CONVERGENCE

Albert Cheng Head of AI Studios Amazon MGM Studios Kudzi Chikumbu VP, Creator Partnerships Tubi Sean Cohan President Bell Media Kim Larson Global Managing Director & Head of Creators YouTube Eric Levin Chief Content Officer Publicis Media Dhar Mann Founder Dhar Mann Studios Wendy McMahon Advisor, beehiiv Former CEO, CBS News and Stations; President, ABC Owned Stations Brooke Meister Managing Director Link Management Verena Puhm Head of Dream Lab LA Luma AI Anna Saalfeld Head of P&G Studios Procter & Gamble Robert Sharenow President of Programming A+E Global Media Scott Winkler Head of Commercial Partnerships Dude Perfect

Upgrade your NATPE Global access to a combo for $800 and save $1,175 OFF the Realscreen Summit pass. Maximize your time in Miami by meeting with a wider pool of potential partners.     Thanks to our sponsors     Secure a pass today and join us in Miami!     Companies interested in exhibiting or sponsoring should reach out to us at natpesales@brunico.com.     Realscreen is a trademark of Brunico Communications Ltd., Realscreen Summit title, tagline and logo are trademarks of, and the event is produced by Brunico Marketing Inc. © 2026 Brunico Communications Ltd., 366 Adelaide Street West, Suite 100, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R9. Tel (416) 408-2300. Fax (416) 408-0870. View our privacy policy: http://www.brunico.com/privacy/ To opt out of future emails please click here.

Realscreen is honoring the late Dr. Jane Goodall during the Realscreen Awards ceremony set for February 3, during the 2026 Realscreen Summit.

The world-renowned ethologist, conservationist, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace is being celebrated with the Realscreen Action Award, which recognizes individuals whose work within the unscripted and non-fiction content sector has inspired meaningful social impact and driven positive change in the industry and beyond. Last year’s recipient of the Action Award was acclaimed filmmaker Dawn Porter.

Dr. Goodall’s work in the field as a pre-eminent scientist and animal behavior expert, and as a global voice for community-centered conservation and biodiversity protection, has been the focal point of scores of documentary films and series, dating back to 1965’s Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees, narrated by Orson Welles for National Geographic, to Brett Morgen’s riveting 2017 documentary Jane, also for Nat Geo. Through Jane Goodall Productions, she and her team have been in production and development on many upcoming projects, including Matriarch, a collaboration with BBC Studios, PBS and the WNET Group. Her passing in October of this year led to an outpouring of love from around the world, spanning world leaders, noted celebrities and inspired citizens — all of whom have been touched by her legacy.

“Over the span of decades, Jane Goodall’s name has been synonymous with the ideas of conservation, care for the animal kingdom and curiosity, and her presence and creative leadership in more than 40 documentaries and films, reflecting the important work of the Jane Goodall Institute, has cemented that status,” said Barry Walsh, content director and editor-in-chief for Realscreen. “We are honored to celebrate her lifetime of contribution — not only to the world of wildlife documentary, but to our understanding of the world around us — with our Action Award.”

Accepting the award on Dr. Goodall’s behalf will be her longtime film collaborator and the Jane Goodall Institute’s wildlife cinematographer, Bill Wallauer.

Established in 2010, the Realscreen Awards, held annually during the Realscreen Summit, have become a benchmark for excellence in non-fiction and unscripted content, celebrating the most innovative and impactful work from around the globe.

Jane Turton, CEO of All3Media, will also be inducted into the Realscreen Hall of Fame, and will take part in a keynote conversation at the Summit, bringing her unique perspective on the evolving global content industry.

For more information on the Realscreen Summit, taking place from February 2-4 and once again co-locating with NATPE Global at Miami’s InterContinental Hotel, visit the official site here.

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New York, Nov.12 – The J. Luce Foundation proudly announces its partnership with Complete Playground, celebrating a collaborative promotional, cultivating and groundbreaking event for the recently unveiled indoor Complete Playground—a revolutionary, fully inclusive space designed for both typical and special-needs children.

Honoring Real Estate Developer, Complete Gym chain owner, and founder of Complete Playground, Alex Resnik, the J. Luce Foundation recognizes his visionary contribution to the creation of a one-of-a-kind 40,000 sq. ft. indoor playground.

This innovative facility ensures a safe and enjoyable play environment for all children, inspired by Alex’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of his own children and the broader community.

Alex Resnik was presented with the prestigious Luce Foundation Humanitarian Entrepreneur 2023 Award, acknowledging his extraordinary vision and unwavering dedication to this transformative project.

