ESPN’s donation of $10,000 will provide two educational
scholarships to assist Black females pursuing careers in sports media
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) and ESPN are pleased to announce a new joint student scholarship. The mission of this partnership is to provide Black women a path into careers in sports media by assisting one female undergraduate student and one female graduate student in the United States, pursuing careers in sports media.
“It has been wonderful to collaborate with ESPN to
conceptualize this scholarship,” said Becky Brooks, Alliance for Women in Media
Foundation Executive Director. “Through
this strong partnership, we’re proud to continue our work in pursuing greater
diversity in the sports journalism work force.”
“Diversity and inclusion is ESPN’s #1 focus, and we want
to support and create concrete ways to grow the pipeline of Black talent in the
sports industry,” said Katina Arnold, Vice President, Corporate Communications
at ESPN and Alliance for Women in Media Board Member. “The ESPN and AWMF
scholarship is the perfect way to fulfill ESPN’s mission of supporting Black
and African-American women pursuing careers in media.”
The selection of the student winners will be based on applicants
developing an essay of 750 to 1,000 words, highlighting the importance of Black
women in sports media.
Scholarship applications are due
on November 20, 2020. AWMF and ESPN will select one upperclassman Black female undergraduate
student winner and one Black female graduate student to receive the
scholarships payable to each winning student’s educational institution. Each
winner will also receive one complimentary ticket to the Gracie Awards Luncheon
in New York City in June 2021. Learn
more and apply on the AWMF website.
###
About the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation: In
1960, the Alliance for Women in Media became the first professional
broadcasting organization to establish an educational foundation. The Alliance
for Women in Media Foundation (formerly known as The Foundation of American
Women in Radio & Television) supports and promotes educational programs,
charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the
public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Foundation also produces
nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards®,
honoring exemplary programming created by, for or about women and individual
achievement. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation is a 501 (c)(3)
non-profit, educational organization. For the latest news on the Gracies,
follow The Gracies on Twitter and Facebook. For more information about the
Gracie Awards and to submit your entries, please visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.
About ESPN: ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment
enterprise, features more than 50 assets – nine U.S. television networks,
direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent
around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an
indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.
LOS
ANGELES (September 10, 2020) – This evening, the Alliance for Women
in Media Foundation (AWMF) held the 45th annual Gracie Awards hosted by “This
is Us” star Susan Kelechi Watson.
This year, the Gracie Awards recognized more than 120 outstanding women and men
in media for their bravery, determination and accomplishments, and recognized
exemplary programming created by, for and about women.
Highlights from the awards show included the
following:
Katy Perryreceived
the Gracies Impact Award for the positive influence on society through her
music. “This is an incredible honor to
have this award about women and helping support women, which is something I am
so incredibly passionate about. I love to provide opportunities in my life,
professional and personal, for women to do incredible jobs and work alongside
with,” Perry said during her acceptance speech, noting that “one of the most important things is to have
representation.”
Country star Mickey Guytonperformed
her hit song “Heaven Down Here,” and for the first time ever performed “Without
a Net,” an original song she had recorded to appear in the upcoming documentary
“Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story.”
Tamron Hallaccepted
her award for Best Talk Show and dedicated
it to Breonna Taylor.
Gayle King was awarded the Best Special or Variety Program for her memorable interview with R.
Kelly and mentioned during her speech that she would “love to sit down with him for another interview again”
post-trial.
Dr.Sanjay Gupta delivered a Special Award
Tribute to frontline journalists bringing COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter coverage
to homes across America, including from
Norah O’Donnell, Debora Patta, and Martha Teichner from CBS; Kristen Dahlgren, Dasha Burns, Savannah
Guthrie, and Blayne Alexander from NBC;
CNN’s Brooke Baldwin; Los
Angeles Times’ Molly Hennessy-Fiske;
Paola Ramos and Isobel Yeung of Vice News.
The Gracies recognized “Silent All
These Years,” an episode of Grey’s Anatomy that
dealt with sexual assault and rape. The episode resonated with women and had
far-reaching effects — RAINN reported a 43% uptick in call volume to its
National Sexual Assault Hotline in the immediate wake of the airing of this
episode.
