DETROIT — For 96 years, it has been what the NBC affiliate owned by Graham Media Group calls a cherished holiday tradition. That’s why WDIV “Local 4” will not be airing the network’s coverage of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, handing the in-market live broadcast to CBS’s WWJ-62.
WDIV, like most Michiganers, are eagerly anticipating America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White, and the GMG station is the exclusive TV broadcast partner of the annual event.
“There’s nothing better than watching a hometown parade surrounded by family on Thanksgiving morning,” said WDIV Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis. “We’re happy to be able to bring this special tradition to metro Detroiters wherever they are and however they want to view it, on-air, streaming or online.”
Floats, performers, helium balloons, Santa Claus and more “will make it a magical morning for families to enjoy this festive event,” the GMG flagship property says.
The telecast of the Motor City parade is hosted by WDIV′s Devin Scillian, Kimberly Gill, Rhonda Walker, Karen Drew, Jason Colthorp and Kim Adams.
Throughout “America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White,” viewers can win special prizes. There will be two separate contests — a $3,000 gift card courtesy of Gardner White, a furniture and mattress retailer; and four Somerset Collection gift cards totaling $3,500 for use at the upscale Detroit-area shopping mall. Each of the cards includes a personal stylist appointment.
Six “WDIV Insiders” also have the pleasure of winning a ride on the LOCAL 4 float in the parade.
Parade coverage commences Thursday at 9am, following an 8am parade preview. At 10am Eastern, a one-hour nationally syndicated broadcast of the Detroit parade will be shown on WDIV. It will simultaneously air in 185 DMAs across the U.S.
