ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago To Produce And Broadcast GRADUATION 2020: FOR CHICAGO. BY CHICAGO.

ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago and ABC's Localish digital network to broadcast and exclusively produce "Graduation 2020: For Chicago. By Chicago.," a live 60-minute first-of-its kind, citywide virtual graduation ceremony to celebrate the city of Chicago's 35,000 graduating seniors. The special will recognize the tenacity and achievements of Chicago's high school seniors who are graduating during unprecedented times. The ceremony will air SUNDAY, JUNE 14 at 1:00 p.m. CDT, hosted by Chicago's "Hamilton" star Miguel Cervantes, and commencement keynote by Oprah Winfrey.

The star-studded lineup will appear virtually to give tribute and well-wishes to graduating seniors' achievements. Confirmed appearances include Gov. JB Pritzker, "The Voice"'s Katie Kadan performing the national anthem, and an opening narrated by Chicago's hometown, hip-hop recording artist, Common, the first rapper to win an Emmy®, Grammy®, and an Academy Award®, with many more special appearances.

The televised production captures inspiring citywide images of Chicago, its high schools and students through original and drone aerial footage, despite a pandemic and citywide protests. Partnered with footage of tributes and speeches from well-known Chicagoans ranging from Mayor Lightfoot to Chicago's professional sport stars to extraordinary high school graduates; the special also showcases popular high school band performances that display the pride and culture of the city. ABC7 made submission links available to all seniors for their own "Pomp and Circumstance Graduation Walk" videos, which production then paired with music produced by Chicago's DJ Hot Rod to air as part of the graduation celebration. The package is showcased through original short videos and segments produced by ABC7 Chicago and Localish.

"We are honored to not only produce this historic event for the city of Chicago's graduating seniors, but we are pleased to be able to expand the virtual graduation past our broadcast on WLS and Localish, and offer it to all television and radio stations across the city of Chicago," said John Idler, president and general manager, WLS-TV. "We are living in an unprecedented time, but that didn't stop the class of 2020. WLS wants to ensure that we produce and deliver an exciting, heartfelt send-off that can be felt by all graduating seniors and their families wherever they are throughout the city, and one that will not be forgotten."

In addition to ABC7, the virtual graduation ceremony will be broadcast on WGN-TV, WTTW, WCIU, CBS2, NBC5, FOX32 and Univision Chicago (WGBO-TV); and will air live on Localish Network in 14 million homes across the country. WBEZ 91.5 FM Chicago will air portions of the graduation celebration and stream the entire ceremony live on WBEZ.org. Additionally, the city of Chicago will provide a live-stream feed from Chicago.gov and it's Facebook page. The ceremony will be closed captioned and Univision Chicago (WGBO-TV) will provide Spanish closed captioning.

ABC7 Chicago and Localish are the lead broadcasters and will showcase the live virtual celebration with a multiplatform focus that will leverage its promotional strength across ABC's linear, digital and social footprints. Viewers can stream live at ABC7Chicago.com, ABC7's connected Apps, ABC7's Facebook, YouTube, and Localish on Facebook, YouTube and WLS-TV's 'Windy City LIVE' Facebook. The station will also rebroadcast the special across its digital streaming platforms and connected TV.

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