Nightline’s co-anchor Juju Chang accepted their win for Best Hard News Feature for their story
about trans women of color. “We wanted to
tell the stories of these women who are not only under assault, but who’s
stories are often ignored,” Chang said.
Natasha Lyonneaccepted
for Best Producer – Entertainment for
their Netflix series “Russian Doll,” on behalf of herself, Leslye Headland and Amy
Poehler, giving a specific shoutout to Poehler saying, “[she] is such a leader in this field, who
has single handedly changed the world and the scope of what we can do, how we
hold the space for each other … it is such an honor to walk beside you.”
Naomi
Watts won for Best
Actress in a Supporting Role – Drama for her portrayal as Gretchen Carlson
in Showtime’s “The Loudest Voice.” She dedicated her award to Gretchen for her
“incredible bravery and courage”
noting it was “an honor” to tell her
story.
Angela
Yee won for Best
Podcast – Entertainment thanking
the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation for the award, expressing “this is one of the highest honors we can
have from other women who understand how empowering something like this is.”
Presenters for the awards included Malin Åkerman, Chelsea Gilligan, Angélica
Vale; Cassie DiLaura, Erin Lim, Dr. Imani Walker, Elaina
Doré Smith, Jacqueline Obradors,
Julie Carmen and Medalion Rahimi.
Additional winners of the night included Danai Gurira of AMC’s “The Walking
Dead” for Best Actress in a Leading Role
– Drama, , Stephanie Beatriz for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Comedy
for her work in FOX’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Fiona Shaw for Best Actress
in a Supporting Role – Drama for “Killing Eve,” Niecy Nash for Best On-Air
Talent for “Black Girls Rock,” NBC’s “Superstore” won for Best Ensemble Cast with Lauren Ash
accepting, and many more.
“We are
honored to celebrate these incredible voices, recognize these poignant stories
and bring the Gracie Awards to audiences around the world with our first-ever
virtual awards show,” said Becky Brooks, Executive Director, Alliance for Women
in Media Foundation. “We applaud the
brave storytellers who have reported from the front lines, challenged
conventional thinking, and produced content that has created real change – we
need this storytelling now more than ever.”
The Gracie Awards is the largest
fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which supports and
promotes educational programs, and scholarships to benefit the media, the
public, and allied fields. In addition to giving $20,000 a year away in
scholarships to deserving female students, the Foundation also produces the
nationally acclaimed recognition program – the Gracie Awards which honors
exemplary programming created by, for, and about women. The Alliance for Women
in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the
Emma Bowen Foundation, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA –
The Cable and Telecommunications Association and other organizations that are
philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. For more
information about The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Gracie
Awards please visitallwomeninmedia.org and follow onTwitter (@AllWomeninMedia),
(#TheGracies),Instagram (@allwomeninmedia) andFacebook.
Show Will Feature Impact Award Recipient Katy Perry, and Honorees Including Danai
Gurira, Naomi Watts, Michelle Williams, Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, Tamron
Hall, Gayle King and More
Program will
Feature Performances by Mickey Guyton,
Special Award Tribute by Dr.Sanjay Gupta to
Frontline Journalists Bringing COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter Coverage to
Homes across America, and Grey’s
Anatomy’s “Silent All These Years” Episode will Receive a Stand-out Moment
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announced the 45th annual Gracie Awards program will air live on AWMF’s Facebook page on September 10, 2020 at 7pm ET/PT. The virtual event will recognize esteemed honoree Katy Perry, who will receive the Gracies Impact Award, which is presented to an artist who has made a positive impact on society through their music. Dr.Sanjay Gupta will deliver a special tribute to frontline journalists who covered breaking news regarding the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement, and some of the most talented women in television, radio, and digital media will be honored for their incredible contributions to media this year including Naomi Watts, Michelle Williams, Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, Tamron Hall, and Angela Yee.
Danai Gurira, Norah
O’Donnell, Fiona Shaw, Andrea Mitchell and Gayle King will appear in the virtual show along with country
superstar Mickey
Guyton who will perform twice throughout the night, and Grey’s Anatomy’s “Silent All These Years” episode will receive the
Grand Award for the incredibly powerful episode which brought attention to
sexual assault survivors. Tune-in on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7 pm ET/PT at
@AllWomenInMedia on Facebook and Instagram, as well as the Alliance for Women in Media’s YouTube page.
