Acura Presents Virtual Shorty Fest: Celebrating New Orleans Music Culture
TORRANCE, California, Sept. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As official automaker of the Trombone Shorty Foundation six years running, Acura will give fans a new way to celebrate the musical culture of New Orleans with the first-ever “Virtual Shorty Fest Presented by Acura.” The virtual format of Shorty Fest will air Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. CST, on Acura’s YouTube channel (http://acura.us/ShortyFest2020), the Trombone Shorty Festival website (www.tromboneshortyfoundation.org) and broadcast locally on WNOL-TV. The virtual festival will raise awareness about the mission of The Shorty Foundation to support young musicians in New Orleans.
“Virtual Shorty Fest Presented by Acura” will feature Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue in the band’s first show since the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting communities across America. The diverse artist lineup includes some of New Orleans most talented musicians, such as Galactic, Anders Osborne, Tank and the Bangas, The Soul Rebels and more special guests to be announced. Students from the Trombone Shorty Academy also will perform.
Shorty Fest has been the Trombone Shorty Foundation’s largest fundraising event and with this year’s new format, there are opportunities for viewers to donate (www.paypal.me/shortyfoundation) along with a silent auction held on Facebook to support the next generation of New Orleans musicians.
Also making an appearance during the Fest is the all-new 2021 Acura TLX premium sport sedan, featuring the latest award-winning ELS STUDIO 3D® premium audio system, powered by Panasonic and tuned by eight-time Grammy® award-winning recording engineer and music producer Elliot Scheiner. The 2021 TLX arrives at dealerships in late September.
More information on “Virtual Shorty Fest Presented by Acura” programming details and schedule can be found here:
https://www.tromboneshortyfoundation.org/shorty-fest/.
Acura’s Investment in Music
Acura has been a proud sponsor of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for more than 20 years. The brand also has been the automotive partner of the Trombone Shorty Foundation for the past six years and is the presenting sponsor of “Shorty Fest,” the Shorty Foundation’s largest fundraising event. Acura’s sponsorship of the Shorty Foundation helps support traditional jazz music education, instruction, mentorship and performance in New Orleans, empowering young musicians to continue the musical traditions of the jazz legends before them. Acura also has been the official automotive partner of the historic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles for the last eight years.
More recently, Acura collaborated with Genius, the music media platform and the world’s largest digital destination for song lyrics and music knowledge, by creating “Acura x Genius: Precision Crafted Performances.” The music series features emerging artists with exclusive live showcases in major cities including Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and Miami.
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the ILX and TLX sport sedans, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All Acura models sold in North America for the 2021 model year are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Additional media information including pricing, features & specifications and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com.
About Trombone Shorty Foundation
The Trombone Shorty Foundation, founded in 2012, seeks to build the next generation of young talent: to create music industry career pathways for New Orleans youth, empower them with the skills and perspective to succeed in business and in life, and to offer mentorship and support throughout the process. The work of the Foundation is inspired by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, who was one such youth whose community support in academics, music, and business fostered a career that represents New Orleans culture around the world.
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SOURCE Acura
Report on 7th Annual Youth for Justice Summer Academy
SAN RAFAEL, California, Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Alcohol Justice & Youth for Justice announced the release of a report today on the successful conclusion of the 7th annual Youth for Justice Summer Academy that took place July 27, 2020 to August 7, 2020. Due to #COVID19, the event was staged virtually with twenty-two participants from the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael participating in daily sessions via Zoom.
“This year’s summer academy was a big challenge and a big success,” said Maite Duran, Drug Free Communities Project Coordinator at Alcohol Justice, and founder of Youth For Justice. “Though COVID-19 prevented us from taking the youth on field trips or doing some of the hands-on activities that have proved so engaging in the past, we had great virtual sessions, producing unexpected excitement and personal growth among our young participants.”
“I have noticed that my daughter has changed, a complete 180 since she has started participating in YFJ. She is now asking and answering questions at school without being afraid.”
– Blanca, Madeline’s mother
Among this year’s digital presenters were Maestro Ernesto Hernández, a Mayan elder and teacher, who presented the healing cultural component of the academy; art lessons from Bay Area artist Daniel Panko, relevant to the camp’s curricula; and Hip Hop 4 Change guiding participants to develop conscious rap.
