Technology

2024 MEDIA ACCESS AWARDS Announces Host, Honorees, Presenters and Performers

Published

4 hours ago

October 25, 2024

Evening Will Honor Michael J. Fox, Jillian Mercado, Shoshannah Stern, Marion Dayre Joshua Feldman, Maribeth Fox, Danny Kurtzman and Eric Graise; Presenters Include Selma Blair, Jimmy Kimmel, Marlee Matlin and More; Celebration of Disability in Media to Premiere on PBS SoCal on November 25 Followed by Nationwide Television Distribution. Hosted by Renowned Comedian and Disability Activist Daryl “Chill” Mitchell

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Today, the Media Access Awards announced the host, honorees, presenter and performer lineup for the 2024 broadcast. Hosted by comedian and disability activist Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, the annual awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 29 in Hollywood, CA honoring artists and film and television projects that are inclusive of disabled talent in front of and behind the cameras. The show marks the first fully accessible awards show in history with heartwarming and empowering moments from stars including Michael J. Fox, Selma Blair, Marlee Matlin, and more.

The 2024 Media Access Awards will premiere on Monday, November 25 at 7 p.m. PT on PBS SoCal, followed by PBS SoCal Plus on Thursday, November 28 at 8 p.m. PT and additional local PBS Stations leading up to International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday, December 3. The show will also be available for streaming on the free PBS App beginning on November 25.

Founded by the late Norman Lear in 1979, the Media Access Awards pioneered the celebration of on-screen representation for the disability community. Television host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel will present a special tribute to Lear who passed in December 2023.

Alexandra Reeve Givens will also present a tribute to her late father, Christopher Reeve, in remembrance of his pioneer efforts towards greater disability inclusion.

The evening’s honorees are selected by the diversity committees of their professional guilds with awards from the Casting Society (CS), and Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA. This year’s honorees and presenters are:

Michael J. Fox (“Back to the Future,” and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research) will be honored with the Media Access Norman Lear-Geri Jewell Lifetime Achievement Award honoring an individual whose body of work includes and celebrates the disability experience. This award is named for the famed producer and the first disabled woman in a recurring role in a primetime comedy.

Marion Dayre (“Better Call Saul”), Shoshannah Stern (“This Close”) and Joshua Feldman (“Echo”) will receive the Writers Guild of America West Evan Somers Memorial Award, awarded to a writer or writers for achievement in writing accurate, three-dimensional disabled characters and story lines.

Jillian Mercado (“Dying For Sex” and “The L Word: Generation Q”) will receive the Easterseals Impact Award, honoring an individual who through their work in entertainment, philanthropy or public discourse have advanced the effort for disability acceptance and inclusion.

Maribeth Fox (“A Different Man” and A Quiet Place I & II) will be honored with the Casting Society Award, which celebrates a casting agent or agents who seek out and cast disabled performers for roles that indicate a disability and those that don’t.

Danny Kurtzman (“Good Bad Things”) will receive the Christopher Reeve Acting Award, a cash award created by Christopher Reeve, awarded to a disabled actor to celebrate their career in film or television.

Eric Graise (“Locke & Key” and “The Tomorrow War”) will receive the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award.

Presenters set to take the stage throughout the evening include Selma Blair (“Cruel Intentions”), Marlee Matlin (“CODA,” “Children of a Lesser God”), Nic Novicki (“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”), Millicent Simmonds (“A Quiet Place”), Adam Pearson (“A Different Man”), Alexandra Reeve Givens (Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation), Abby McEnany (“Work in Progress,” “Tracker”) and Fiona Rene (“Lincoln Lawyer“, “Fire Country”).

Guests will be treated to a night filled with unforgettable moments and surprise appearances, including musical performances by Natasha Ofili with the music by Coldplay and Gaelynn Lea (winner of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest).