“There’s no doubt
that this year has been indescribable – but one thing that has stayed
consistent is the level of content that continues to be generated by and for
women,” said Becky Brooks, Executive
Director, Alliance for Women in Media Foundation. “We understand that people are going through
unprecedented times and it’s our commitment to bring the world in for the first
time and see the magic of the Gracie Awards as we celebrate some of the brave
and poignant, storytellers of our time.”
In the fifth consecutive year as Executive
Producer, Vicangelo Bulluck will spotlight these prolific women in the industry
who continue to inspire and support others, break down barriers, and lead by
example in creating opportunities for future generations.
Sponsors of the
Gracie Awards include Ziploc®, Facebook, NCTA – The Internet & Television
Association, CNN, Crown Media, CBS Corporation, Katz Media Group, Beasley Media
Group, and the Ford Motor Company.
Please celebrate all Gracie Award winners with us by watching the video montage dedications on the AWM website. Acceptance speeches of all honorees highlighting their content are available in montages beginning today.
About The Gracie Awards
The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the
Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which supports and promotes educational
programs, and scholarships to benefit the media, the public, and allied fields.
In addition to giving $20,000 a year away in scholarships to deserving female
students, the Foundation also produces the nationally acclaimed recognition
program – the Gracie Awards which honors exemplary programming created by, for,
and about women. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created
partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, the National
Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA – The Cable and Telecommunications
Association and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the
mission of the Foundation. For more information about The Alliance for Women in
Media Foundation and the Gracie Awards please visitallwomeninmedia.org and follow on Twitter (@AllWomeninMedia), (#TheGracies),
Instagram (@allwomeninmedia) andFacebook.
Moderated by Entercom’s Kelly Ford, Host of the ‘Kelly Ford in the Morning’ Show
The Alliance for
Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) released the latest installment of the AWM
Gracie Interview Series – A Virtual Gathering with American Medical
Association President Susan R. Bailey, M.D. Titled “Medicine and The Media
– Leadership in Historic Times,” the session was moderated by Entercom’s Kelly
Ford, host of Kelly Ford in
the Morning on
New York’s
Country 94.7. The Gracie Interview Series – A Virtual Gathering series was
created to engage leaders in media to share wisdom and guidance during a time
of immense change and unpredictability.
In response to a question about what medical experts have learned since February, Dr. Bailey shared, “It’s not flip flopping – this is how science is supposed to work. When we get new data, we draw new conclusions and may need to change recommendations.” Regarding how media can be of service to the medical community, Dr. Bailey added, “Ultimately, we are all in this together. By sharing information, we can kick this virus.”
The full recording of the session can be experienced here:
“Dr. Bailey shared meaningful
insight into the important partnership between media and the medical community.
This is a critical time for media to understand its role and for all of us to
know our roles as individuals,” Becky Brooks, Executive Director of the
Alliance for Women in Media Foundation stated. “We look forward to hosting more
virtual gatherings to share the wisdom of experienced leaders.”
The Gracie Interview Series – Virtual Gatherings are a segment of The Gracie Awards brand. The Gracies are the largest fundraising event by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM), which supports educational programs, charitable activities and scholarships. To engaged with AWM, please consider joining the association or donating to the Foundation so we can continue to offer important programs like this interview series.
June 30, 2020 – The
Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announces the 45th
Annual Gracie Awards will be streamed virtually on September 10, 2020. The Gracies Gala, originally scheduled for
May 19, 2020, was intended to be held at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A
Four Seasons Hotel, and the Gracies Luncheon, originally scheduled for June 24,
2020, was intended to be held in New York City at Cipriani 42nd Street. The
2020 honorees will now be celebrated through a series of digital acceptance speech
montages along with a virtual awards ceremony.
“The leadership of AWMF, which
annually presents the Gracies as our largest fundraiser, has had one singular
focus – to appropriately acknowledge and celebrate our outstanding winners in
whatever manner is feasible this year,” said Becky Brooks, Executive Director
of AWM/F. “Therefore, we have made the
decision to shift this year’s events to virtual experiences to ensure
recognition of all winners in this very important year.”
