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Avenue Z Hires Leading Digital Media and Technology Executive David Corchado to Lead Team in Global Strategy

Avenue Z

The Avenue Z Network, a Strategic Communications and Marketing Advisory, today announced the hiring of David Corchado as Chief Strategy and Technology Officer. Corchado joins the firm to spearhead technological advancement and utilization of data science, following a successful run as Chief Technology Officer of B2B communications firm Investis Digital (acquired by Investcorp). Based in Avenue Z’s New York office, Corchado will work closely with the New York and Boston teams to further the advisory’s Health Technology Practice. "David's expertise in digital media optimization, agile tech stack development, analytics, and cyber-security will be instrumental in driving the next phase of growth for Avenue Z,” said Jeffrey Herzog, CEO of The Avenue Z Network. “This move strengthens Avenue Z’s technology teams, providing strong leadership for our work in digital transformation and accelerating our advantage in building Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences technology programs” continued Herzog. With Corchado joining the executive team, Avenue Z brings on a proven talent that has led global digital transformation projects for consumer brands including Estee Lauder, Toyota, and LG. While at Investis Digital, Corchado led technology strategy and product development, including building the Connect.ID and IDX Virtual Events platforms into solutions recognized by Forrester and used by major brands such as Ocado, Rolls-Royce, Brookfield Partners, Snap, CVS, Vodafone, and Lowes. During his career with iCrossing & TBWA\Chiat\Day Corchado focused on digital media for pharmaceutical advertising and led optimization projects for Merck, Sanofi, GSK, Novartis, and Pfizer. “Building a modern marketing technology stack is now less about writing original code and more about connecting best-of-breed solutions through APIs. We are building bespoke solutions for clients based on their vertical, channel and sustainability goals. Brands are already demanding more efficiency as a result of AI, and my priority is to deploy workforce analytics and smart applications that boost our productivity and quality. With that, we will truly be able to disrupt traditional PR, where the future of digital influence will be machine-driven, but human optimized," said Corchado. The Avenue Z Network is a strategic communications & marketing advisory focused on brand performance and business growth. Avenue Z works with mission-driven brands to create an integrated narrative through public relations, search and social branding, influencer marketing and performance media. Avenue Z provides clients with the platform they need to gain exposure and activate messages across all media. The Company is headquartered In Miami, FL with offices in Orlando and New York City. For more information visit www.AvenueZ.com Contact Details Avenue Z Allie Rosenfeld press@avenuez.com

October 24, 2023 07:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time

QYOU Media Launches New Version of Q GamesMela Gaming App

QYOU Media

Contact Details Doug Barker +1 437-992-4814 shareholder@qyoutv.com Company Website https://www.valuethemarkets.com

October 24, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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First Ever Global Campaign to Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide

LifeLine International

Today, LifeLine International launched Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide, a new campaign advocating for legal changes in countries where suicide is either a crime or the law is unclear. Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard joined Lifeline International to give a keynote speech calling for communities around the world to unite against outdated and punitive laws exacerbating the isolation and stigma associated with suicide. According to new analysis from LifeLine International, suicide and attempted suicide is a crime in 25 countries, while the legality of both is unclear in a further 27 countries. Laws criminalising suicide are generally associated with higher suicide rates because they are ineffective deterrents and inhibit people in suicidal distress from seeking help. The analysis, completed with input from the International Bar Association, is the latest comprehensive audit of laws criminalising suicide undertaken. A population of 1.2 billion people live in the 52 countries where suicide is either a crime or laws are uncertain. The campaign advocates for legislative changes that will also help achieve the UN's Sustainable Development goal to decrease global suicide rates by 30% by 2030. Where we seek to change laws, LifeLine International will also work to either establish or enhance crisis line services. Decriminalisation has gathered positive momentum in the last five years, with legal reform completed in Ghana, Malaysia, Pakistan, India and Singapore. LifeLine International has identified Malawi and Nigeria as initial focus countries for decriminalisation campaign support. In the 27 countries with unclear legal frameworks, LifeLine International will engage with governments and civil society organisations to seek clarity and request the removal of barriers preventing people from seeking help. The ambiguity comes from a lack of consistency in the respective legal systems. The official campaign launch at Australia House in London was attended by diplomats, representatives of major mental health organisations, service providers, charities, supporters and the media. Former Australian Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard AC, who gave the keynote speech at the event, said: “The power of coalition and influence has the potential to drive significant change in addressing suicide as a global public health crisis. Coming together to support decriminalising suicide holds the promise of saving hundreds of thousands of lives." LifeLine International President, Justin Chase, said: "Every day, more than 1,900 people lose their lives to suicide, and approximately 77% of these tragic events occur in low- and middle-income countries. Suicide is a global public health challenge, but LifeLine International's new campaign is committed to creating a world where individuals facing suicidal thoughts can seek help without fear of legal repercussions. Decriminalisation addresses a significant barrier to deploying crisis support services and tackling the social stigmas that discourage help-seeking.” As part of the campaign, two digital platforms were launched today: www.25crimes.org – A social change campaign platform serving as the public face of the campaign; and, www.suicide-decrim.network – A bespoke knowledge platform for experts, NGOs, civil society, and crisis support services to facilitate the formation of national decriminalisation. LifeLine CEO Thilini Perera said: "Through our knowledge platform, we are bridging the gap between countries to advocate for change. LifeLine International's commitment to using innovative technology and galvanising support will accelerate decriminalisation campaigns, allowing people living in countries where suicide remains a crime to receive the help they deserve. We are proud to open source our knowledge to support network participants. Our platform will enable us to track progress and move closer to a world where suicide is decriminalised, stigma is reduced, and help-seeking is both accessible and encouraged." About LifeLine International: LifeLine International is an Australian-registered international civil society organisation representing 27 Members, in 23 separate countries. Our Members collectively operate more than 200 suicide prevention and crisis support services across the world. Our shared mission is to create a world where quality suicide prevention support is available, accepted and encouraged. Our goal is to ensure that the life-saving work of our Members is fully recognised, valued and supported. We focus on supporting the expansion of community-based crisis support services, wholly operated by our Members and beyond. We believe that crisis support services must be accessible and widely promoted in all communities, regardless of location, cultural practice or legal frameworks. We fundamentally believe that crisis helplines play a critical role in the overall continuum of care for suicide prevention. Our ultimate beneficiaries are help seekers: individuals in distress, despair and at risk of suicide. Notes to Editors: Click here for the Campaign Brief Click here for Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide Factsheet For further information or interview requests, please contact LifeLine.International@highgate.ltd Contact Details LifeLine International Jenny Wright +44 7786 567525 LifeLine.International@highgate.ltd Company Website https://lifeline-intl.com/

October 23, 2023 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Cutting Through the AEP Clutter

YourUpdateTV

Millions of older Americans rely on Medicare as a crucial support for their health care. Yet, choosing a health plan that fits their needs can be overwhelming, particularly since nearly 90% of adults struggle with understanding health-related information. This can make the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) – which runs from October 15 th to December 7 th – feel like an obstacle course Medicare beneficiaries must navigate every year. A video accompaying this release can be found here: https://youtu.be/F-MZ0L3t9Zw Recently, Terri Swanson, President of Medicare for Aetna, a CVS Health company, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the annual enrollment period and tips for consumers on how to choose a plan. When selecting a plan, the first thing people should consider is their own health needs, which can help cut through the clutter of information and make a decision that’s right for you. Medicare decisions can be confusing, so it’s important to seek out trusted sources of information and ask yourself some basic questions before choosing a plan. The three main questions people should ask themselves are: Will this plan fit my budget? This includes the monthly premium, as well as out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance for doctors’ visits, hospital stays and other health services. Are my favorite doctors, hospitals and pharmacies in the plan’s network? Are my prescription drugs covered and what are they going to cost? With these three pieces of critical information, consumers can begin the process of narrowing down their plan options and finding the one that’s right for their budget and specific health needs. In addition to the basics, like coverage for doctors and prescription medications, most Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of additional benefits that can create further value. Examples include dental, vision, hearing, fitness membership, over-the-counter products, transportation to and from doctors’ visits and even healthy foods. To begin the process of selecting a plan, people should go to Medicare.gov. Once there, they can enter their zip code and see all the Medicare plans available in their area. To learn more about Aetna plans and find some resources to help you understand your Medicare options, visit AetnaMedicare.com. About Terri Swanson As President of Medicare for Aetna, a CVS Health company, Terri oversees the sales, operations and business strategy for Aetna’s robust portfolio of Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Terri is proud to lead a team that advocates for the older adult population, helping nearly 11 million Aetna Medicare members nationwide achieve their best health. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 23, 2023 02:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Evidence of Discrepancies, Misrepresentations, and Noncompliance with FCC Rules Calls FOX's Truthfulness with Regulator into Question

