GREAT AMERICAN COMMUNITY SET TO LAUNCH
15 ALL-NEW, ORIGINAL SHORT-FORM SERIES, SEPTEMBER 26
Free, Direct-To-Consumer App Will Feature Series Headlined by Danica McKellar, Cameron Mathison, Jill Wagner, Trevor Donovan, Debbie Matenopoulos, Lauren Makk, Kym Douglas, Larissa Wohl, Emily Hutchinson, Lawrence Zarian, Shirley Bovshow, Maria Provenzano, Jamie Tarence, Mahaila McKellar, and Lizzy Mathis
LOS ANGELES, CA – August 17, 2022 — Great American Community, the FREE direct-to-consumer app from Great American Media, will launch 15 all-new original short-form series featuring well-known experts at the top of their fields, including cooking, fashion, lifestyle, gardening, pets, parenting, DIY, relationships, philanthropy, fitness, wellness and devotions, among others. The app which debuts on Monday, September 26, with multiple episodes of all series available on day one and new episodes premiering on regularly scheduled days throughout the year, will be available in mobile app stores and on connected devices. The scalable platform of unique programming marks a monumental undertaking and achievement for Great American Media in the company’s first year.
Headlining each series are acclaimed TV hosts, presenters, and beloved actors, including Danica McKellar, Cameron Mathison, Jill Wagner, Trevor Donovan, Debbie Matenopoulos, Lauren Makk, Kym Douglas, Larissa Wohl, Emily Hutchinson, Lawrence Zarian, Shirley Bovshow, Maria Provenzano, Jamie Tarence, Mahaila McKellar, and Lizzy Mathis.Additional hosts and series will be announced in the coming months. The 15 Great American Community series will be exclusive to the platform and will feature fresh advice and inspirational stories from each host. From healthy cooking with Danica McKellar to organizing Christmas decorations with Cameron Mathison, each episode will focus on seasonal themes, celebrations and everyday moments, with new episodes premiering all year long – with no offseason.
“We are thrilled to be launching Great American Community with fifteen new, always-on series that are topical, relatable and hosted by our growing family of recognizable talent,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media. “This new platform represents an important evolution of the company’s digital strategy and gives our passionate fans a fun and engaging new way to interact with our stars in a trusted, family-friendly environment, 365 days a year.”
GREAT AMERICAN COMMUNITY ORIGINAL SHORT-FORM SERIES PREMIERING SEPTEMBER 26:
The Modern Mom with Debbie Matenopoulos featuring nationally renowned TV presenter and talk show host, Debbie Matenopoulos (Home & Family, The View). Every week, Debbie shares delicious easy-to-master recipes, fashion and beauty advice, and all the tips and tricks she has learned in her two-decade career being a television host and lifestyle expert. The Modern Mom with Debbie Matenopoulos is all-new every Monday and Friday beginning September 26.
Giving & Caring with Larissa Wohl stars renowned pet adoption advocate and TV host, Larissa Wohl (Home & Family, K-9 Hero Project). Larissa will bring heartwarming and uplifting segments in her series with weekly animal adoptions, shelter spotlights, and features about everyday people who do extraordinary things. Giving & Caring with Larissa Wohl is all-new Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday following premiere on Monday, September 26.
Affordably Fabulous with Lauren Makk features interior design expert, Lauren Makk (Design Star: Next Gen, Home Made Simple). Lauren will share tricks and tips to achieve the fabulous life on a budget. Affordably Fabulous with Lauren Makk is all-new Tuesdays and Thursdays following premiere on Monday, September 26.
Beauty and Blessings with Kym Douglas features beauty expert and daytime TV staple, Kym Douglas (Home & Family, The Ellen Show). Kym offers beauty and skin care tips, fashion advice, devotionals and ways to feel your most beautiful the inside out – all presented with laughter and love. Beauty and Blessings with Kym Douglas is all-new every Wednesday and Sunday after premiere on Monday, September 26.