The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by, for and about women in radio, television, and interactive media. Honorees are selected in national, local and student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets. The full list of this year’s honorees can be found here.
AWMF extends a tremendous thank
you to sponsors of the Gracies Awards, who are committed to supporting the
future of women in media. Along with Ziploc®
Brand, the Diamond Sponsor of the 2020 Gracie Awards, this year’s sponsors
include Crown
Media, CBS, CNN, Katz Media Group, NCTA – The Internet and Television
Association, Beasley Media Group and Cox Media Group.
About the Alliance for Women
in Media Foundation: In 1960, the
Alliance for Women in Media became the first professional broadcasting
organization to establish an educational foundation. The Alliance for Women in
Media Foundation (formerly known as The Foundation of American Women in Radio
& Television) supports and promotes educational programs, charitable
activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public,
the electronic media and allied fields. The Foundation also produces nationally
acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards®, a gala that
honors exemplary programming created by, for or about women. The Alliance for
Women in Media Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, educational organization.
For the latest news on the Gracies, follow The Gracies on Twitter and Facebook.
For more information about the Gracie Awards and to submit your entries, please
visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.
By: Keisha Sutton-James, Chair, Alliance for Women in Media
The recent brutal murders of George
Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, combined with a global health pandemic
that has had a disproportionate effect on communities of color, have laid bare
the injustices and inequalities that continues to exist in America to this
day. Media outlets have offered around
the clock coverage of this tragic moment in our country’s history, and of the
massive protests that have gripped our nation.
On behalf of our leadership across
the United States and Canada, the Alliance for Women in Media supports the
human rights of all Americans, including Black Americans. Black lives do matter. As a Black woman whose grandfather, Percy
Sutton, was a Freedom Rider, politician and activist before moving into media
in order to effect change through the use of media, I have always been keenly
aware of this fact. And now, this moment – a health crisis and the senseless murders
of innocent people – has served to remind us as a nation of this fact.
We, the media, are the storytellers –
whether through scripted or journalistic work.
We tell the stories of our humanity – trauma and triumph, denial and
victory, betrayal and reconciliation. We,
the Alliance for Women in Media, stand with the protestors who are peacefully
marching our country toward its founding ideals. We stand with the storytellers,
journalists, producers and directors and particularly the women in these roles,
who are sharing the truth of this moment for the world to see. We applaud the bravery and tenacity displayed,
some at the risk of their own safety.
The AWM will continue to recognize
and celebrate the women who are frontline journalists and storytellers, women behind
the cameras and microphones, and the true protagonists in our nation’s story:
those who are leading our nation to its higher self. We thank you for all that you do.
Keisha Sutton-James
Founder, Sutton Button Productions, LLC
Chair, Alliance for Women in Media
Please
allow us to highlight a few of the important, ongoing conversations on this
topic through pieces that reflect the work and voices of some of our Gracies
honorees in radio, television and digital media.
Angela Yee
and the Breakfast Club Conversation with Rush Limbaugh
45th ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION
This week, The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announced the winners of the 45th annual Gracie Awards. The list of honorees includes such esteemed honorees as Michelle Williams, Amy Poehler, Natasha Lyonne, Tamron Hall, Naomi Watts, Angela Yee, Norah O’Donnell, Niecy Nash, Stephanie Beatriz, and Soledad O’Brien, along with more than 100 of the most talented women in television, radio and digital media.
The Gracies
recognize exemplary programming created by, for and about women in radio,
television, and interactive media. Honorees are selected in national, local and
student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets. This
year’s honorees represent the substance and ethos of women’s storytelling and
journalism at its best. Their work during
this global state of affairs – full of innovation, courage and endurance –
serves as inspiration today for the journalists of tomorrow.
Some of the honorees have recorded special messages of thanks and appreciation:
Becky Brooks, Executive Director, The Alliance for Women in
Media Foundation stated, “Our leadership is proud to honor the best of the best
who embody the spirit and intention of the Alliance for Women in Media
Foundation’s Gracie Awards. We want to thank
those on the front lines telling the important stories still impacting our
world. It is our distinguished honor to recognize the reporters, hosts,
producers and media executives who are working to ensure the public is
informed. We know everyone in media has been impacted in some way, and we
continue to salute this outstanding list of honorees for their award-winning
passion, energy and perseverance.”
