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Media and Democracy Project Debunks FOX Opposition in Broadcast License Challenge; Highlights ‘Overwhelming, Uncontested, and Irrefutable’ Evidence of Character Violations

Raynor Ave.

Founding President of Fox Broadcasting Company, Jamie Kellner, Joins Growing Coalition Seeking FCC Hearing into FOX Broadcast License New filings argue FOX cannot be relied upon to deal truthfully with the public, election lies “shock the conscience,” and Murdochs lack character to remain public interest broadcast licensees MAD Reply (PDF) | Duggan-Kristol Supplement (PDF) | Kellner Informal Objection (PDF) Today, three blockbuster filings were submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of the Media and Democracy Project’s (MAD) petition challenging the broadcast license renewal application for FOX Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF). The filings include MAD’s formal reply to Fox Television Stations (FTS) opposition submitted earlier this month. MAD is joined by a growing bipartisan coalition filing informal objections calling for an FCC hearing to fully consider the fitness of FOX Corporation (FOX) and the Murdochs to continue as licensees of the public airwaves. Informal objections were filed by former PBS President and FCC Commissioner Ervin S. Duggan, former Weekly Standard Editor William Kristol, and founding President of Fox Broadcasting Company Jamie Kellner. Media and Democracy Project Formal Reply The lies about the 2020 election that aired on Fox News, authorized at the highest levels of FOX’s corporate structure to retain FOX’s conservative viewer base and reverse failing ratings, represent a severe breach of the FCC policy on licensee character qualifications, MAD reaffirmed today in a legal response to their effort to call for an evidentiary hearing into the matter. In the reply, MAD took the opportunity to fact check and debunk various “strawman” arguments made by FTS in defense of WTXF. MAD argues that not only does the FCC have the authority to convene a hearing, but it has an obligation to do so built on decades of precedent. According to MAD, “Never in the history of the Commission has the agency been confronted with a license renewal applicant whose parent was found by a court of law to have repeatedly presented false news.” On whether MAD has made the case that FOX is not qualified to be an FCC licensee and the policy violations are sufficient to require an evidentiary hearing, the filing stated: “FOX knew – from the Murdochs on down – that Fox News was reporting false and dangerous misinformation about the 2020 Presidential election, but FOX was more concerned about short-term ratings and market share than the long-term damage caused by its spreading disinformation.” “What is astounding is the Opposition’s [FOX’s] utter failure to reckon with the findings of false statements in Dominion that raise substantial and material questions of FOX’s character qualifications to be an FCC licensee.” "FOX has demonstrated a willingness to lie to preserve its corporate profits. FOX’s lies concerning the outcome of the 2020 election caused a great injury to the American people and the institutions of our democracy. FOX’s willingness to lie demonstrates a fatal character flaw." Responding to accusations that holding FOX accountable violates the First Amendment, MAD writes: “This is not a First Amendment case. Rather the issue here concerns a corporation that, with the full knowledge and approval of its management, lied to millions of Americans. The question before the Commission is not whether FOX had a right to lie, rather it is about the consequences of those lies and the impact on FOX’s qualifications to remain an FCC licensee.” Beyond citing FOX’s willingness to lie as demonstrating a fatal character flaw, MAD highlights numerous instances of “material misrepresentations” in the WTXF renewal application itself. These violations and the station’s false certifications in FCC licensee records are “further evidenc[e of] its propensity for untruthfulness and FOX’s poor character.” MAD ends its filing by saying, “[a]s such, the Communications Act obligates the Commission to designate these vital questions to be answered in an evidentiary hearing.” A copy of the MAD’s formal reply to FOX’s opposition is available here. Duggan-Kristol Informal Objection Supplement Ervin S. Duggan and William Kristol joined MAD in responding to the “gaping holes” found throughout FOX’s opposition. The media veterans reiterate their call for an evidentiary hearing, saying: “Every application for a broadcast license renewal is not only a test for the applicant, but also for the FCC itself. In considering this application, the Commission inevitably will reveal whether it is serious about its regulations, or merely pretending; whether its standards are genuine, or mere shibboleths; whether its regulatory spine is strong, or made of mush.” The filing points out that the FCC Media Bureau already refuted FOX’s argument in 2012 that the parent company has no involvement in a station’s operations: “During the last television renewal cycle in 2012, FTS argued that the conduct of its parent company and of affiliates not directly involved in station operations cannot impact a station’s license renewal application, even if that conduct violates the FCC’s policy statements on licensee character. The Fox Reply takes essentially the same tack. But since the Media Bureau went out of its way to say that it did not endorse that position ten years ago, FTS now clothes its position in a new cloak of legalisms and technicalities that have no more merit than its previous bald assertion.” On FOX’s First Amendment defense, the pair said: “[D]espite the Fox Reply’s strenuous efforts to obscure the point through First Amendment rhetoric, the character and public-interest standards of the FCC are in fact standards of behavior, not speech. And in invoking the Commission’s character standards, MAD through its petition is asking the FCC to weigh FOX’s behavior, not asking the Commission to evaluate or sanction the content of its speech.” Duggan and Kristol say this of FOX’s claim that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch’s role in perpetuating election falsehoods has no bearings over their ownership of WTXF: “If a broadcast licensee shows poor judgment or questionable character in managing a business that -- but for FCC licensure -- is identical in core objectives and operational particulars to the operation of a broadcast station, that bad judgment and suspect character should speak loudly to the Commission. In fact, it should speak much louder than the direct licensee misconduct in more attenuated contexts, or employees’ misconduct in unrelated businesses, that have provoked the FCC to designate hearings or seek to deny license renewals in the past.” A copy of the Duggan-Kristol informal objection supplemental is available here. Jamie Kellner Informal Objection Former Fox Broadcasting Company (FBC) President Jamie Kellner joined others in calling on the FCC to designate a hearing. Kellner is a well-respected former television executive who was present at the creation of Fox Broadcasting Company. He was hired by Rupert Murdoch in 1986 to serve as the broadcasting arm’s founding president and chief operating officer and helped FOX establish a foothold as America’s long-sought fourth over-the-air broadcast television network. In his filing Kellner says, “[m]y amazing colleagues and I worked hard to establish the Fox brand in television and to help Rupert Murdoch become an established force in American Network television.” He goes on to say: “While I was President of FBC we started a news division that provided daily feeds of national and international news stories for the Fox-owned and affiliated television stations for inclusion in their locally produced newscasts. Unlike the news feeds provided today by Fox News Channel, our news feeds did not prominently feature advocates like Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell spouting nonsensical lies about a Presidential election.” A copy of the Kellner informal objection is available here. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots civic membership organization fighting for a more informative and pro-democracy media operating in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.org. Ervin S. Duggan is a veteran of the Lyndon Johnson White House, a former Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, and former President of PBS. William Kristol is a veteran political analyst and commentator. He served in senior positions in the Ronald Reagan administration and the George H.W. Bush White House. For two decades, he edited The Weekly Standard magazine, and is now editor at large of The Bulwark and a director of the educational and advocacy group, Defending Democracy Together. Jamie Kellner was the Founding President of Fox Broadcasting Company, having also founded The WB Network and served as CEO of Turner Broadcasting System, overseeing networks like CNN, TNT, and TBS. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.raynoravenue.com/