Eden Living with Shirley Bovshow features award-winning garden designer and California Naturalist, Shirley Bovshow (Home & Family, Welcome to Great American Christmas). From gardening to landscape design, Shirley will teach you how to lovingly care for all the plants and flowers in your garden. Eden Living with Shirley Bovshow is all-new every Thursday and Saturday following premiere on Monday, September 26.
Everyday Celebrations with Maria Provenzano stars celebrity baker and chef, Maria Provenzano (Home & Family, From Scratch with Maria). With Maria, every day is a celebration, as Maria will teach you how to bake, cook delicious recipes, and craft for the everyday celebrations in your life. Everyday Celebrations with Maria Provenzano is all new every Wednesday and Friday following premiere on Monday, September 26.
A Beautiful Life with Lawrence Zarian stars fashion maven and TV presenter and author, Lawrence Zarian (The Kelly Clarkson Show, Home & Family). Lawrence will uplift and inspire women of every shape and size through fashion and sharing stories from his podcast. A Beautiful Life with Lawrence Zarian is all-new Mondays and Fridays after premiere on Monday, September 26.
All Things Cool with Lizzy Mathis features lifestyle expert Lizzy Mathis, founder of The Cool Mom Co. Like all moms, Lizzy is a powerhouse who reminds mamas to put themselves first, reignite personal passions, and keep bringing that cool to motherhood. All Things Cool with Lizzy Mathis is all-new Fridays and Sundays following premiere on September 26.
The Sweet Life with Emily Hutchinson features celebrity baking sensation, Emily Hutchinson (Christmas Cookie Matchup, The Hutch Oven). Everything you ever would want to bake is within reach with Emily as she shows you how to bake the most delicious and eye-catching creations. The Sweet Life with Emily Hutchinson is all-new Tuesdays and Saturdays following premiere on Monday, September 26.
Southern Savvy with Jamie Tarence features Southern connoisseur, chef, author, and podcast host, Jamie Tarence (Family Savvy, Matchmaker), your new best friend who shares all things Southern living in her series. From cooking and baking to fashion and beauty, Jamie is your go to for it all! Southern Savvy with Jamie Tarence is all-new Mondays and Thursdays following premiere on Monday, September 26.
The Mindful Life with Mahaila McKellar stars actress and author, Mahaila McKellar (Christmas at Grand Valley, Math Bites). Mahaila will share her knowledge as a certified meditation teacher and bring positivity and mindfulness to stress-filled days. The Mindful Life with Mahaila McKellar is all-new Tuesdays and Saturdays following premiere on September 26.
The Happy Life with Cameron Mathison featuring TV star, host, and presenter Cameron Mathison (General Hospital, A Merry Christmas Wish). Cameron has always had a passion for learning more about creating a healthier life and brings that knowledge to this series dedicated to a healthier you from the inside out. The Happy Life with Cameron Mathison is all-new Tuesdays and Sundays following premiere on September 26.
Bits of Joy with Danica McKellar features one of television’s most beloved actresses, Danica McKellar (The Winter Palace, The Wonder Years). Danica loves being positive and helping others. In her series, she will be sharing Faith Bits, Healthy Bits and Math Bits. Bits of Joy with Danica McKellar is all-new Mondays and Thursdays following premiere September 26.
Farm and Family with Jill Wagner stars actress and presenter, Jill Wagner (A Merry Christmas Wish, Christmas Miracle with Daisy). Jill gives a beautiful glimpse into her life living on a farm in Tennessee, including tours of her property, working out, family life, and Soulful Sundays. Farm and Family with Jill Wagner is all-new Wednesdays and Sundays following premiere on September 26.
Everyday Adventures with Trevor Donovan features one of television’s most recognizable faces, Trevor Donovan (Jingle Bell Princess, 90210). Trevor loves acting, his love of dogs and of course adventure, and in his series will share his life and the everyday adventures that bring him joy. Everyday Adventures with Trevor Donovan is all-new Wednesdays and Saturdays following premiere on September 26.