AWMF
extends a tremendous thank you to sponsors of the Gracies, who are committed to
supporting the future of women in media.
Along with Ziploc® Brand, the Diamond Sponsor of the 2020 Gracies Gala,
this year’s sponsors include Crown Media, CBS, CNN, Katz Media Group, NCTA –
The Internet and Television Association, Beasley Media Group and Cox Media
Group.
TV
NATIONAL HONOREES
60 Minutes: The Chibok Girls (60 Minutes)
CBS News
News Magazine
Abby McEnany (Work in Progress)
SHOWTIME
Actress in a Breakthrough Role
Alex Duda (The Kelly Clarkson Show)
NBCUniversal
Showrunner – Talk Show
Am I Next? Trans and Targeted
ABC NEWS Nightline
Hard News Feature
Angela Kang (The Walking Dead)
AMC
Showrunner- Scripted
Better Things
FX Networks
Comedy
BookTube
YouTube Originals
Non-Fiction Entertainment
Caroline Waterlow (Qualified)
ESPN Films
Producer- Documentary /Unscripted / Non-Fiction
Catherine Reitman (Workin’ Moms)
Wolf + Rabbit Entertainment (CBC/Netflix)
Actress in a Leading Role – Comedy or Musical
Catherine Reitman (Workin’ Moms)
Wolf + Rabbit Entertainment (CBC/Netflix)
Director – Comedy
Clarissa Ward (CNN International)
CNN International
Reporter/Correspondent
Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead)
AMC
Actress in a Leading Role – Drama
Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve)
BBC AMERICA
Actress in a Supporting Role – Drama
Francesca Gregorini (Killing Eve)
BBC AMERICA
Director – Scripted
Gender Discrimination in the FBI
NBC News Investigative Unit
Interview Feature
Grey’s Anatomy
ABC Studios
Drama- Grand Award
Izzie Pick Ibarra (THE MASKED SINGER)
FOX Broadcasting Company
Showrunner – Unscripted
Michelle Williams (Fosse/Verdon)
FX Networks
Actress in a Leading Role – Made for TV Movie or
Limited Series
Mission Unstoppable
Produced by Litton Entertainment
Family Series
MSNBC 2019 Democratic Debate (Atlanta)
MSNBC
Special or Variety – Breakthrough
Naomi Watts (The Loudest Voice)
SHOWTIME
Actress in a Supporting Role – Made for TV Movie or
Limited Series
Host – Morning Drive – Small Market [Radio – Local]
Rebekah Maroun (Bex) (Matty In The Morning)
iheartmedia
Producer – Commercial [Radio – Local]
Shannon Farren (Gary and Shannon Show)
iHeartMedia
Crisis Coverage/Breaking News [Radio – Local]
Shannon Farren (Gary and Shannon Show)
iHeartMedia
Talk Show [Radio – Local]
Starving for Perfection
WTOP-FM
Hard News Feature [Radio – Local]
RADIO
LOCAL STUDENT HONOREES
Brittany McGowan (Women Surfers Fundraise In Honor Of
Feamle Surfing Icon)
Radio Hofstra University – WRHU FM / WRHU.org
Host/Personality
Eli Finkelson (A League of Our Own – Single Moms Share
& Inspire)
Radio Hofstra University – WRHU FM / WRHU.org
Talk Show
Julia Presti (A League of Our Own – Fearless Female
Firefighters)
Radio Hofstra University – WRHU FM / WRHU.org
Public Affairs
Karina Gonzalez (KUNR Public Radio & Noticiero
Móvil)
University of Nevada, Reno
Interview Feature
Madison Bristowe (Cityscape:Back to the Garden,
Remembering Woodstock)
WFUV / Fordham University
Producer
Marian Mohamed (The barrier between us is breaking:
How politics brought my mom and me closer)
KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio
News Feature
INTERACTIVE
MEDIA STUDENT HONOREES
Eliot Schiaparelli (Around My Block)
WFUV / Fordham University
Original Online Programming
Kacie Candela (Prickly Politics: Women in the Room)
WFUV / Fordham University
Podcast
Celebration details for this year’s winners will be announced soon.