Media and Democracy Project

The Media and Democracy Project (MAD) has submitted a comprehensive response to the filing by Fox Television Stations (FTS), urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compel FOX to turn over key discovery documents from recent litigation. MAD reiterated its belief that obtaining these documents is crucial for the FCC to evaluate the numerous character violations relevant to the broadcast license renewal application for the FOX Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF). The filing focused on dismantling FOX’s attempt to shield the questionable conduct of FOX executives and hosts from thorough examination by the FCC. FOX's opposition to releasing these materials is an attempt to hinder the Commission from conducting a full and transparent assessment of the company's deliberate and willful promotion of false election narratives, which had dire consequences for the country. FOX has labeled the request a "fishing expedition," disregarding the fact that the motion for documents seeks only to enhance the record for evaluating WTXF's license application. It is a routine practice that is common during an FCC license review. FOX argues that its alleged misconduct falls outside the scope of FCC character policy, therefore, the request for documents is irrelevant to its renewal application. This fails to appreciate the gravity of the actions taken by senior FOX leadership following the 2020 election that shock the conscience and are well within the scope of the Commission. FOX's assertion that granting evidence from shareholder lawsuits contradicts Delaware law is baseless. This law pertains specifically to shareholder requests and does not apply to a license renewal proceeding where the FCC makes the request. MAD's motion also requested information related to contracts between WTXF and political advertisers, as mandated by law to be filed with the FCC and made public. Rather than acknowledging any wrongdoing, FOX has chosen to double down on arguments made before the Commission that it did nothing wrong despite ample evidence of discrepancies, misrepresentations, and noncompliance to the contrary. This continues the pattern of mistruths noted by the judge in the Dominion case and demonstrates that FOX’s penchant for lies does not stop with its regulator. Access to nonpublic discovery material would further support what publicly available information has already established—that FOX and Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch lack the character required of public broadcast license trustees. Given that these documents have already been categorized, organized, and provided in various lawsuits, the FCC could request the same documents be provided to the petitioners with ease. A copy of MAD’s response to FTS can be found here. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots organization focused on strengthening a free and independent media in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.Org. Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/

October 23, 2023 11:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Direct Adapts to the Changing Landscape of News Distribution

News Direct

In response to the evolving dynamics in the news industry, News Direct, an innovative, key player in the newswire business, is taking proactive steps to redefine its role in the world of news distribution. The recent trend of major online publishers reducing their focus on news content has spurred News Direct to diversify its product offerings and amplify its digital presence. An October 19th New York Times article, co-authored by Mike Isaac, Katie Robertson, and Nico Grant, highlighted the concerning shift in the online publishing industry. Leading platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and Google are minimizing their support for news content. This trend not only affects the media landscape but also has profound implications for the public relations (PR) profession. News Direct occupies a unique position at the intersection between news and PR. It has observed the gradual diminishing effectiveness of traditional news releases in gaining earned media coverage, causing the focus to shift towards the posting of news releases on online platforms like Yahoo! Finance, social media channels like X (formerly known as Twitter) and harnessing the power of SEO. In response to these changes, News Direct is embarking on an intentional effort to diversify its product mix. In addition to pushing out content across its global network, the company is now focused on content amplification by becoming both a distributor of, and a destination for, such content. The primary catalyst for this shift is the dramatic surge in domain authority and organic traffic to newsdirect.com. Two key factors have contributed to this rise to Internet prominence. First, News Direct introduced " Digital Asset Direct ", a feature unique in the industry, allowing the distribution of standalone multimedia content over its newswire without the requirement of embedding it within a text-based news release. Such digital content, particularly video, aligns with Google's preference for multimedia, further enhancing the News Direct platform's performance in search results. Secondly, News Direct launched its Sponsored Content product, Town Square, which has seen thousands of sponsored articles published on the website. This has driven a substantial increase in organic traffic, organic keywords, and backlinks, significantly boosting domain ranking and authority. The success of these strategies has encouraged News Direct to expand its product suite to include podcasting ( News Direct Podcast Channel ), guest blogs ( Blog Buffet ), and soon, video/webinars. These offerings enable clients to leverage News Direct's website popularity and employ multiple influential formats to attract and engage audiences. Notably, News Direct posts this content but does not host it, ensuring that visitors are directed to the issuer's preferred site, such as YouTube. This approach provides a symbiotic relationship, whereby News Direct's web traffic benefits content creators, and in turn, that traffic is driven to the content creators' preferred hosting domains. The visitor universe of News Direct's website is diverse, attracting audiences from the PR, IR, and marketing communities, individual and institutional investors, journalists, consumers, and more. Thus, the digital environment acts as a melting pot, catering to various segments of society on a global scale. According to News Direct founder and CEO, Gregg Castano, "We at News Direct recognize that the challenges in the news distribution landscape present opportunities for innovation. To quote Winston Churchill, 'A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.' The dramatic pivot by online publishers most definitely will create obstacles for the PR profession, but we're optimistic that effective use of technology will provide viable alternatives for content amplification. While this is not the sole solution, News Direct is confident that it is a valuable option." About News Direct News Direct is a technology-driven content distribution and amplification platform for PR, IR, corporate communications and marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely reimagined, modernized user experience for newswire users that has reshaped the industry landscape. Additionally, the company has expanded its offerings to include an array of technology-enhanced message amplification tools ranging from sponsored content to podcasting products, all from one online destination. Contact Details News Direct Corp. Media at News Direct +1 917-698-4131 media@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

