MINNEAPOLIS, April 1, 2014 – Starkey Hearing Technologies, one of the world’s leading hearing technology companies, is excited to announce that the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) will air Operation Change, a television documentary series that features the extraordinary work of philanthropic organizations. The 10-part series will begin airing on June 23 at 9 p.m. (CT).
Operation Change showcases stories of positive impact around the world. It takes viewers around the globe as it examines some of the world’s most challenging issues and some of the organizations that are attempting to help bring positive change. During each episode, Starkey Hearing Technologies’ owner and Starkey Hearing Foundation’s co-founders Bill and Tani Austin, along with Starkey Hearing Technologies’ Steven Sawalich, team up with local organizations to work on sustainable projects that will profoundly affect each community.
The series features philanthropists joining forces including former President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Elton John and many others as they travel to some of the most dangerous and poverty-stricken places in the world. From the West Bank of Palestine to the wilds of Papua New Guinea, this raw documentary series reveals the untold stories of some of the world’s greatest heroes.
“Hearing loss is a global epidemic, impacting more than 360 million people worldwide, yet it can often be helped,” said President Clinton. “Hearing aids empower people to better connect with their families, communities and the larger world. I have seen first-hand the amazing impact that the Starkey Hearing Foundation and Starkey Hearing Technologies are having on people all around the world. I am lucky to call Bill and Tani Austin, as well as Steven Sawalich, my friends. And I am proud of the Clinton Foundation’s relationship with them and this work. It’s empowering people to live more independent, prosperous, joyful lives.”
“Working with this family, and supporting their efforts through the Starkey Hearing Foundation, has been an incredibly uplifting experience for me,” said Sir Elton John. “When people are cared for and not forgotten, their human spirit comes alive, and that’s why, when they approached me, I had to be a part of Operation Change. I know everyone who watches this series will want to be a part of it as well. My friend Oprah Winfrey’s network, OWN, is the perfect vehicle for this groundbreaking series.”
“There has never been another documentary series like Operation Change,” said Steven Sawalich, Executive Producer of the series. “In each episode we go to a different part of the world, immerse ourselves into the local community and figure out how we can both help people improve their situation and help empower themselves.”
For more information on Operation Change and to view a series trailer, go to www.operationchange.com
About Starkey® Hearing Technologies
Starkey Hearing Technologies is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn. The company is recognized for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Founded in 1967,
Starkey Hearing Technologies currently employs more than 3,600 people, operates 21 facilities and conducts business in more than 100 markets worldwide. The company develops, manufactures and distributes hearing aids via four distinct brands – Audibel, NuEar, MicroTech and its original brand, Starkey. For more information, visit StarkeyHearingTechnologies.com or the Starkey Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