Executive Producers of series on Great American Community are Tracy Verna (“Home and Family,” “The Price Is Right”), Laura Pierson (“Home & Family,” “The Amazing Race”), and Michael Hinkley (“Home & Family”).
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA:
Great American Media is home to the family-friendly portfolio of brands Great American Family, Great American Living and Great American Adventures. As the flagship service, Great American Family features family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal rom-coms that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Living is the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates family-friendly traditions every day and every season. As the company’s first FAST channel, Great American Adventures features scripted and unscripted content highlighting themes including cooking and DIY. The Great American Media portfolio of brands was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay – Network Program Publicity
818-415-3784
Mead Rust – Corporate Communications
917-439-4066
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY ANNOUNCES ALL-NEW MOVIE PREMIERES
LOS ANGELES, CA – August 16, 2022 – Great American Family announces its final movie premieres of summer, with five all-new rom coms premiering on the network every Saturday night beginning August 20-September 17. New Fall movie premieres for September 24 through October 22 will be announced in the coming weeks. Great American Family will also air encores of its signature romantic comedies all day Saturdays and Sundays until the network’s holiday extravaganza begins.
Great American Family previously announced the network’s highly anticipated Great American Christmas returns on October 28 with a new slate of original holiday movie premieres every Saturday and Sunday and Christmas movies all day and all night through the end of 2022.
NEW MOVIE PREMIERES INCLUDE:
Identical Love, Saturday, August 20 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT): After being left at the altar, Dr. Charlotte Hudson needs to escape life at home. So, she signs up to volunteer with a health clinic in a tropical country. But her plans of escaping are thrown off when she comes across her former fiancé’s identical twin brother, Seth (a dentist), who is also volunteering with the clinic. Starring Shae Robins (My One True Love, Romance in the Outfield) and Mason D. Davis (Cryo, Grandpa’s Crazy?).
Love In Bloom, Saturday, August 27 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT): When her soon-to-be-married little sister and fiancé become marooned at a mountain retreat days before their wedding, Amelia and the best man are tasked with stepping in to save the wedding. Starring Susie Abromeit (Much Ado About Christmas, King Richard) and Julian Haig (Riverdale, Five Bedrooms).
Prescription for Love, Saturday, September 3 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT): In this Cinderella story, Claire is a nurse with a supervisor who is intent on making her life miserable. However, on a rare and fun night off, she gets trapped in an elevator with a charming man. The next day she is introduced to him again, but he does not recognize her. Starring Jillian Murray (Code Black, Christmas in the Pines) and Trevor Donovan (Jingle Bell Princess, 90210).
Just Add Love (WT), Saturday, September 10 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT): April is a health-chef guru on the verge of notoriety, but her brand of cooking is failing. Despite her assurances that healthy is tasty, those who have tried her recipes disagree. Not willing to give up on her hard work and career, April vows to reinvent herself. She goes to Italy to learn how to incorporate the country’s notorious rich culture of food in her own healthy recipes. There, she meets Rob, a brilliant chef with big dreams of his own. Starring Laura Mitchell (Love at Cedar Creek, Meeting Mr. Christmas) and Brad Johnson (A Crafty Christmas Romance, Switched for Christmas).
This Little Love of Mine, Saturday, September 17 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT): A workaholic lawyer returns to her island home to convince an old friend to take over his family’s company, but rekindled feelings soon get in the way. Starring Saskia Hampele (The Heights, Neighbours) and Liam McIntyre (Flash, Star Wars: Resistance).
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GACfamilyTV Facebook: @GACfamilytv and Instagram: @gactv.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mead Rust
469-663-7717
Pam Slay
818-415-3784
GAC FAMILY TO BE RENAMED GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY;
GAC LIVING WILL BECOME GREAT AMERICAN LIVING
Networks Will Be Part of a New Great American Media Master Brand
NEW YORK, NY – July 19, 2022 – GAC Media, LLC today announced GAC Family will be renamed Great American Family and GAC Living will become Great American Living. The new channel names will debut on air and across digital and social platforms on August 20 along with the return of new original movie premieres to Great American Family. The new monikers align the linear channel names with the company’s FAST channel, Great American Adventures, and Great American Community, a new direct-to-consumer app coming this fall. The four brands will be a part of the company’s new Great American Media master brand.
