Disney Channel Shows Confront Bullying

In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Disney Channel will air special episodes of two of its hit shows that will address the issue, said network officials.

In a special Oct. 18 episode of K.C. Undercover, main characters and siblings K.C. Cooper (Zendaya) and Ernie Cooper (Kamil McFadden) are forced to put their sibling rivalries aside to work together to escape entrapment in a bank vault.

In an already aired Sept. 25 Girl Meets World episode, series character Riley Matthews (Rowan Blanchard) deals with being ridiculed by certain classmates, with her friends urging her to stand up for herself.

Along with the episodes, Disney will partner with STOMP Out Bullying, GLAAD, GLSEN, DoSomething.org and Pacer to encourage viewers to “Choose Kindness” in an effort to help stop bullying during National Bullying Prevention Month in October.  More information is available at www.Disney.com/BeInspired, said network officials.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.