Amy Burton

November, 2023

Blog, Press Release

Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) Partners with the International Coaching Federation Foundation (ICF) to Offer Exclusive AWM Coaching Program

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is proud to announce a new partnership with the International Coaching Federation Foundation (ICF). This collaboration will provide AWM members with the unique opportunity to access professional coaching at an exclusive discounted rate.

Program Overview: Through the AWM Coaching program, participants will be paired with a credentialed coach, holding the titles of Associate (ACC), Professional (PCC), or Master Certified Coaches (MCC). These ICF Credential-holders have completed rigorous education and practice requirements, emphasizing their commitment to excellence in coaching. Participants in the AWM Coaching program can anticipate a series of six to ten coaching sessions with their individual ICF Coach, ensuring a productive and tailored coaching experience. The schedule and goals for these coaching sessions will be established between the coach and participant.

Information Session: Discover the tremendous value of ICF professional coaching by joining on November 30 at 2 pm ET for an informational webinar. Register for the event here.

Application Deadline: To take advantage of this exceptional member benefit, submit your application for the AWM Coaching program by the application deadline of 5 pm ET on December 8, 2023.

Why AWM Coaching: To continue the Alliance for Women in Media’s mission of over 70 years advancing women in media, AWM Coaching serves to provide its membership the benefit of boosting their personal and professional growth in the media industry through the transformative power of professional coaching.

Amy Burton

October, 2023

Blog, Press Release, The Gracies

49th ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS CALL FOR ENTRIES ANNOUNCED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION

October 12, 2023 – The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF), is proud to open the call for entries for the 49th Annual Gracie Awards.

“For nearly five decades, The Gracie Awards have illuminated the trailblazing work of women in media and stand as a tribute to exceptional content produced by, for, and about women and we look forward to celebrating and honoring those who continue to shape the landscape of news and entertainment,” affirms Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. “As our primary annual fundraising event, the Gracies empower the Foundation to fulfill its mission of advancing women in media through scholarships and programming.

The 49th Annual Gracie Awards will once again shine a spotlight on exceptional talent across various media categories, including radio, television, streaming, and podcasting, from creatives, including writers, broadcast journalists and actors, to technical categories, including producers, directors and showrunners. Entries are invited from media professionals, networks, and organizations, showcasing their dedication to advancing the portrayal and representation of women’s voices in media content.

Once again taking on the roles of co-chairs for the 2024 Gracie Awards are Heather Cohen, Executive Vice President at The Weiss Agency, Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer at Hallmark Media, and Mike McVay, President of McVay Media Consulting. Vicangelo Bulluck, an Emmy Award-winning industry veteran with extensive experience in awards production, has been at the helm of the Gracie Awards since 2016 and will continue to serve as the producer for the 2024 Gracie Awards.

Key Information for Submissions:

  • Eligibility Air Dates Period: January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
  • Early Bird Submission Deadline: December 14, 2023
  • Deadline for All Entries: January 18, 2024
  • Submission Guidelines including updated Categories and Entry Forms: https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/call-for-entries/

About the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF): 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 supports and promotes educational programs, charitable activities and scholarships to benefit the public and media industry. 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 InstagramTwitterLinkedIn, and Facebook. For more information about the Gracie Awards and to submit your entries, please visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.

About The Gracie Awards

The Gracies Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent 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.

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Media Contact:
Jenny Ditto 
859.514.3008
jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org

Amy Burton

October, 2023

Gracies Leadership Award, Press Release

Alliance for Women in Media Announces Radio Legend Delilah as Inaugural Recipient of the Gracies Icon Award

October 10, 2023 – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is proud to announce radio legend Delilah will be honored with the inaugural Gracies Icon Award at the 2023 Gracies Leadership Awards. Delilah, often referred to as the “Oprah of Radio,” will be celebrated for her outstanding contributions to the world of radio and her unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering listeners.

“We are thrilled to present the first-ever Gracies Icon Award to Delilah,” said Becky Brooks, President of the Alliance for Women in Media. “Delilah’s remarkable career in broadcasting has been a source inspiration and empowerment for countless women in the industry. Her commitment to connecting with her audience through the airwaves is truly exceptional. Delilah embodies the spirit of the Gracie Awards, and we are honored to celebrate her achievements at this year’s event.”

With a career spanning over three decades, Delilah has captured the hearts of millions with her soothing voice, open heart, and love for music. She currently holds the title of the most-listened-to woman on radio in the United States.

