President Barack Obama to Deliver Special Introduction for USA Network Airing of "To Kill A Mockingbird" On Saturday, April 7 at 8PM ET/PT

NEW YORK, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- USA Network, the American Film Institute (AFI) and Universal Pictures proudly announce the exclusive airing of "To Kill A Mockingbird" on Saturday, April 7th at 8PM ET/PT on USA, featuring a special introduction from President Barack Obama.  The airing on USA marks the first national broadcast of the digitally remastered and fully restored classic. 

Based on Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film tells the story of lawyer Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) and his struggle for justice in a small community in Alabama. With its bold portrayal of racial injustice and strong message of tolerance, fairness and honor, the movie still resonates with audiences today.  "To Kill A Mockingbird" will be presented with limited commercials.

"I'm deeply honored that President Obama will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of 'To Kill A Mockingbird' by introducing it to a national audience," said Harper Lee.  "I believe it remains the best translation of a book to film ever made, and I'm proud to know that Gregory Peck's portrayal of Atticus Finch lives on - in a world that needs him now more than ever."

The American Film Institute lists "To Kill A Mockingbird" as one of the 100 Greatest American Films and names Atticus Finch as the No. 1 Film Hero of All Time.  Premiered in 1962, the film earned eight Academy Award^® nominations and three wins including a Best Actor honor for Gregory Peck, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Art Direction.

As part of Universal Pictures' centennial, the company has made a major film restoration commitment of 13 motion picture classics including the restored "To Kill A Mockingbird" which was recently released on Blu-ray™ for the first time ever, offering over three hours of bonus materials including two full-length documentaries. 

USA's airing of "To Kill A Mockingbird" underscores the network's commitment to its award-winning Characters Unite public service campaign to combat hate and discrimination and promote greater understanding and acceptance. The initiative includes on-air programming and PSAs, digital content and community outreach and events.

About USA Network

The #1 network in all of basic cable, USA Network is seen in 115 million U.S. homes.  USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals including POLITICAL ANIMALS, SUITS, NECESSARY ROUGHNESS, WHITE COLLAR, ROYAL PAINS, BURN NOTICE, PSYCH, COVERT AFFAIRS, COMMON LAW, FAIRLY LEGAL and IN PLAIN SIGHT.  The network offers 52 weeks of spectacular live television with WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events.  A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV.  USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

About the American Film Institute

AFI is America's promise to preserve the history of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers.  AFI provides leadership in film, television and digital media and is dedicated to initiatives that engage the past, the present and the future of the moving image arts.  AFI programs include the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and Archive, which preserve film heritage for future generations; the AFI Life Achievement Award – the highest honor for a career in film – now in it's 40th year; AFI Awards, honoring the most outstanding motion pictures and television programs of the year; AFI's 100 Years…100 Movies television events and movie reference lists, which have introduced and reintroduced classic American movies to millions of film lovers; year-round and special event exhibition through AFI Fest presented by Audi, AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs and the AFI Silver Theatre; and educating the next generation of storytellers at the world renowned AFI Conservatory, named the #1 film school in the world by The Hollywood Reporter for the quality of its instructors and speakers, and its "glittering parade of alumni."  For more information about AFI, visit AFI.com or connect with AFI at twitter.com/AmericanFilm, facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute and youtube.com/AFI.

About Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com).  Universal Studios is a part of NBCUniversal.  NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks.  Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

SOURCE USA Network