“My children really enjoy the Youth for Justice Summer Academy. One of their favorite parts of the summer academy is creating art. I enjoy them participating in these kinds of activities because it allows them to continue to develop the skills they have. Art is also a healthy way to keep them entertained.”
– Betty, Jeffrey and Yamileth’s mother
Other topics discussed this year from a decolonizing perspective were nutrition, healing, climate change and of course the negative consequences of using alcohol and other drugs.
“The youth were eager to participate, they had fun and all the presenters enjoyed their experience,” stated Christina Mira, Youth for Justice Outreach/Promotora. “This speaks volumes to the need youth feel to have meaningful and positive connections with their peers and supportive staff.”
“This year my son was very focused and looked forward to participating in the Summer Academy every day. He was particularly very interested in the Bean Jar activity. He learned how to plant a bean from start to finish, and this made the learning experience unique for him. I also noticed that he was determined to prepare his Vitamin Water with chia and lemon every morning. He seems to be more aware of his health and makes an effort to avoid sugary drinks even now that the Summer Academy has ended.”
– Edith, Andy’s mother
Generous support for the Youth for Justice Summer Academy was received from the Marin County Juvenile Probation Department, the San Rafael Alcohol and Drug Coalition, Youth for Justice, and Alcohol Justice.
Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/2FMRpz6
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CONTACT: |
Maite Duran 415 717-1099 |
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Jorge Castillo 213 840-3336 |
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Michael Scippa 415 548-0492 |
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SOURCE Alcohol Justice
United Way of King County Announces Ethan Stowell and Steve Hooper, Jr. as Campaign Co-Chairs for 2020-2021
SEATTLE, Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — United Way is honored to announce the co-chairs of the 2020-2021 fundraising campaign. They are Ethan Stowell, founder and CEO of Ethan Stowell Restaurants, and Steve Hooper, Jr., president of ESR. They co-own the company.
Stowell, who co-chaired the campaign in 2017, said he has been impressed by the work United Way has been doing for the community since COVID-19 hit the region earlier this year.
“It seems to me that United Way is always doing something that has the ability to grab me and impress me. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to do this again,” Stowell said.
Hooper said this was the right time for him to help out.
“I’m thinking about the future—did I do everything I could do in this time to make a difference? Will I be proud of the work I did? I think this is a great way to do that,” he said.
Stowell said that, in the past, he held “fun and great” entertainment events to raise funds and engage the community. This year will have to be different due to the pandemic.
Stowell said he is working with several local restaurants on a series of virtual gatherings where guests and donors get to cook with some of Seattle’s best-known chefs, including himself.
“We’re going to bring a little fun to a hard time, so we’re going to try to do a bunch of events,” Stowell said. “I felt like we have to do something that’s going to help out the restaurant community as a whole, so we came up with this idea of supporting restaurants and supporting local businesses by doing events.”
Stowell said he’s worried about the coming eviction crisis and the racial disparities in housing.
“I’m talking about the eviction crisis that’s going to be coming our way and the systemic racism in homeownership and affordable housing. I think it’s a big deal,” he said. “The governor has done a great job stopping evictions for a while, but that doesn’t mean rents aren’t due and that they’re not piling up on people’s plates.”
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/510987/United_Way_of_King_County_Logo.jpg
SOURCE United Way of King County
UniVista Insurance Ranked In Top 4 Of Insurance Agencies In South Florida Business Journal List
MIAMI, Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — UniVista Insurance is ranked No. 4 on South Florida Business Journal ‘s list of Insurance Agencies, the private insurance company announced today.
With more than a decade of operations in Florida, UniVista Insurance is a family-owned and operated, independent insurance agency. The company has 151 locations in South Florida alone including more than 10 corporate offices, 141 franchises and three call centers. UniVista employs 1,210 men and women as agents in the region.
“Having UniVista Insurance in the Top 4 in South Florida Business Journal‘s list of South Florida Insurance Agencies is a big milestone for us because our local customers and franchisees are the bedrock of our expansion throughout Florida,” said Ivan Herrera, UniVista CEO. “The leadership of UniVista Insurance is thankful for the continued support of our South Florida customers and franchisees, who provide excellent feedback and serve as the foundation for the outstanding customer service and products we offer.”