August 22, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Franchise Review: Jim Sweeney ‘Talks Shop’ on Growing Sales With Booming Apparel Business in Houston, Texas

Minuteman Press International Inc.

Jim and Jane Sweeney are the owners of the Minuteman Press franchise in Houston, Texas for the last 29 years; they first joined Minuteman Press in June of 1994. Jim and Jane have done a tremendous job building their business over the years. Most recently, they have truly excelled in growing their apparel sales. Jim summarizes: “ The past 2 years have certainly been interesting. We are currently (as of July of 2023) running 30.5% ahead of 2022 sales, which was up 35% over 2021. It seems like the world (or our world anyway) came out of its 2-year long malaise in 2022.” In the below interview, Jim shares more specific details about his center’s booming apparel business and how he and Jane’s Minuteman Press franchise in Houston have accomplished such strong growth in their apparel sales. Their center is located at 1040 Hercules Ave (Clear Lake City); Houston - Clear Lake City, TX 77058. How have you grown your business in general over the past two years? Jim Sweeney: “During the early pandemic we pivoted to personal protection products, which naturally led to custom face masks. While Jane was busy actually sewing 1000 face masks, I was providing custom logo cloth masks to hospitals, medical offices, service providers, and schools. We sold about 40,000 custom masks during that time, and we either heat pressed them or sent them to a local screen print vendor. We also donated a lot of masks to schools, non-profits, etc. Finally, in 2022, our traditional printing was finally starting to climb back to pre-pandemic levels. Promotional products also grew as trade shows and marketing calls became more the norm. We also had a big spurt of large format work, but that actually slowed down a bit after that initial spurt. EDDM printing has also become a larger portion of our print sales. Once we registered as EDDM providers on the USPS website, we definitely saw a very large increase in direct mail in general. Business Card printing has always been big for us, and the addition of the Graphic Whizard slitter, cutter, creaser has made it even more profitable. Our marketing efforts consists of: heavy community involvement; direct mail postcards, especially this year with the Deal of the Month art provided by MMP corporate; SEO/SEM on the Minuteman.com website, and social media, specifically as it relates to Direct to Film Transfer sales.” How have you grown your apparel business? What have you done to get your apparel sales going? Jim Sweeney: “We really started getting serious about apparel about 8 years ago when we purchased a commercial embroidery machine. Then, about 5 years ago, Jane put together a great lobby presentation. This area features apparel, large format, and promotional items of interest. We added dye sublimation capabilities with the Epson F570, and then we added DTG printing for one- offs (we eventually sold the DTG printer). During this time, we were using a lot of screen printed transfers, mostly from 613 originals or FM expressions. The issue became turnaround time. It would take up to 2 weeks to receive those transfers, and then of course we had to press them. We purchased a second, and then a third Stahls’ heat press during this time. That is when we decided to move in to the Direct to Film (DTF) printing business. After going through several desktop converted printers to try to print our own transfers, about 2.5 years ago we purchased our first large format, dual printhead DTF printer and finisher. In addition to producing transfers for our in-house use, we have enough capacity that we sell transfers to other printers, screen printers, sign shops and Facebook Group/Etsy owners. We added additional capacity with a 4 head DTF printer in January of this year (we will most likely be adding a third printer in the third quarter this year).” Jim continues: “Wholesale Transfer printing is now approximately 20% of our monthly sales; we ship all over the country, with a daily capacity for printing thousands of transfers. Adding embroidery and our in-house t-shirt sales makes apparel approximately 30% of our monthly revenue.” “Concurrently with this growth in transfer sales, the embroidery business was taking off. We regularly receive orders for 10-50 polos or button-down shirts for embroidery. We landed a grocery store chain and 2 local hospitals, and the orders became 150-200 shirts at a time. This past fall we completed a $24,000 jacket embroidery order, and we just delivered $32,000 jacket order to that same client, a hospital. Of course, we use a trusted local vendor for larger quantities of jackets.” Jim adds: “Our apparel business continues to grow weekly with more, and larger, in-house turn-key t-shirt sales really ramping up.” What are 3 tips for other owners on growing their apparel business? Jim Sweeney: “1. We feel that the #1 thing that is continuing to drive our apparel sales, in addition to the wholesale transfer sales, is our lobby display. Several years ago, we put this display of apparel samples, promotional items, and some of our large format samples in our shop. Whenever a new, or even an existing customer comes into the shop, invariably they are drawn to this display. About 1 in 5 people who walk into the shop asks about something that they see on that display. We turn about 85% of those inquiries into sales. 2. It also helps that our CSR is very knowledgeable about all aspects of apparel, as she is about all of our products and services. Our CSR/production manager, our daughter Allison, was the store manager at our Galveston location (which we sold in August of 2022), and has worked in every aspect of our business over the years. I realize that not everyone can be this lucky, however, that does not stop you from training and providing your staff with the tools that they need to do their jobs well. SanMar has great apparel catalogs with swatch samples, and you can put together a simple apparel website using their marketing tools. Of course, it also goes without saying that everyone on your staff should be wearing logo shirts, to further showcase your capabilities. 3. If you have the opportunity, attend a local apparel industry trade show, an ASI show, and most especially the MMP International World Expo. Educate yourself, request samples, purchase a good heat press, start small, with your own shirts, then visit your current clients to show them your new capabilities. Apparel is a perfect tie in to all of the other services that our shops provide to our clients. Apparel sales spur printing sales, just like printing sales should spur apparel sales.” At least once or twice a year, this hospital does a bulk purchase of 430 t-shirts for all the staff members. The purchase might include jackets, rain jackets, backpacks, other specialty items, or t-shirts. We’ve provided $200,000 or more in just apparel and high-end promo items to the hospital in the last 3 years. This hospital then referred us to the hospital Can you provide an example of a client who has used you for apparel? Jim Sweeney: “One of our regular ordering apparel clients is a local specialty hospital. In addition to their hospital facility, they also own or partner with 15 other physical therapy centers in the Houston region. We started out providing them with the usual printing and large format products, then contracted with them to provide new building signage for each of the outlying offices, and then grew into apparel with them. We have them set up on 2 Stahl’s Spirit Sale websites. One of them is for employees to purchase branded apparel, and the other is for the hospital to purchase apparel for new employees. In addition to standard corporate apparel, each department has their own branded t-shirt. Is there anything else you’d like to share? Jim Sweeney: “Apparel is an easy sell. Wear your logo. Talk it up. Ask for referrals. Don’t be afraid of it just because you haven’t done it before.” For more information on Jim and Jane Sweeney’s Minuteman Press franchise in Houston/Clear Lake, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/tx/houston27/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