“We are so excited to bring audiences both in the room and at home a fully accessible program that honors historic achievements in the disability representation space,” said co-CEO’s of the Media Access Awards, Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker. “Across the industry, we’ve seen incredible milestones in both film and television that deserve to be recognized across the nation.”

The 2024 Media Access Awards ceremony is underwritten by Claudia & Kevin Bright, The Murray Reese Foundation, Paramount, Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo, The Walt Disney Company, with a special thanks to Reeve Foundation. Media Access Awards partners include WGA West, SAG-AFTRA and Casting Society. For more information on this year’s underwriters, click here.

The 2024 Media Access Awards is produced by Calla Productions and co-produced by PBS SoCal, with executive producer Deborah Calla and show writer Allen Rucker.

For more information about the Media Access Awards, please visit mediaaccessawards.com or follow the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The 2024 Media Access Awards will be seen exclusively on PBS SoCal on Monday, November 25 at 7 p.m. PT, on PBS Stations across the country (check local listings), on the PBS SoCal website and on the free PBS App for streaming. Viewers will be able to broadcast or stream this program with the option of closed captions or an audio description. Audio description provided by Woman of her Word.

About the Media Access Awards
As the largest minority group on the planet—and as the only minority group that anyone can join at any point of his or her life—the disability community is a robust, diverse, and integral part of our global fabric. The Media Access Awards celebrate this fact by honoring, highlighting, and promoting disability and its depictions in film, television, and new media. The Media Access Awards aim to recognize depictions of disability that are accurate, inclusive, and multi-faceted. Our awards ceremony honors those industry professionals who have advanced disability-related narrative in fields including writing, producing, casting, performance, and directing. We are proud and pleased to be at the forefront of creating and promoting opportunities for some of the brightest talents in the industry. http://www.mediaaccessawards.com

About PBS SOCAL
PBS SoCal uses the power of public media for good, strengthening the civic fabric of Southern California and providing our community with an essential connection to a wider world. As a local, donor/member-supported non-profit organization, PBS SoCal is available to stream on the PBS app and the PBS Kids App and reaches nearly 19M viewers across 7 Broadcast channels — including 2 primary channels, PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus and 5 digital subchannels. With a commitment to make content available anytime and anywhere for free, PBS SoCal offers programming that reflects the diversity of Southern California and showcases the full schedule of beloved and trusted PBS content spanning Education, News, Environment and Arts & Culture. PBS SoCal also sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by bringing bilingual, hands-on learning experiences to the community for free.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
Abi O’Donnell, Pipere Boggio, Mini Le, Justine Castillo mediaaccessawards@ssmandl.com

PBS SoCal
Chelsea Grosbeck
cgrosbeck@pbssocal.org
747.201.5202

Media Contact

Chelsea Grosbeck, PBS SoCal, 7472015202, cgrosbeck@pbssocal.org, pbssocal.org

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SOURCE PBS SoCal

Technology

UPROXX STUDIOS AND STATE FARM PRESENT “HALFTIME” SERIES FEATURING JUST BLAZE AND HOWARD UNIVERSITY’S SHOWTIME MARCHING BAND

Published

52 mins ago

October 25, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — UPROXX Studios, in collaboration with State Farm, today announced the launch of the original series, “Halftime,” premiering October 25th on YouTube. This series celebrates the profound cultural impact of HBCU marching bands, starting with the unforgettable halftime performance at Howard University’s 100th homecoming football game.

UPROXX Studios partnered with legendary producer Just Blaze and the Showtime Marching Band for the show, presented by State Farm. Just Blaze, known for producing hits for Jay-Z, Eminem and Beyonce, collaborated with the band on a medley of his iconic tracks, fusing hip-hop with the rich tradition of HBCU marching bands.

“As a Howard alum, this project was personal for me,” says UPROXX’s Head of Video Production, Steve Vasquez Jr. “It gave me the opportunity to showcase the creativity and standard of excellence I put into my work.”