Additionally, the event recognized philanthropic leaders, including John “SohoJohnny” Pasquale, awarded the 2023 “Nonprofit Leadership” honor for his benevolent efforts through the “Let Me Help, Inc.” foundation, supporting those in need through the power of music.  “SohoJohnny” is a regular Renaissance man. He is not only a philanthropist, a major real estate figure with his company Pep Real Estate, an actor, a producer, and a kind-hearted entertainer.

The Clare Boothe Luce Award and the R.Adm. Stephen Bleecker Luce Award for Maritime Leadership were bestowed upon Lorraine Silvetz, MSW, and Robert Silvetz, MD, founders of Global Stress Initiative, in recognition of their outstanding contributions in providing non-invasive treatment to veterans, service members, and survivors of trauma with PTSD since 2010.

Renowned artist Tatyana Horoshko Gegera and engineer/philanthropist Alexander “Sasha” Gegera were honored for their generous donation of exceptional portraits immortalizing founders of various non-profit organizations, including Let Me Help, Inc., The J. Luce Foundation, Global Stress Initiative, The Henderson Foundation, and Operation Warrior Shield. Tatyana and Sasha recently launched their foundation “Portrait of Freedom” whose mission is to support all children’s, especially the underprivileged, development and training in art.

DeCosta Headley of Brooklyn received an award for his outstanding contributions to the community, highlighting his dedication to enhancing the quality of life through initiatives such as college scholarships, employment opportunities, and social services. DeCosta has always been a leader in East New York, and Brownsville, including his post as District Leader for the 40th Assembly district in East New York. He founded the D.R E.A.M. Foundation which serves East New York in a myriad of ways.

The event, attended by a diverse audience, featured performances by world-renowned classical pianist Dr. Chen Wang, musical savant Jewels Harrison, and Quinn Lemley, star of “Rita Hayworth: The Heat is On!”

Jim Luce, founder of the Luce Foundation, emphasized the organization’s impactful work over the past 24 years, spanning Orphans International Worldwide, the Young Global Leadership Foundation, and education centers worldwide.

Several of the Luce Young Global Leaders were recognized for their advocacy and community service during the program. The future is bright with this beautiful team, from a diverse age group, dedicating themselves to making a difference, for the less fortunate, in our world.

For more information about the organizations involved, please visit:

Complete Playground: www.completeplayground.org

Luce Foundation:

www.lucefoundation.org

Global Stress Initiative: www.globalstressinitiative.org

Let Me Help, Inc.:

www.letmehelpinc.org

Portrait of Freedom:

www.portraitoffreedom.com

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Military Family Month was established by the Armed Forces YMCA in 1996. Proclamations have been issued by U.S. Presidents in recent times, and this year President Biden has followed suit, stating America has the greatest Armed Forces in the history of the world. He says we all owe a debt to those who serve and those that serve alongside them – their families and caregivers.

http://usar.army.mil/

The backbone of the Army Reserve force is its Families, which is why each November we recognize their commitment, resilience and critical contributions to the Army Reserve.

Just like the Soldiers they support, Army Reserve families are strong and resilient, but face unique challenges. It’s the people of the Army Reserve that deliver on its priorities – readiness, modernization and reform – so taking care of service members and their families is equally important to the mission.

The Army recognizes that service members’ Families, like spouses and kids, also feel the effects of service – whether through relocation, distance from loved ones, among other challenges – but is committed to providing the best quality of life possible. The love and support from military Families is unwavering.

Throughout this awareness month and beyond, the Army Reserve focuses on the community-based services that foster the growth, development and readiness of Soldiers and Families.

Captain Brigette Miller and her husband, Nathaniel, discuss their Military Family experience. Miller will also discuss her journey from military kid to Army Reserve Soldier will offer great insight into the importance of this community. Captain Miller will also share how an Army Reserve Family Readiness Group has supported her unit.

Interview is courtesy: U.S. Army Reserve

#military #family #gratitude #appreciation #support #armed #forces #ymca #biden #president #caregivers #army #reserve #spouses #kids #awareness #brigette #miller #nathaniel #captain

The post November is Military Family Month WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO SEND GRATITUDE, APPRECIATION & SUPPORT TO U.S. MILITARY FAMILIES IN 2021 appeared first on Good News!.

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America¹s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. www.navyfederal.org.

To kick off National Small Business Week, we have a special interview with Jim Salmon, the head of Business Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union.
to discuss what¹s needed to start and grow a business, and he¹ll share information about programs designed to help military veterans run a successful business. A military veteran himself, Salmon will also discuss why it¹s good business to support veteran-owned and operated businesses and how veterans have many of the skills necessary to run a successful business.