“As the company expands across different media verticals, renaming our linear networks Great American Family and Great American Living better reflects our vision for each brand and firmly aligns the company under our new Great American Media umbrella,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of GAC Media, LLC. “Fans can expect more of the same quality, family-friendly programming they have come to love from our channels, and we look forward to rolling out the new name this summer in time for the return of our original movie premieres.”
As the company’s flagship network, Great American Family will continue to offer family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family previously announced the network’s highly anticipated holiday programming event, Great American Christmas, returns October 28 with all-new original Christmas movies and 24/7 holiday content. As the unscripted companion to Great American Family, Great American Living celebrates family-friendly traditions every day and every season.
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ABOUT GAC Media
GAC Media, LLC is home to Great American Media: Great American Family: Stories Well Told and Great American Living: Life Well Lived. As the flagship service, Great American Family features family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Living is the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates family-friendly traditions every day and every season. GAC Media, LLC was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mead Rust
469-663-7717
Pam Slay
818-415-3784
GAC MEDIA LAUNCHES GREAT AMERICAN ADVENTURES ON XUMO
New FAST Channel Features Scripted and Unscripted Content Celebrating Americana
NEW YORK, NY – July 6, 2022 – GAC Media today announced the launch of Great American Adventures, a new FAST (free ad-supporting streaming TV) channel, on XUMO in the U.S. Great American Adventures features more than 500 hours of scripted and unscripted content highlighting themes including southern cooking and DIY, while celebrating Great American traditions every day and every season. Great American Adventures marks GAC Media’s first FAST channel brand.
“The launch of Great American Adventures is a new growth milestone for GAC Media as the company expands into the FAST TV sector,” said Erin McIlvain, Chief Officer, Distribution and Content Strategy at GAC Media. “This new partnership with XUMO will broaden the viewing ecosystem for our content allowing us to reach a new audience while further serving our existing fans with entertaining programming that celebrates Americana.”
“Great American Adventures is a perfect fit as a FAST channel on XUMO,” noted Stefan Van Engen, SVP of programming and partnerships at XUMO. “It’s always the right time to enjoy and celebrate the kind of everyday American traditions we all know and love. Great American Adventures delivers the high caliber content that allows us to engage millions of viewers across our network.”
Great American Adventures joins GAC Family and GAC Living as part of GAC Media’s growing stable of media brands. The new FAST channel will continue to roll out with additional apps and connected devices in the coming months.
Great American Adventures can be found on XUMO Channel 447.
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ABOUT GAC Media
GAC Media, LLC is home to Great American Channels: GAC Family: Stories Well Told and GAC Living: Life Well Lived. As the flagship service, GAC Family features family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country. GAC Living is the unscripted companion to GAC Family that celebrates Great American family-friendly traditions every day and every season. GAC Media, LLC was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.
About XUMO
A pioneer in the free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) and media entertainment space, XUMO offers viewers the opportunity to tune into exclusive movies, tv shows and over 250 channels with free premium programming across 26 genres, including Local News, Weather, Action & Drama TV, Westerns & Country TV, Latino, Crime TV, Game Shows & Daytime TV, Horror & Sci-Fi and more. The free, ad-supported service reaches millions of viewers each month via a multi-screen distribution network of smart TVs, mobile, web, and streaming boxes. XUMO delivers its over-the-top (OTT) video-on-demand (VOD) and LIVE linear digital channels through content partnerships with popular media providers such as ABC News Live, LOL! Network, Dateline, CBS Sports HQ, FREE Kids TV, Snowy River: The McGregor Saga, The Walking Dead Universe, America’s Test Kitchen, and Antiques Roadshow UK, as well the PGA TOUR, and many others. The company is based in Irvine, California. Learn more about XUMO at: www.xumo.tv and follow @XumoTV on Twitter.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mead Rust
469-663-7717
Pam Slay
818-415-3784
JEN LILLEY SET TO HOST FIRST-EVER
‘GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS IN JULY’ ON GAC FAMILY
24/7 Christmas Movie Event Kicks Off July 2
NEW YORK, NY – June 21, 2022 – GAC Family, America’s family-friendly destination for holiday movies and seasonal rom coms, today announced Jen Lilley (“Royally Wrapped for Christmas,” “Days of Our Lives”) is set to host the network’s first-ever Great American Christmas in July programming event, which kicks off July 2 and features 24/7 Christmas movies throughout Independence Day weekend. Fans of holiday romantic comedies will be able to celebrate Christmas early with encore presentations of GAC Family’s original Christmas movies, as well as first look previews of all-new holiday films planned for Great American Christmas 2022.