About The Gracie Awards
The Gracies Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for
Women in Media Foundation (formerly known as The Foundation of American Women
in Radio & Television) which supports and promotes educational programs,
and scholarships to benefit the media, the public and allied fields. In
addition to giving $20,000 a year away in scholarships to deserving female
students, the Foundation also produces the nationally acclaimed recognition
program – the Gracie Awards which honors exemplary programming created by, for
and about women. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships
and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, the National Association
of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA – The Cable and Telecommunications Association and
other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the
Foundation. For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media
Foundation and the Gracie Awards please visit allwomeninmedia.org and follow on
Twitter (@AllWomeninMedia), (#TheGracies), Instagram (@allwomeninmedia) and
Facebook.
The Coronavirus has changed how we are living our lives at this moment in time. Social distancing, quarantining, sheltering … are all words that have become a way for us to describe our lives. Some of us are wearing masks and gloves when we must go out in public. Some never go out in public, while others continue to question if the restrictions on our lives isn’t too much.
How audiences
are using media, and when they’re using it, has also changed. Morning and Afternoon
commute times are non-existent. Even those who work from home are awaking later
and they wrap-up work in time for dinner. Few people have in-home radios and
much listening is being done on smart speakers, streaming on-line via laptops,
apps or phones, and some listeners will time-shift their radio listening by using
the on-demand listening that a radio show on podcast allows.
Many of us
are working from home. Video conferencing is becoming a way of life for work
and family connectivity. A large number of our fellow citizens are unemployed
or on furlough. They’re suffering, dealing with anxiety, fear and the stress of
not knowing what the future holds for them or for all of us.
Alcoholism,
Drug Addiction, Spousal Abuse and Domestic Violence are all magnified in times
of stress and panic. Suicide levels are predicted to increase. Recognize our first
responders in the health sector as well as fire, police and military.
Acknowledge them by name. Salute and honor them. Thank them.
There is the
possibility that some of us, as members of media, have been exaggerating its
seriousness while others have not been taking it seriously enough. We need to
be factual in the information we deliver. We need to pay attention to the
doctors and scientists and not politicians. Politicizing this pandemic has no
purpose in serving your community.
We, as
members of media, have to be sensitive to the concern of the audience. Our responsibility
is to serve the community and provide them with information that can be useful
to them. Stations are airing regular updates. Some are breaking away for news
reports, which was not previously a part of their scheduled programming.
One of my
concerns is that the contradictory opinions of commentators, especially those on
TV and on Network Radio, is destroying what little credibility was left for
electronic media news operations. Mainly because some of them present
themselves to be news reporters or news journalists. The content of a news
report, should be factual and focused on what is important to the target
audience. The content of a commentator or talk host should be labeled as
commentary. There is absolutely nothing
improper about a commentator taking a stance and presenting a position that may
include political views and editorial commentary. Don’t present it as news. It
is commentary.
Real people have died and are dying. Real people are becoming sick, or will become sick, and some of those who are yet to be inflicted will die. Someone recently commented to me “fewer have died than what was predicted.” That doesn’t mean that we didn’t need to take steps to protect our citizenry. It means that the steps we have taken, and are still taking, are working.
I remember when I was a small child, just about 10, my father and I would watch the nightly news on TV. In those days, the Vietnam War was in full swing and the evening news would include a daily death toll of Americans who lost their lives. One evening the number was single digits. I said aloud “that’s not very many.” My father replied “unless its your son that died.” That’s how I feel when I hear someone note that the death toll for Coronavirus, while high, is less than what was predicted to happen by this time.
This story
is meant to underscore that you should be sensitive to the loss of familial lives
that many are enduring. It’s time for a kinder, gentler world. It should be
reflected in what you say and how you deliver content on-air.
Be factual.
Don’t politicize. Don’t exaggerate or dismiss the information that is being
delivered to us from recognized credible medical experts who are at the center
of the research that’s being done to find a vaccine and a cure for COVD-19.
