FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Stephanie Zerweck
stephanie.zerweck@howard.edu
202.238.2442
http://www.howard.edu/newsroom/

WASHINGTON (June 22, 2016) – WHUT’s new, DC-focused series, “The District,” premieres on channel 32 at 9 p.m. (EDT) on Wednesday, June 22.

In its three episodes—each containing multiple, 7-10 minute mini-documentaries—the series offers an intimate look at issues impacting people and communities in the corners of Washington rarely covered in media.  Homeless families navigating work and shelter, Anacostia residents battling a rapidly shifting neighborhood and the faces behind the reshaping of the H Street Corridor are just some of the unique featured stories.

“DC looks and feels like an amazing city to live in, but it has issues that need to be addressed and brought to light,” said series director Will McKinley. “My hope is that ’The District’ will bring awareness to issues and ignite meaningful conversations that lead to real change so everybody can enjoy Washington, D.C., together.”

McKinley, 25, is a local producer and freelance videographer who frequently works with The Travel Channel.  “The District” is not only his concept, but the first program to air from WHUT’s “MY BIG SHOW” series-pitching competition—part of WHUT-TV’s ongoing commitment to providing a programming and public outreach forum for the Washington area community.

Launched in 2015, the competition is designed to find and develop innovative local content creators who have the potential to be the future of public media across a variety of platforms.

“We think the future of public media will be in innovation at the local station level,” said WHUT-TV General Manager Jefferi Lee.  “Our connection to the community gives us access to creative people from all of Washington. We’re delighted to present this opportunity to homegrown talent.”

“The District” was one of more than 50 entries that featured one-minute pitches in a broad range of categories, from game shows to series focused on design, food and travel.  A panel of experts in television, fitness, food and design selected the top ten entries.  Online voters in Washington and around the country then selected the final winner. McKinley has two entries in the Top 10.

About WHUT


WHUT-TV Howard University Television was founded in 1980 in Washington, D.C., as WHMM. At its inception the station became the first public station in the United States to be licensed and operated by a historically black college and university (HBCU) - Howard University. The station broadcasts reach over 2.5 million households in a 60-mile radius. The station endeavors to underscore Howard University's overall mission in its commitment to excellence, leadership and public service. For over 35 years on air WHUT has become a leader in broadcast communications by providing quality programming for the Greater Washington, D.C., viewing community that is relevant and informative, while offering exceptional professional training in television production, engineering and management. For more information, please visit www.whut.org.

(Photo credit: WHUT)