Local television anchors team up for United Way!

Ever wonder what might bring competing television anchors together for a single video production? In Indianapolis, the answer to that question is United Way.

Last week, on-air talent from each of the local stations met in WFYI Public Television's studio. They came together to record segments for United Way stories that will air on Tuesday, September 4 at 7:30 p.m.

The short pieces – less than two minutes – will show how United Way helps people learn more, earn more and lead safe and healthy lives.

The stations all share lead production duties too. This year WISH-TV 8, led by Tina Cosby and her team, are putting together the video package that you'll see on each station. During three breaks in their regular programming, the stations will show stories of local people whose lives have been changed thanks to United Way supporters.

We don't know of this kind of collaboration among major TV stations anywhere else in the country, so if you see any of these folks, please thank them!

Under the hot lights, Steve Schenck, United Way's annual campaign chair, (left) joined broadcasting pros: Lloyd Wright, WFYI; Fanchon Stinger and Bob Donaldson, WXIN Fox 59; Debby Knox and Eric Halvorson, WISH TV 8; Andrea Morehead and John Stehr, WTHR Ch 13; and Ericka Flye and Todd Connor, RTV 6. See more photos from the filming here.

It’s a marvel of intricate planning and patience, and we are so grateful to everyone involved for making it look easy and fun! (There’s almost a family reunion feel to this day that really demonstrates something we always say: United Way brings people together!)

WISH TV's General Manager Jeff White committed station resources to the project, including help from pros like Amy Howell, Amanda Bair, Allan Haw, Brian Wertz, Jarod Kerfoot, and John Rekis.

We can't wait to see the stories that these pros will create to bring to life United Way's work in education, income, health and basic needs!

--Mary Kinney, public/media relations director, United Way of Central Indiana