Programming highlights for Great American Christmas in July include encores of Christmas Time Is Here, The Great Christmas Switch, A Christmas Star, Jingle Bell Princess, A Kindhearted Christmas, A Christmas Miracle for Daisy, Royally Wrapped for Christmas, Joy for Christmas, A Lot Like Christmas, Angel Falls Christmas, and Much Ado About Christmas. The programming event also includes holiday movie fan-favorites, Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle, Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs. Miracle, A Cinderella Christmas and A Match Made at Christmas.
GAC Family previously announced that Great American Christmas, the network’s holiday programming franchise, will return October 28 with an all-new slate of original Christmas movies.
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ABOUT GAC Media
GAC Media, LLC is home to Great American Channels: GAC Family: Stories Well Told and GAC Living: Life Well Lived. As the flagship service, GAC Family features family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country. GAC Living is the unscripted companion to GAC Family that celebrates Great American family-friendly traditions every day and every season. GAC Media, LLC was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mead Rust
469-663-7717
Pam Slay
818-415-3784
GAC FAMILY ANNOUNCES “GREAT AMERICAN COMMUNITY”
NEW DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER APP WILL FEATURE ORIGINAL SHORT-FORM CONTENT FROM GAC FAMILY TALENT
NEW YORK, NY – May 17, 2022 – GAC Media today announced the development of Great American Community, a new direct-to-consumer app featuring short-form lifestyle, seasonal and holiday content from GAC Family’s beloved family of talent. The company has commissioned more than 200 hours of original content exclusively for the ad-supported app, which will be available in mobile app stores and on connected devices. Great American Community will launch in September 2022 with a celebration of the fall season.
“Since launching GAC Family original programming last October, fans have been asking us for more opportunities to engage with our roster of talent, which we believe is the best in the business,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of GAC Media. “Great American Community will serve as a stand-alone app delivering a completely new experience for consumers hungry for trusted, family-friendly content that is relevant to their lives. We’re thrilled to be rolling out the app in time for the fall season, and look forward to working closely with brand partners as we offer this groundbreaking opportunity to align with our talent and connect with GAC’s passionate fans.”
GAC Media has tapped veteran producer Tracy Verna (“Home and Family,” “The Price Is Right”) to oversee all content creation for Great American Community, which will include short-form lifestyle content featuring Debbie Matenopoulos (“Home & Family,” “The View”), Cameron Mathison (“Home & Family,” “General Hospital”); as well as Shirley Bovshow (“Home & Family,” home and gardening expert), Kym Douglas (“Home & Family,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” lifestyle expert), Maria Provenzano (“Home & Family,” DIY expert), Larissa Wohl (“Home & Family,” animal expert), Lawrence Zarian (“Home & Family,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” fashion expert), Toya Boudy (culinary expert), Amber Kemp-Gerstel (DIY expert), Emily Hutchinson (baking expert), Jamie Tarence (cooking expert), Mahaila McKellar (lifestyle expert); and other fan-favorite stars from GAC Family, including Jen Lilley, Jill Wagner, Danica McKellar and Trevor Donovan. Additional marquee talent will be announced at a later date.