August 22, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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San Francisco Business Times Names Landis Communications Inc. (Landis) the Top 2022 Bay Area Corporate Philanthropist as a Percentage Of Profits

Landis Communications

The San Francisco Business Times named Landis Communications Inc. (Landis) the top Bay Area corporate philanthropist for 2022, based on a percentage of profits and biggest increase in percent of profits donated from 2021 to 2022. In addition, for the fourth year in a row, the newspaper ranked the San Francisco-based integrated marketing communications agency in the top 100 Bay Area corporations for overall corporate giving. Of those top Bay Area corporations (including Salesforce, PG&E, Gilead, Levi Strauss, Clorox), Landis, at 45.48%, had the highest percentage of annual profits donated to charitable organizations. The second biggest donor, Salesforce, clocked in at 5.38%. The agency previously made the Bay Area Corporate Philanthropists List in 2021, 2020 and 2019. “We are committed to running a values-aligned company,” commented Landis President/CEO Sean Dowdall. “To Landis, ‘values-aligned’ means we seek to produce work and represent clients that help make our communities a better place for all – now and in the future. For example, we believe in a healthy environment, technology that helps people, social justice and the enrichment of our society through quality healthcare, education and the arts. We are proud to support and represent organizations such as ODC, Joe Goode Performance Group, Live at the Orinda, Bay Area Cabaret, Peninsula Open Space Trust, Save the Redwoods League, and World Wildlife Fund, to name a few. We also support LGBTQ+ organizations such as Project Open Hand, the SF LGBT Center, PRC and numerous other social services organizations, particularly in San Francisco.” The San Francisco Business Times also has ranked Landis for many years as a top Bay Area LGBTQ+-owned agency, as well as a top family-owned agency. Landis remains one of the few independent public relations and marketing communications agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area and represents clients in various industry sectors, including environmental, technology, healthcare and hospitality organizations. ABOUT LANDIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. (Landis): Landis’ motto is: “We believe in ideas that create change. We craft compelling stories. And, we communicate.” Celebrating 33 years in business, Landis is an award-winning, full-service, integrated public relations, marketing communications, digital and social media agency. The agency offers a unique mix of expertise in corporate, consumer, technology, B2B, B2C, healthcare, environmental, arts/culture and nonprofit marketing communications. Ragan’s ACE Awards named Landis America’s #1 Small Agency and America’s #1 Healthcare PR Agency. Landis also is the San Francisco/Silicon Valley member agency of the Public Relations Global Network, with 60+ agency affiliates worldwide. For further information, visit Landis online. ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES’ CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY AWARDS: For 23 years the San Francisco Business Times has published the Corporate Philanthropists List. The list features 100 top corporate philanthropists in the Bay Area ranked by local cash giving. Each year the list is unveiled at the San Francisco Business Times’ Corporate Philanthropy Awards event. The Corporate Philanthropy Awards program was founded in partnership with Northern California Grantmakers. A portion of the proceeds goes to NCG to fund the Corporate Philanthropy Institute, with the mission to educate more companies about effective giving and best philanthropy practices. The aim is to honor those who give the most and in doing so to help raise the bar and inspire more giving. MEDIA, PLEASE NOTE: To request further information, interviews or additional images, please contact Brianne Murphy Miller at brianne@landispr.com or (650) 575-7727. ### Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Brianne Murphy Miller +1 650-575-7727 brianne@landispr.com Company Website https://www.landispr.com/

