BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the first time in its 21-year history, the Unforgettable Gala, or UNFO, will be televised and streamed throughout North America in partnership with ChimeTV, America’s only 24/7 English language AAPI-focused entertainment television network.
“As an attendee and sponsor of the Unforgettable Gala for many years, it has been one of my personal ambitions to share this event with the world,” said Takashi Cheng, Chief Executive Optimist at ChimeTV. Cheng believes that the live broadcast will give audiences an opportunity to join the celebrations. He adds, “UNFO has always had a strong community and industry following, and we want to build on that through ChimeTV’s distribution platforms. We believe this event has international appeal.”
Founded by James Ryu and produced by veteran media publishing company Character Media (formerly KoreAm Journal, Audrey Magazine and Kore Asian Media), the annual event attracts more than 700 attendees by invitation only.
“While Nielsen reports show that API representation on cable TV is on the rise, ChimeTV is committed to strengthening the presence of underrepresented Asians and Pacific Islanders on and behind TV screens and our coverage of UNFO will ensure the night’s award winners receive the recognition they deserve for their incredible achievements,” adds Bob Rose, President of ChimeTV.
The ChimeTV broadcast is led by a diverse veteran team including production head DebbieLee Ruiz, Augie Max Vargas, an Emmy award-winning producer with over two decades of experience in the live television field and credits that include The Oscars, The Grammys, Super Bowl Halftime Show, as well as Narumi Inatsugu, producer, director and editor who has earned nominations for four primetime Emmys, working on some of the biggest televised shows including American Idol, the Super Bowl and The Voice; and Brett Ostro with credits on live events like Grease: Live, Annie Live!, the NHL Awards, iHeartRadio Festival and Kids’ Choice Awards.
The Unforgettable Gala, produced by Character Media, is a live-to-tape television special airing on ChimeTV beginning Monday, December 18, at 8 p.m. EST. The 24/7 network is available on CHARTER’S SPECTRUM TV SELECT® package footprint-wide in 41 states; Channel 147 in NYC and Los Angeles and can be streamed on https://streamstak.com/chimetvplus/ and through https://getgolden.tv/ , which is available on all OTT platforms beginning Monday, December 18, at 8 p.m. EST.
ABOUT THE UNFORGETTABLE GALA
The Unforgettable Gala was created in 2002 by James Ryu, founder and publisher of Character Media, to celebrate diversity across the API community and recognize the successes of the past year. The black-tie event highlights celebrities, influencers and leaders who have contributed to entertainment, arts and culture. Press inquiries may be directed to press@charactermedia.com. Details on UNFO, including its official event date and time, participants and performers, are updated on its official website www.unforgettablegala.com.
ABOUT CHARACTER MEDIA
Character Media, a subsidiary of Imperial Family Companies, has been the premier source of news and events for the Asian American entertainment community for more than 30 years (along with its predecessors Kore Asian Media, KoreAm Journal and Audrey Magazine). Character Media traces its roots back to 1990, when it was founded by Jung Shig Ryu and his son, current publisher James Ryu, under the name KoreAm Journal. Its non-profit arm KoreAm Audrey Foundation has been a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization since 2011.
ABOUT CHIMETV
Asian American-owned ChimeTV, led by Takashi Cheng, is America’s only 24/7 general entertainment AAPI English language channel, delivering entertainment, voices, stories, and experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people through cable TV and streaming platforms. ChimeTV unites all cultures and is a beacon that illuminates the richness, depth, and dynamism of AAPI culture, fostering understanding, appreciation, and connection. CHIME: Creating History In Media Entertainment! Available through:
- CHARTER’S SPECTRUM TV SELECT® package footprint-wide in 41 states; Channel 147 in NYC and Los Angeles
- https://streamstak.com/chimetvplus/
- Follow ChimeTV™ on Instagram @watchchimetv