October 23, 2023 10:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The 2023 International Conference on Education Innovation: Redefining Learning Trends with AI

CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach - 20 October 2023 - The rapid development of artificial intelligence in recent years has opened the way for AI to revolutionize learning. The most talked-about education-related topic in 2023 is how AI and other examples of cutting-edge technology can change the way we teach our children. Concurrently, interdisciplinary learning that revolves around urban centers is also catching on around the world thanks to its culturally rich, explorative nature. The main theme of the 2023 International Conference on Education Innovation, hosted by CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing, was "AI x Education: Redefining Learning". The topics of discussion focused on education goals, learning methods, and a deep dive into "why we learn" in the era of AI. In addition to the insightful discourse on global education trends, an exciting new program in this year's forum was the series of individual seminars that zeroed in on specific concepts, such as career planning, hands-on learning, and OPEN365, an invigorating new approach to improving education with outside-the-box thinking. The aim of the conference was to inject new ideas into Taiwan's education innovation ecosystem, so that it may have a lasting effect on the education system. Nearly a thousand parents and education workers participated in the annual extravaganza. A special highlight of the conference was the talk on "The World is Your School: Making Learning Fun with Technology", which saw Teachers Lead Tech founder Monika Katkute sharing success stories from Lithuania, in which EdTech helped students expand their understanding of the world. Hsiao-Yue Tsao, Chair of the Graduate Institute of Interactive Media Design at National Taipei University of Technology, spoke about cooperation between businesses and academia that aims to advance technological education. With her guidance, participants were able to experience the new era of the Metaverse, as well as inspiring new applications in AR, VR, and XR tech that showcased the creativity and diversity of Taiwan's education scene. Taiwan's booming EdTech industry was another area of great interest, as speakers shared case studies about how AI was used to teach students to play Go, the contribution of robots and the Internet of things (IoT) on campuses, interactive online courses, the utilization of tech to promote aesthetic education for children, etc. The rich tapestry of seminars and exhibitions allowed participants to witness live demonstrations on how AI and technology can be integrated into learning. The audience was wowed by different tech applications and how technology can turn the world of education on its head while creating new business opportunities. The proposed end goal is to change the methods of "teaching" and "learning" so that the ideal of "Personalized Learning" can become reality. The 2023 International Conference on Education Innovation hosted by CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing will continue to use its media influence to build new platforms for education innovation. Through in-depth dialogue and the free sharing of ideas, it is hoped that the education ecosystem will thrive and bring about greater cooperation between academia and the private sector. Contact Details CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing LO AN LIN roanlin@cw.com.tw

October 23, 2023 09:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time

GPE Launches Virtual Reality Film on Climate Change And Education

The Global Partnership for Education (GPE)

