The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Postpones the Gracie Awards Gala to September 22, 2020

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.

Alliance for Women in Media Honors Six Female Leaders at Gracies Leadership Awards

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) hosted the annual Gracies Leadership Awards luncheon on Thursday, November 21 to a capacity crowd at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.  Keynote speaker Elizabeth Smart eloquently gave an awe-inspiring address, sharing her captivating story of overcoming the trauma of her 9-month abduction, at the age of fourteen.  Smart shared with the audience, “I don’t think that you are made by what happens to you.  I think you are made by the choices you make after things happen to you.”  She ended the speech, saying, “As I move forward with my life, I am dedicated to preventing what happened to me from happening to anyone else and continuing to empower women, and girls of all ages, as much as I can.”    

Six female leaders in media were honored at the event, along with the Inaugural AWM Legacy Leadership recipient, Chickie Bucco.  Highlights from their speeches include:

• Mary Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cumulus Media, shared how she watched more and more females rise to the top in the magazine industry but said there is still work to be done in radio.  Berner shared a quote by Maya Angelou, saying, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”  She continued by saying, “At Cumulus, we know better, and we are working hard to do better.”
• Weezie Kramer, Chief Operating Officer, Entercom Communications, thanked those who have helped her along the way, and said, “Looking back on moments in my career, the times that I was able to help others find their super powers or help them achieve their ambitions, whatever that ambition may be, those are the moments that give me the greatest joy.”
• Rosemary Mercedes, Chief Communications Officer, Univision Communications Inc., thanked her mother for teaching her how to be strong, and proudly said, “It’s so easy to get caught up on headlines of the day – the ‘Me Toos’ and the statistics, which are not as great as they should be.  But, when you expand your view and think about the century and where we were in 1901 to where we are today, it is such a wonderful time to be a woman.  I know there’s work to be done, but it’s a great time to be a woman today.”
• Michelle Rice, General Manager, TV One, shared that as a child, she had big dreams.  Rice continued her acceptance speech, saying, “So many times I have been the first – the first woman, the first person of color, the first woman of color.  Maybe you have been the first.  Be fearless.  Your fearlessness will ensure that you will certainly not be the last.”
• Michelle Vicary, EVP, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks, beamed as she told the crowd how much she loves the work she does.  Vicary said, “In the last few years, our industry has undergone a seismic shift.  Women are more empowered than ever before, and this is in large part because other women stepped up and paved the way.  I have personally had so many female mentors that have helped me along the way.”
• Danyelle Wright, VP, Employment & Labor Law and Chief Diversity Officer, The E.W. Scripps Company,began her speech recalling her mother telling her from a young age that she should become a lawyer.  She shared, “One particular word comes to mind when I think of why I do what I do – calling.  My calling is to help people, to carry other people’s burdens, to stand in the gap, resolve problems, take the hits, and make things just a little better, even when it’s tough on me.  That’s why I do what I do.”
• Chickie Bucco, upon accepting the Inaugural AWM Legacy Leadership Award, thanked her family, and said, “When I started, it was really the Mad Men days.”  She continued, saying, “The people that I worked with and the people that I worked for were wonderful to me.”

“This is a really important event because what it does is really our three pillars – it’s recognition, it’s education and it’s connection,” said Becky Brooks, executive director of AWM.  She continued, “What a gift we have that our education is Elizabeth Smart as a keynote speaker.”

Photos from the event can be found at graciesawards.photos.

Sponsors of the event were Ford Motor Company, CBS Corporation, Benztown, Cox Media Group, Crown Media Family Networks, Cumulus Media, Discovery, Entercom Communications, Katz Media Group, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Nielsen, TV One, Univision Communications Inc. and vCreative.

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.

Elizabeth Smart to Keynote the Gracies Leadership Awards Presented by the Alliance for Women in Media

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is pleased to announce  Elizabeth Smart, author, founder of the “Elizabeth Smart Foundation” and children’s advocate, will serve as keynote at the Gracies Leadership Awards on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, at The Plaza Hotel, New York City.  The annual event provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the significant impact women have made in the media industry, while also spurring to action and emboldening female leaders in attendance.  The list of this year’s honorees will be announced soon.

