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Chicago-Themed Pilot for National Series to Air on WTTW Family Travel with Colleen Kelly

Premieres Friday, May 4 at 8:30 pm and Repeats Saturday, May 5 at 11:00 am and Sunday, May 6 at 5:30 pm.

For immediate release
Chicago, IL - April 24, 2012

WTTW Chicago, America’s most-watched public television station, announced that it will air the Chicago-centric pilot episode of Family Travel with Colleen Kelly, an engaging new series that explores must-see locations throughout the U.S. and abroad while offering expert tips for creating easy, fun and memorable family vacations. It premieres on Friday, May 4 at 8:30 pm on WTTW, with two additional times that weekend: Saturday, May 5 at 11:00 am and Sunday, May 6 at 5:30 pm.

The 30-minute episode, hosted by family travel expert – and parent – Colleen Kelly, offers a personalized, exclusive look at some of Chicago’s popular family attractions, including Willis Tower, Navy Pier and the Chicago Children’s Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, Emerald City Theater, Wrigley Field and more. Kelly explores the Chicago River in a water taxi and on one of the city’s Wendella boat cruises, pedals a surrey along Chicago’s stunning lakefront, and samples the kid-friendly cuisine at such spots as Gino’s East and Molly’s Cupcakes.

"What better way to combine my passion for travel, my life experiences as a traveling parent, and my background in television production?” said Kelly. “I was amazed that a family travel show has never been done this way before! Ours is the first and I am excited to lead the way by showcasing my home town, Chicago!"

“WTTW is delighted to bring this unique new series to our viewers,” added Dan Soles, SVP and Chief Television Content Officer for the station. “We look forward to working with Colleen and her team to make this series a reality on public television nationwide,” he said.

Emmy-nominated Executive Producer Colleen Kelly is also co-creator of Emmy-winning 24/7 Chicago, which airs weekly on NBC's Chicago WMAQ. Additionally, Ms. Kelly is a freelance travel writer for the Chicago Tribune and writes a monthly travel column for the Irish American News. She lives with her family in a suburb of Chicago.

Family Travel with Colleen Kelly is written and produced by Travel Film Productions (TFP), LLC, an innovative, Chicago-based, multi-media production company specializing in travel-based programming for television.

Executive Producer and TFP President Tricia Fusilero approaches television production from an educator's viewpoint as a former Fulbright Scholar and teacher. Having also worked on 24/7 Chicago, Mrs. Fusilero facilitates location/venue research and selection, scheduling, and filming and production management. She lives with her family near Chicago.


About WTTW

For more than 55 years, audiences have turned to WTTW for distinctive programming that informs, inspires, educates, and entertains. WTTW reaches 1.5 million weekly households over a four-state area, making it the most-watched public television station in America.  Recognized for its award-winning local and national productions, WTTW is committed to presenting the very best in cultural, nature, science, public affairs, and children's programming across its four distinct television channels:  WTTW11, WTTW Prime, its Spanish-language channel WTTW V-me, and WTTW Create, its “how-to” channel.  For more information, please visit wttw.com.