The MUMMERS ON NATIONAL TV CAMPAIGN was begun in January of 2001 as a way to express our interest and the interests of many other people throughout the United States in having the Philadelphia New Years Day parade televised nationally.  

The WB17 broadcasts The Philadelphia Mummers Parade locally.  It was shown nationally for a few years on the Travel Channel.  They choose not to continue the telecasts.

In the past few years, we have solicited the help of members of broadcast media and many other organizations receiving responses, for the most part, on the negative side.  We do not discourage easily and through the perseverance of thousands of fans of Mummery, we have proven them wrong!  

On New Years Day 2005, two hours of the parade, while the string bands were performing, was shown live on Superstation WGN, which shares ownership with Channel 17, "myphl17". It was available to 60 million homes by cable and satellite.  Even with limited prior notice, approximately 213,000 households watched the parade.

We feel our efforts played, at the least, a small part in the decision to broadcast two hours of the parade nationwide for 2005…and 206,000 households watched the 2006 parade.  In 2007 a 3^rd hour was added but due to weather conditions it was postponed and WGN could not fit it into their schedule.  In 2008 WGN coverage was extended to 4 hours and, although delayed due to weather, we were able to watch the parade.

Since beginning the campaign, People from all over the world have contacted us and over 1800 people have added their names and comments to our Mummers Want A See list. 

On October 15th 2008, we were informed that WGN America (formerly SuperStation WGN) would not be airing any of the Mummers Parade on New Years Day and they will be airing the last 2 hours of the parade on Saturday January 3rd, 2009. 

At 2pm on January 3rd, 2009 many a Mum Fan were presented with an outstanding 2 hours of the Mummers String Band portion of the parade by WGN America.  The bands were stunning, their costumes were bright, fancy and colorful and the music was absolutely incredible!  Kudos to "MYPHL17" in Philly for the quality sound and video! 

I leave it up to all the Mum Fans to continue to pursue our quest to get the Mummers On National TV.