Those shows
that play games and air bits that make light of someone’s lack of intelligence,
should be reconsidered, much like the sometimes-collegial humor that makes fun
of an on-air partner. Don’t be mean. Avoid sounding mean spirited. Your
credibility, as an air talent, will be magnified by being understanding of the
less fortunate. Don’t make every story of hardship about you. Acknowledge how
blessed you are to be working. Realize that many aren’t as lucky as you are.
There are four faces of Coverage of the Coronavirus. Awareness, Acceptance, Encouragement and Memory.
Awareness was when we first heard of the virus. It ramped up significantly before we were able to grasp and understand that this was unlike anything that we had faced in our lives.
Acceptance is when we acknowledged that the pandemic was real, that we would all know individuals who would be infected with this virus, and that some would die.
Encouragement is what we have to do for our audiences. Encourage them that we will get through this pandemic. Share with them things that they can do while sheltering. Look for positive, but factual, news to report to the audience. The peak having been reached in some communities. A decline in deaths. Talk of sports activities being rescheduled. It gives us all an “end point” to look forward to.
Memory is what we hope is ahead of us. Remembering what it was like when we were in lockdown. What good came from it, besides health, and what lessons can we learn from it?
There are some artists and production houses working on creating a musical tribute to the heroes of the pandemic and others working on an event to raise funds for the memory of this event. Don’t be gratuitous and, if you’re an artist, don’t be opportunistic by taking advantage of this crisis to personally benefit.
We need to plan for what happens when we’re allowed to come back to the “outside world.” Party Centers, normally only open during weekends, will be booked for events seven days a week. There will be “make-ups” for lots of events that had been postponed. Wedding Receptions, Baby Showers, Graduations, Birthday Parties, Celebrations of Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah, Baptisms, Funerals or Celebrations of Life.
Provide guidance on where your listeners can find information on filing for unemployment. Where can individuals go to find out their options to refinance their homes or delay payments. What can be done to assist small businesses to stay in business during this time? How will the government’s COVID-19 recovery plans help everyone from individuals to big business? Surviving is what’s most important to all of us, at this moment, and will be important to our recovery.
Benztown and
Emmis have worked together to create a short series of updates named Corona411.
Westwood One is developing information for stations to use. Some stations will
create their own info pieces. These are not promotional messages. They shouldn’t
sound like a promo or a sweeper. These are elements of information that carry
weight. They should sound special and unique.
We should be
messaging that this is not a time to make jokes about the outbreak. It isn’t a
time to present tongue-in-cheek contests that are about this health crisis. It’s
also not a time to panic our listeners by being anything more than factual. It is
a time to share positive news, too. Give the audience a reason to smile.
It may be months
and months before there is a vaccination that will prevent this virus from
infecting our listeners. We’re all hoping that we’ll see life start to get back
to normal, soon. However, we’ve not yet seen the crest of the wave of this illness
in a total fashion for the United States. We have to help the world live a
normal life.
Many
air-talents are broadcasting remotely. Encourage them to mention that fact
on-air. How is working from home impacting their lives? How are they occupying
their days and the days of their family members? The purpose of such talk is
not to make it about them, but to create the feeling of community. “We’re all in
this together. We’re going to get through this.”
Update your
imaging. Eliminate the “Listen at Work” liners. Come up with imaging that
reinforces listening “Listen while you work, no matter where and when you work,
whether at home or on-site.”
Look for WOW
moments to unite your audience. It could be playing the National Anthem daily
at 12:00pm to salute the men and women who are fighting on the frontline of the
Coronavirus. It could be creating a consistent moment to underscore that we’re
all in this together. Like playing Queen’s song “We Will Rock You” at 6:00pm
nightly … as some radio stations are doing. Honor your hometown heroes while
giving the rest of us hope.
Don’t talk
about what you’re doing on-air as if it is work. It isn’t “work” compared to
what the majority of your audience considers to be work. Embrace your audience
and relate to them by acknowledging how tough these times are for them.
———————————————————————————————————–
Mike McVay is President of McVay Media Consulting. A media firm that
focuses on content creation, coaching on-air personalities, marketing strategy,
audience development and growth, and advises all platforms for audio companies.
www.mcvaymedia.com
The Alliance
for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has made the decision to postpone the 45th
Annual Gracie Awards Gala, scheduled for May 19th, due to recommendations from
public health officials surrounding the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The safety of our honorees, staff and partners involved in the annual gala
remains top priority. The Gracies Gala will now take place on September 22,
2020 at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel.
