Disney/ABC Issues Call to Action to Help Those Affected by Hurricane Sandy

Related: Disney, ABC

Following the announcement made today by Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company of a $2 Million donation for Hurricane Sandy relief and rebuilding efforts, the Disney/ABC Television Group today announced that it will designate Monday, November 5, 2012 as a "Day of Giving" across network and syndicated programming spanning News, Daytime, Primetime and Late-Night, encouraging the tens of millions of viewers engaged throughout the day to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

In commenting on the wide-reaching response to the devastating storm, Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney-ABC Television Group, said: "The effects of Hurricane Sandy have impacted millions of people across the entire North East, including many of our co-workers, 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 spanning News, Daytime, Primetime and Late-Night will reach tens of millions of viewers with a specific call to action… to do what Americans do best, and pull together in support of those who are suffering. I'm incredibly proud of the team and all of our programs for this amazing response."

"Good Morning America" will start the "Day of Giving" by dedicating the entire 8:00 a.m. 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.

The torch will pass to "LIVE with Kelly and Michael," where the show will integrate "Day of Giving" messaging into their highly anticipated Halloween episode (which was moved due to the impact of the storm).

The ladies of "The View" will discuss the "Day of Giving" and encourage their audience to donate to the American Red Cross relief efforts, and "The Chew" will do the same.

"Katie," which dedicated the entire hour on Wednesday, October 31 to Hurricane Sandy, will take up the mantle of the "Day of Giving" and engage viewers in these relief efforts as well.

The ABC Owned Stations and local ABC affiliates will integrate "Day of Giving" messaging into their local news throughout the day, calling on their 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 "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 to help rebuild that impacted areas, will end the "Day of Giving" on Monday with special messaging and calls to action for Kimmel's viewers.

This unprecedented response joins The Walt Disney Company's existing relief and rebuilding efforts, which include the recently announced $2 million cash commitment to those severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy. One million dollars will be donated to the American Red Cross for immediate, critical assistance, and another $1 million will be designated for organizations working on rebuilding efforts. In addition, employee eligible donations to organizations involved in disaster relief will be matched, dollar for dollar, by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.

ESPN will be running public service announcements to engage viewers in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts throughout its programming, including coverage of The New York City Marathon and Monday Night Football.

And Disney/ABC Television Group has already developed and implemented a deep portfolio of assets to generate awareness and support for the victims of Hurricane Sandy which have been shared across all of the DATG platforms. American Red Cross PSA's have been running on ABC owned stations and affiliates throughout the country since Tuesday. From "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to "The View," "The Chew," "Good Morning America" and "Katie," calls to action have been incorporated into programming, letting millions of viewers know how they can help. In addition, American Red Cross online banner ads have been on abc.com and abcnews.com.; Disney Channel and Disney Radio are running audience-appropriate American Red Cross PSA's; and tonight, the Country Music Awards will open with a dedication to those affected by Hurricane Sandy, and will include information on how our ABC audience can contribute.