Updated Nov. 5, 2012, 8:45am CT
A few days after the networks of NBCUniversal have their telethon to aid in the relief efforts in the wake of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Sandy, various shows and personalities from the Disney/ABC Television Group (DATG) will be helping out in their own ways.
Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, today announced a $2 million donation for Hurricane Sandy relief and rebuilding efforts, and DATG also announced that it will designate this Monday, Nov. 5, as a “Day of Giving” across network and syndicated programming, spanning News, Daytime, Primetime and Late-Night, encouraging viewers throughout the day to help those impacted by the storm.
Anne Sweeny, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney-ABC Television Group, said, “The effects of Hurricane Sandy have impacted millions of people across the entire Northeast, including many of our coworkers, friends and families. This unprecedented devastation demanded an unprecedented response, so our team came up with the ‘Day of Giving.’ This coordinated effort between network and syndicated programming … will reach tens of millions of viewers with a specific call to action … to do what Americans do best, to pull together in support of those who are suffering.”
* Good Morning America will start the Day of Giving by dedicating the entire 8am hour to raising money for Sandy relief efforts. ABC News anchors, reporters and employees will band together to encourage people to donate to the American Red Cross.
* On LIVE With Kelly and Michael, the show will integrate Day of Giving messaging into its Halloween episode (which had been moved due to the storm’s impact).
* The women of the The View will discuss the Day of Giving and encourage their audience to donate to the American Red Cross efforts, and The Chew will do the same.
* Katie, which dedicated the entire hour on Oct. 31 to Hurricane Sandy, will take up the mantle of the Day of Giving and engage viewers in these relief efforts.
* ABC-owned stations and local ABC affiliates will integrate Day of Giving messaging into their local news throughout the day, calling on local communities to help those impacted by the storm.
* World News With Diane Sawyer will participate with messaging around Day of Giving and the continuing impact of the storm.
* Dancing With the Stars is planning to personalize sections of the live show Monday night with the Day of Giving messaging, integrating stories of how Hurricane Sandy has impacted several of the dancers on the show.
* Nightline will devote time to the Day of Giving and the impact of Hurricane Sandy, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, which has been airing from Brooklyn all this week and encouraging viewers to give to the Red Cross, will end the Day of Giving on Monday with special messaging and calls to action.
UPDATES: * ABC Family and SOAPnet will engage their audience throughout Monday with Day of Giving PSAs on air and on their websites, and through social media.
* Radio Disney will integrate Day of Giving messaging into its programming on Monday and air audience-appropriate PSAs throughout the day and on the Radio Disney Facebook page.
* Several stars of General Hospital have recorded specific Day of Giving PSA spots that will air in the show and throughout network programming on Monday, encouraging viewers to get engaged and take part.
* Who Wants To Be a Millionaire will integrate Day of Giving messaging and PSA call-outs into Monday’s program.
* Disney Store and DisneyStore.com will support the national Day of Giving by reaching millions of guests through in-store PSAs, social marketing efforts, as well as email and DisneyStore.com home page presence providing guests with information on how to make a donation.
Great that eveyone is coming together to help those in need. I could not think of a more fitting song for ABC to use than the one I heard on their telethon today – “Give a Little Bit” by Roger Hodgson, co-founder of Supertramp. The lyrics are so very relevant. What a difference we could all make if we just gave a little bit.
In the best of times, “Give a Little Bit”(used as this days theme song) is an impossible song to not respond to. Now include as part of the musical talent to help raise money for the people who lost so much, those in the path of Hurricane Sandy. “The Day of Giving” coupled together with Roger Hodgson’s “Give a Little Bit” makes you feel comfort, that it’s OK to reaching out to those around you and share…it brings people together, builds lifelong communities. Bravo for your insight…..Bravo for your time and help, the people of the Northeast coast need the support to start healing.