Great American Community will feature fresh advice and inspirational stories from experts at the top of their fields, including health and wellness, home and décor, cooking, gardening and more. The new app will also be home to GAC Giving and Caring™, a new digital series that focuses on the many ways that GAC Family talent gives back. GAC Giving and Caring will raise awareness for important causes supported by GAC stars, such as bullying prevention and pet adoption, and will encourage fans to get involved to make a difference in their communities.
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ABOUT GAC Media
GAC Media, LLC is home to Great American Channels: GAC Family: Stories Well Told and GAC Living: Life Well Lived. As the flagship service, GAC Family features family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country. GAC Living is the unscripted companion to GAC Family that celebrates Great American family-friendly traditions every day and every season. GAC Media, LLC was established in June 2021 and was organized by Dallas-based Hicks Equity Partners LLC and Bill Abbott. Its ownership primarily consists of US-based family offices.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mead Rust
469-663-7717
Pam Slay
818-415-3784
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY ANNOUNCES A MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH, STARRING JILL WAGNER AND CAMERON MATHISON
NEW YORK, NY – May 4, 2022 – Great American Family today announced A Merry Christmas Wish, starring Jill Wagner (Christmas Miracle for Daisy, The Angel Tree) and Cameron Mathison (A Kindhearted Christmas, “General Hospital”), an original movie World Premiere, Saturday, November 12 (8 p.m. ET). A Merry Christmas Wish premieres as part of the network’s annual Great American Christmas franchise which premieres original holiday movies every weekend and 24/7 Christmas movies, all-day and all night, through the end of the year.
In A Merry Christmas Wish, Janie (Wagner), a rising marketing executive from Manhattan, returns to her hometown of Woodland Falls when her Great-Uncle Randall passes away. Janie is not prepared for the gift Randall has left her: the family farm, her childhood home. Janie agrees to honor Randall’s request to host Woodland Falls’ annual Winter Wonderland as his final gift to the community. Randall has even arranged for his farm manager, Dylan (Mathison) to help host the event in the farm’s sprawling barn. Pressured by her boyfriend to return to New York, Janie feels conflicted about her future.
Executive Producers of The Christmas Farm are Brad Krevoy, Jill Wagner, Eric Jarboe, Amanda Phillips, Amy Krell, Vince Balzano, Susie Belzberg Krevoy, Kathy Ceroni, Bradley Walsh, and Jimmy Townsend. Producer is David Anselmo. Supervising Producers are Byron A. Martin, W. Michael Beard, and Michael Shepard. Associate Producers are Kaitlyn Greenough and Kelly Martin. Bradley Walsh directs from an original screenplay by Adam Rockoff and Blaine Chiappetta.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family onTwitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @gactv
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity
818.415.3784
Mead Rust
469.663.7717
“K-9 HERO AWARDS” PREMIERES THURSDAY, MAY 12 AT 5PM ET ON GAC FAMILY
Special Presentation to Honor America’s Top Performing Police and Military K-9 Heroes
NEW YORK, NY – April 28, 2022 – GAC Family will honor America’s top performing Police and Military K-9 Heroes in an all-new special “K-9 Hero Awards.” Hosted by Larissa Wohl alongside US Army Veteran and certified K-9 Trainer, James Craigmyle, “K-9 Hero Awards” will premiere on GAC Family on Thursday, May 12 at 5pm ET. The special presentation is created in partnership with Project K-9 Hero, an organization dedicated to providing assistance for our nation’s heroic working dogs.
“K-9 Hero Awards” showcases the incredible achievements and devoted service of Police K-9s, Military Working Dogs, Fire Department K-9s and Search and Rescue K-9s at the Local, State and Federal levels. K-9 Heroes are crowned in seven categories: Patrol Apprehension, Narcotics Detection, Tracking and Trailing, Firearms Detection, Search and Rescue, Accelerant Detection, and Explosives Detection. Award winning K-9s in each category will receive free medical coverage for life from Project K-9 Hero.