Additionally, UniVista Insurance was ranked in the Top 2710 on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Inc. 5000’s list spotlights “the private companies with the most proven track records.” With this ranking, UniVista Insurance has joined an illustrious group of companies including Microsoft, Timberland, Oracle and Zappos.com.
Miami-based UniVista also recently was ranked in the Top 26 in the Insurance Journal annual list of Property/Casualty Agencies.
UniVista Insurance is a Top 54 Largest Private Company in the South Florida Business Journal, with more than $90 million in combined revenue last year. UniVista has also opened three offices in California.
In its role as innovator, UniVista Insurance has taken on TV as part of a new strategy to reach customers. It became the direct sponsor of its own Internet network, UniVistaTV, which recently celebrated a year of diverse and exciting programming.
UniVistaTV celebrated the one-year mark by having 130 million views and a reach of nearly 500 million people.
About UniVista Insurance
Launched in 2009 under Herrera’s leadership, UniVista Insurance generated $87.3 million in 2019 P/C Revenue. The Miami-based company had $480.16 million in South Florida premium volume in 2019, up from $405.62 million in South Florida premium volume in 2018.
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1250567/UNIVISTA_Logo.jpg
SOURCE UniVista Insurance
Canela.TV Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With New Library Of Inspiring Latino Titles
NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Canela.TV, one of the first free ad-supported streaming services for U.S. Hispanics, announced today its programming lineup in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. In partnership with Target, the platform will house a curated selection of cultural programming under its “My Latin Roots” category. Under the same partnership, Canela.TV is bringing the popular Colombian series La Mama del 10 for the first time to U.S. Latino audiences.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating our achievements and culture, but at the same time, it is an opportunity for our audiences to learn about what makes each Hispanic nationality so unique,” said Isabel Rafferty, founder and CEO of Canela Media. “We are delighted to have found a partner like Target to help us educate U.S. audiences on the diversity of our culture, leveraging high-quality entertainment from key partners in Latin America such as Caracol Television. We are confident that our viewers will enjoy the curated watch list and establish a deeper connection to their roots.”
Launching today, La Mama del 10 showcases all the sacrifice and struggle of an Afro-descendant woman to have her son succeed in a soccer career despite facing several obstacles including her humble origin, racism, and resistance from other people. The 67 episode series’ leading actors include Karent Hinestroza as Tina Manotas (mom) and Sergio Herrera as Victor (son).
“We are very pleased that La Mama del 10 (Mom of #10) has reached the United States audience thanks to the support from Target and Canela.TV. A story that spotlights the courage of a woman who, like many today, faces challenges and sacrifices to help make her youngest son’s dream of becoming the best soccer player in the country come true. The success of these narratives through their international journey continues to confirm that we need stories featuring female protagonists that inspire change in our society,” asserted Lisette Osorio, Vice President of International Sales at Caracol Television.
Brought to Canela.TV exclusively through a partnership with Target, audiences will have a wide selection of programming that can be enjoyed by the entire family during the month-long observance (Sept. 15th – Oct. 15th). In the “My Latin Roots” section, audiences will be able to access diverse cultural content including films from the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema ( 1933-1961) when the Mexican film industry reached high levels of production, quality and economic success of its films and gained recognition internationally. Among the feature tittles are: Dos Tipos de Cuidado, Rio Escondido, Ahí Esta el Detalle and El Mártir del Calvario. These films include iconic leads such as Pedro Infante, Maria Felix, Jorge Negrete and Mario Moreno “Cantinflas”. The national retailer partnership with the streaming platform seeks to further reinforce its long-standing connection and commitment to the Hispanic community.
For additional information on Canela.TV please visit: https://www.canela.tv/
ABOUT CANELA MEDIA
Canela Media is a leading digital media tech company offering brands a complete ecosystem to connect with multicultural audiences leading with its free streaming service, Canela.TV, offering on-demand Latino-focused movies and TV entertainment through multiple platforms. Additionally, Canela Media reaches more than 20 million unique Hispanics across its 180+ premium Spanish-language sites and influencer database. Combined with the company’s proprietary data, Canela Media possesses in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to establish meaningful and culturally relevant connections with the new mainstream – U.S. Hispanics. Headquartered in New York, Canela Media is ranked as the fourth largest Hispanic ad-focused company and is female- and minority-owned. For more information please visit http://www.CanelaMedia.com.
