The nation’s largest audio content and creation company and No. 1 licensee of broadcast radio stations and the unit of the company that owns a MVPD, a “Big Four” TV network and the Peacock streaming platform have each announced that they’re launching programming wrapped around the United States of America’s 250th birthday.
For NBCUniversal, “Our 250” will see local NBC and Telemundo owned stations roll out “, a comprehensive multiplatform campaign” commemorating the anniversary of the United States’ independence from Great Britain. It’s a 100-day celebration, which will culminate on July 4 with six hours of exclusive live coverage of Sail4th 250 events in New York Harbor across NBCUniversal News Group’s various brands. The “tall ships” were a central feature of the July 4, 1976, celebrations in New York. Fifty years later, the largest assembly of international ships in U.S history are anticipated.
“Our country’s 250th anniversary is a significant milestone for all Americans, and a meaningful opportunity to bring us together to share our pride as citizens, recognize our nation’s achievements, and honor our rich history,” said Valari Staab, Chairman of NBCU Local and one of Broadcast Television’s Best Leaders as honored by Radio + Television Business Report. “We’re excited to launch this special initiative to inform, entertain and support our communities as we count down the final 100 days to our national celebration on Independence Day, which we’re proud to commemorate by presenting Sail4th 250’s festivities to audiences nationwide.”
NBCU Local’s stations will specifically showcase America’s history, traditions, people and places, while covering events and activities taking place across the nation celebrating the milestone through Independence Day, with local programming tailored to each market. NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations are also supporting 250-related events and initiatives in their respective communities.
Additionally, NBCU Local is serving as an official media partner of Sail4th 250, the non-partisan, non-profit host of international goodwill events and civic celebrations in the Port of New York and New Jersey from July 3-8. Through the partnership, NBC News and Telemundo, in collaboration with NBCU Local, will produce multiplatform English- and Spanish-language coverage of Sail4th 250’s marquee Fourth of July events featuring tall ships, naval vessels and aircraft from 46 nations from 7am-1pm.
Meanwhile, iHeartMedia has been named the official audio partner of America250, the national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with leading the celebration and commemoration of the USA’s anniversary of its 1776 Declaration of Independence.
The biggest owner of broadcast stations will “provide a unified national audio experience,” from July 3-4, “connecting celebrations from coast to coast through one shared soundtrack.”
Details were not disclosed, as iHeartMedia Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman said, “We are honored to partner with America250 to use the unique scale and reach of our broadcast radio and digital platforms to connect communities across America, helping to bring this once-in-a-generation celebration to life in a way that reflects the spirit of the moment.”