Delilah’s career has garnered numerous accolades, including her induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2016 and the prestigious National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2017. Her induction into the NAB Broadcast Hall of Fame was a historic moment, marking the first time in 35 years that a woman received such a distinction. Delilah also earned a coveted Marconi Award for “Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year” from the NAB in 2016. Furthermore, she is a regular recipient of the “Most Influential Women in Radio” honor by Radio Ink and previously received the “Outstanding Host Entertainment/Information” award at the Alliance for Women in Media’s 37th Annual Gracie Awards Gala.

Delilah’s unique blend of storytelling, empathetic listening, and encouragement, all accompanied by adult contemporary music, has made her a top-ranked radio host with both female and male listeners in cities across the nation. She has described her show as a “safety zone where listeners take off their armor, slip into a ‘Mr. Rogers’ cardigan, sit around the electronic hearth, and share their secrets.”

In addition to her illustrious on-air radio career, Delilah is an author and also a radio station owner, purchasing the radio station that provided her with her broadcasting start at age 14, KDUN AM in Reedsport, Oregon, in 2021.The station was bankrupt at the time of her purchase, providing her an opportunity to restore the only local market media resource to the community.

Beyond her work in radio and writing, Delilah’s dedication to improving the lives of children is truly remarkable. As a mother of 15 children, 12 of whom she adopted, she founded the Point Hope foundation in 2004 as a voice for forgotten children worldwide.

The Gracies Icon Award celebrates Delilah’s outstanding career, dedication to her listeners, and her relentless commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. AWM is proud to honor her at the Gracies Leadership Awards on November 13 at Tribeca 360° in New York City, alongside previously announced honorees, Rebekah Dopp, Rosalyn Durant, Suzanne Grimes, Rashida Jones, Susan Larkin, Lori Locke, and Kay Olin.

Special thanks to sponsors of the Gracies Leadership Awards including, Audacy, Clear Channel Outdoor, Cumulus Media/Westwood One, ESPN, Google News Initiative, Katz Media Group, NBCUniversal News Group, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, and WideOrbit.

For more information about the Alliance for Women in Media and the Gracies Leadership Awards, please visit allwomeninmedia.org

About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media connects, recognizes and educates women across the media industry. AWM is a diverse community 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. 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.

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Media Contact:
Jenny Ditto 
859.514.3008
jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org

Amy Burton

October, 2023

Gracies Leadership Award, Press Release

ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA ANNOUNCES GRACIES LEADERSHIP AWARDS TO HONOR SIX WOMEN IN MEDIA

Kay Olin to Receive AWM Legacy Leadership Award November 13 at Tribeca 360° New York

October 5, 2023 – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) proudly announces the distinguished recipients of the 2023 Gracies Leadership Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements and groundbreaking contributions of women in leadership.

The awards luncheon will take place at Tribeca 360° in New York on Monday, November 13, promising an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the accomplishments of these extraordinary women and their collective influence on future generations.

This year’s honorees represent a formidable group of industry leaders:

  1. Rebekah Dopp, EVP, Distribution, Strategy & Affiliate Relations, The CW
  2. Rosalyn Durant, EVP, Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN
  3. Suzanne Grimes, President Westwood One and EVP Corporate Marketing, Cumulus Media
  4. Rashida Jones, President, MSNBC
  5. Susan Larkin, COO, Audacy
  6. Lori Locke, EVP and Chief Accounting Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery

In addition to honoring these exemplary leaders, AWM will recognize Kay Olin, Owner and President of Olin and Associates, and former President of Local Focus, with the Legacy Leadership Award. This award acknowledges her profound impact on the organization and her distinguished service in leadership roles, including her tenure as past AWM Chair.

Becky Brooks, President of the Alliance for Women in Media, remarked, “We are immensely proud to honor these leaders in media who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also served as beacons of inspiration for future generations. Their unwavering dedication to shaping the media landscape with inclusivity and innovation makes them true leaders in every sense. We look forward to celebrating their outstanding achievements at the Gracies Leadership Awards, as they continue to illuminate and advance the path forward for all women in media.”

Special thanks to sponsors of the Gracies Leadership Awards including Audacy, Clear Channel Outdoor, ESPN, Google News Initiative, Katz Media Group, NBCUniversal News Group, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Westwood One and WideOrbit.

