ASR Media Productions Pivots to Take The PEAK TV Virtual
John Krasinski brought America Some Good News and Ashley and team gave the Lehigh Valley Virtual in the Valley! With COVID-19 stay at home orders firmly in place, the ASR Media team decided a great way to give back and stay engaged was to share the uplifting, human interest stories behind the crisis. Enter, “The Pivot,” which transformed The PEAK TV from an in-studio, taped program to a digital series aptly called The PEAK TV - Virtual in the Valley… or VITV. Never fear, The PEAK TV will continue its summer on-air TV rotation beginning at the end of May, but executive producer, Ashley Russo, felt the call to inform and share good news in real-time during the pandemic.
VITV launched on social media on April 4, 2020 to great success.
The #ASRTeam captured online interviews and performances, mixed with footage filmed at home and/or what the team can capture through safe, social distancing. The mission of the program remains the same – to offer stories of inspiration and motivation that help viewers be their best selves.
The bigger story here is how, in light of the pandemic, the #ASRTeam, under the guidance of Ashley and Katie, used innovation to create opportunities to go in-depth with important and very timely stories from around the Valley.
ASR Media has turned out a new 24-minute VITV episode every two weeks, starting April 4, and wrapping up the series on May 16.
VITV was born from ASR’s desire to create relevant, Valley-centered good news for a stressed-out community. VITV specifically highlights Ashley’s entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to the region and the show’s audience. More importantly, VITV offered those on the front lines, from educators to nonprofits to health networks, a platform to share stories of perseverance in light of a crisis.
“When COVID-19 broke, the ASR Media team pivoted and started responding to immediate client needs. At the same time, we were witnessing incredible works of heroism and service that we wanted to capture. I was lucky that ASR was able to weather any hiccups and create innovative content. I really hope everyone has enjoyed the virtual series!” Ashley Russo says, president of ASR Media Productions and executive producer of The PEAK TV.
Significant stories and performances featured include:
Promise Neighborhoods Baby Supplies
Convalescent Plasma Treatment
Greater Valley YMCA’s Here For You Program
Health Care Heroes Thank Yous
One of the most inspiring stories that VITV focused on was the partnership between St. Luke’s University Health Network and Miller-Keystone Blood Center that helped to bring convalescent plasma treatment to the Valley. Qiana Cressman, executive director of Miller-Keystone comments, “In the midst of massive uncertainty for our country and world, Virtual in the Valley has been a gift to us. Highlighting topics centered on improving the health and well-being of our community and what the Lehigh Valley has to offer, the stories featured have helped us feel connected as a region.”