USA Network Announces 'Unite Against Bullying Commercial Challenge'

USA Network's award-winning public service campaign, Characters Unite, and R&R Partners Foundation's Flip the Script today announced the launch of "Unite Against Bullying Commercial Challenge," a new contest for middle and high school students to submit their own original ideas for a television ad to help stop bullying. The winning concept will be developed into a powerful commercial that will air nationwide on USA Network during Characters Unite Month in February and online at charactersunite.com and flipthescriptnow.org.

The challenge was announced by GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Carly Rae Jepsen during "#UniteLIVE: The Concert to Rock Out Bullying," which was held on October 3rd at the Thomas & Mack Center at University of Nevada, Las Vegas with thousands of students in attendance to recognize National Bullying Prevention Month. USA Network, R&R Partners Foundation's Flip the Script and Cox Communications presented the event which featured appearances by Nolan Gould ("Modern Family"), Sheamus ("WWE"), James Roday ("Psych"), and Mehcad Brooks ("Necessary Roughness"). Jepsen is also featured in an original Public Service Announcement (PSA) calling for student entries to the competition that will air on USA Network. Click here to download or view the PSA.

"I am proud to use my voice to raise awareness through #UniteLIVE: The Concert to Rock Out Bullying and the Unite Against Bullying Commercial Challenge," said Carly Rae Jepsen. She added, "As a longtime advocate for bullying prevention, I am excited to see the original and powerful ads kids across the country will create to help stop bullying. I am hopeful that empowering students to stop intolerance and bullying will help create a brighter future."

"The concert was step one to reach and inspire hundreds of thousands of students to address the issue of bullying. Step two is now to engage those young people to be part of the long-term solution and become champions for change in their schools and communities," said Toby Graff, USA Network senior Vice president of Public Affairs. "The 'Unite Against Bullying Commercial Challenge' is a win-win. Students get an incredible opportunity to express themselves and make a difference and we get to create a television commercial that will speak to an audience critical to fostering greater respect and acceptance. "

From October 3 through November 20, students ages 13-18 can enter the "Unite Against Bullying Commercial Challenge" by submitting a short written essay or a video. The winner will receive an iPad and a trip to Los Angeles to see the commercial filmed. Two runners-up will also receive iPads as tools to continue to develop their creative talents and community leadership.

"The R&R Partners Foundation has been a passionate advocate in the fight against bullying through our Flip the Script campaign, and this commercial challenge elevates this mission to a whole new level," said Cindy Dreibelbis, executive director of the R&R Partners Foundation. "We hope students across the country will embrace this challenge; they are on the front lines of the battle against bullying every day."

A year-long program, Characters Unite aims to combat discrimination and intolerance in all its forms. The public service campaign is dedicated to supporting activities and messaging to promote understanding and acceptance on-air, online, and in communities across the country.

To enter the contest, view the rules and regulations and learn more about Characters Unite, please visit www.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 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.

About 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 an unprecedented seven straight 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. 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 http://www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

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