In a historic move, the Unforgettable Gala, commonly known as UNFO, is set to make its television debut after a triumphant 21-year run as the premier award show celebrating Asians and Pacific Islanders in entertainment, arts, and culture. This groundbreaking event will be exclusively aired on ChimeTV on December 18 at 8 PM EST, marking a significant moment for the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community and the broader entertainment industry.
Founded in 2002 by James Ryu and produced by Character Media, the Unforgettable Gala has been an annual gathering that attracts over 700 attendees strictly by invitation. What sets this year apart is the collaboration with ChimeTV, America’s sole 24/7 English-language AAPI-focused entertainment television network, making it possible for viewers across North America to witness the celebration of excellence in diversity.
Takashi Cheng, Chief Executive Optimist at ChimeTV, expressed his excitement about sharing the event with a global audience. Having been an attendee and sponsor of the Unforgettable Gala for numerous years, Cheng views the live broadcast as an opportunity for audiences worldwide to join in the celebrations. He believes the event’s international appeal will be amplified through ChimeTV’s distribution platforms.
The decision to broadcast the Unforgettable Gala aligns with ChimeTV’s commitment to strengthening the presence of underrepresented Asians and Pacific Islanders on both sides of the screen. Bob Rose, President of ChimeTV, emphasizes the network’s dedication to ensuring that the night’s award winners receive the recognition they deserve for their outstanding achievements.
The ChimeTV broadcast will be led by a seasoned team, including production head DebbieLee Ruiz, Augie Max Vargas, an Emmy award-winning producer with an impressive track record in live television, and Narumi Inatsugu, a producer, director, and editor with multiple primetime Emmy nominations. With credits on notable live events, Brett Ostro rounds out the team, bringing his expertise to make the Unforgettable Gala a visually stunning and memorable experience for viewers.
The Unforgettable Gala, produced by Character Media, will be a live-to-tape television special airing on ChimeTV, starting on Monday, December 18 at 8 p.m. EST. ChimeTV is available on CHARTER’S SPECTRUM TV SELECT® package footprint-wide in 41 states, Channel 147 in NYC and Los Angeles, and can be streamed on https://streamstak.com/chimetvplus/ and through https://getgolden.tv/.
About the Unforgettable Gala
The Unforgettable Gala, conceived in 2002 by James Ryu, founder and publisher of Character Media, aims to celebrate diversity across the API community and recognize the past year’s successes. This black-tie event highlights celebrities, influencers, and leaders significantly contributing to entertainment, arts, and culture. For more information, visit the official website www.unforgettablegala.com.
About Character Media
Character Media, a subsidiary of Imperial Family Companies, has been the leading source of news and events for the Asian American entertainment community for over 30 years. Founded in 1990 by Jung Shig Ryu and continued by his son James Ryu, Character Media traces its roots back to KoreAm Journal and Audrey Magazine. The non-profit arm KoreAm Audrey Foundation has been a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization since 2011.
About ChimeTV
ChimeTV, an Asian American-owned channel led by Takashi Cheng, stands as America’s only 24/7 general entertainment AAPI English language channel. With a commitment to showcasing the voices, stories, and experiences of AAPI people, ChimeTV serves as a beacon that illuminates the richness, depth, and dynamism of AAPI culture. ChimeTV fosters understanding, appreciation, and connection among diverse cultures through cable TV and streaming platforms.
CHIME: Creating History In Media Entertainment! Available through CHARTER’S SPECTRUM TV SELECT® package footprint-wide in 41 states; Channel 147 in NYC and Los Angeles
https://streamstak.com/chimetvplus/
Follow ChimeTV™ on Instagram @watchchimetv
Press Contacts: Chime TV: Bob Rose (brose@chimetv.co)
Unforgettable Gala: Jessica del Mundo (press@charactermedia.com)