August 22, 2023 06:02 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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NAVEX Enhances Communication with AI-Driven Translations

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, announces the launch of a new NAVEX One platform shared service: dynamic machine translations. This first-to-market addition in the governance, risk and compliance (GRC) space will empower organizations operating across different countries to overcome language barriers, enabling accurate risk and compliance-related communication between employees, third parties and program administrators. NAVEX understands the challenges organizations face in maintaining accurate communication when dealing with sensitive data arising from risk and compliance tasks. Many organizations struggle with language barriers, hindering effective collaboration. With varying language skills among responders, the potential for misunderstandings and misinterpretations can be detrimental to decision-making and compliance efforts – especially in time-sensitive cases. "NAVEX is pioneering the future of machine translations within the GRC space, directly tackling the complexities of multilingual communication," stated A.G. Lambert, chief product officer at NAVEX. "The integration of secure machine translation into NAVEX One makes it simple for GRC professionals to translate disclosures, assessments, and responses, leading to better communication and faster resolution." The introduction of dynamic machine translations addresses these issues and improves communication efficiency. With advanced artificial intelligence technology, this shared service allows end users to translate directly from the NAVEX One user interface. How machine translations work In the past, administrators encountered the repetitive task of manually copying text, relying on external translation tools, and then painstakingly inputting the translations to proceed with their workflow. However, with the introduction of the machine translations shared service built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), administrators are now equipped to address important matters promptly and efficiently, leading to quicker resolution rates. Moreover, administrators can assess third-party entities proficiently, regardless of the languages they speak or the answers they provide. The user-friendly NAVEX One interface makes translating disclosures, evaluations, and responses easy, promoting smooth communication and understanding. "By relying on the broadest and deepest set of cloud services on AWS, including Amazon Translate, NAVEX is able to use machine translations within the governance, risk and compliance space, directly tackling the complexities of multilingual communication,” stated Venky Nagapudi, Senior Product Management Leader, Amazon Translate, AWS. “The work between NAVEX and AWS makes it easy to translate disclosures, assessments, and responses, leading to better communication and faster resolution." Key benefits of NAVEX One machine translations include: Multilingual support: The system supports 75 languages, facilitating seamless communication with stakeholders worldwide. Accurate and reliable: Powered by advanced neural network technology, the feature ensures precise translation of critical information. Streamlined workflow: The translation functionality integrates seamlessly into existing GRC workflows, saving time and effort for administrators and responders. Cost-effective translations: Organizations can deliver faster results and decrease operational costs by reducing the need for external translation services. Data privacy: Advanced technical and physical measures, including encryption at rest and in transit, are used to prevent unauthorized access or sharing of content. Incorporating a dynamic machine translation service highlights NAVEX's continued commitment to fostering innovative solutions throughout the NAVEX One platform. By seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, NAVEX continues to empower companies to overcome language obstacles, promoting cross-cultural teamwork and elevating the effectiveness of GRC processes. As NAVEX continues to leverage AI and ML, it cements its position as a leader in cutting-edge technology within the GRC space. The NAVEX One GRC – Information System Multilingual Machine Translation marks a bold stride in NAVEX’s innovative journey following the recent launch of the NAVEX Compliance Assistant. NAVEX's unwavering commitment to AI/ML innovation propels the governance, risk, and compliance landscape into a new era. By harnessing the power of AI, NAVEX is reshaping the compliance landscape, streamlining intricate processes, and automating tasks. This first-to-market shared service accelerates and enhances compliance initiatives while fostering clarity across your organization. Navigate the future of compliance with your AI-powered ally, simplifying employee compliance in ways that redefine ease and efficiency. For more information, visit the NAVEX One Platform. And read our blog. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details Scott Levesque +1 617-388-5773 scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://www.navex.com

August 22, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

COMCAST EXPANDING TO 3,400 HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN SPRING HILL, KS