SOURCE Canela Media
Historic: Spanish Broadcasting System announces “first connecting bridge between Puerto Rico and Florida” with MegaTV Orlando Channel 21 (MegaTVO21)
ORLANDO, Florida, Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In the midst of the worst crisis in television history due to the impact of a pandemic (COVID-19), executives of SBS, MegaTV television channel owned and operated by Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS) (OTCQX: SBSAA), the leading Minority certified, Hispanic multimedia and entertainment company in the U.S., announces the “first connecting bridge” literally, between Puerto Ricans from the Island and from Orlando, with the official launch this September 15 of MegaTV Orlando, Channel 21, (MegaTVO21) under the godfathership of superstar, Jennifer Lopez and actor John Leguizamo, among other Puerto Rican artistic figures.
Puerto Rico-based television broadcaster MegaTV is expanding its audience reach to Orlando with the launch of affiliate station MegaTV Orlando Channel 21 embarking on a mission to capture the big Puerto Rican community and Hispanics in Central Florida. An estimated 330,000 Puerto Ricans live in Central Florida. With existing MegaTV stations in Puerto Rico and Miami, the channel’s programming will now be available in more than a third of Hispanic households in the continental United States.
With the theme of “the bridge that joins Puerto Rico with Orlando, without paying tolls,” the station will be led by Richy Miranda-Cortese, who is senior vice president and general manager of the new station. During the inauguration of the new operation in Orlando, local officials, business owners and guests joined in the announcement that comes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our community welcomes MEGATV-Channel 21, another Spanish TV station that will offer information, education and entertainment to our growing and vibrant Hispanic community,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We are proud that Orlando continues attracting national and international companies to our region to serve our Hispanic community while creating jobs and strengthening our local economy.”
Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz, who hails from Puerto Rico, applauded and celebrated “the courage and vision of this company SBS-MegaTV” and highlighted the potential of this region for many companies to successfully expand their business to the Orlando area.”
“Not only does it bring an innovative communication platform to our community, also creates 20 direct jobs, 30 indirect jobs, for a total of 50. There’s also the economic benefit, especially in these times. I’m more than happy and proud to see that entrepreneurs and business leaders are investing in this region,” said Ortiz, also president of the Florida League of Cities, comprised of 411 municipalities in the state of Florida. “In the challenging times we live in, it fills us with pride to see our executives and business leaders investing and strengthening our local economy,” Ortiz said.
Executives from MegaTV and SBS, and personality and host Ismael Cala were present for the event, along with influencers and celebrities such as Jorge Pabon “El Molusco,” Pamela Moa, Ali Warrington, Jacky Fontanez, Jorge Suarez, Mimi Pabon, Layza Torres, Saudy Rivera Soto, Jose Mateo, Marcos Rodriguez “El Cacique,” and Aniel Rosario, who traveled to Orlando to support the opening.
For Albert Rodriguez, COO of SBS, “MegaTV Orlando, channel 21, is the perfect complement that we expected to continue being the leading company of minorities in the field of entertainment, radio, TV and digital for Hispanics in the United States.”
“We salute the good reception of this channel, which comes at a crucial moment in the history of the television industry and which will provide sources of employment for our Hispanic community, as well as being an important channel for promoting those entrepreneurial businesses that are today giving one hundred percent, through their labor efforts, for the economic growth of this prosperous and thriving city of Orlando. I am very grateful to all of them for the welcome we have had,” emphasizes the c-class executive, who also values the loyalty of his millions of viewers.”
“We are proud to announce that MegaTVO21 reaches the multicultural market of Central Florida with a varied programming that will serve both the Puerto Rican and Latin American communities. Our focus is on providing engaging content and healthy entertainment,” said Richy Miranda-Cortese, senior vice president and general manager of MegaTVO21. In the same way, the executive will work in coordination with the other markets to execute a strategic action plan.
“The company will carry on with its mission to keep building more communication bridges to continue increasing the audience and reaching more homes. It fills us with pride, especially in these times of so many challenges, having achieved such an important expansion plan as it’s important for the long-term development of our company,” said Sixto Pabon, vice president of operations for SBS Puerto Rico.