“The Alliance for Women in Media has a strong history of supporting and celebrating women in media.  I am honored to be a part of an event that aims to inspire a new generation of trailblazers,” said Elizabeth Smart, past Gracie winner and keynote speaker for the event.

Elizabeth Smart is best known for her abduction in 2002 and has since become the founder of the “Elizabeth Smart Foundation” and an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs, and National legislation.  She is also the author of the New York Times best-selling book “My Story”, “You’re Not Alone: The Journey From Abduction to Empowerment” and “Where There’s Hope.”   

“The Alliance for Women in Media is proud to honor women for their extraordinary accomplishments,” said Becky Brooks, executive director, AWM/F. “It is our honor to have Elizabeth Smart, a past Gracie winner, as this year’s keynote speaker, as her address will surely inspire and empower all in attendance.”   

Tickets are available for AWM members at a rate of $250 and for non-members at a rate of $350. A special student rate of $100 is available for undergraduate students with proof of enrollment. Students may also apply for a sponsored ticket made available through the CBS Fellowship.

For table sales with premium seating or additional support opportunities, contact Alliance for Women in Media Executive Director Becky Brooks at becky.brooks@allwomeninmedia.org.

For more information on this event or to reserve your seat, visit https://allwomeninmedia.org/events/gracies-leadership-award/.

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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.

2019 Gracies Luncheon Post-Event Release

THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES 44th ANNUAL GRACIES LUNCHEON

Erin Moriarty Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award, 3rd Hour of TODAY’s Sheinelle Jones Hosted and Pop Artist Brynn Elliott Performed at Cipriani 42^nd Street in New York City

June 26, 2019 (New York City) – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) presented the 44^th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42^nd Street in New York City on June 26. Host Sheinelle Jones, co-host of “3^rd Hour of TODAY” and co-anchor of NBC News’ “Weekend TODAY” led the program alongside presenters Angela Yee from “The Breakfast Club”; supermodel, TV personality and podcast host Emme; Roula Christie of “The Roula and Ryan Show” on KRBE; and Duarte Geraldino from Al Jazeera Digital and “PBS NewsHour.” 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 TV, radio and interactive media.

Highlights from the show included:

• AWMF Board Chair and Katz Radio Group President Christine Travaglini opened the Luncheon. After welcoming the record-breaking crowd, she introduced AWM Board Treasurer and Gracies Co-Chair Heather Cohen, executive vice president of The Weiss Agency.
• Lifetime Achievement Honoree Erin Moriarty, correspondent for “48 Hours”, was presented her award by Susan Zirinsky, president of CBS News, who said, “She has been producing impactful content for CBS News for three decades.  Erin, you are a force of nature.  I can think of no better honoree for this Lifetime Achievement Award.  Erin is relentless, authentic, a great person and a damn good reporter. She represents the very best of CBS News.”  Erin Moriarty, while accepting the award, said, “You hear Lifetime Achievement, and I think a lot of us think of retirement and receiving it when you’re heading out the door, but really I see that it takes a lifetime to make a difference.  Our 48 Hours team is making an impact.”
• Sheinelle Jones, co-host of the “3^rd Hour of TODAY”, hosted the awards.  When presenting the awards for outstanding work in Local Market Television, Jones said, “It is my hope that I can inspire and reassure you that – even when it doesn’t feel like it – our work is making a difference.”
• Pop Singer Brynn Elliott performed “Might Not Like Me” along with her new single “Letter 2 a Girl.”  Brynn said, “I have been blessed with a really strong mother, and this has inspired me to write songs to empower women.”
• Presenter Angela Yee, who won a National Gracie Award for Outstanding Host/Personality this year, said, “I won a Gracie Award, and it was one of the greatest honors.  I am honored to be here with such strong women and the men who support us.”
• Presenter Duarte Geraldino from Al Jazeera Digital said, “When I was first starting in the industry, I was told, ‘You need to find a mentor.  A man who knows the ropes.’  I found some men to look up to, but for the most part, my mentors have been women.”

The National Gracie Award honorees were recognized at the Gracies Gala, May 21, at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. Again, a full list of recipients may be found on the Alliance for Women in Media website.

Photos from the 44^th Annual Gracies Luncheon may be viewed at the following link: https://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr648338397  

About the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and The Gracie Awards – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (formerly known as The Foundation of American Women in Radio & Television) supports and promotes educational programs, and scholarships to benefit the media, the public, and allied fields. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, NCTA, NAB and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. In addition to giving $20,000 a year in scholarships to deserving female students, the Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards that exemplary honor programming created by, for and about women.