Comcast Greater Kansas City

Comcast announced that 50% of Spring Hill residents can now sign up for its smart, fast and reliable fiber-rich network. This expansion brings residential broadband speeds faster than 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and business speeds up to 100 Gbps to 3,400 additional homes and businesses in the area by early 2024. As part of this work, the company is also investing $9 million in a 2-year project to expand its fiber-rich network infrastructure over 75 miles in the area. "Spring Hill welcomes Comcast's investment in our community. A broadband expansion project like this strengthens workforce development, education and employment,” said Spring Hill Mayor Joe Berkey. “A robust broadband infrastructure allows Spring Hill to attract businesses seeking to locate or expand their operations here. I am grateful for Comcast’s commitment to expanding broadband access in our growing community.” In the last three years, Comcast has invested nearly $40.3 million in the State of Kansas including capital expenditures, employee wages and benefits, taxes and fees and charitable giving. The company has invested more than $11.4 million in technology and infrastructure, including upgrades to their network to deliver innovative, reliable and affordable broadband service to everyone in the Comcast footprint in Kansas. “Ensuring all Spring Hill residents and businesses have access to reliable, high-speed internet is a top priority for Comcast,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President for Comcast. “As the world we live in becomes increasingly digital, we remain focused on not only bringing our broadband network to Spring Hill homes and businesses, but also on future-proofing our network to meet the ever-increasing appetite for education, business and entertainment.” Powered by the Xfinity 10G Network Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes and businesses today and into the future: Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect nearly 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. The Xfinity 10G Network with the next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: More than a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products, and symmetrical gig speeds are coming to the first homes this year. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful Xfinity WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas, with plans for an offering of increased support for in-home WiFi through a “boost guarantee” later this year. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network – the Xfinity 10G Network – that passes 60 million homes and businesses and counting. The company plans to launch a new device that is “storm ready” with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity 10G Network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. Spring Hill residents will also be able to take advantage of the company’s Internet Essentials program that provides low-cost, high-speed broadband for income-constrained households. Since its inception in 2011, the program has connected more than 6,400 Kansas residents. Comcast also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying households with a $30 monthly credit toward internet and mobile services. "Our region is making great strides toward digital equity thanks to engaged community members and dedicated partners like Comcast,” said Janet McRea, Miami County Economic Development Director. “It is important for us to have reliable, affordable connections in our communities. In addition, we must have collaborations like the ones offered by Comcast that help customers utilize those connections to access vital services to move our local economy." For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, cybersecurity, managed solutions and Comcast Business Mobile products designed specifically for their employee’s needs. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable and Internet provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading providers to larger organizations in the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. Supporting local communities has been core to Comcast’s DNA. In 2023, Comcast will sponsor several community events with the City of Spring Hill and the Spring Hill Recreation Commission including the Spring Hill Fishing Derby, Big Truck Day and Breakfast with Santa. As a sponsor of the Spring Hill Fall Festival, Comcast’s staff has been able to connect directly with residents to provide information about the services they offer. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Jill Hornbacher Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Venice Communication Jayne Siemens jsiemens@vencomm.com Company Website https://corporate.comcast.com/

August 22, 2023 07:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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Watch Champions League Online for Free with a VPN

