NEW YORK – August 15, 2013 – USA Network today announced a partnership between its award-winning public service initiative Characters Unite, R&R Partners Foundation’s youth anti-bullying organization Flip the Script, and Cox Communications for “#UniteLIVE: The Concert to Rock Out Bullying,” headlined by GRAMMY nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Carly Rae Jepsen.  The special event will be held at a surprise location, on October 3, in commemoration of National Bullying Prevention Month.

From August 15 through September 10, high school and middle school students ages 13 to 18 can enter a national or a Cox Communications area sweepstakes to win an all-expense paid trip to attend the concert. Ten lucky sweepstakes winners and their parents or guardians will get the rare opportunity to meet Carly Rae Jepsen and other USA talent who will be participating in the event. In a spot to air on USA Network and Cox Communications' systems, Carly Rae Jepsen is personally inviting young people to join her and the thousands of students, parents and educators who will be coming together to raise their voices against bullying.

"An estimated 13 million kids will be bullied in America this year. Through our partnership with Flip the Script, Cox Communications and the incredibly talented singer/songwriter and performer, Carly Rae Jepsen, USA's Characters Unite campaign will help prevent bullying and promote greater respect and acceptance," said Toby Graff, USA Network senior vice president of Public Affairs.  "We are proud to team up with a pop icon who reaches millions of young people world-wide and who is so passionate about raising awareness about the issue of bullying."

"We created Flip the Script to raise awareness of the extensive impact that bullying has in communities," said Cindy Dreibelbis, executive director of the R&R Partners Foundation. "We need to work together to make schools a place where kids can learn free of fear.  With partners like these, we can empower youth across the country to take a stand in their own schools, make a change and put an end to bullying."

"Too many youth in our communities struggle with bullying as they make their way through adolescence. Fortunately, there are resources available to help prevent it and support for those confronted by it," said Cox Communications President Pat Esser. "Cox is thrilled to partner with USA Network, Flip the Script and Carly Rae Jepsen for 'UniteLIVE.' Together, we know we can make a difference in helping to stem the tide on this critical issue."

"I am looking forward to hosting 'UniteLIVE: The Concert to Rock Out Bullying,' and applaud USA Network's Characters Unite, Flip the Script and Cox Communications for making this important event possible," said Jepsen. "Change doesn't happen overnight, but with programs like this, we can spark a dialogue that will make a real difference in putting a stop to bullying."

In conjunction with the concert, Jepsen will also be featured in a Characters Unite “I Won’t Stand For…” public service announcement that will air on USA Network and on charactersunite.com throughout October.

To enter the national sweepstakes, view the rules and regulations and find out more about the initiative, please go to www.charactersunite.com o www.flipthescriptnow.org. Cox Communications customers can enter at http://coxsweepstakes.charactersunite.com.
 

About Characters Unite

Characters Unite, USA Network's award-winning public service campaign, was created to address the social injustices and cultural divides still prevalent in our society. Inspired by USA Network's iconic "Characters Welcome" brand and with the support of leading national nonprofit organizations, the ongoing campaign is dedicated to combating prejudice, discrimination and intolerance while promoting understanding and acceptance -- on-air, online and in communities around the country. Please log on to http://www.charactersunite.com/ for more information on the initiative and what you can do to make a difference.
 

About R&R Partners Foundation

The R&R Partners Foundation is the nonprofit 501(c)(3) affiliate of R&R Partners, a marketing communications/government affairs firm based in Las Vegas, with seven offices across the West and in Washington, D.C. The Foundation is an expression of R&R’s belief that creative ideas, which spring from the talent and volunteer spirit of our employees, can transform lives and affect positive change in the communities where we do business and beyond.
 

Acerca de Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for seven years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.
 

About      USA Network

The #1 network in all of basic cable for seven consecutive years, USA Network is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes.  USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals, spectacular live television and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events. Viewers come to USA to find television's best in critically-acclaimed and award-winning original programming, such as BURN NOTICE, ROYAL PAINS, WHITE COLLAR, COVERT AFFAIRS, PSYCH, SUITS, NECESSARY ROUGHNESS and WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW, as well as the highest-rated acquired originals, including HOUSE, NCIS, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT and CSI.  A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV.  USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

HAZ CLIC AQUÍ to download an embeddable video of Carly Rae’s invitation to #UniteLive: The Concert To Rock Out Bullying.

Contact:
Melissa Cusack
212.664.8993
melissa.cusack@nbcuni.com