“The stories of past courage can define that ingredient - they can teach, they can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this, each man must look into his own soul.” – John F. Kennedy, Profiles in Courage
(New York, New York) – Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the publication of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize winning book, Profiles in Courage, the NBC Universal Television Stations and Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. will present “Profiles in Courage: A Kennedy Legacy,” a one-hour documentary that will highlight individual acts of integrity—including recipients of the Profile in Courage Award and U.S. heroes whose valor has stirred others to action—the legacy of President John F. Kennedy and a first-time look into the Kennedy family’s efforts to honor his commitment to public service through the Profile in Courage Award. The one-hour documentary, with an introduction and commentary by Caroline Kennedy, will air Aug. 26, 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT (check local listings) exclusively on NBC’s owned-and-operated television stations.
“My father felt his greatest admiration for those in politics who had the courage to make decisions of conscience without fear of the consequences,” said Caroline Kennedy, President of the Kennedy Library Foundation. “In presenting the Profile in Courage Award each year, the Kennedy Library Foundation hopes to make Americans aware of the courage of these public servants, and to inspire other elected officials to follow their conscience regardless of political cost. In a time when politics and government have been marked by incivility and partisanship, I am delighted that such a large television audience will have the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the political integrity and courage of these men and women who serve our country with honor and distinction. I congratulate Al Roker Entertainment and WNBC for their commitment to quality programming on an issue of such importance to our American democracy.”
Award honorees that will be featured in “Profiles in Courage: A Kennedy Legacy” include the 2006 recipients, Congressman John Murtha and former Navy General Counsel Alberto Mora; Congressman John Lewis, the only recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in the history of the awards; Congresswoman Hilda Solis, the first female recipient; President Gerald R. Ford for his controversial decision of conscience to pardon President Richard M. Nixon; and the heroic public servants and first responders of September 11, 2001.
The documentary also includes commentary by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, historians Doris Kearns Goodwin and Michael Beschloss, Bob Woodward and notable public figures that share perspectives on Profiles in Courage.
“50 years later, John F. Kennedy and his book, ‘Profiles in Courage,’ continue to be a source of inspiration for myself and countless others,” said Frank Comerford, President and General Manager, WNBC. “It’s a privilege to share with viewers a special that celebrates the life, legacy and numerous contributions of JFK, as well as honors everyday heroes and courageous leaders.”
“We’re thrilled to air this important special on the NBC television stations and expose its message of honor, integrity and courage to hundreds of thousands of viewers across the country,” added Jay Ireland, President of the NBC Universal Television Stations.”
“This unique special brings the viewer on the inspired journey that John F. Kennedy began,” said Al Roker, Executive Producer of “Profiles in Courage: A Kennedy Legacy” and CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. “It is a never ending journey driven by the many faces of political heroes who stand tall in often lonely and unpopular positions, to support justice and equal rights. We invite viewers to learn from these men and women and to be motivated by their work.”
“The high qualities of the public servants showcased in the book and in the annual awards will inspire so many Americans through this television special, said Lisa Sharkey, Executive Producer of “Profiles In Courage: A Kennedy Legacy” and President of Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. “It is an honor to be working with Caroline Kennedy and the JFK Library Foundation on the program. Through the extraordinarily rare historical visuals, the potent words, and the courageous acts we’ll be celebrating, this documentary has the potential to turn even the most apathetic viewers into people who want to rise up and make a difference in our great country.”
“Profiles in Courage: A Kennedy Legacy” is a production of Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. with Executive Producers, Al Roker and Lisa Sharkey, Co-Executive Producer, Susan Lester and producer, Randy Lebowitz Roth. For more information, visit www.alrokerproductions.com.
Encore presentations will be announced at a later date. Broll and photos available upon request.
Profile in Courage Award®
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award® is the nation's most prestigious honor for elected public servants. The Award was created in 1989 by the Kennedy family to honor President John F. Kennedy and recognize and celebrate the quality of political courage that he admired most. The award is named for President Kennedy’s 1957 Pulitzer prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage, which recounts the stories of eight U.S. Senators who risked their careers by taking principled stands on unpopular positions. The Profile in Courage Award seeks to make Americans aware of the conscientious and courageous acts of their public servants, and to encourage elected officials to choose principles over partisanship – to do what is right, rather than what is expedient. The Profile in Courage Award is administered by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. A distinguished bipartisan committee named by the Foundation reviews all nominations, and selects the recipient or recipients of the award. The award is presented each May at a ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in connection with the observance of President Kennedy’s birthday on May 29.
NBC Universal Television Stations
The NBC Universal Television Stations division comprises 10 NBC television stations in major U.S. television markets, along with 15 Telemundo stations and one independent Spanish-language television station. Together, these stations cover approximately 31% of the nation's viewing households,. Individually managed and staffed, these stations broadcast NBC and Telemundo network programs (excluding the single independent station, KWHY) and present substantial amounts of locally produced news, sports, and public affairs programming.
Al Roker Entertainment, Inc.
Formed in 1994, Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. (ARE) is a thriving multimedia company involved in the development and production of network, cable, home video and public television projects. Al Roker is CEO and Lisa Sharkey is President. ARE produces programming for a diverse clientele including NBC News, E! Entertainment Network, Lifetime Television, A&E, The History Channel, Discovery Networks, PBS, TV ONE, Oxygen, The Cartoon Network and NBC Television Stations Group. Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. clients include real estate superstar Barbara Corcoran, fitness guru Jorge Cruise, celebrity dog trainer and handler Tamar Geller, designer Elaine Griffin, and the Wilhelmina Model agency.