Digital Heroes

Looking to watch the Champions League online for free? You've come to the right place. In this guide, I'll show you the method I've been using since 2019, which has helped me save significantly. It involves tapping into foreign TV channels that broadcast the Champions League at no cost and using trusted VPN services like CyberGhost * or NordVPN * to overcome geo-restrictions. Moreover, I'll highlight how you can take advantage of free trials on certain streaming platforms to catch the action. Hint: The trick works for the Champions League, Europe League and Conference League. Let's get started. Champions League Free Live Stream Channels For the ultimate football enthusiast, having access to live stream channels is essential. Thankfully, several channels across various countries offer free live streams of the Champions League. However, remember, due to regional restrictions, these channels may not be accessible from everywhere. To get around this, using a VPN becomes essential. Below is a curated list of free live stream channels for the Champions League: ServusTV (Austria) ORF1 (Austria) Gol Play (Spain) RTE 2 (Ireland) TV8 (Italy) RMC Story (France) ViX (USA) RTL (Luxembourg) Canale 5 (Italy) RTL Zwee (Luxembourg) Club RTL (Belgium) MatchTV (Russia) M4Sport (Hungary) To fully harness the potential of these free streaming channels, it's vital to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). These channels have geo-restrictions in place, meaning they're only accessible from specific regions. With a VPN, you can virtually place your device in the broadcasting country, effectively bypassing these restrictions. So, for instance, if you want to access ServusTV from outside Austria, simply connect your VPN to an Austrian server and navigate to the channel's website. This way, no matter where you are in the world, the thrilling Champions League matches remain just a click away. Remember to choose a reputable VPN service for seamless streaming and security. Step-by-step Guides: Streaming Champions League Matches Using a VPN As an example, we are using two streams, but you can follow these steps for all other streams in the same way. Accessing Streams from Ireland (RTE 2) and Austria (ServusTV) Choose a reputable VPN service like CyberGhost * Install the VPN and connect to a server located in either Ireland or Austria. Navigate to the streaming platform's website or app (RTE 2 for Ireland, ServusTV for Austria). Enjoy the match live without any restrictions! Use of VPNs to Bypass Restrictions: Accessing Restricted Content with Ease VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, serve as a bridge to bypass these geographical restrictions. By using a VPN, viewers can reroute their internet connection to a server in a different country, making it appear as though they're accessing the internet from that location. This method effectively tricks streaming platforms into granting access to their content. Apart from accessing restricted content, VPNs also offer enhanced security and anonymity while browsing the web. Thanks to our friends from vpnonline.com with providing the information how to watch the champions league online. Country-specific Broadcasting Rights and Platforms: Where to Watch the Champions League Depending on Your Location Different countries have their unique broadcasting partners for the UEFA Champions League. Below is a list of platforms for select countries: USA: Paramount+ is the go-to platform, offering comprehensive coverage of all matches. UK: BT Sport holds exclusive rights, providing both live broadcasts and highlight packages. Australia: Stan Sport is the primary broadcaster, ensuring fans don't miss a single moment. India: SonyLIV streams the matches, with additional coverage on Sony's TV channels. For fans outside of these regions, remember the handy VPN trick to bypass geographical restrictions and enjoy the game! Stream Both Conference League and Europa League with same trick The technique to watch the Champions League matches works just as effectively for the Europa League and Conference League. Use the same steps to access both tournaments and stay updated with all the fixtures. UEFA Champions League Schedule: Key Dates to Remember The 2022-2023 Champions League season promises a series of thrilling encounters. Here, we provide a breakdown of the key dates and rounds, ensuring you don't miss any of the action. Additionally, follow the thrilling matches from the UEFA Europa League and the Conference League using the same method. Round of 16 First Legs: 13.02.2024 - 14.02.2024 and 20.02.2024 - 21.02.2024 Round of 16 Second Legs: 05.03.2024 - 06.03.2024 and 12.03.2024 - 13.03.2024 Quarter-final First Legs: 09.04.2024 - 10.04.2024 Quarter-final Second Legs: 16.04.2024 - 17.04.2024 Semi-final First Legs: 30.04.2024 - 01.05.2024 Semi-final Second Legs: 07.05.2024 - 08.05.2024 Final in London: 01.06.2024 Draw for 1st and 2nd qualifying round (All leagues): 18.06.2024 - 19.06.2024 1st qualifying round Champions League, 1st leg: 09.07.2024 - 10.07.2024 1st qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 1st leg: 11.07.2024 1st qualifying round Champions League, 2nd leg: 16.07.2024 - 17.07.2024 1st qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 2nd leg: 18.07.2024 Draw for 3rd qualifying round (All leagues): 22.07.2024 2nd qualifying round Champions League, 1st leg: 23.07.2024 - 24.07.2024 2nd qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 1st leg: 25.07.2024 2nd qualifying round Champions League, 2nd leg: 30.07.2024 - 31.07.2024 2nd qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 2nd leg: 01.08.2024 Draw for play-off round (All leagues): 05.08.2024 3rd qualifying round Champions League, 1st leg: 06.08.2024 - 07.08.2024 3rd qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 1st leg: 08.08.2024 3rd qualifying round Champions League, 2nd leg: 13.08.2024 UEFA Super Cup: 14.08.2024 3rd qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 2nd leg: 15.08.2024 Play-off round Champions League, 1st leg: 20.08.2024 - 21.08.2024 Play-off round Europa and Conference League, 1st leg: 22.08.2024 Play-off round Champions League, 2nd leg: 27.08.2024 - 28.08.2024 Draw for Champions League group stage: 29.08.2024 Play-off round Europa and Conference League, 2nd leg: 29.08.2024 Draw for Europa and Conference League group stage: 30.08.2024 1st match Champions League group stage: 17.09.2024 - 19.09.2024 1st match Europa League group stage: 25.09.2024 - 26.09.2024 2nd match Champions League group stage: 01.10.2024 - 02.10.2024 2nd match Europa League group stage and 1st match Conference League group stage: 03.10.2024 3rd match Champions League group stage: 22.10.2024 - 23.10.2024 3rd match Europa League group stage and 2nd match Conference League group stage: 24.10.2024 4th match Champions League group stage: 05.11.2024 - 06.11.2024 4th match Europa League group stage and 3rd match Conference League group stage: 07.11.2024 5th match Champions League group stage: 26.11.2024 - 27.11.2024 5th match Europa League group stage and 4th match Conference League group stage: 28.11.2024 6th match Champions League group stage: 10.12.2024 - 11.12.2024 6th match Europa League group stage and 5th match Conference League group stage: 12.12.2024 Draw for round of 16 Champions League: 16.12.2024 Draw for knockout phase Europa and Conference League: 17.12.2024 6th match Conference League group stage: 19.12.2024 Round of 32 Europa League, 1st leg: 13.02.2025 - 14.02.2025 Round of 32 Europa League, 2nd leg: 20.02.2025 - 21.02.2025 Final Europa League in Bilbao: 21.05.2025 Final Conference League in Wroclaw: 28.05.2025 Final Champions League in München: 31.05.2025 Geographical Restrictions: How Certain Streaming Sites Limit Viewership Based on Location Many streaming services enforce geographical restrictions, ensuring their content is only accessible to viewers within specific regions. These restrictions are in place due to broadcasting rights agreements, often determined on a country-by-country basis. For a global event like the Champions League, this means fans might find themselves unable to stream matches depending on their location, even if they're willing to pay for the service. Introduction to UEFA Champions League: A Brief Overview and the Significance of the 2023 Matches The UEFA Champions League, often simply referred to as the Champions League, represents the pinnacle of European club football. Established in 1955, it has become the most prestigious club competition in world football. Top clubs from Europe's premier leagues compete in this tournament, vying for the title of Europe's best. As we approach 2023, the significance of the matches heightens, with teams showcasing their best strategies and players, and fans from all corners of the globe tuning in to witness the spectacle. Anticipation Builds for Champions League Group Stages The excitement for the Champions League group phase is palpable as 26 teams have already secured their spots, spread across four draw pots. Pot 1 boasts some of the most storied football clubs in the world, including SSC Napoli, FC Barcelona, and Manchester City, alongside winners from Europe's Top-5 Leagues and Portugal's premier club, Benfica Lisbon. The teams are categorized based on UEFA's Club Coefficient. There are still six slots up for grabs, which will be decided through the qualifiers. Due to their aggressive actions against Ukraine, Russian teams remain barred from participation. With such illustrious clubs confirmed, fans can eagerly anticipate epic clashes. Imagine a matchup between Manchester City from Pot 1 and Real Madrid from Pot 2, or Paris Saint-Germain locking horns with Manchester United. Teams from Pot 3 and 4, like AC Milan, Lazio Rom, and the newly qualified 1. FC Union Berlin, promise to bring in surprises and could potentially play the role of dark horses in the tournament. No matter the draw's outcome, this season's Champions League is shaping up to be a carnival of football, showcasing the best Europe has to offer. Caution: Streaming Champions League on Unofficial Sites While there are avenues to watch the Champions League live streams for free on certain platforms, it's crucial to proceed with caution. Many of these sites operate without official licenses and could lead to potential legal consequences. Some of the questionable streaming platforms include: [Livetv.sx]Livetv.sx [Livesoccertv.com]Livesoccertv.com [Hahasport.com]Hahasport.com [Wiziwig1.com]Wiziwig1.com [Redstreamsport.com]Redstreamsport.com [Fromhot.com]Fromhot.com [Cricfree.com]Cricfree.com It's always advisable to opt for a legitimate and safe option when seeking to watch matches. FAQs on Watching Champions League Online Q: Can I really watch the Champions League for free using the channels listed? A: Yes, the channels listed like ServusTV, RTE 2, and others offer live streams of the Champions League for free. However, due to geo-restrictions, you might need a VPN to access these channels if you're outside their broadcasting region. Q: Are VPNs legal to use for streaming content? A: VPNs are legal in most countries and are primarily used to protect user privacy online. However, using a VPN to access geo-restricted content might breach the terms of service of some streaming platforms. It's crucial to review local regulations and the terms and conditions of the platform you're using. Q: Which VPN service do you recommend for streaming the Champions League? A: Trusted VPN services like CyberGhost and NordVPN are recommended due to their fast connection speeds and vast server options. Always choose a reputable VPN service to ensure smooth streaming and enhanced security. Q: I'm in a country that isn't listed under the broadcasting rights. Can I still watch the Champions League? A: Absolutely! If you're in a country that isn't listed, you can use a VPN to virtually place your device in a country that has broadcasting rights. Then, access the corresponding streaming platform to watch the match. Contact Details Digital Heroes Patrick Schwarz patrick@vpnonline.com

