CHARACTERS UNITE to Fight Racism and Intolerance at USA NETWORK

New Multiplatform Pro-Social Initiative Underscores Action And Celebrates Diversity

NEW YORK, March 26 -- Drawing on the legacy of USA Network's original "Erase The Hate" campaign in the 1990's, CHARACTERS UNITE has been unveiled as the network's new pro-social initiative dedicated to combating intolerance and promoting acceptance, it was announced today by Bonnie Hammer, president, cable entertainment and cable studios, NBC Universal.

"'Erase the Hate' succeeded in showing the ways society can confront and remedy the devastating impact of bigotry," said Hammer. "Characters Unite takes things one step further. It's all about providing tools to help embrace our diversity, celebrating what makes us different and special.'

A multi-platform initiative, CHARACTERS UNITE will provide network viewers and clients with innovative ways to fight prejudice and to promote diversity. The underlying message will focus on what each of us can do individually and collectively to acknowledge and respect our shared humanity.

Additionally, it will provide an empowering new platform to bring together a wide mix of non-profit organizations, corporate sponsors, educators and characters all across the country through on-air programming, online social networking and activities on-the-ground in communities across the USA.

During its five-year run, "Erase The Hate" was a multi-faceted campaign that received national attention as the U.S. Senate voted to designate April 30 as National Erase The Hate and Eliminate Racism Day. Further, it featured Emmy award-winning original programming, specialized educational curricula, and community activities including a national Erase The Hate Honor Roll.

While the "Erase The Hate" program raised awareness and made a significant impact in homes, communities and schools across the USA, clearly - and sadly - hate and intolerance remain very much with us. Research from the Southern Poverty Law Center shows that hate groups have shown a startling +48% increase since 2000 - and they reside in virtually every state in the country. The only answer to such a prevalent and virulent problem must be persistence and vigilance. The only answer can be for characters across the country - people of all ages, races, affiliations and backgrounds - to come together in interesting and engaging ways to address such a serious, underlying problem.

USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 network in basic cable, USA Network is seen in nearly 94 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at http://www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.