CONSUMER REPORTER TRACY DAVIDSON LAUNCHES ON-LINE RESOURCE TO HELP TV AND WEB VIEWERS TAKE CHARGE OF FINANCES & SURVIVE THE RECESSION

[Ashley Cook]

CONSUMER REPORTER TRACY DAVIDSON
LAUNCHES ON-LINE RESOURCE TO HELP TV AND WEB VIEWERS
TAKE CHARGE OF FINANCES & SURVIVE THE RECESSION


Bala Cynwyd, PA – February 19, 2010 – With Americans across the U.S. continuing to be impacted by the ongoing recession, how – and where -- can people find the information they need to help them over the rough spots – especially with April’s tax deadline right around the corner? In response to increasing demand from viewers seeking assistance during these tough economic times, NBC10 Consumer Reporter Tracy Davidson has independently launched and financed TracyDavidson.com (www.tracydavidson.com) -- the first site of its kind developed by a Philadelphia-region consumer broadcast journalist -- designed to provide up-to-the minute consumer news and lifestyle tips to help individuals, families and businesses get the information they need to manage their finances and survive the recession.

A multiple Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award-winner for her consumer reporting and anchoring, Davidson first realized the power of social media when hosting the interactive program “All That & More,” which enabled viewers to provide immediate feedback on the stories making headlines. “We knew the concept was creative, but it actually turned out to be pretty revolutionary,” said Davidson, “as evidenced by similar segments now airing on programs such as The Today Show, which devotes a significant part of their 10am hour to social media.”

While the program didn’t last, Davidson’s popularity did, prompting her to create a FaceBook fan page, which now has over 3,200 fans and has been full of activity from people looking for help on various issues from securing a loan to securing a job.

“It was amazing and humbling at the same time that there were so many viewers out there who wanted to know my thoughts and feelings on their personal matters,” Davidson said. “The page has become its own on-line community, where my viewers and I share experiences on everything from employment to coupons to banking. After realizing that there were so many people of all ages who were looking for information and resources to guide them in their lives, I knew that I had a responsibility to do more, and that’s what led to the creation of the website.”

In addition to providing information on consumer events and community resources, a blog, a section on faith and fitness, and opportunities for visitors to comment on the latest consumer headlines, share their personal stories and post questions, TracyDavidson.com provides extended coverage on the stories Davidson reports for NBC10 News. “Through our newscasts and our Survive and Thrive program which airs Wednesday evenings, we offer a great deal of helpful information, but we have an extremely limited amount of time to cover the issues. The website allows me to expand the story and provide additional guidance to help our viewers. It is all about empowering their finances and their lives.”

Davidson is passionate about getting people solid information so they can make the best decisions for their money and their individual needs. “I would shout it from the rooftops if I could! But I thought this website would be the next best thing. Especially given the economy, I feel more driven than ever to deliver critical information to people about saving money, making money, finding jobs and really taking control of their finances. It’s a vehicle that enables me to share the resources I use all the time to find information that the general public can’t always access, or doesn’t know where to find.”

Most important to Davidson, whose commitment to viewers is underscored by the way she answers her phone, “Hi, This is Tracy. How can I help,” is the site’s ability to provide visitors an easily accessible avenue to tell her about any problems or consumer issues that she could help solve, which clearly sets her site apart from others. “Not only do I want visitors to talk to me, tell me their consumer complaints and issues they’re dealing with, but I will respond and be checking everyday to see what’s on their minds and how I can help.”

Tracy Davidson has spent 25 years in the media industry focused on reporting news and headlines that are relevant to all of us. She has always been passionate about consumer news and dedicating much of her personal time to help make the Delaware Valley a better place to live and thrive. A native of Oil City, PA, her career began as a radio host at several small stations in Upstate NY and then moved into television as a News Anchor at a CBS affiliate also in NY. Tracy has since become a five-time Emmy award-winning News Anchor and Consumer reporter for NBC TV 10 News.

In 2008, she was awarded the prestigious “Best News Anchor” Emmy for the Mid-Atlantic Region and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes. She was awarded the Sister Mary Vera award for her support and dedication to the women and children of Vera-House, was honored by another domestic violence shelter, Laurel House, for her work and support, and is a staunch supporter of the fight against breast cancer as her mother is a survivor.

Davidson continues to feed her passion for helping consumers by creating and attending events such as “The Great Shredder Event”, “The Money School”, small business seminars, DTV Transition help clinics and Phone Banks. Most recently, she spearheaded and hosted the week-long “Get a Job” series on NBC 10 that brought more than 150 people into the studio to get tips and information from area experts, followed by the opportunity for one-on-one interaction, allowing attendees to personally meet and speak with the experts on topics ranging from resume-writing to how to conduct a winning job interview and more.

For more information, or speaking appearance requests, visit www.tracydavidson.com. For interviews and media appearances, please contact Nina Zucker Associates, at 610.667.0706 or [e-mail].