We hear a lot about helping our brave veterans, but the sad fact is that despite an improving economy, many have difficulty finding employment after leaving the military. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), young male veterans, ages 18 to 24, who served during the Gulf War II era, including those who have served at any time since September 2001, had an unemployment rate of 21.9% (more than double the national average). That¹s why in celebration of National Small Business Week (May 4-8), the not-for-profit Navy Federal Credit Union is hoping to spread the word that entrepreneurship ¬ if done right ¬ can be a rewarding career for military veterans. Navy Federal¹s membership is open to all armed forces members and their families.

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This July 4th, America’s national Independence Day celebration kicks off our country’s 238th birthday with an all-star salute led by our country’s favorite host, two-time Emmy Award- personality Tom Bergeron. Hot off another winning season as host of the hit series Dancing with the Stars, Bergeron will lead an all-star cast in a patriotic evening of unrivaled musical performances—topped off by the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation.

Broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the event will feature performances by: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Frankie Valli; Grammy Award-winning music legend Patti LaBelle; multi-platinum recording artist and actress Jordin Sparks; five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Michael McDonald; country music superstar Sara Evans; singer-songwriter Kendall Schmidt from BIG TIME RUSH and HEFFRON DRIVE; and five-time Tony Award nominee and Broadway star Kelli O’Hara; with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of our national anthem, five-time Academy Award-winning composer John Williams will conduct a special new arrangement for orchestra and chorus of the “Star Spangled Banner” with the National Symphony Orchestra, The Joint Armed Forces Chorus, the Choral Arts Society of Washington and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.

The 34th annual broadcast of A CAPITOL FOURTH airs on PBS Friday, July 4, 2014 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The program can also be heard live in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide. With twenty cameras positioned around the city, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the Washington Monument, viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation during this top-rated extravaganza. Capping off the show will be a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and A CAPITOL FOURTH tradition.

To talk about this year’s A Capitol Fourth, North American Network is offering five- to seven-minute telephone interviews with singer-songwriter Kendall Schmidt. Interviews are being scheduled for Thursday, July 3, from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. Eastern Time. To book an interview window, please call.

BIOGRAPHY

Kendall Schmidt:

What began in 2008 as a passion project in a bedroom studio in Burbank, California has now become a whirlwind endeavor, with energetic and dedicated fans across the globe. Kendall Schmidt (23) is founder of the passionately-adored electro-pop band, Heffron Drive. Kendall’s passion for music began when he was just a child. As a youngster, Kendall would often recite whole songs after hearing them just once on the radio. Ever the singer, Kendall soon wanted to broaden his musical horizons. Initially, he tried playing the violin and drums, but neither instrument seemed to fit. One day, however, he borrowed his brother’s guitar and from that point forward, he was hooked. Kendall taught himself how to play guitar and eventually released a number of covers on YouTube, which garnered him his first fans. The initial encounter between Kendall and Dustin, a future Heffron Drive member, occurred at a screening for Kendall’s brother’s movie in Los Angeles, California. The two became instant friends; learning that each was a musician, had been born in the same hospital in Wichita, Kansas, and currently lived on the same street in Burbank, California. That street? You guessed it, was Heffron Drive. With money he earned from an acting gig, Kendall purchased some recording gear and the two friends embarked on a musical journey, knowing only to trust their ears and passion for music. When the question of what to name the newly formed band arose, Heffron
Drive was the perfect fit. The band started uploading songs, to the then-popular Myspace, and soon thereafter began receiving an overwhelming amount of interest. The Internet was buzzing about the new band’s unique music and it wasn’t uncommon to find the play counter hovering around 20,000 plays on any given day. Around mid-2009, however, and soon after the release of Heffron Drive music, Kendall was asked to become the lead singer of the band, Big Time Rush. He accepted, and BTR rapidly became a global phenomenon, with tens of millions of fans across the globe, millions of records and tickets sold, and performances across three continents. Not wanting Heffron Drive to fall apart during his BTR success, Kendall helped secure Dustin a position as a tour guitarist for the group. Although extremely busy, the two still found time to create music for Heffron Drive. With constant forward momentum, Heffron Drive is now preparing a full-scale launch into the world of irresistible electro-pop music. Infusing infectious melodies, unforgettable hooks, and beamingly beautiful lyrics, Heffron Drive promises to bring that lovable, relatable, missing-piece-of-the-puzzle to today’s music scene.

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Memorial Day Special The USO Show Troupe shares their wonderful talents with the US Troops at the Hard Rock, in New York City, Times Square.  Our Good News Memorial wish:  That war will be no more.

The USO Show Troupe www.usonyc.org

Since 1941, the USO has been entertaining our military across the country and around the globe. We are proud to continue that 66 year tradition today!