“Halftime” chronicles the creative journey following Just Blaze, Chancellor Mills, Director of Bands at Howard University, and The Showtime Marching Band leading up to the performance. It spotlights the artistry and cultural significance of HBCU marching bands and showcases Howard’s rich musical legacy. Providing educational opportunities for students, UPROXX Studios collaborated with Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, onboarding interns for hands-on experience in media production and event coordination. This partnership underscores State Farm and UPROXX’s commitment to fostering community while investing in the future of HBCU students.

“Halftime” premieres on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@uproxxlife starting October 25. For more information visit www.uproxx.com.

About UPROXX Studios:

UPROXX Studios offers insights from authentic creative minds and operates on a massive, popular scale. It is a brand solutions studio shaped by visionaries who both imagine what culture could be and actively create it, connecting brands with talent, cultural arenas, and audiences. Its network UPROXX, HipHopDX, Dime Magazine, and partnership with Warner Music, collaborates with cultural innovators to cultivate niche audiences through original editorial and video content.

About State Farm:

For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts.

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SOURCE UPROXX

Technology

Access Healthcare Showcases Innovative RCM Solutions at the 2024 AHIMA Conference

Published

52 mins ago

October 25, 2024

DALLAS, Oct. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Access Healthcare, a global leader in revenue cycle management (RCM) services, will attend the AHIMA Conference from Sunday, October 27, through Tuesday, October 29, in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a premier provider of modern RCM solutions, Access Healthcare addresses critical industry challenges, including rising denial rates, escalating costs, and a shortage of skilled labor. The company is dedicated to transforming the healthcare landscape with innovative technologies designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of revenue cycle operations.

Attendees are invited to visit Access Healthcare at booth #1426, where their team will be available to discuss cutting-edge RCM technologies tailored for hospitals, health systems, and physician groups. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about Access Healthcare’s recent transformation of a client’s clinical documentation and coding processes, along with strategies for overcoming coding challenges in inpatient/outpatient settings within a major integrated health system.

“This event will provide an opportunity to showcase how our 3,500+ expert medical coders and CDI professionals, assisted by our technology-driven global delivery model, are helping thousands of healthcare organizations achieve their high-quality patient care goals and improve overall financial efficiency,” said Kumar Shwetabh, President and Chief Growth Officer of Access Healthcare.

Access Healthcare continues to lead the way in managing the business of healthcare, ensuring that providers can focus on their patients. Known for investing deeply in developing AI-driven solutions to improve the quality and pace of service delivery, the global organization has distinguished itself as a trusted partner for healthcare organizations by providing end-to-end revenue cycle solutions that boost financial performance, address workforce challenges, and optimize operations.

Join us at the AHIMA Conference to discover how our innovative approaches can help transform your organization’s revenue cycle processes.

For more information, please visit www.accesshealthcare.com

About Access Healthcare

Access Healthcare is a leading provider of revenue cycle management services, specializing in medical billing, coding, and accounts receivable management. With a global presence and a commitment to innovation, Access Healthcare delivers efficient, leading-edge solutions to healthcare organizations. Learn more at Access Healthcare.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/access-healthcare-showcases-innovative-rcm-solutions-at-the-2024-ahima-conference-302287560.html

SOURCE Access Healthcare

Technology

CTEK Charging: The Power Behind a Successful Show

Published

52 mins ago

October 25, 2024

Tips for a Successful SEMA Show

CHICAGO, Oct. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The SEMA Show is one of the most anticipated automotive events of the year, where the world’s top builders, manufacturers, and enthusiasts come together to showcase the latest innovations in the industry. With hundreds of cars on display for days, one crucial but often overlooked element is effective battery management. A dead battery or unreliable power can bring even the most stunning vehicle to a halt.