Meanwhile, for Victor Roque, general manager and vice president of sales of SBS, Puerto Rico, “in addition to being a great step for new fields in the Hispanic television market, MegaTV Orlando channel 21, arrives at the right moment, highlighting the value that the Hispanic community in general constitutes for the company.”
Jose Perez, vice president of programming and production for MegaTV, said several Puerto Rican entrepreneurs have opened businesses in Orlando and “were waiting for an opportunity like this to market and exhibit their products.”
The “El Molusco y Los Reyes de la Punta” radio program broadcasted live from Orlando at its regular time slot — from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jacky Fontánez, host of “What’s Up,” on La Nueva 94 FM will be broadcasting from several locations in Orlando throughout the week.
“Papeleta Rosa” with Saudy Rivera Soto and Magda; and “Informe 79,” with Laiza Torres programs were broadcasted live from Orlando.
City officials present at the event
Orange County Commissioners Mayra Uribe, Maribel Gómez-Cordero and Kissimmee Mayor Jose Alvarez celebrated the theme of the station. Gómez said the addition to the Spanish-language media is “great and many friends of the island are as excited” as her to have this kind of programming. “I’m mega, super excited with this great news. This is going to be an A+ between Puerto Rico and Orlando,” she said.
The channel will air iconic programs that many “boricuas” are watching from Orlando, connecting with their culture and to keep updated about what is happening in the island. For many Puerto Ricans, a program like “La Comay” is part of their memories of the island.
MegaTV Channel 21 Orlando will offer a varied programming proposal adjusted to the multicultural market of Central Florida. The mission of the channel will be to provide attractive and fun content with a positive impact and healthy entertainment.
Channels–MegaTV Puerto Rico
18.1 In all Puerto Rico
5.3 Mayagüez
Liberty Metro 12 y 212
Liberty Suroeste 11 y 211
DirectTv 169
Claro TV 16
Dish Network 18
Mega TV Orlando:
Channel 21
About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.
Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. owns and operates 17 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Spanish Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Latin Rhythmic format genres. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform which creates, distributes and markets leading Spanish-language radio programming to over 275 affiliated stations reaching 95% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events and owns multiple bilingual websites, including LaMusica, a mobile app providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.
MEDIA CONTACT SBS:
Vladimir Gomez
VP, Corporate Communications
[email protected]
(786) 394-9000 Ext. 1144
Michelle Torres
Corporate Communications SBS Puerto Rico
Licencia R-1021
[email protected]
[email protected]
(787) 960-9230
Mayra Ramos Miro
Mega TV Orlando
[email protected]
(407)-234-0306
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Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1275646/mega_4.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1275647/mega_5.jpg
SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS)
Pandora LIVE El Pulso con Sech
OAKLAND, California, Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Pandora announced today that Latin Urban-Reggaeton sensation Sech will perform for Pandora LIVE El Pulso on September 22nd at 8:45pm ET. This is the third installment of the popular free live event turned virtual series that features top artists from all genres including country, rock, R&B and more. Pandora LIVE El Pulso is the live extension of El Pulso, the number one Latin musical destination on Pandora. RSVP for the free event HERE.
Sech, who hails from Panama City, released his debut album Sueños last year, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts and earned him a Latin Grammy nomination. Sech kicked off 2020 with five Billboard Latin Music Award nominations, and collaborated with reggaeton heavyweights on some of the hottest tracks of the year, including the #1 radio singles “Definitivamente” with Daddy Yankee and “Sigues con el” with Arcangel and on Bad Bunny’s “Ignorantes” which broke into the Top 50 of Billboard’s Hot 100 and surpassed the 166 million views on YouTube. As one of the hottest artists in Latin music today, Sech followed his continued success with the release of “Confia” with Daddy Yankee and followed with the release of his sophomore effort 1 of 1. The album’s lead single, “Relacion” quickly resonated with fans and peaked #1 in 9 countries. Off the heels of his global smash #1 hit single “Otro Trago”, “Relacion” helped break Sech, once again, into the Top 25 of global viral streaming charts.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to team up with the Pandora team, and honored to be a part of this new digital series” said Sech. “I respect and admire all those who worked to make this virtual concert performance a reality, especially during these difficult times. I’m proud to be able to tell my story and share my music with fans through this unique and special experience.”