For more information about the Alliance for Women in Media and the Gracies Leadership Awards, please visit allwomeninmedia.org

About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media connects, recognizes and educates women across the media industry. AWM is a diverse community 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. 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.

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Media Contact:
Jenny Ditto 
859.514.3008
jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org

Amy Burton

September, 2023

Blog, Gracie Interview Series, Press Release

Lemonada Media Founders Share Insights in Gracie Interview Series with Heather Cohen, Executive Vice President, Weiss Agency

View Interview Here

[September 6, 2023] On Thursday, September 7 the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) will release the latest Gracie Interview Series with Lemonada Media’s founders, Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs, in conversation with Heather Cohen, immediate Past Chair, AWM Foundation, Executive Vice President, Weiss Agency.

Lemonada Media is an award-winning podcast network known for its thought-provoking and socially impactful content. In this insightful conversation, Lemonada’s founders discuss their journey, their commitment to storytelling, and their dedication to amplifying diverse voices within the media landscape. As part of AWM’s ongoing mission to empower and celebrate women in media, this interview provides a unique opportunity to delve into the minds behind Lemonada Media, a company known for its commitment to authenticity, inclusivity and “making life suck less.”

Furthermore, Lemonada Media has gained recognition for its compelling podcasts, which tackle critical social issues, foster meaningful conversations, and explore a wide range of topics, from mental health, women’s issues to racial justice and more.

In this engaging interview, Lemonada’s founders share:

  • The inspiration behind Lemonada Media and its commitment to creating content that matters.
  • Their experiences navigating the ever-evolving podcasting industry.
  • Insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in media.
  • Upcoming projects and initiatives aimed at promoting underrepresented voices.

The interview with Lemonada Media’s founders will be available on the Alliance for Women in Media’s website on September 7. AWM members are encouraged to tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of podcasting and media entrepreneurship.

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About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media connects, recognizes and educates women across the media industry. AWM is a diverse community 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. 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.

CONTACT:
Jenny Ditto
Awards & Public Relations Manager
Jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org

Gracies

June, 2023

Press Release, The Gracies

Women in Media Honored at the 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon, Celebrating Remarkable Achievements and Powerful Storytelling

Elizabeth Vargas of NewsNation Hosted
and Curb Records Recording Artist Harper Grace Performed
at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City

PHOTOS AND CLIPS: CLICK HERE *Credit: Getty Images for AWM (Alliance for Women in Media Foundation)

June 20, 2023 (New York City) – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) presented the 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on June 20. Host Elizabeth Vargas, anchor of “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on NewsNation, led the program alongside presenters Judi Franco, Co-host #1 rated “Dennis & Judi” midday show on Townsquare’s New Jersey 101.5; Sara Haines, Co-Host, ABC’s The View; Maxwell of Z100 in New York hosting “The Maxwell & Crystal Show” an iHeartMedia station; Shima Oliaee, CEO and founder ofShirazad Productions; andBrigitte Quinn, creator, host and Managing Editor of Audacy affiliate Newsline on NYC’s WCBS 880.

The Gracie Awards were presented to honorees which were previously announced (full list of honorees here) in recognition of individual achievement and outstanding programming by, for and about women in local and student television, radio and digital media.

Highlights from the show included:

  • AWMF Board Chair and Chief Communications Officer, Hallmark Media, Annie Howell opened the Luncheon by acknowledging “The east coast stop of the bi-coastal awards, is what many people call the heart of the Gracies. It is the celebration of local and student winners and honoring those telling stories that impact each of us in our communities.”
  • Host, Elizabeth Vargas, of NewsNation, said: We all know, the connection to our local communities happens through local television and radio…breaking news, keeping us informed, uplifting moments and understanding how we are all interconnected happens with those of you in this room… appreciate the storytellers in your life, at the local level and nationally.”
  • Presenter, Judi Franco, Co-host of “Dennis and Judi” on Townsquare’s New Jersey 101.5,acknowledged that “Even though the media industry has changed so much, radio is still a living, breathing, invincible force that will always just ….be there for us.”
  • Gracies Co-Chair, President McVay Media Consulting, introduced Curb Records recording artist and singer/songwriter Harper Grace. McVay described Grace as having “picked herself up after being jeered on a national television following her brave performance of the National Anthem at a sporting event…she’s an American Idol alum and written a song that will be an anthem for every person who needs encouragement.”  Grace performed “Sparkle” and “Oh Say Can You See.”
  • ABC’s The View, referenced the AWM Foundation filling an important need in the industry to give scholarships and offering programming focused on women in the industry and noted surprising Fatima Moien with her Gracie Award and scholarship live on The View in March.
  • Presenter, Shima Oliaee, CEO and founder of Shirazad Productions said: “Coming up as a young woman in the entertainment and media world, I was required to write and produce and stay behind the scenes. What I came to learn over time is that it is crucial to have women seen and heard and listened to, especially in media.”
  • Presenter, Brigitte Quinn, creator, host and Managing Editor of Audacy affiliate Newsline on NYC’s WCBS 880, said: “Public radio programming or non-commercial local radio programming shares a mission to inform, increase understanding of the world, enrich the experience of everyday life and inspire…I can certainly appreciate the important work these honorees are doing!”
  • Presenter, Maxwell, of the world famous Z100 in New Yorkhosting “The Maxwell & Crystal Show”, said: “I appreciate an organization that celebrates brilliant women in media as we all know they are making the world go round.”