Project K-9 Hero is a national nonprofit 501c3 organization, whose mission is to provide medical care, food, and death benefit assistance for our nation’s retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs. Project K-9 Hero also helps K-9s who need a home after their service, through rehabilitation and adoption. Project K-9 Hero is actively engaged with Members of Congress to pass a law that grants federal funding towards the medical care for retired working dogs through the K-9 Hero Act.
“K-9 Hero Awards” is part of GAC Family’s broadening commitment to quality, pet-centric programming that raises awareness for important causes supporting animal welfare in America. In February, GAC Family announced “Great American Rescue Bowl” a new special slated to air in 2023 which will showcase kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs available for adoption at shelters across the country.
“K-9 Hero Awards” is produced for GAC Family by Pleasant Street Entertainment.
See below for the full list of 2021 K-9 Hero Awards Recipients.
K-9 Hero Awards Recipients:
Patrol Apprehension Award
K-9 Chief/ Nick Stewart
Agency – Moses Lake PD
Moses Lake, WA
Narcotics Detection Award
K-9 Asha/Jaime Garcia
Agency – Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, TX
Edinburg, TX
Explosives Detection Award
MWD Eros/Paige Lewis
Agency – US Army 947th Military Police Detachment (Washington D.C.)
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Firearms Detection Award
K-9 Titan/Daniel Kaase
Agency – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Dallas Field Division
Brock, Texas
Search and Rescue Award
K-9 Bella/Barbara Weakley Jones
Agency – Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, KY
Louisville, KY
Accelerant Detection Award
K-9 Dolley/Bud Herndon
Agency – Loudon County Fire Marshals Office, VA
Ashburn, VA
Tracking/Trailing Award
K-9 Rusty/Chris Robinson
Agency – Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, SC
Greenville, South Carolina
K-9 Flash Legacy Award
K-9 Duke/Ed Soares
Agency – Menlo Park PD, California
Menlo Park, California
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ABOUT GAC Media
GAC Media, LLC is home to Great American Channels: GAC Family: Stories Well Told and GAC Living: Life Well Lived. As the flagship service, GAC Family features family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country. GAC Living is the unscripted companion to GAC Family that celebrates Great American family-friendly traditions every day and every season. GAC Media, LLC was established in June 2021 and was organized by Dallas-based Hicks Equity Partners LLC and Bill Abbott. Its ownership primarily consists of US-based family offices.
CANDACE CAMERON BURE SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH GAC MEDIA
Bure to Create Original Content and Seasonal Celebrations for GAC Family and GAC Living
NEW YORK, NY – April 19, 2022 – Christmas comes early to GAC Media as the company today announced that they have signed Candace Cameron Bure to develop, produce and star in movies and television across GAC Family and GAC Living. Bure will take on a prominent executive role at the company to oversee and curate programming for the networks as a whole. Additionally, through her Candy Rock Entertainment, she has agreed to develop and produce original content for GAC’s channels. Bure will also create year-round seasonal celebration content for the networks and play a key role in the company’s annual Great American Christmas franchise.
“Candace is adored by generations of fans as one of family entertainment’s most cherished and relatable stars,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO of GAC Media. “She has helped build this genre into the mainstream success it is today, and I look forward to working together at GAC Media as we further establish our brands as leaders in quality family programming. I am truly honored that she has chosen to be a part of and help curate her special brand of family entertainment here at Great American Channels.”
“I’m very excited to develop heartwarming family and faith-filled programming and make the kind of stories my family and I love to watch,” Bure said. “I am constantly looking for ways that I can inspire people to live life with purpose. GAC fits my brand perfectly; we share a vision of creating compelling wholesome content for an audience who wants to watch programming for and with the whole family. Great, quality entertainment with a positive message is what my partnership with GAC is all about!”
