Free Television Programming

THE CHRISTOPHERS
12 EAST 48TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 1001 7 - TELEPHONE 212-759-4050 - FAX 212-838-5070

For Release 6/29/00          Contact: Umberto Mignardi @ 212-759-4050 ext. 40   

CHRISTOPHERS LAUNCH FREE HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING INITIATIVE
Features Premiere of Dickens Classic Tale

New York, NY -- Msgr. Tom McSweeney, Director of The Christophers and host of the syndicated Christopher Closeup television series, announced the organizations latest family programming initiative: We have a holiday gift for broadcasters -- free Christmas specials, including a world premiere."
The Christophers is making available the latest in a series of clay-animated features produced in partnership with the award-winning Billy Budd Films. In addition to the popular special Michael The Visitor taken from a Tolstoy tale, The Christophers present the premiere of The Chimes, based on Charles Dickens magical story of renewal and hope.
Speaking on the motivation for these efforts Msgr. McSweeney says, The Christopher motto is 'Its better to light one candle than to curse the darkness. We dont want to join a chorus of complaints about current family programming. Instead, were doing something positive and making it easier for program managers to do something too. These specials are beautifully done, they introduce families to some classic literature, and theyre free to any television, cable or satellite outlet that requests them."
Each program is offered in two formats, twenty-eight minutes without commercial interruption or twenty-four minutes with room for two commercial breaks. They are available for airing November 15, 2000. Previews of some of The Christophers animated features can be seen at www.christophers.org/xmasvids.html. Program directors can call the Christopher television department at 212-759-4050 ext. 16, E-mail tvradio-distribution@christophers.org or fax 212-838-5073.
Speaking on the universal appeal of the programs, Msgr. McSweeney says, They contain no proselytizing or evangelizing. Theyre truly ecumenical in that theyre simply marvelous tales about love, compassion and the wonder of the holiday spirit."
   Since 1952, The Christophers has also produced Christopher Closeup, a weekly talk show that can be seen nationally on television and cable outlets throughout the United States as well as overseas via The Armed Forces Network. It is also provided free of charge to broadcasters. The Christophers, a non-profit organization founded in 1945, uses the media to encourage individuals to raise the standards of public life. Check www.christophers.org on the Web for more about Christopher activities.
#####