WASHINGTON D.C., MAPUTO - Media OutReach - 23 October 2023 - The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) launched today Education in the eye of the storm – a virtual reality film in partnership with UNICEF showcasing the challenges that climate change poses on children’s education in Mozambique. Education in the eye of the storm invites users to experience how extreme weather events are impacting education and how children and their communities are adapting. Cyclone Freddy, the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, hit Mozambique twice - on February 24 and March 11, 2023 - causing strong winds combined with heavy rains and wreaking havoc on the lives of hundreds of thousands of families. “Viewers will experience Cyclone Freddy’s intensity and get a visceral understanding of the challenges faced by the community during this natural disaster,” said Laura Frigenti, GPE’s Chief Executive Officer. “Education is an underestimated but critical pillar of climate action. GPE will continue helping partner countries develop climate-smart education systems,” added Frigenti. “As the climate crisis intensifies, Mozambique continues to face recurrent cyclones and climate shocks, which are putting children’s ability to learn in serious jeopardy. That’s why UNICEF is working with Government of Mozambique and partners to invest in climate resilient classrooms, which can stand up to the strongest storms and make sure children remain in school – even after disasters strike,” said Maria Luisa Fornara, UNICEF Representative in Mozambique. Through a 360° immersive experience, users can access videos, photos, interviews and other content to understand the scale of the destruction caused by Cyclone Freddy and its consequences for children’s education. Keeping children in school through climate-related event starts with building resilient education systems. This includes risk-sensitive planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, and advancing curricula and teacher training on climate and disaster risk reduction. To fully harness the potential of education for climate action, GPE is working with partners to offer technical support to include climate-risk in countries’ plans, fosters cross-sector coordination and financing for adaptation efforts. With almost one third of GPE grants supporting climate change response efforts, GPE also launched the Climate Smart Education Systems initiative in partnership with Save the Children and UNESCO, to enhance countries’ capacities to include climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability into education sector plans and budgets. Access https://educationinthestorm.org/ to view the virtual reality film. Read the Factsheet: Confronting climate change through education About UNICEF The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in some of the world's toughest places to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them reach their true potential. Across 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for all. And we never give up. For more information on UNICEF Mozambique and its work for every child, visit www.unicef.org.mz. About the Global Partnership for Education GPE is a shared commitment to ending the world’s learning crisis. We mobilize partners and funds to support nearly 90 lower-income countries to transform their education systems so that every girl and boy can get the quality education they need to unlock their full potential and contribute to building a better world. www.globalpartnership.org Contact Details GPE Head of Communications Tamara Kummer +33 7 82 26 07 18 tkummer@globalpartnership.org Chief of Advocacy, Communication and Partnerships (ACP), UNICEF Mozambique Guy Taylor (English) +258 85 183 9954 gutaylor@unicef.org Communication Officer, UNICEF Mozambique Gabriel Pereira (Portuguese) +258 84 522 1721 gpereira@unicef.org

October 23, 2023 04:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NLPC Files Ethics Complaint Against Senator Robert Menendez Seeking His Expulsion

NLPC

The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) filed an ethics complaint with the Senate Ethics Committee against Senator Robert Menendez. The complaint requests that the Committee investigate his criminal conduct and recommend that the Senate vote to expel him from office. NLPC’s complaint cites the recent superseding indictment against Senator Menendez, his wife, and three New Jersey businessmen, who “willfully and knowingly combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together and with each other” to have Senator Menendez act as an agent of the Government of Egypt and Egyptian officials. In return for this and other favors to the businessmen, he and his wife received bribes and other illegal gratuities of over $480,000 in cash — much of it stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing and closets in his home — along with gold bars, a luxury Mercedes Benz, and personal items. “Menendez’s excuse for having $480,000 in cash stuffed in his clothes and closet because he was saving it from his paycheck for a rainy day is laughable and insults the intelligence of his constituents, especially when his co-defendant’s fingerprints were found on some of the envelopes,” said Paul Kamenar, NLPC’s counsel who filed the complaint. “We checked his financial disclosure forms and if anything, his Senate bank account increased by a sizable amount,” Kamenar added. The complaint notes that the Ethics Committee is mandated under its rules to open a preliminary inquiry and cannot nor should not wait until the criminal case is resolved as the Committee previously indicated that it would do. “The Ethics Committee should do its job and not wait until the criminal case is completed,” said Kamenar. “The Ethics Committee should do the Senate a favor and recommend that Senator Menendez be expelled from the Senate as his colleagues are calling on him to resign,’ Kamenar added. NLPC’s complaint notes that Senator Menendez was previously tried for bribery in 2018 for receiving gifts and luxury travel from his benefactor Dr. Salomon Melgen. NLPC was instrumental in that case of uncovering Senator Menendez’s lobbying efforts to fund a multi-million-dollar port security project in the Dominican Republic in which Dr. Melgen had a financial interest. “While his case ended in a hung jury, Menendez did not learn his lesson and continued to abuse his office and act corruptly,” said Peter Flaherty, NLPC Chairman. “Senator Menendez is not only a career politician but a career criminal,” Flaherty added. ### Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education and legal action. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 20, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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