In addition to being an actress, producer, director, and New York Times bestselling author, Bure is an entrepreneur whose brand extends from entertainment and lifestyle, to faith and family. Bure is the CEO of Candy Rock Enterprises; head of her own self-titled clothing and lifestyle brands; a prolific author and co-owner of Bure Family Wines. Bure is known for holiday romantic comedies where she is a perennial fan favorite, having starred in dozens of movies created in close partnership with Abbott. Bure starred in and executive produced one of television’s most successful mystery movie franchises, “Aurora Teagarden.” She competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2014 and was co-host of The View in 2015 and 2016. Fans first came to know Candace as D.J. Tanner in “Full House.” In 2016, Bure and her “Full House” co-stars reunited to create 75 episodes of “Fuller House.” Both of the classic sitcoms are currently airing on GAC Family.
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ABOUT GAC Media
GAC Media, LLC is home to Great American Channels: GAC Family: Stories Well Told and GAC Living: Life Well Lived. As the flagship service, GAC Family features family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country. GAC Living is the unscripted companion to GAC Family that celebrates Great American family-friendly traditions every day and every season. GAC Media, LLC was established in June 2021 and was organized by Dallas-based Hicks Equity Partners LLC and Bill Abbott. Its ownership primarily consists of US-based family offices.
About Candy Rock Enterprises
Candy Rock Enterprises is a joint-venture between Candace Cameron Bure and the full-service development and execution team behind Redrock Entertainment. Candy Rock Enterprises activities include a skin care and cosmetics development brand, the launch of Bure’s successful clothing line with QVC, and the creation of a lifestyle brand with DaySpring, a faith-resources company headquartered in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Candy Rock’s Entertainment division develops and produces television projects, lifestyle programming and feature length films with an emphasis on family-friendly content.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
GAC Media
Mead Rust
469-663-7717
Pam Slay
SLAY Media
Candy Rock Enterprises
James Weir / Liza Anderson
Anderson Group Public Relations
323-655-1008
agpr@andersongrouppr.com
GAC FAMILY ANNOUNCES “CATERING CHRISTMAS” STARRING
MERRITT PATTERSON AND DANIEL LISSING
Original Film Will Premiere as Part of Annual Great American Christmas Celebration
NEW YORK, NY – March 30, 2022 – GAC Family today announced Merritt Patterson (“Jingle Bell Princess,” “Heatwave”) and Daniel Lissing (“When Hope Calls,” “The Cleaning Lady”) will star in “Catering Christmas” (wt) which begins production April 3. “Catering Christmas” is the first announced film in a new slate of 2022 holiday movies set for GAC Family’s annual Great American Christmas celebration.
In “Catering Christmas,” Molly Frost (Patterson) is struggling to make a go of her new catering business when she unexpectedly lands New Hampshire’s biggest event of the year, the Harrison Foundation Christmas Fundraiser, which is to be managed this holiday by the nephew and reluctant heir to the family’s foundation, Carson Jacob Harrison (Lissing). Carson is a renowned photographer who has spent years jet-setting around the world to avoid taking over the foundation from his Aunt Jean. Molly, a hometown girl who once was the beneficiary of the foundation’s generosity, takes Carson on a journey to learn about all the good his family provides to so many. The discovery inspires Carson to use his artistic gifts to create the most heartwarming fundraiser in the history of the foundation.
“Catering Christmas” is executive produced by Brad Krevoy, Eric Jarboe, Amanda Phillips, Amy Krell, Vince Balzano, Jimmy Townsend, Susie Belzberg Krevoy, and TW Peacocke. Producer is David Anselmo. Supervising Producers are James Mou, Allan Fung, W. Michael Beard, and Michael Shepard. Kaitlyn Greenough is Associate Producer. TW Peacocke directs from an original screenplay by Cara J. Russell.
GAC Family (formerly Great American Country) launched September 2021 under the tagline “Stories Well Told” and features family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country.
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ABOUT GAC Media
GAC Media, LLC is home to Great American Channels: GAC Family: Stories Well Told and GAC Living: Life Well Lived. As the flagship service, GAC Family features family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country. GAC Living is the unscripted companion to GAC Family that celebrates Great American family-friendly traditions every day and every season. GAC Media, LLC was established in June 2021 and was organized by Dallas-based Hicks Equity Partners LLC and Bill Abbott. Its ownership primarily consists of US-based family offices.
