Lights, Camera, Action!
MEDIA INFORMATION
Contact: Mark Bilek
Senior Director of Communications and Technology
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6082
Cell: (847) 652-0632
Email: mbilek@drivechicago.com
Contact: Jennifer Morand
Director of Public Relations and Social Media
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6084
Cell: (630) 391-1986
Email: jmorand@drivechicago.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
CHICAGO (Nov. 13, 2014) – The 2015 Chicago Auto Show is set to be the backdrop for a number of television programs. In a partnership that will last throughout the year, ABC7 Chicago is set to broadcast the official 2015 Chicago Auto Show special. The live show will air at 6 p.m. CST on Saturday, Feb. 14. In addition, ABC7 Chicago will utilize its daytime and news programming, including the popular Windy City Live, to cover the Chicago Auto Show.
“Broadcast media coverage plays a key role in the 95 percent awareness rate of our show,” said Colin Wickstrom, Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) chairman. “The CATA works tirelessly with local and national media on a year-round mission of driving customers to our new-car dealers. This association with ABC7 Chicago provides a great foundation for our broadcast efforts.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Chicago Automobile Trade Association to bring the 2015 Chicago Auto Show home to ABC7,” said John Idler, president and general manager of ABC7. “CATA’s reputation for excellence, integrity and their commitment to Chicago through the generous support of local charities are core values we share. We look forward to a very long and mutually beneficial partnership that will enrich our steadfast commitment to the communities we both serve.”
WGN-TV also plans to produce a one-hour special featuring John Davis, host of the Motorweek television program.
“WGN has a 60-year history with the Chicago Auto Show, telecasting a show nearly every year since 1952,” said Larry Wert, president of Broadcasting Media, Tribune Broadcasting Company. “It is an honor for WGN-TV, Chicago’s Very Own, to be a partner of the CATA and home to the Chicago Auto Show.”
There are two planned broadcasts in Spanish as well. Telemundo Chicago, longtime sponsor of Hispanic day at the Chicago Auto Show, will produce a half-hour special set to air on the opening Saturday.
“Telemundo Chicago is proud to partner with the CATA in presenting the 107th edition of the Chicago Auto Show,” said Chris McDonnell, president and general manager Telemundo Chicago. “For more than 15 years, we have been committed to creating Emmy award winning shows highlighting the exposition’s attributes. 2015 will mark our 9th Annual Hispanic Day at the Auto Show, celebrating diversity and culture. Our partnership has proven to be successful and fruitful and we look forward to another great event.”
Finally, Univision Chicago has plans to grow its show coverage from last year. Univision is set to produce a half-hour auto show special in addition to originating two news broadcasts from the show floor.
“Univision Local Media Chicago is proud to partner with ABC7 for year-round efforts to support the Chicago Automobile Trade Association. We will be utilizing our entire portfolio of media assets to help connect Hispanic audiences with the local automotive industry,” said Doug Levy, senior vice president and general manager, Univision Local Media Chicago. “Our combined creativity and resources will help build awareness among a segment that is projected to spend $44 billion on new vehicles this year alone.”
“The Chicago Auto Trade Association and broadcast partners understand that the Chicago Auto Show is the engine that energizes vehicle sales at the start of the year and those increased sales result in more advertising and marketing revenue for the market all year long,” said Wickstrom. “We are so happy to be working with so many partners to bring the beauty and excitement of the Chicago Auto Show into as many homes as possible.”
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About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North America vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2015 public show will be February 14-22. For more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.
About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation’s oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.
The 2015 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles.
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