Sinclair Salutes Maryland’s Graduating Classes of 2020 with Virtual Graduation Ceremonies on its FOX45 Broadcast Platforms
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI) took to the airways to celebrate Maryland’s graduating high school and college classes of 2020 whose in-person graduations were cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Every year, tens of thousands gather across Maryland to celebrate their major life milestone of graduation from high school or college. The coronavirus pandemic has robbed high school and college seniors and their families of this special celebration. While nothing can ever replace that moment on a graduation stage, the FOX45 Team created a virtual experience to create memories for a lifetime.
“We wanted to do our part to try and find a way to give these dedicated students and their proud families a special experience,” said Station Manager Billy Robbins. “To provide air-time across our networks, as well as digital and social channels to create a special broadcast was something the whole team wanted to do.”
The goal of the Fox45 team was to use its expertise in producing television shows to deliver a state-of-the-art virtual experience to viewers. While many team members are working from home, they were still able to create cutting edge animation to mix with live celebrities and FOX45 News personalities for two special half-hour programs, High School Class of 2020 Graduation and College Class of 2020 Graduation.
Baltimore sports legends Ray Lewis and Cal Ripken, Jr. both participated by providing stirring keynote addresses. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan also shared words of wisdom for the Class of 2020 as they begin their next stage of life following high school and college. National celebrities Nick Cannon and Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White also made surprise appearances to congratulate the Class of 2020.
High School Class of 2020 Graduation and College Class of 2020 Graduation, aired multiples times across the FOX45 broadcast platforms, including FOX45, CW Baltimore and MYTV Baltimore, as well as the stations’ digital platforms and streaming service, STIRR. High School Class of 2020 Graduation and College Class of 2020 Graduation can be viewed online at: https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/fox45-graduation-special.
“How many high school students get to say they had two Hall of Famers, the Governor and major TV stars speak at their graduation,” Robbins said. “We know it can’t replace what they deserved, but we truly hope this helps ensure all of our students know we are proud of their achievements and how they have handled the adversity in their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
About Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Sinclair is a diversified media company and leading provider of local sports and news. The Company owns and/or operates 23 regional sports network brands; owns, operates and/or provides services to 191 television stations in 89 markets; is a leading local news provider in the country; owns multiple national networks; and has TV stations affiliated with all the major broadcast networks. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple-platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and digital platforms. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.