Sponsors of The Gracies Luncheon include: CBS, Beasley Media Group, Cox Media Group, Cumulus, Discovery, Entercom, Hofstra University, iHeartMedia, Katz Media Group, Lerman Senter, NAB, NBC, NCTA – the Internet & Television Association, Sinclair, SiriusXM, TEGNA, Townsquare and vCreative.

For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media, please visit: allwomeninmedia.org and follow on Twitter, Instagram (@AllWomeninMedia) (#TheGracies), and Facebook.

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Alliance for Women in Media, Foundation Announce 2019 Board

2019 Gracie Awards Garner Record Number of Entries

February 14, 2019, New York City/Los Angeles – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has announced that the 2019 call for entries for the annual Gracie Awards was the most successful in the program’s history.

The Gracies are the largest fundraising event by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AWM that supports educational programs, charitable activities and scholarships to benefit women in media. The milestone comes as AWM and its Foundation (AWM/F) announce their 2019 National Board of Directors. New to the AWM Board are Abby Greensfelder, co-founder & co-owner, Half Yard Productions, Brenda Hetrick, chief revenue officer, Matrix Solutions, and Katherine Wolfgang, head of public relations, CBC.

“The number and caliber of extraordinary programs and performances entered for the 2019 Gracie Awards is an unprecedented milestone for the AWM/F,” said AWM/F executive director Becky Brooks. “Gracies Judges – women and more men than ever before – include executives and talent from across every form of media. They have their work cut out for them in deciding the 2019 winners from this exceptional pool of nominees.”

“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,” stated Christine Travaglini, AWM/F board chair and president, Katz Radio Group. “We are thrilled to have these talented, accomplished women joining our leadership for the next two years.”

Keisha Sutton James, vice president, Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, will serve as incoming chair, Heather Cohen, executive vice president, The Weiss Agency, will serve as Treasurer.  Josie Thomas, executive vice president, chief diversity and inclusion officer, CBS Corporation, will serve as treasurer-elect, while Sarah Foss, senior vice president, strategic initiatives, Freewheel Advertisers at FreeWheel will serve as immediate past chair.

The following individuals will serve as Directors at Large of AWM: Joyce Fitch, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc.; Jinny Laderer, president, vCreative; Meg LaVigne, president of television, Litton Entertainment; Kelly DeLace Perdomo, vice president, content, sports, entertainment, and partnership marketing, SiriusXM; and Diane Schwartz, SVP and group publisher, Access Intelligence.

The following individuals will serve as Directors at Large of AWMF: Anne Cowan, senior vice president, communications and marketing, CTAM; Annie Howell, co-founder and managing partner, The Punch Point Group; Deborah Parenti, publisher, RadioInk, RBR and TVBR; Rob Stoddard, SVP program network policy, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association; and Kristen Welch, chief financial officer, Illustrative Mathematics.

The 44th Annual Gracie Awards Gala will take place May 21, 2019, at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel, and the Gracie Awards Luncheon will be held June 26, 2019, in New York City at Cipriani 42nd Street.

The Gracies recognize exemplary programming created by, for and about women in radio, television, cable and interactive media. Honorees are selected in national, local and student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets. Please visit http://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/ for more information about the Gracie Awards, and to apply to participate as a judge.

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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.

Jason Bailey, CEO at Sun Broadcast Group, Inc., Continues Partnership with the Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation as an Honorary Trustee

LEXINGTON, KY January 31, 2019 – The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation (AWM/F) are pleased to announce that Jason Bailey, President, Sun Broadcast Group, will be continuing his longstanding support of AWM/F as an Honorary Trustee. Bailey is the founder and CEO of Sun Broadcast Group, a national radio sales and syndication company.

Bailey has been at the forefront of innovation in the national radio space for more than 25 years and has championed new products designed to reshape how radio is programmed, measured, bought and consumed. Bailey has been featured in numerous industry articles for his unique insight on the radio space, most recently on the cover of Radio Ink Magazine where he was named “Network Radio’s Next Big Star”.