The National Gracie Award honorees were recognized at the Gracies Gala, May 23, at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. Again, a full list of recipients may be found on the Alliance for Women in Media website.

About The Gracie Awards

The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent 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 Internet & Television 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), Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Sponsors of the Gracies Luncheon include ABC, Audacy, Bonneville, Beasley Media Group, Graham Media Group, Katz Media Group, NCTA-The Internet and Television Association

Fishers Finery, Futuri, Gray Television, Hofstra University, iHeartMedia, News 12, TEGNA, and Townsquare Media, Inc.

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Media Contact:
Jenny Ditto 
859.514.3008
jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org

Gracies

June, 2023

Press Release, The Gracies

ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES ELIZABETH VARGAS AS HOST FOR 48TH ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS LUNCHEON

Musical Talent, Curb Recording Artist, Harper Grace to Perform
June 20 at Cipriani 42nd Street

June 13, 2023 (New York, N.Y.) – The leadership of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announces that award-winning television journalist Elizabeth Vargas, host and anchor of  “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on NewsNation, will host the 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon set for June 20 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary content created by, for and about women in all facets of media and entertainment.

“The theme of the 48th Annual Gracie Awards is Storytelling, and Elizabeth Vargas is the consummate storyteller. She is a veteran in our industry and her authenticity and focus on journalistic excellence make her the perfect fit to help us recognize the local and student winners at this year’s luncheon,” said Becky Brooks, President, Alliance for Women in Media Foundation.

Elizabeth Vargas has covered breaking news and reported on in-depth investigations and stories for decades. Her 15 plus years as host of ABC’s 20/20, serving as Co-Anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight, a frequent host of “Good Morning America” and her work on A&E Investigates, has earned her the trusted reputation and top source for news world-wide. Vargas’ memoir, Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction, released in 2016, landed on the New York Times bestseller list for weeks and won numerous awards. Vargas is a member of the board of directors for the non-profit Partnership to End Addiction and hosts “Heart of the Matter,” a podcast focused on addiction, recovery, and the stigma so many face in their effort to heal.

Performing at the Luncheon will be Curb Records recording artist, Harper Grace. The rising Country star’s initial experience in the spotlight came at just 11 years old when her first public performance of The National Anthem didn’t go as planned, eliciting widespread criticism from an array of online observers and media outlets. Seven years later, the “American Idol” alum redeemed herself by returning to the same stadium and nailing a version of the patriotic song. Now residing in Nashville and currently traveling around the U.S. sharing her anti-bullying message and singing The National Anthem at multiple high-profile venues. Harper also released brand new music in 2023, including two newly-available songs, “Sparkle” on 3/17/23, and “Oh Say Can You See,” an autobiographical track she penned for her 11-year-old self, on 5/19/23.

Presenters at the Gracie Awards Luncheon will include Judi Franco, Co-host #1 rated “Dennis & Judi” midday show on Townsquare’s New Jersey 101.5; Sara Haines, Co-Host, ABC’s The View; Maxwell of the world famous Z100 in New York hosting “The Maxwell & Crystal Show” an iHeartMedia station; Shima Oliaee, CEO and founder of Shirazad Productions; and Brigitte Quinn, creator, host and Managing Editor of Audacy affiliate Newsline on NYC’s WCBS 880.