August 22, 2023 04:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

ClearOne sees 31% increase quarter-over-quarter as company releases 2Q numbers

ClearOne

ClearOne Inc CEO Derek Graham joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the company's recently-reported financial results for the three-month period ending June 30, 2023, along with operational updates. ClearOne is a globally recognized company specializing in designing, developing, and marketing solutions for conferencing, collaboration, and network streaming to enhance voice and visual communications. Graham conveyed to Proactive that the second quarter of 2023 saw revenue of $5.5 million, representing a notable increase compared to $4.2 million in the previous quarter (1Q 2023). This sequential growth of 31% was primarily driven by a surge in shipments resulting from the clearing of backlogged orders, which was attributed to improved manufacturing output. In addition, the company continued its efforts to optimize operational efficiency by streamlining costs and capital structure, leading to reduced operating expenses both sequentially and year-over-year. During the quarter, ClearOne successfully introduced innovative products to the market. One of the significant launches was the BMA 360D beamforming microphone array ceiling tile, acclaimed for its unparalleled audio performance and seamless compatibility with any Dante®-enabled digital signal processor mixer. The company also unveiled the DIALOG® UVHF wireless microphone system, catering to businesses and institutions seeking high-quality audio conferencing, video collaboration, and sound reinforcement solutions for various room sizes. Looking ahead to the third quarter, ClearOne has plans to commence shipping a Bluetooth group USB speakerphone and a Dante®-enabled beamforming microphone solution. These offerings are designed to facilitate seamless interoperability with most Digital Service Providers, further enhancing the company's reputation for innovative products in the conferencing and collaboration space. Graham's insights into ClearOne's financial performance, operational advancements, and product launches underscore the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance communication and collaboration experiences. As ClearOne continues to innovate and meet the evolving demands of the market, its strategic approach positions it well for sustained growth and success. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

August 21, 2023 01:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Former Republican FCC Chair Joins Growing Chorus Calling for Hearing into License Renewal Application for Fox Philadelphia

Raynor Ave.

