21st Century Fox Celebrates 'Pitch' Premiere by Forging New Partnerships to Support Women's Achievements in Sports and Beyond
21st Century Fox Social Impact
On September 22, Ginny Baker - the fictional first female player in major league baseball - made her television debut to widespread acclaim in FOX's new drama Pitch. To honor her inspirational story, the network has partnered with LeanIn.Org for a campaign featuring the series' cast and crew in conversation about the struggles they've faced and the strides they've made as women in male-dominated industries. 21st Century Fox also partnered with the Women's Sports Foundation to help female athletes around the country break barriers in their own communities and take their athletic achievements to new heights.
The LeanIn.Org campaign launched last week with a video series of Pitch stars Kylie Bunbury and Ali Larter, as well as executive producer Helen Bartlett, all speaking about the value of positive representation of women on screen.
"Growing up, watching certain things [on television] made an impact on me and my life, so I think representation of women is important on TV; it's vital," Bunbury said. "We already have enough stuff working against us. We need to support each other."
In her own life, Bunbury pointed to her mother as a treasured source of support: "She always reassured me that I'm capable of anything and that I'm enough. That's the message of this show, and it's not just for women; it's for everyone: you are capable. You are enough."
Bartlett spoke about her experiences behind the camera, explaining that Ginny's story will feel familiar to any woman who has encountered obstacles to success. "I'm watching Ginny, and she's the loneliest woman in the world, because it's all men," she said. "That's a walk we've all had to walk if you've been in a business where men have dominated.... But, together we can accomplish amazing things."
The campaign is the latest in a series of partnerships surrounding Pitch. In August, 21CF announced it would partner with the Women's Sports Foundation and its multiple programs supporting young female athletes across the United States. Founded by sports icon Billie Jean King in 1974, the organization conducts research to further understand the physical and emotional benefits for girls who participate in athletics, and works directly with leagues, schools, and nonprofits on the local level that are trying to get and keep girls in the game.
FOX Sports, a division of 21st Century Fox, has supported the Women's Sports Foundation since 2014, partnering with other sports networks to contribute a collective $2 million to the foundation's work. FOX Sports also supports WSF's Annual Salute to Women in Sports, a gala recognizing the world's top female athletes.
Visit LeanIn.Org/Pitch to learn how to support women's empowerment.
Pitch airs every Thursday from 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on FOX.
