aim tell-a-vision group – Raw Travel TV Blog

– Nation’s Poorest Reservation Gets a Helping Hand from Nation’s Most Watched Travel Show –

NEW YORK, NY: November 18^th, 2015 – AIM Tell-A-Vision® Group (AIM TV) announced today that its syndicated television series Raw Travel® will debut “Pine Ridge – Tribal Tourism” this weekend November 21 & 22, 2015 to kick off the Holiday Season of thanks and giving.

The Oglala Lakota Sioux Indian reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota is one of if not the poorest area in the entire United States. On the reservation it is reported that:

Average annual per capita income is estimated at just $4,000 annually.
Unemployment is over 80% and it’s estimated that over half live below the poverty line.
Teen (and even pre-teen) suicide is estimated to be four times the national rate.
They have the second lowest life expectancy in the Western Hemisphere (second only to Haiti).
Diabetes is eight times (and infant mortality three times) the U.S. rate.
There is a massive housing crisis with multiple families often crammed into small mobile homes, many without running water or adequate sewage.

However, thanks to a distinctive culture that incorporates ancient traditions and language, Pine Ridge is an emerging destination for travelers interested in “Tribal Tourism.” This is helping Pine Ridge residents hang on to their culture while creating a much needed economic boost. Raw Travel is raising awareness by highlighting an inspiring blend of locals, transplants, travelers and volunteers who are working hard to improve conditions. The show aspires to cultivate tourism on Pine Ride while celebrating its heritage.

The episode was intentionally filmed over the U.S. Independence Day Holiday Weekend (July 4^th) and incorporated local talent (camera, crew and artists) to produce the episode.

“Raw Travel Pine Ridge is not poverty porn. We focus on people who impact lives daily. With the heartbreaking and rampant suicide rates, Native American youth in particular need our help. In addition to the basics, most don’t have access to pastimes like after school programs, movie theaters or even a swimming pool,” states Executive Producer, Robert Rose. “It’s unacceptable to me that this situation exists anywhere, but especially in the most powerful economy in the world. The people of Pine Ridge are resilient and hospitable in the face of adversity few of us can comprehend. I hope this episode will not only raise awareness, but also motivate others to donate, volunteer or travel to the reservation.”

The producers have created a micro website www.RawTravelPineRidge.com as a resource for people who wish to learn more with additional video content, links to help and travel tips. They are using crowdfunding to raise funds via www.CrowdRise.com/RawTravel and by selling limited edition “Still Here… Still Proud” T-shirts designed by young Pine Ridge graphic designer, Jimi La Pointe.

Raw Travel is also donating money raised through the sale of an upcoming special DVD release and pay-per-view fundraising screenings of the international-cut version of the episode. Funds raised will be allocated for after school programs in cooperation with the Red Cloud School featured in the episode.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO

Raw Travel’s Pine Ridge initiative was assisted by Jim Clements (Artwork), Manhattan Screen Prints (T-Shirts), Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Medicine Root Films, Red Cloud School & Heritage Center, Re-Member, Batesland Pow-Wow, Wakpamni Bed & Breakfast, Prairie Wind Casino, KEVN-TV Black Hills Fox 7 (Rapid City, South Dakota), Sequoia Crosswhite (music), Scatter Their Own (music), Alliance of Tribal Tourism Advocates, Daphne Richards-Cook and many more.

ABOUT RAW TRAVEL

Raw Travel is an authentic, adventure travel and lifestyle television series currently in its 3^rd season and airs in over 140 U.S. Cities (91% of the U.S.). It is broadcast in syndication on local affiliates (Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC, CW, My, etc.) as well as on a variety of outlets internationally in Asia, Europe, Africa and more. Raw Travel showcases the rapidly growing wave of socially and environmentally aware independent travel. The series weaves together themes of ecotourism, voluntourism (giving back) with underground music and authentic culture in a way unique to U.S. television. More information can be found at www.RawTravel.tv and viewers can visit www.RawTravel.tv/wheretowatch for a complete listing of cities, affiliates and time slots in the U.S.

ABOUT AIM TELL-A-VISION GROUP

AIM TV is an independent content, production and distribution company founded by media executive and entrepreneur Robert G. Rose. AIM TV aspires to produce and distribute positive, compelling content that reflects its mission of presenting Media That Matters. Visit www.AIMTVGroup.com for more information.

– Successful 1st Season Leads to Big Growth Spurt for Syndication’s Only Authentic Travel Show

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 2nd, 2014 – AIM Tell-A-Vision® Group (AIM TV) announced today that their latest production “Raw Travel®” is cleared for a 2nd season of syndication this fall. The show’s 2nd season will debut via broadcast stations in over 100 markets nationwide, representing over 90 million homes and over 80% of the U.S. homes this coming October.

In addition to several mid-season additions in Season 1, Raw Travel added 30 new markets for its record setting 2nd Season, including Cleveland (NBC), San Diego (CW), Richmond (ABC), Baltimore (My), Grand Rapids (Fox), Memphis (ABC/CW), New Orleans (ABC), Little Rock (Fox / CW), Albany (CBS/CW), to name a few. Additionally, Raw Travel upgraded stations and time periods in key markets including Top 10 markets Philadelphia (My) & Houston (NBC). The additional markets represent a growth spurt of over 40% from the series’ debut last fall.

Raw Travel is an adventure travel & lifestyle series showcasing the wave of socially and environmentally aware, independent travel. The series weaves together themes of eco-tourism, volun-tourism (giving back) with underground music and authentic culture in a way unique to television.

The show’s first (and current) season saw Raw Travel pulling audience increases in major demographics in key markets across the country. Particularly impressive was the show’s wide appeal in both male & female demographics and its ability to attract younger viewers to broadcast TV while maintaining and often growing older demographic lead-ins. Raw Travel also ranked #1 or #2 in key time-slots in several markets consistently.

“Our hunch was this show would work simply because it’s very different than what viewers can get on either cable or broadcast but it blew away our expectations. With 113 million U.S. passports in circulation and growing, travel has ceased to be a niche. It’s mainstream, wildly popular and growing, plus its way under-served,” says Executive Producer and Host, Robert G. Rose. “I think Raw Travel proves that good, unique 1st run, weekend programming can help broadcasters salvage sagging weekend numbers and give them a point of differentiation, especially as viewers continue to cut cable’s chord.” Rose continues.

For Raw Travel’s second season, the show has spread its wings and begun production in parts of Eastern Europe and North America with plans to travel to Southeast Asia and to return to Latin America, which proved popular with viewers in Season 1. The show’s “authentic” theme, along with the message that “almost anyone can afford this type of travel,” stands out from the usual high end, luxury “fantasy travel” or the glut of gimmicky, “reality” formats showcased on cable or primetime television.

The website www.RawTravel.tv features more information about the series and the shortcut of www.RawTravelTrailer.com showcases a short 2014-15 trailer. Interested outlets may view distribution information at www.RawTravelDistribution.com or contact AIM TV Group’s Vice President of Content & Partnerships, Jon Krobot.