Sponsors of the Gracies Luncheon include ABC, Audacy, Bonneville, Beasley Media Group, Graham Media Group, Katz Media Group, NCTA-The Internet and Television Association, Fishers Finery, Futuri, Gray Television, Hofstra University, iHeartMedia, News 12, TEGNA, and Townsquare Media, Inc.

The National Gracie Award honorees were recognized at the Gracies Gala, May 23, at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. A full list of recipients may be found on the Alliance for Women in Media website. For more information about the 2023 Gracies Luncheon or to secure tickets, please visit HERE.

About The Gracie Awards

The Gracies Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent 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.

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Media Contact:
Jenny Ditto
859.514.3008
jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org

Gracies

May, 2023

Press Release, The Gracies

Women in Media Honored at the 48th Annual Gracie Awards, Celebrating Remarkable Achievements and Powerful Storytelling

Marlo Thomas Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Presenters and attendees included Atsuko Okatsuka, Jodi Balfour, Bishop Briggs, Rachel Lindsay, Keltie Knight, Rose McIver, Kerri Kasem, Ellen K, and Harriet Dyer

Diane Warren and Shayna Zaid Delivered Breathtaking Performance

Los Angeles, CA. (May 23, 2023) – The 48th Annual Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF), illuminated the night with an extraordinary celebration of women in media held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The evening honored the exceptional talent that have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring audiences, and revolutionizing storytelling.

Inside the gala, a powerful atmosphere prevailed, showcasing stories of triumph, civil rights activists, and women who are actively shifting culture through their narratives. The winners of this year’s Gracie Awards embody the spirit and courage exemplified by Gracie Allen, and they serve as a reminder of the invaluable contributions women make in shaping our media landscape.

Marlo Thomas, renowned for her groundbreaking role as television’s first independent single woman in “That Girl” and revered as a Founding Mother of the Ms. Foundation for Women, was honored with the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award. Tony Thomas, brother of Marlo and an Academy Award nominated television and film producer, presented the award to her.

Additional presenters and attendees included influential figures such as Atsuko Okatsuka, Jodi Balfour, Bishop Briggs, Keltie Knight, Kerri Kasem, Ellen K, Hallie Sahar, Harriet Dyer, Julie Carmen, Lily Moore, Rose McIver, Terri J. Vaughn, Chelsea Gilligan, Sharon Carpenter, and Medalion Rahimi. A special musical performance by 14-time Oscar nominee Diane Warren and Shayna Zaid, enthralled the audience, reminding everyone of the power of music in storytelling. EXTRA’s correspondent, Rachel Lindsay, served as the Gracie Awards social media ambassador, and the ceremony was executive produced by Vicangelo Bulluck.

This year’s Gracies Awards also shined a spotlight on the incredible achievements of women directors and writers. Their talent and dedication were celebrated, emphasizing the critical roles they play in shaping the cultural landscape through their storytelling.

NOTABLE MOMENTS

  • Marlo Thomas during her lifetime award acceptance speech said: “All of these memories are nutrition for the soul. And events like this one created by women and recognizing women are our nutrition. You see examples of others who are finding their voices. We hear their dreams  and share their stories. They give us life.They give us enthusiasm that we can continue to make new dreams.”
  • Miranda Kwok (The Cleaning Lady), winner of the Writer Scripted – Drama category, said: “I stand here in solidarity with my fellow writers as we fight for fair treatment and compensation and the simple recognition that the soul of a writer cannot be replaced with Artificial Intelligence. As writers, our goal is to enlighten and inspire, to reach hearts and minds, to build compassion and understanding, and to effect change for the betterment of humanity.”
  • Presenter Rachel Lindsay introduced the women directors moment with a powerful tribute, recognizing their vital role in shaping on-screen stories following an unprecedented number of submissions saying, “An interesting fact, most people don’t know that women directors were vital to the beginning of cinematic storytelling. But when movies became big business in the 1920’s, the male dominated studio system created monopolies that pushed out female and minority led independent film companies.”
  • Michelle Miller (48 Hours: “Katrina Brownlee: The Good Cop”), News Magazine [TV – National] category, said: “I want you to know I’m not old enough to remember Gracie Allen, but I am old enough to remember  her husband, George Burns. I remember him telling stories of this incredible woman, his late wife, adoring stories, but also kind of mischievous ones. And I thought she’s been dead 20 years, and yet he still talks about her like she’s here in this moment. She had to be one heck of a fine lady. One heck of a fine lady. One heck of an extraordinary lady…”

At its core, the Gracie Awards Gala supports AWMF’s charitable efforts. As a non-profit organization, AWMF is dedicated to creating educational programs, charitable activities, and scholarship initiatives that benefit women in the media. By investing in these initiatives, AWMF continues to foster growth, empowerment, and leadership opportunities for women across the industry.