The evening will be hosted by Marisol “El Bombón” Vargas, the on-air personality from SiriusXM’s Caliente (ch. 158) who will also do a quickfire “hot seat” game as well as an in-depth interview with Sech. An animated short on a real event from Sech’s life and a surprise guest during the performance will round out the evening. Also, select fans of Sech on Pandora will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual meet and greet with him prior to the performance.
Event sponsor Boost Mobile will upgrade the fan experience with an virtual after party on Instagram Live, hosted by a social influencer and fellow Sech superfan. Additionally, a limited amount of exclusive Sech merch will be available for attendees based on a first come, first served code redemption basis, with thanks to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
About Pandora
Pandora, a subsidiary of SiriusXM, is the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming service in the U.S. Pandora provides consumers a uniquely-personalized music and podcast listening experience with its proprietary Music Genome Project® and Podcast Genome Project® technology. Pandora is also the leading digital audio advertising platform in the U.S. Through its own Pandora service, its AdsWizz platform, and third party services, such as SoundCloud, the Company connects brands to the largest ad-supported streaming audio marketplace in the country. Pandora is available through its mobile app, the web, and integrations with more than 2,000 connected products.
About SiriusXM
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is the leading audio entertainment company in the U.S., and the premier programmer and platform for subscription and digital advertising-supported audio products. Pandora, a subsidiary of SiriusXM, is the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming service in the U.S. SiriusXM and Pandora together reach more than 100 million people each month with their audio products. SiriusXM, through Sirius XM Canada Holdings, Inc., also offers satellite radio and audio entertainment in Canada. In addition to its audio entertainment businesses, SiriusXM offers connected vehicle services to automakers. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com.
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is adversely impacting our business; our substantial competition that is likely to increase over time; our efforts to attract and retain subscribers and listeners, or convert listeners into subscribers, which may not be successful, and may adversely affect our business; our Pandora ad-supported business has suffered a loss of monthly active users, which may adversely affect our Pandora business; privacy and data security laws and regulations may hinder our ability to market our services, sell advertising and impose legal liabilities; we engage in extensive marketing efforts and the continued effectiveness of those efforts are an important part of our business; consumer protection laws and our failure to comply with them could damage our business; a substantial number of our Sirius XM subscribers periodically cancel their subscriptions and we cannot predict how successful we will be at retaining customers; our ability to profitably attract and retain subscribers to our Sirius XM service as our marketing efforts reach more price-sensitive consumers is uncertain; our failure to convince advertisers of the benefits of our Pandora ad-supported service could harm our business; if we are unable to maintain revenue growth from our advertising products, particularly in mobile advertising, our results of operations will be adversely affected; if we fail to accurately predict and play music, comedy or other content that our Pandora listeners enjoy, we may fail to retain existing and attract new listeners; if we fail to protect the security of personal information about our customers, we could be subject to costly government enforcement actions and private litigation and our reputation could suffer; interruption or failure of our information technology and communications systems could impair the delivery of our service and harm our business; we rely on third parties for the operation of our business, and the failure of third parties to perform could adversely affect our business; our business depends in part upon the auto industry; our Pandora business depends in part upon consumer electronics manufacturers; the market for music rights is changing and is subject to significant uncertainties; our ability to offer interactive features in our Pandora services depends upon maintaining licenses with copyright owners; the rates we must pay for “mechanical rights” to use musical works on our Pandora service have increased substantially and these new rates may adversely affect our business; failure of our satellites would significantly damage our business; our Sirius XM service may experience harmful interference from wireless operations; failure to comply with FCC requirements could damage our business; economic conditions, including advertising budgets and discretionary spending, may adversely affect our business and operating results; if we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel, our business could be harmed; we may not realize the benefits of acquisitions or other strategic investments and initiatives, including the acquisition of Pandora; our use of pre-1972 sound recordings on our Pandora service could result in additional costs; we may from time to time modify our business plan, and these changes could adversely affect us and our financial condition; we have a significant amount of indebtedness, and our debt contains certain covenants that restrict our operations; our facilities could be damaged by natural catastrophes or terrorist activities; the unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation could have an adverse impact on our operations and financial condition; failure to protect our intellectual property or actions by third parties to enforce their intellectual property rights could substantially harm our business and operating results; some of our services and technologies may use “open source” software, which may restrict how we use or distribute our services or require that we release the source code subject to those licenses; rapid technological and industry changes and new entrants could adversely impact our services; existing or future laws and regulations could harm our business; we may be exposed to liabilities that other entertainment service providers would not customarily be subject to; our business and prospects depend on the strength of our brands; we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ listing rules and, as a result, qualify for, and rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements; while we currently pay a quarterly cash dividend to holders of our common stock, we may change our dividend policy at any time; and our principal stockholder has significant influence, including over actions requiring stockholder approval, and its interests may differ from the interests of other holders of our common stock. Additional factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.