“For the last several years, I’ve been honored to watch firsthand the amazing support the AWM lends to women across all media. The work that is done, the guidance provided, and the accolades given that are so wonderfully deserved are just the tip of the iceberg to what this incredible organization is all about,” said Bailey. “I am delighted and humbled to be welcomed back to serve as an Honorary Trustee through 2021. My hat is off to the leadership of AWM for the good they sow throughout media. And I urge anyone reading this to make today the day to get involved!”

Bailey started his broadcast career as the Morning Show Producer at WXLO-FM in Worcester at the age of 17. In 1994 he became the arena announcer for the AHL’s Worcester IceCats, a position he held for 10 years. In late 2000, Commonwealth Broadcasting recruited him to rebuild and program two radio stations in Worcester, including WORC-AM, the first station to play the Beatles. Throughout his radio career he was also privileged to serve as consultant in different capacities with companies such as Nextel, The NCAA, Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins.

Prior to founding Sun Broadcast Group, Jason launched a marketing firm that helped streamline the sales and advertising process of more than 35 luxury real estate projects across North and Central America. He became one of the pioneers of an innovative personalized marketing approach by developing software that created email, direct mail and website experiences personally tailored to each individual prospect. During his three years in the industry, Bailey helped his clients realize more than $2 Billion in sales.

“Honorary Trustees have the unique ability to advise and shape the Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation while publicly acknowledging the value of women in the media industry,” said Christine Travaglini, AWM/F Chair and President, Katz Radio Group. “Jason is a consummate leader, both at Sun Broadcast Group and in the radio industry and we value his ongoing support,” added Becky Brooks, AWM/F Executive Director.

The Honorary Trustee program at AWM/F offers senior executives the opportunity to engage and influence the strategy of AWM/F and its support of women in media. The HT program highlights ways to work together that are exclusive to Honorary Trustees and not available at any other partnership level through the Alliance for Women in Media or the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation.

Jason Bailey joins Catherine Frymark, Discovery Communications, and Mark Gray, Katz Radio Group, as an Honorary Trustee.

For more information, visit www.allwomeninmedia.org.

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®, a live 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.

Gracie Awards Garner Record Number of Entries | AWM/F Announce New Boards

February 5, 2018 (New York City/Los Angeles) The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has announced that the 2018 call for entries for the annual Gracie Awards was the most successful in the program’s history.

The Gracies are the largest fundraising event by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AWM that supports educational programs, charitable activities and scholarships to benefit women in media. The milestone comes as AWM and its Foundation (AWMF) announce their 2018 National Board of Directors. New to the AWM Board are Joyce Fitch, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., and Diane Schwartz, SVP and group publisher, Media Communications Group, Access Intelligence

“It is exciting to see so many outstanding programs and performances entered for the 2018 Gracie Awards,” said incoming AWM/AWF Chair Christine Travaglini, president, Christal Radio, New York, N.Y. “The ability to recognize the role of women in such extraordinary content is important now, more than ever.”

Chairperson-elect of AWM/F is Keisha Sutton-James, vice president, Inner City Broadcasting Corp., New York, N.Y.  Heather Cohen, executive vice president, The Weiss Agency, New York, N.Y., will serve as treasurer, while Sarah Foss, chief product officer, advertising management systems, Imagine Communications, New York, N.Y., will serve as AWM/F past chair.

The following individuals will serve as Directors at Large of AWM: Christina Barlowe Villano, vice president, strategic initiatives, Charter Communications, New York, N.Y.; Kelly DeLace Perdomo, vice president, content, sports, entertainment, and partnership marketing, SiriusXM, New York, N.Y.; Joyce Fitch, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc.; Susie Hedrick, SVP, North American sales, Wide Orbit, Inc., San Francisco, Calif.; Jinny Laderer, president, vCreative, Babson Park, Fla.; Meg LaVigne, president of television, Litton Entertainment, Charleston, S.C.; Laura Martinez, senior director, affiliate sales, Westwood One/Dial Global, Washington, D.C.; Alison Rudnick, vice president, communications, HLN, New York, N.Y.; Diane Schwartz, SVP and group publisher, media communications group, Access Intelligence; Josie Thomas, executive vice president, chief diversity and inclusion officer, CBS Corporation, New York, N.Y.; and Gayle Trotter, president, American Women’s Alliance, Washington, D.C.

