USA Network, Cox To Sponsor Anti-Bullying Concert

USA Network’s Characters Unite initiative has teamed with Cox Communications and advocacy group Flip The Script to host an October anti-bullying-themed music concert featuring Grammy-nominated singer Carly Rae Jespen.

The concert, #UniteLive: The Concert To Rock Out Bullying, will be held Oct. 3 at a “surprise location” in commemoration of National Bullying Prevention Month, according to network officials. To support the event, USA Network and Cox are inviting high school and middle school students to enter a national or Cox Communications area sweepstakes to win an all-expense paid trip to attend the concert.

In addition, 10 sweepstakes winners will get to meet Jepsen and other USA talent participating in the event. Both Cox and USA will air a spot starring Jepsen encouraging viewers to rais their voices against bullying, which effects some 13 million kids, according to USA.

“Through our partnership with Flip the Script, Cox Communications and the incredibly talented singer/songwriter and performer, Carly Rae Jepsen, USA’s Characters Unite campaign will help prevent bullying and promote greater respect and acceptance,” said Toby Graff, USA Network senior vice president of Public Affairs.  “We are proud to team up with a pop icon who reaches millions of young people world-wide and who is so passionate about raising awareness about the issue of bullying.”   

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.