WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has partnered with the Daniel Pearl Foundation to promote the Eighth Annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days, scheduled for October 1-31, 2009, by offering a series of public service announcements (PSAs) featuring prominent celebrities. World Music Days is a global network of music events that promotes peace and understanding through the language of music.
Grammy Award winner Herbie Hancock, rock superstar Sir Elton John, classical violinist Ida Haendel and the late father of modern Nubian music Hamza el Din are featured in 30 and 60 second television and radio PSAs that NAB will distribute this week to stations nationwide. The PSAs invite professional and amateur musicians around the world to "use the universal language of music to diminish hatred, respect differences and reach out in friendship by dedicating performances to the World Music Days' theme of Harmony for Humanity." Since its inception in 2002, more than 3,000 concerts in 85 countries have been dedicated to the World Music Days' theme.
The television PSAs will be included in NAB's monthly satellite feed on September 18 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Stations can also contact NAB for a free dub. In addition, both 30- and 60-second radio PSAs are available for download on NAB's comprehensive public service Web site, www.NABSpotCenter.org.
"Danny Pearl was a first-class reporter whose passion for both music and journalistic excellence helped build bridges among diverse cultures and religions. NAB is proud to support World Music Days and encourages all radio and TV stations to air these important pro-social PSAs," said NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton.
"World Music Days is a simple yet effective way for musicians to inspire audiences with unity, purpose and the oneness of humanity," said Judea Pearl, Daniel's father and co-founder of the Daniel Pearl Foundation. "It turns music into an instrument of peace."
Musicians from all genres are invited to dedicate performances held from October 1-31 to coincide with Daniel Pearl's October 10 birthday. For more information on this year's World Music Days initiative, visit: www.danielpearlmusicdays.org.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
About the Daniel Pearl Foundation
Daniel Pearl's murder by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002 touched millions who never knew him. By developing innovative international programs focused on journalism, music and respectful dialogue, the Daniel Pearl Foundation seeks to counter the hatred and intolerance that took his life. For more information, please visit www.danielpearl.org.