*Our Mission
Since its inception, the USO has remained steadfast in its mission of providing morale and welfare services to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces.

Our History
The USO was founded in Times Square on February 4th, 1941 in response to a request from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Our Programs and Services
The USO provides a host of programs and services that promote the morale and welfare of our troops and their families — from entertainment to family support services to personal emergency assistance and more.

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Founded in 1919

“Serving Those Who Have Served Their Country”

Mission

“To promote the general welfare of men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States and its Allies, and their families, by maintaining and offering club and lodging rooms”

In 1919, Mrs. Cornelia Barnes Rogers and Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. with General John J. Pershing founded The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Club. In war and peace, without any U.S. Government funding and supported solely by donations of patriotic Citizens, it has ever since been a “Home Away From Home” for over 2,500,00 men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. We have exisited now for over ninety years with our warm, friendly, and safe enviroment providing hospitality and accommodations for 15,000 Armed Forces personnel annually.

With the continued help of our patriotic friends, it always will be.

Founders

General John J. Pershing Mrs. Cornelia Barnes Rogers
Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.

for more, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/the-soldiers-sailors-marines-coast-guard-and-airmens-club-part-2/

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For the rest of the story, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/birdland/

The post Van Taylor appeared first on Good News!.

 For the rest of the story, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/birdland/

The post Melissa Kate appeared first on Good News!.

Melissa Kate, vocalist, songwriter

Melissa Kate’s musical career has seen her featured with big bands, jazz, hip hop, R&B and funk bands throughout New York State and around the world. She has traveled extensively with Taylor Made Jazz and the Armed Forces Entertainment, performing for our troops stationed around the globe, and for veterans back home. She has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall for the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame’s Concert from the Heart in 2009 and 2010. She is the lead vocalist of the 18 piece George Scott Big Band, and a member of the historic Colored Musicians Club. Her two original albums, Blind Faithand Kissed by Kate, are available online at iTunes, CDBaby and in some record stores. Her live performance DVD, Kissed by Kate: Live at Allen Hallis also available on sale. Her website holds more details at www.MelissaKate.net.

Van Taylor, pianist, is the founder of Taylor Made Jazz, an international, award-winning jazz band that has played at Embassies and events worldwide, focusing its mission on using music to create peace between leaders, countries and people of all backgrounds. This has led Mr. Taylor to work closely with organizations such as our Armed Forces Entertainment, FIDOF, and to support non-profits and charities such as the Hunger Project, the Food Bank of WNY, the Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo, and other global initiatives. An artist developer, producer, jazz composer and publisher– and an excellent pianist, Mr. Van Taylor is someone with whom it is an honor and a rare privilege to perform, and to watch play. His support of Melissa Kate has made possible her original music, and the tremendous musicians that surround her.

Other members of the band are:

Richii Valentino, bass. Richii is a bass player from Buffalo, NY. His background in funk, soul and church music make him a versatile and soulful singer, composer and bass player.

Tim Webb, drummer. Tim’s experience with bands in every genre of music—country, church, funk, R&B, blues, musical theater and jazz—have propelled Tim’s skill on the drums to make him one of the most highly demanded drummers in the city of Buffalo, NY. His territory has expanded to Japan, Egypt, Toronto Canada and New York City. He is a compelling person, smooth and able to adapt to every song and style one might throw at him.

Ron Walker, Guitar. Ron Walker, founder of The Exoutics, is a guitar player with decades of experience in funk, soul and R&B. A master lyricist, his songs have topped charts many times over the years. He has brought his serious and intense style of playing, along with co-writing, to Melissa Kate’s songs. His style is embedded in the songs; Ron is a powerful performer and entertainer.

Names of the songs performed at Birdland:

**denotes original song by Melissa Kate and/or Ron Walker

Spain written by Chick Corea, Artie Maren, Joaquiin Rodrigo, as sung by Al Jarreau

Thou Swell written by Rogers & Hart, sung by Natalie Cole

**Just My Luck written by Melissa Kate, Ron Walker

**It’s Only Love written by Melissa Kate, Ron Walker, Van Taylor

**Soulmate written by Melissa Kate, Van Taylor

Rough & Ready as sung by Freda Payne, Alberta Hunter

**Midnight Snack written by Melissa Kate, Van Taylor

**After the Affair written by Melissa Kate, Van Taylor

**Friends First written by Ron Walker

**Western Jewel written by Melissa Kate

**Phoenix written by Melissa Kate

Never Loved a Man written by Ronnie Shannon, sung by Aretha Franklin

**Stand Up Step Out written by Melissa Kate, Van Taylor

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