Below, please find links to access house footage, which includes b-roll of arrivals; interviews with honorees and presenters; clips from the ceremony; and more.

Video Credit – Getty Images Video

Photo Credit – Getty on behalf of The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation

Sponsors of The Gracies include Hallmark Media, American Urban Radio Network, Bloomberg, CBS News, CNN, Disney, ESPN, Fox Sports, Katz Media Group, NBCUniversal News Group, NCTA: The Internet & Television Association, Peacock, Premiere Networks, Apple Music, Fishers Finery, and Romano Law.

To view a complete list of award recipients and honorable mentions, visit allwomeninmedia.org. The local and student award-winners will be recognized at the Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 20 at Cipriani in NYC.

About The Gracie Awards

The Gracies Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent 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.

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Press Contacts
The Samonte Group
Michael Samonte and Alyssa Kind (Furnari)
Michael@SamonteGroup.com; Alyssa@SamonteGroup.com

Gracies

May, 2023

Press Release, The Gracies

ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION TO HONOR MARLO THOMAS, TELEVISION’S FIRST DEPICTION OF AN INDEPENDENT SINGLE WOMAN, AND FOUNDING MOTHER OF THE MS. FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN AT 48TH ANNIVERSARY GRACIE AWARDS ON MAY 23

IN FRONT & BEHIND THE CAMERA WINNERS WILL COME TOGETHER AND CELEBRATE THEIR SHARED ACHIEVEMENTS; SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY SOFIA CARSON AND DIANE WARREN; PRESENTERS INCLUDE MARIA SHRIVER, JODI BALFOUR, CAMILLA LUDDINGTON, AND MORE

WHAT: 

The Alliance for Women in Media will honor Marlo Thomas with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award at the 48th Anniversary Gracie Awards, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the industry. The evening will support AWMF’s educational programs, charitable activities, public service initiatives, and scholarships benefiting women in media and will include a special performance by Sofia Carson and Diane Warren. Presenters include 2023 Gracie winner Maria Shriver, Jodi Balfour, Camilla Luddington, and Rachel Lindsay among many others.

WHEN:

The 48th annual Gracie Awards program will take place on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Red carpet: 4:30p.m.to 5:30p.m.
Show Begins: 6:00p.m.

WHO:

  • Marlo Thomas, Lifetime Achievement Award honoree
  • Sofia Carson will be joined by Diane Warren for a special performance
  • Maria Shriver, Journalist and Activist and 48th Annual Gracie Winner
  • Jodi Balfour, Ted Lasso
  • Camilla Luddington, Grey’s Anatomy
  • Rachel Lindsay, Correspondent on EXTRA, Bachelorette, Gracies Social Media Ambassador
  • Atsuko Okatsuka, Atsuko Okatsuka: The Intruder, Special or Variety
  • Keltie Knight, Host, Superfan
  • Lily Moore, Singer and Activist
  • Rose McIver, Actress
  • Harriet Dyer, Actress
  • Ashley Cooke, Singer
  • Lily Mae Harrington, Single Drunk Female; Singer
  • Kerri Kasem, Radio Host
  • Ellen K, Radio Host

HONOREES IN SHOW:

  • Maria Shriver, I’ve Been Thinking by Maria Shriver + Sunday Paper, Blog & Website News
  • Krista Vernoff, Grey’s Anatomy, Showrunner Fiction – Drama
  • Danielle Monaro, Elvis Duran in the Morning Show, Co-Host Nationally Syndicated Radio
  • Linsey Davis, ABC News Live: Prime with Linsey Davis, News Program
  • Kelleigh Bannen, The Kelleigh Bannen Show, Host/Personality – Streaming Syndicated Radio
  • Adreanna Rodriguez, Roe Was Never Enough, Original Online Programming – Standalone Audio
  • Ellie Monohan (Daughter of Katie Couric), Next Question with Katie Couric (Behind the scenes of Katie’s cancer diagnosis and treatment), Podcast – Educational
  • Shima Oliaee, Pink Card, Podcast Producer – Sports
  • Gail O’Grady,Heart of the Matter, Actress in a Supporting Role – Made for TV Movie
  • Paola Ramos, Field Report with Paola Ramos, Reporter / Correspondent
  • Jodi Koontz, Murphy Sam & Jodi, Host/Personality (Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial)
  • Mafer Suárez, María Félix: La Doña, Non-English Individual Achievement -Producer/Director/Writer
  • Unthinkably Good Things, Hallmark, Made for Television Movie