SEMA is an opportunity to present your vehicle at its best, and with so much riding on a successful presentation, proper battery management is essential. CTEK‘s range of smart chargers and monitoring tools provide a reliable solution for exhibitors, ensuring vehicles are charged, protected, and ready to showcase. Whether it’s for high-performance cars, classic restorations, or cutting-edge electric vehicles, keeping vehicles in optimal condition is key to success. CTEK, the leading global brand in vehicle charging technology, has emerged as an essential partner for ensuring vehicles remain charged and ready throughout the show.

At this year’s event, several prominent auto specialists have chosen CTEK to guarantee their vehicles perform at their best. Kevin McDonnell, Director of Operations at Boden Autohaus, highlighted the critical role CTEK plays in maintaining their vehicles: “We want to make sure everything is kept in tip-top shape. So that’s why we’ve chosen CTEK.”

CTEK’s range of chargers ensures that vehicles are not only fully powered but also protected from any potential damage caused by improper charging. The brand’s state-of-the-art technology extends battery life and optimizes performance, making it the go-to choice for top-tier auto professionals.

Rob Lindsey, owner of RJ Fab, shared his appreciation for CTEK’s reliability: “Thanks CTEK Charging for keeping us charged up!”

CTEK, the global leader in battery charging solutions, is sharing essential tips to ensure your vehicle stays powered up and ready to impress throughout the show like the pros.

Charge Before Arrival It’s crucial to start the SEMA show with a fully charged battery. Before transporting your vehicle to the event, make sure it’s fully charged using a reliable charger. CTEK’s smart chargers, like the CT5 TIME TO GO or the MXS 5.0, provide safe, efficient charging and ensure your battery is in prime condition before the event begins.

Maintain Charge During the Show With vehicles often sitting idle during shows, the risk of battery drain is high. To avoid embarrassment and ensure your car is ready at all times, use a maintenance charger like the CTEK MXS 5.0 during the event. These smart chargers are designed to deliver a steady charge without overloading or damaging your battery, keeping it at optimal levels throughout the show.

Monitor Battery Health It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of SEMA, but battery health should remain a priority. CTEKs PRO25S or MXS 5.0 also allow you to monitor your vehicle’s battery status in real-time. This way, you can detect potential issues early and avoid any last-minute hiccups.

Avoid Quick-Fix Charging Solutions While it might be tempting to rely on quick charging solutions, these can do more harm than good. Always use smart chargers that automatically adjust to the needs of your battery, ensuring a safe and gradual charge. CTEK’s technology is specifically designed to extend battery life and prevent overcharging, ensuring your vehicle is always ready to perform.

Protect Against Power Interruptions Unexpected power loss can be a major issue during large events like SEMA. To safeguard your vehicle, use a CTEK PRO25S to ensure your battery receives continuous power even during high-demand situations. This is especially important if your vehicle relies on complex electronics or if you’re frequently showcasing features that consume energy.

From high-demand environments like auto shows to everyday garage use, CTEK is committed to providing industry-leading charging solutions that ensure your vehicle’s battery health is maintained to the highest standard. With the confidence that their cars will stay powered and protected, professionals like McDonnell and Lindsey can focus on what matters most: delivering an unforgettable experience to show attendees.

For more information about CTEK’s participation in the SEMA Show 2024, please visit www.CTEK.com.

About CTEK

• Established in Dalarna, Sweden, CTEK is the leading global brand in vehicle charging solutions.
• CTEK offers products ranging from 12V and 24V battery chargers to charging solutions for electrical vehicles. CTEK’s E-mobility solutions range from individual EV chargers to larger corporate and commercial installations with multiple charging stations, that require load balancing and integrate seamlessly with monitoring and payment equipment.
• CTEK’s products are sold via a carefully selected network of global distributors and retailers: as original equipment; supplied to more than 50 of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers; and through charge point operators, property owners and other organizations/individuals providing EV charging infrastructure.
• CTEK takes pride in its unique culture based on a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to supporting the transition to a greener mobility, by adhering to industry leading ESG standards.

Press Contact:

Michelle Suzuki
310-930-6655

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SOURCE CTEK