving recognition to these extraordinary individuals from all walks of life, hopefully others will realize that they too can be a role model and be inspired to help combat hate, intolerance and discrimination in their own communities.”
The nomination period for the 2014 Characters Unite Awards begins February 3rd and runs through March 31st. Entries, including a maximum 500-word essay on how the nominee meets the criteria of character, impact and influence, can be submitted online at charactersunite.com. Complete rules and regulations are also posted on the website.
Winners, announced in the spring, will receive $5,000 grants to support their project or related nonprofit organization and will be featured by USA on-air and online. They will also be honored this year at a ceremony presented by Cablevision and USA.
Last year, ten Characters Unite Awards recipients were selected from hundreds of nominees for their successful efforts to combat prejudice and discrimination in their communities. Benedictine Academy teacher Linda Michalski was honored by Cablevision and USA Network for her extraordinary efforts in motivating her students to help abolish human trafficking. Linda inspired her student leadership team, the Benedictine Cor Defenders, to become a voice for the marginalized of society. As a Staff Mentor, she teaches students about the issue of human trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery that especially impacts young women around the world.
To learn more about previous Characters Unite Award recipients or to find more information on Characters Unite, visit charactersunite.com.
About Cablevision
Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) is a leading media and telecommunications company, serving millions of households and businesses throughout the greater New York area. Providing quality products that keep customers connected, Cablevision offers Optimum-branded digital cable television, high-speed Internet and phone services as well as Optimum WiFi, the nation’s most robust wireless Internet network. Cablevision’s Lightpath subsidiary is a premier provider of integrated business communications solutions for larger companies. Through its local media and programming properties – News 12 Networks, Newsday Media Group and MSG Varsity – Cablevision also delivers news and information created specifically for the communities it serves. Additional information about Cablevision is available at www.cablevision.com.
About Characters Unite
Characters Unite, USA Network’s award-winning public service program, was created to address the social injustices and cultural divides still prevalent in our society. Inspired by USA Network’s iconic “Characters Welcome” brand and with the support of leading national nonprofit organizations, the ongoing campaign is dedicated to supporting activities and messaging that combat prejudice and intolerance while promoting understanding and acceptance — on-air, online, and in communities across the country. www.charactersunite.com
About USA Network
The #1 network in all of basic cable for an unprecedented eight straight years, USA Network is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals, spectacular live television and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com.
