Sinclair, iHeartMedia Join for UNCF Evening of Stars

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 28, 2015

Sinclair Broadcast Group and iHeartMedia have announced their joint media support for the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) through its annual televised show, "UNCF An Evening of Stars," a celebrity-packed evening of entertainment that raises money and awareness for minority higher education. Sinclair will air the show in all of its 78 television markets, reaching almost 40% of the country, beginning on June 6.

In addition, in each of Sinclair's news markets where there is a historically black college or university (HBCU), Sinclair will produce a news feature on that school leading up to the show. iHeartMedia will begin promoting Sinclair's broadcast of the UNCF television show on 156 of its radio stations in Sinclair's markets starting the week of June 1.

UNCF has partnered with artists and their personal foundations to deliver on UNCF's motto: "A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in." This year's show highlights 20 students and presents more than $500,000 to students attending HBCUs. Over its 36-year history, UNCF An Evening of Stars has raised more than $200 million and has helped hundreds of thousands of students attend and graduate from college.

"We are proud to broadcast this important fundraiser to almost half the country, including markets where this show has never aired before," said Sinclair VP/Programming Bill Butler. "By offering our footprint to extend UNCF's message of educational opportunity almost nationwide, we hope to open new doors for the scholarship fund, as well as future UNCF beneficiaries."

"iHeartMedia believes in the power of UNCF and has been a longtime supporter of the organization," added iHeartMedia Philadelphia Market President Richard Lewis. "For the last several years we have partnered with UNCF to drive viewership for the nationally televised UNCF An Evening of Stars, and, through our newly formed partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group, we will help expand the show's reach even further by attracting a broader, more local audience."