10TV and Radio One team up to stop sickle cell

August 11, 2008

Media Contact: Frank Wilson, WBNS-10TV Director of Operations          

Phone: (614) 460-3906

Email:  frank.wilson@10tv.com

Columbus, OH -- WBNS-10TV and the Columbus community are joining the fight against Sickle Cell Disease.  In an effort to raise money and awareness, 10TV is partnering with Radio One's three stations, Joy 106.3, Power 107.5 and Magic 98.9, for an unprecedented all-day promotion and fundraising event on Wednesday, September 17. 

Sickle Cell Disease is a blood disorder characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape.  Sickling decreases the cell's flexibility and results in their restricted movement through blood vessels, depriving downstream tissues of oxygen.  The disease is chronic and lifelong: individuals are most often well, but their lives are punctuated by periodic painful attacks and a risk of various other complications. 

The day-long event, "Silent Struggle...Stopping Sickle Cell," is comprised of both an awareness and fundraising portion.  Beginning at 6 a.m. on September 17, Radio One will broadcast from the 10TV studios.  The Power Morning Crew (Paul Strong/Misty Jordan/Konata) of Power 107.5 will host the morning daypart; the mid-day show will feature Magic 98.9's Warren Stevens; and afternoon drive will be hosted by God's Girl Dawn, of Joy 106.3.  Vans and signage will be displayed prominently in front of the 10TV building at 770 Twin Rivers Drive with donation information.

Radio promotions will continue throughout the day and 10TV will feature live cut-ins every hour.  In addition, 10tv.com will contain a special section about Sickle Cell Disease. 

At 8 p.m., 10TV will present a 30-minute documentary offering a comprehensive look at Sickle Cell Disease.  The show will include interviews with leading physicians involved in Sickle Cell research and patient care, as well as victims of the disease.   The documentary will also reveal the struggle by Sickle Cell victims to obtain medical coverage.  Additionally, the program will feature highlights from a special summer camp hosted by Nationwide Children's Hospital that provides a fun venue for patients to get out of the city, join other children with blood disorders, and simply enjoy being kids.

Immediately following the documentary at 8:30 p.m., 10TV's Angela Pace will host a half-hour Show You Care Telethon at the 10TV studios to raise funds for further research and treatment.  Jerry Revish and Andrea Cambern will co-host the event.   The documentary/telethon will also be simulcast on 10TV's sister station, ONN, which will expand the effort statewide.

"Sickle cell is on the rise and it affects many different races and nationalities," said Tom Griesdorn, 10TV president and general manager.  "As Central Ohio's News Leader, we are in the business of informing and educating the public and feel that it's important to bring awareness of this serious disease to our viewers and community members. We're proud to join forces with Radio One to help make Sickle Cell Disease part of a commitment by Central Ohioans to give back to and serve their community."

"The Radio One stations are proud to join with 10TV to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease" said Jeff Wilson, vice-president and general manager of Radio One, Columbus.  "Never before has this much effort been devoted to Sickle Cell Disease by the local media on a single day.  This is an issue that in some way touches the lives of many of our listeners and individuals living in our community. We trust that by contributing to 10TV's ability to reach the entire Columbus region, we will make a difference and save lives."

10TV is a member of The Dispatch Broadcast Group, which includes WBNS-TV, WBNS-AM/FM,Ohio News Network and Radio Sound Network in Columbus, Ohio; WTHR-TV and WALV-LP in Indianapolis, Indiana; Dispatch Interactive Television in Columbus, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Radio One, Inc. (www.radio-one.com) is one of the nation's largest radio broadcasting companies and the largest radio broadcasting company that primarily targets African-American and urban listeners. Pro forma for recently announced transactions, Radio One owns and/or operates 53 radio stations located in 16 urban markets in the United States. Additionally, Radio One owns Magazine One, Inc. (d/b/a Giant Magazine) (www.giantmag.com), interests in TV One, LLC (www.tvoneonline.com), a cable/satellite network programming primarily to African-Americans and Reach Media, Inc. (www.blackamericaweb.com), owner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show and other businesses associated with Tom Joyner.

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