Source: SiriusXM
Media contact:
Heidi Anne-Noel
[email protected]
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SOURCE Sirius XM Holdings Inc.
Union Plus, Truth4Life, and Visa Announce New Union Plus All-In-One Prepaid Visa® Card
GRANITE BAY, California, Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– Today, Union Plus (UP), Truth4Life (T4L), and Visa announced a new partnership to offer enhanced benefits to union members and their families with the introduction of the Union Plus All-In-One Prepaid Visa® Card. Through this unique partnership, cardholders will be afforded access to new tools to manage their finances.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Union Plus and Visa to provide union members and their families a truly unique financial management and empowerment tool that goes beyond other prepaid cards,” said Hunter Wolfe, CEO of Truth4Life. “We are a community-first organization and know the Union Plus All-In-One Prepaid Visa Card will empower people, change lives, and strengthen communities — especially during this pandemic that has disproportionately affected the vulnerable. It is our mission to expand access to reliable, affordable, flexible financial services to those who aren’t served by the current banking system or are looking for other options. This partnership is a major milestone in our ongoing effort, and we are proud to be able to offer more financial freedom to millions of hard-working Americans through this effort.”
The Union Plus All-In-One program provides a powerful combination of financial solutions for America’s working families. It combines unique member benefits, including Mobile Device Protection, which covers all phones, tablets, and hotspots on a cardholder’s mobile carrier account if they are damaged or stolen; Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance with up to $10,000 in coverage; delivered with all the features and functionality of prepaid Visa cards. The card provides these benefits for a monthly fee of $4.95 with a direct deposit of $750 or more and $7.95 without a direct deposit. There are no overdraft or activation fees.1
“We are excited to partner with Truth4Life and Visa to offer the innovative Union Plus All-In-One Prepaid Visa Card to union members and their families,” said Mitch Stevens, President of Union Plus. “This product was specifically designed to help modest income and underserved families without requiring a credit check. We are now able to provide members with expanded access to financial services and electronic payments while protecting their families in a time of need.”
“We as a company work with and support unions and their members. We worked hand-in-hand with union representatives and leadership to truly understand the challenges facing America’s workers and, more importantly, how we could effectively serve the more than 12.5 million working people represented by the AFL-CIO affiliated unions,” Wolfe added.
Recognizing that lower-income workers and communities of color are particularly affected by the lack of transparent and affordable financial services and tools that improve financial health, the Union Plus All-In-One Prepaid Visa Card offers an accessible banking platform that provides meaningful benefits to union members from these communities. Terrence L. Melvin, Chairman of the Labor Council for Community Action (LCCA), an organization of AFL-CIO affiliated constituency groups advocating on behalf of Asian, Black, Latino, women, and LGBTQ+ workers, and President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) said, “Too often our communities have been treated as a banking desert. It’s not often a financial tool can truly change lives and lift communities; this prepaid card can do just that.”
In addition to the program’s one-of-a-kind features, union members can engage in contactless and digital commerce, directly deposit their paychecks, and remotely deposit a check, all without a credit check. Members can immediately take advantage of account features with digital banking and access to a virtual card. Funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 to provide cardholders peace of mind, while Visa’s Purchase Security and Zero Liability benefits protect against fraud, unauthorized use, and loss. These features make the Union Plus All-In-One Prepaid Visa Card a perfect, unique solution for union members and their families who need financial options and want the convenience of paying with plastic in our increasingly cashless society.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Truth4Life and Union Plus to support the introduction of this unique Prepaid program, which will provide critical financial services and insurance benefits to Union Plus members and family,” said Brian Cole, Visa’s Head of Product for North America. “This combination of features translates into an attractive program that may benefit those who may be un/under banked. Visa is proud to be working with both organizations, who are committed to providing cost effective, impactful programs to America’s working families.”