Former Republican Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman and broadcast licensee Alfred Sikes today joined the Media and Democracy Project (MAD) and media veterans Ervin S. Duggan and William Kristol to support a petition to deny the broadcast license renewal application for FOX Corporation-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF-TV). “The FCC has allowed the public interest responsibility of broadcast licensees to become a bureaucratic construct,” said Alfred Sikes. “The behavior of Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, highlighted in the MAD petition, raises a first principles question. Is truthful conduct a part of the standard?” Nominated by President George H.W. Bush, Alfred Sikes served as the FCC Chairman from 1989-1992. Prior to his service as Chair, Sikes was nominated by President Reagan to become Assistant Secretary of Commerce and director of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. As FCC Chair, Sikes supported providing Rupert Murdoch with critical FCC waivers needed to launch Fox Broadcasting Company. Throughout his tenure at the FCC, Sikes opposed the advocacy of Murdoch’s competitors seeking to block efforts to create America’s fourth broadcast network. “It is noteworthy that Fox News declared Biden the winner in 2020; it was after all paying expert analysts to parse data to help it project winners and losers,” Sikes says in the objection. “And then much of its prime-time news coverage and opinionators fell in behind the Donald Trump version, not the Fox version of the outcome. They choose fiction over non-fiction to make many of its listeners and viewers happy. They knew the facts and decided to ignore them.” The objection concludes by saying, “The FCC has allowed the pledge to operate in the public interest to become perfunctory at best. If the public interest means anything, the FCC must designate for a hearing the application of the Murdochs and FOX for renewal of their license to operate station WTXF, Philadelphia.” On July 3, 2023, MAD filed a petition to deny the broadcast license renewal application for Fox Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF-TV). MAD is calling on the FCC to initiate an evidentiary hearing into FOX’s conduct to examine whether FOX and its leadership have violated the character requirements expected from public trustees granted a broadcast license. As an FCC broadcast licensee, WTXF-TV, one of 29 FOX subsidiary broadcast stations, has a basic statutory duty to conduct its operations in the “public interest.” A copy of Alfred Sikes informal objection is available here. A link to MAD’s initial Petition to Deny is available here. For media inquiries, please contact Aaron Alberico at aalberico@raynoravenue.com. Alfred Sikes is a former Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration during the Reagan Administration. He was nominated by President George H.W. Bush to the Federal Communications Commission where he served as the Republican Chairman from 1989-92. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.raynoravenue.com/

August 21, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Hart + Harvest Press Announces New Edition of James F. Haggerty’s Chief Crisis Officer, featuring an Insightful New Preface on the COVID and Ukraine Crises

PRCG | Haggerty LLC

“Not having a crisis plan is like sending your team onto the field, and only then making up the plays. You may win the game… but I wouldn’t bet on it.” Hart + Harvest Press is thrilled to release the latest edition of Chief Crisis Officer: Structure and Leadership for Effective Communications Response, by noted attorney, author and communications consultant James F. Haggerty. The new edition is now available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, independent booksellers, and at hartandharvest.com. The Hart + Harvest edition of Chief Crisis Officer features a new preface that provocatively looks at the communication impacts of two of the most dominant crisis events of the past several years: the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. On the COVID crisis, Haggerty writes that the government’s disastrous public response “serves as a prime example of why basic principles of crisis communications are so critical, including: having structure and leadership in place for response before a crisis occurs; ensuring an actionable plan that everyone understands and buys into; understanding the importance of rapid response protocols in an age of social media and other instant communications; and creating messages that are compelling and clear… messages that resonate with your audience.” On the subject of messaging, Haggerty contrasts the COVID failures with the success of President Volodymyr Zelensky in the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “As in the public speeches of Churchill, Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan,” Haggerty writes, “Zelensky chose his words and images incredibly carefully, rallying the Western world to a cause thought hopeless in the early days of the conflict.” Haggerty adds: “There was no committee noodling his words on Google Docs, adding various equivocations and lawyerly qualifications. No banal clichés. None of the muddied verbiage of the type that ensures that the bulk of your audience doesn't hear your message at all.” Structure and Leadership In Chief Crisis Officer, Haggerty emphasizes the necessity for all organizations, regardless of size, to (1) have the structure in place for effective communications response, and (2) appoint a leader who can execute in the heat of the modern crisis—the “Chief Crisis Officer.” “Crisis communications planning is not merely for the largest of companies facing the biggest of issues in the most major of media outlets,” Haggerty writes. “Effective crisis communications is for everyone involved with issues or events that could negatively impact their organization.” Throughout the book, readers will gain insights into crisis management, including the anatomy of a crisis, the selection of a Chief Crisis Officer, the creation of a crisis communications plan, rapid response strategies, crafting the right messages, and more. Since its original release, Chief Crisis Officer has become mandatory reading for CEOs, business executives, lawyers, public affairs and public relations executives, and high-profile individuals who seek guidance in crisis management. Prior editions of Chief Crisis Officer have been positively featured in publications that include the Harvard Business Review, Fortune and Entrepreneur magazines. About James F. Haggerty Called a “powerhouse of PR and communications” by Chambers & Partners’ international directory, James F. Haggerty is a well-known author, attorney and communications consultant. Haggerty is CEO of PRCG | Haggerty LLC, an internationally renowned public relations firm based in New York City, and its sports brand, PRCG | Sports. He is also president of the Crisis Protection Network (CPN), an association of senior communications executives in 16 cities worldwide. Haggerty is also the author of In the Court of Public Opinion: Winning Strategies for Litigation Communications, Third Edition (Hart + Harvest Press, 2022), which has been called “the perfect handbook for this age of show trials…” by Financial Times. The first business book to examine the interplay of media, public relations, and public perception during litigation, In the Court of Public Opinion was named one of the Top 10 PR Books of the Year by The Holmes Report. A 20 th anniversary edition will be published in 2023. About Hart + Harvest Press Hart + Harvest Press is an independent publishing company specializing in compelling nonfiction written by experts in business, communications, public policy, and related fields. Established and backed by PRCG, Hart + Harvest is driven by a genuine passion for storytelling—narratives that inspire, thoughts that provoke, and critical thinking that test conventional wisdom. Above all, Hart + Harvest firmly believes in the power of language to entertain, enlighten, and persuade. Contact Details Hart + Harvest Press Sandra Prendergast +1 212-683-8100 sprendergast@hartandharvest.com Company Website https://hartandharvest.com/

August 18, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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