WBTV to Address Violence in the News Cycle with Prime Time Special Aug. 2
Charlotte, NC – As a leader in the Charlotte community, WBTV News is proactively addressing recent violence in the headlines. On Tuesday, August 2nd, at 8:00 p.m., WBTV News will present “WBTV On Your Side: Community Conversation” on all of its platforms: WBTV, Bounce and streaming across WBTV digital products.
“One of the traits of strong communities and organizations is having the ability and willingness to discuss weaknesses and areas in need of improvement as easily as we speak about our strengths,” says WBTV Vice President and General Manager Scott Dempsey. “We’re hoping this community forum is a step in the right direction.”
The decision to pre-empt primetime CBS and Bounce programming to devote resources to a project of this magnitude comes as tragic events have devastated communities and families across the United States and around the world. Brutally graphic videos on social media, targeted attacks on law enforcement and mass murders have dominated the news cycle. Social media reactions are polarized and, often, the most extreme voices are given the most attention. WBTV News recognizes the negative effect this can have on the audience and will use its resources to amplify solutions to the challenges facing our communities.
“We have a responsibility to serve and a commitment to be ‘on your side’ as a community resource,” says WBTV News Director Dennis Milligan. “This is one way we can use our platforms to promote positive change.”
WBTV anchors Molly Grantham and Steve Crump reached out to a variety of local leaders, such as Patrick Graham, President/CEO of Urban League of Central Carolinas, and CMPD Police Chief Kerr Putney to talk about issues facing our communities in this one-hour primetime special. They also visited a few spots in Charlotte to hear from the general public. The goal is to candidly discuss uncomfortably difficult topics like race relations and identify ways to improve our communities.
Your ideas are also welcome. Share them directly with WBTV or on social media using #WBTVandMe.
Program Information:
WBTV On Your Side Community Conversation
Tuesday, August 2, 8:00-9:00 p.m. on WBTV, simulcast on Bounce TV
Giant Swing Grand Opening Rescheduled for Aug. 4 at HGA
Concert at St. John’s with Margaret Bragg, Dr. Eric Koontz Aug. 7
Sunday, August 7, 2016, at 5:00 pm Local musicians Margaret Bragg and Dr. Eric Koontz will share their talents performing an evening of chamber music . Retiring to our area after a distinguished career as a violinist with the Houston Symphony, Margaret Bragg has become well known for her wonderful music. Dr. Koontz, after leading the viola sections of the Barcelona and Jerusalem Symphonies is Professor of String Studies for violin and viola at ASU’s Hayes School of Music. Bring a covered dish to share at a pot luck supper after the concert. St. John’s is located on Herb Thomas Rd – off Mast Gap Rd – in Valle Crucis. Signs will be posted. Admission is $5.00, children free. For more information 828-963-4609
Caldwell Arts Council Calling Scultpors for Annual Celebration
Caldwell Arts Council announces the 31st annual Sculpture Celebration in Lenoir, NC on Saturday September 10, 2016.
Sculptors are invited to bring up to 3 sculptures for this one-day competition for $11,000 in cash awards and potential sales. No commission in event of sales. This annual event brings sculptors and buyers from the eastern United States to Lenoir, North Carolina for this event. Early registration discounts available.
For additional details, contact the Caldwell Arts Council, 828-754-2486, info@caldwellarts.com, or visit www.caldwellarts.com.
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