“The Union Plus All-In-One Prepaid Visa Card is ingenious in that it provides cardholders with access to retail banking services in retail shopping and other non-traditional settings,” said Jeanne Milliken Bonds, Chair of the South Carolina Community Capital Alliance. “Cardholders can use direct deposit or over 100,000 retail locations in the communities where they live and work to put money on the card, creating paths to economic prosperity and community development. Communities need access to multiple safe and reliable financial pathways.”
Starting today, union members can visit www.UnionAllInOne.com to learn more about the card’s benefits and request their Union Plus All-In-One Prepaid Visa Card by filling out a simple request form.
BY USING THIS CARD YOU AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CARDHOLDER AGREEMENT AND FEE SCHEDULE, IF ANY. The Union Plus All-In-One Prepaid Visa Card is issued by Metropolitan Commercial Bank (Member FDIC) pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. “Metropolitan Commercial Bank” and “Metropolitan” are registered trademarks of Metropolitan Commercial Bank ©2014.
1Other fees, terms and conditions may apply, see cardholder agreement’s fee schedule.
About Union Plus
Union Plus, founded by the AFL-CIO in 1986, uses the collective buying power of America’s 12.5 million union members to deliver top-quality benefits and services at competitive prices to working families. Union Plus offers a wide range of programs, including credit cards, home mortgages, discounts on wireless service from AT&T, insurance protection, and travel, recreation and entertainment discounts. To learn more, visit unionplus.org.
About Truth4Life
Truth4Life’s Truth Platform™ provides comprehensive financial services to communities and affinity groups whose members are typically shut out from basic financial services most of us take for granted. We know people work hard for their money, and we recognize that financial stability goes beyond having a place to cash a check. We deliver meaningful financial services that actually improve the lives of everyday Americans. To learn more, visit https://www.truth4life.io.
SOURCE Truth4Life
BOSS Revolution Launches “Stories of the American Dream” Video Series
NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT), a global provider of communications and payment services, announced today the launch of its BOSS Revolution “Stories of the American Dream” video series.
The video series features compelling stories told by men and women who have immigrated to the United States in pursuit of the “The American Dream.” Their journeys originate in countries across the globe including Bangladesh, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, India, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Sierra Leone, Spain and Venezuela.
Each story vividly portrays the individual’s experience while beautifully illustrating the courage, sacrifice and hard work characteristic of the US immigrant experience. Each storyteller has risked nearly everything to build a better life in the US while finding ways to help their families back home.
“Through these videos, we celebrate diversity, applaud hard work and most importantly, recognize a driving force that unites us all: the desire to have a better life and provide for our families,” said Shmuel Jonas, IDT’s CEO.
These vignettes also bear witness to the many ways in which immigrants from diverse geographies and walks of life contribute to their adopted country. They have found new homes in cities and towns across the US and are successful in a wide variety of industries including construction, sales, music, and education.
“We hope that these powerful narratives underscore for all Americans the diverse ways in which immigrants continue to build our country and make it a beacon of hope for the world,” Mr. Jonas added. “Through our BOSS Revolution communications and payment services, we work every day to help new Americans share their successes with, and remain close to, their loved ones back home.”
Each week, beginning on September 16, 2020, viewers can enjoy a new story on BOSS Revolution’s website storiesoftheamericandream.com. For more information regarding this campaign or to speak with a BOSS Revolution brand representative, please contact Havas FORMULATIN at: [email protected].
About IDT Corporation:
IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT) provides communications and payment services to individuals and businesses primarily through its flagship BOSS Revolution® and net2phone® brands. IDT’s wholesale Carrier Services business is a leading global carrier of international long-distance calls. For more information on IDT, visit www.idt.net.
About Boss Revolution:
BOSS Revolution services are available at more than 40,000 retailers across the United States, through the BOSS Revolution Calling and BOSS Revolution Money apps (available free on iTunes and Google Play) and through the BOSS Revolution website https://www.bossrevolution.com/en-us/. Follow BOSS Revolution on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
SOURCE IDT Corporation