The following individuals will serve as Directors at Large of AWMF: Karla Ballard Williams, founder, YING, Los Angeles, Calif.; Valerie Blackburn, project manager, Entercom Communications, NY, N.Y.; Anne Cowan, senior vice president, communications and marketing, CTAM, Washington, D.C.; Annie Howell, co-founder and managing partner, The Punch Point Group, Washington, D.C.; Christine McLaughlin, of counsel, Sciarrino & Shubert, PLLC, Washington, D.C.; Deborah Parenti, publisher, RadioInk, RBR and TVBR, Boynton Beach, Fla.; Rob Stoddard, SVP program network policy, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Washington, D.C.; and Kristen Welch, chief financial officer, Illustrative Mathetmatics, Washington, D.C.

The 43rd Annual Gracie Awards Gala will take place May 22, 2018, at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel, and the Gracie Awards Luncheon will be held June 27, 2018, in New York City at Cipriani 42nd Street.

The Gracies recognize exemplary programming created by, for and about women in radio, television, cable and interactive media. Honorees are selected in national, local and student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets. Please visit http://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/ for more information about the Gracie Awards, and to apply to participate as a judge.

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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.

Alliance for Women in Media Announces 2017 Women Who Lead Honorees

September 27, 2017 (New York City) – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) has announced the 2017 honorees for its upcoming Women Who Lead luncheon program. The annual event will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, at the Marriott Marquis, New York City.

The event recognizes and celebrates women who have had a significant impact on the media industry, as trailblazers and extraordinary leaders in their chosen field. This year, AWM will honor the following Women Who Lead (in alphabetical order):

• Caroline Beasley, CEO, Beasley Broadcast Group
• Amy Emmerich, Chief Content Officer, Refinery29
• Kathleen Finch, Chief Programming, Content & Brand Officer, Scripps Networks
• Susan Swain, co-CEO, C-SPAN
• Julie Talbott, President, Premiere Networks

“The Alliance for Women in Media has great roots in the American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT), and the Gracies,” says Geraldine “Gerry” Laybourne, respected media entrepreneur and keynote speaker for the event. “I am so honored to be asked to keynote the Women Who Lead luncheon. There is no more important time in our history for women in media to be true leaders and no mission more personally important to me. ”

Gerry is perhaps best known for leading the team that brought success to Nickelodeon in the 1980s and 90s, and for her role as co-founder of Oxygen Media. She also served as president of Disney-ABC Cable Networks. In more recent years, she has lent her experience and wisdom as a leader and member of several prominent industry and corporate boards.

“As part of our commitment to support women in their many roles across the media industry, the Alliance for Women in Media is pleased to showcase the amazing achievements of these female executives and shine a bright light on each of their incredible accomplishments, professional dedication and lasting impact on the industry,” says Sarah Foss, AWM chair and chief product officer, Advertising Management Systems, Imagine Communications. “Women Who Lead provides an opportunity for AWM to recognize progress and advancements across the industry by talented leaders. These leaders also happen to be women—and as we honor them, we hope to empower and encourage all women to strive for success.”

Tickets for the Women Who Lead luncheon are available at $149 for AWM members and $199 for non-members. A special $79 student rate is available for undergraduate students with proof of enrollment. Qualifying students may also apply for a complimentary ticket made possible through Women Who Lead program sponsors, which include Ford, CBS Corporation, Katz Media Group, NCTA, vCreative and WideOrbit.

For table sales with premium seating or additional information on available sponsorships, contact Alliance for Women in Media executive director Becky Brooks at becky.brooks@allwomeninmedia.org or 859.226.4240.

For more information or to reserve your seat, visit Women Who Lead.

Alliance for Women in Media, Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Board of Directors Inducted

2017 Gracie Awards Chairs Announced

February 16, 2017, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation (AWM/F) are proud to announce its 2017 National Boards of Directors. Sarah Foss, Chief Product Officer, Advertising Management Systems, Imagine Communications, NY, N.Y., will serve as Chairperson for both organizations.

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Alliance for Women in Media Honors Seven Female Leaders at Women Who Lead Event

November 17, 2016 (New York City) – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) hosted the Women Who Lead event Tuesday to a crowd at 10 on the Park in New York City. Keynote speaker Madonna Badger shared her personal story and introduced the room to her mission of #WomenNotObjects.

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