“We are
grateful to the women and men who are keeping the public connected and informed
to stay healthy and safe during the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic,” said
Becky Brooks, Executive Director of AWM. “In this unprecedented time, we must
come together as a community in media and as human beings. We are looking
forward to the day when we can once again convene to honor the brave reporters,
creators and the extraordinary programming in all mediums of news and
entertainment.”
The Gracie
Awards Gala honors outstanding individual achievement and programming by, for
and about women in national television, radio and interactive media. AWMF will contact this year’s entrants within
the next few weeks, followed by a public announcement of the winners.
AWMF extends
a tremendous thank you to sponsors of the Gracies Gala who are committed to
supporting the future of women in media.
Along with Ziploc® Brand, the Diamond Sponsor of the 2020 Gracies Gala,
this year’s sponsors include: Crown Media Family Networks; ViacomCBS; CNN; Katz
Media Group; NCTA – The Internet & Television Association; and, Beasley
Media Group and Cox Media Group, sponsors of the Gracies Luncheon.
The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation (AWM/F) are pleased to announce their 2020 National Board of Directors. New to the AWM Board are: Katina Arnold, vice president, corporate communications, ESPN; Abby Auerbach, executive vice president, chief communications officer, TVB; Michelle Ray, executive director, The Walter Kaitz Foundation; Sandra Rice, senior vice president, outreach and strategic partnerships, Center for Talent Innovation; and, Esther Mireya Tejeda, senior vice president, head of corporate communications & PR, Entercom.
Officers of the board have been announced as Keisha Sutton-James, Chair, vice president & CEO, Sutton Button
Productions LLC, serving as chair,
Heather Cohen, executive vice president, The Weiss Agency, serving as
incoming chair and Christine Travaglini, president, Katz Radio Group, serving
as immediate past chair. Josie Thomas, CBS, serving as treasurer,
while Annie Howell, co-founder and managing partner, The Punch
Point Group, serving as incoming treasurer.
The following
individuals will serve as Directors at Large of AWM: Joyce Fitch, legal
consultant, Abby Greensfelder, founder
& CEO, Everywoman Studios; Brenda
Hetrick, chief revenue officer, Matrix Solutions; Jinny Laderer, co-founder & CEO, vCreative; Meg LaVigne, president, LaVIGNE MEDIA;
Kelly Perdomo, vice president, content,
sports, entertainment, and partnership marketing, SiriusXM; and, Katherine Wolfgang, head of public
relations, CBC.
“The role of the
AWM and Foundation boards is to lead our organizations and industry as we
recognize, connect and educate women in radio, television and interactive media. We have a true working Board,” stated Becky
Brooks, AWM executive director. “This
year’s new directors have voiced their dedication to donating time and
resources to take these organizations to the next level. We are thrilled to have these talented, accomplished
women joining our leadership for the next two years.”
The following individuals will serve as Directors at Large of AWMF: Deborah Parenti, publisher, RadioInk, RBR and TVBR; Rob Stoddard, SVP industry & association affairs, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association; and Kristen Welch, chief financial officer, Illustrative Mathematics.
About the Alliance for Women in
Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media
connects, recognizes and inspires women across the media industry. AWM is a
diverse community – whether type of media, job or global location – that
facilitates industry-wide collaboration, education, and innovation. Established
in 1951 as American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), AWM is the
longest-established professional association dedicated to advancing women in
media and entertainment. AWM harnesses the promise, passion and power of women
in all forms of media to empower career development, engage in thought
leadership, and drive positive change for our industry and societal progress.
About the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation: In 1960, the Alliance for Women in Media became the first
professional broadcasting organization to establish an educational foundation.
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (formerly known as The Foundation of
American Women in Radio & Television) supports and promotes educational
programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to
benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Foundation also produces nationally
acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards®, honoring
exemplary programming created by, for or about women and individual
achievement. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation is a 501 (c)(3)
non-profit, educational organization. For the latest news on the Gracies,
follow The Gracies on Twitter and Facebook. For more
information about the Gracie Awards and to submit your entries, please visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.