ABOUT THE GRACIE AWARDS

The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent 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 Internet & Television 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),  Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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Press Contacts:
The Samonte Group
Michael Samonte and Alyssa Kind (Furnari)
Michael@SamonteGroup.com; Alyssa@SamonteGroup.com

Gracies

May, 2023

Press Release, The Gracies

Marlo Thomas, Television’s First Independent Single Woman, Tireless Champion of Children, and a Founding Mother of the Modern Feminist Movement, to be Honored at 48th Annual Gracie Awards Gala on May 23

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 18 , 2023) – Today, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announce that legendary Marlo Thomas will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 48th Annual Gracie Awards Gala, taking place on May 23, 2023, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. The Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award honors a woman in media who exemplifies and embodies the essence of the late, great media trailblazer Gracie Allen, the namesake of the Gracie Awards.

“Marlo Thomas is not only a true icon of the entertainment industry, but a visionary whose work has left a lasting impact on society,” said Becky Brooks, President of the AWMF. “Her groundbreaking role as Ann Marie in ‘That Girl’ shattered stereotypes and opened doors for women in television. Furthermore, Marlo’s charitable and activist work with the Ms. Foundation for Women and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has transformed countless lives, making her a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all. She truly exemplifies the ethos of AWMF. We’re proud to honor her with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Thomas is an award-winning actress, author and activist whose body of work continues to impact American entertainment and culture. She has been honored with four Emmy Awards, the Peabody, a Golden Globe and a Grammy, and has been inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. In November 2014, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest honor a civilian can receive—by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony.

She burst onto the scene as television’s That Girl, which broke new ground for independent women everywhere, and which she also conceived and produced. Her pioneering spirit continued with her creation of the children’s entertainment project, Free to Be…You and Me, which became a platinum album, best-selling book, Emmy Award-winning television special and a stage show. In March of 2021, the original recordwas entered into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress to underscore its cultural significance. Proceeds from Free to Be…You and Me went toward the formation of the Ms. Foundation for Women, which was co-founded by Marlo, Gloria Steinem, Letty Cottin Pogrebin and Pat Carbine. They also created Take Our Daughters to Work Day.

Her body of work on television has consistently won her both popular and critical acclaim. In the 2022 holiday season, she co-starred in Hallmark’s A Magical Christmas Village (her first holiday movie since her classic It Happened One Christmas). Additionally, she has lent comedic turns to the Netflix miniseries Wet Hot American Summer:Ten Years Later and Warner Brothers’ Ocean’s 8. Other notable television appearances include her portrayal of a mentally ill woman in Nobody’s Child, for which she won the Emmy for Best Dramatic Actress, and numerous guest appearances on popular series, including Friends, in which she was nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of Jennifer Aniston’s mom. She has won glowing reviews on stage, most recently in Elaine May’s 2012 Broadway comedy-drama, Relatively Speaking; and in Tony Award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro’s 2015 dark comedy, Clever Little Lies.

For her activism, Thomas has been honored with the Helen Caldicott Award for Nuclear Disarmament; the ACLU’s Thomas Paine Award; the American Women in Radio and Television Satellite Award; the William Kunstler Racial Justice Award; The National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award; and The Jefferson Award for Public Service, which she received along with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

At its core, the Gracie Awards Gala supports AWMF’s charitable efforts. As a non-profit organization, AWMF is dedicated to creating educational programs, charitable activities, and scholarship initiatives that benefit women in the media. By investing in these initiatives, AWMF continues to foster growth, empowerment, and leadership opportunities for women across the industry.

About The Gracie Awards

The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent 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 Internet & Television 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),  Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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Press Contacts
The Samonte Group
Michael Samonte and Alyssa Kind (Furnari)
Michael@SamonteGroup.com; Alyssa@SamonteGroup.com