46th ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION
HONOREES INCLUDE KERRY WASHINGTON, CATHERINE O’HARA, LENA WAITHE, KELLY CLARKSON, HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, DEDE MCGUIRE, ERIN ANDREWS, BLACK-ISH, MRS. AMERICA, FOLKLORE & CBS THIS MORNING’S “BREONNA TAYLOR: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACY”
Awards Ceremony to take place on September 27 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel
LOS ANGELES, CA (June 9, 2021) – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announced the winners of the 46th Annual Gracie Awards. The Gracie Awards Gala will take place September 27, 2021 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles and will honor some of the most talented women in television, radio and digital media, including Kerry Washington, Catherine O’Hara, Lena Waithe, Kelly Clarkson, Hillary Rodham Clinton, DeDe McGuire, Danielle Monaro and Erin Andrews. This year’s ceremony will also recognize entertainment and news programming that addressed timely topics and social issues, including TODAY Show, CBS This Morning, black-ish, Mrs. America and folklore: the long pond studio sessions.
Erin Andrews, Lindsay Czarniak, Sara Sidner and Danielle Monaro have recorded special messages of appreciation:
“Throughout this important year, we have enjoyed some of the most compelling content in our history. We were informed, enlightened and entertained by women in media across all platforms,” said Becky Brooks, President, Alliance for Women in Media Foundation. “As we celebrate AWM’s 70th anniversary, we are thrilled to honor this incredible group of women who have demonstrated their commitment to sharing emotionally-charged, timely and compelling content. We look forward to reconvening in person to recognize these incredible achievements and brave storytelling.”
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. In lieu of the Gracie Awards Luncheon, which will no longer take place in person on June 26 in New York City, local and student award winners will be recognized virtually. An alternate in-person celebration is currently being evaluated.
In the sixth 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 opportunity for future generations.
Sponsors of The Gracies include Ziploc®, Crown Media Family Networks, CNN, NCTA – the Internet and Television Association, Katz Media Group and Beasley Media Group.
The complete winners list is below. Honorees are listed in alphabetical order within each category. To view the complete list of award recipients and honorable mentions visit allwomeninmedia.org.
TELEVISION NATIONAL HONOREES
24 Hours: Assault On the Capitol (ABC News and Hulu)
ABC NEWS
Frontline – Special Report [TV – National]
60 in 6: Covid and Domestic Abuse
CBS News
Investigative Feature [TV – National]
60 Minutes: Talking to the Past
CBS News
Soft News Feature [TV – National]
Alexa Mansour & Aliyah Royale (The Walking Dead: World Beyond)
AMC Networks
Actress in a Breakthrough Role- Drama [TV – National]
Bess Kalb, Karen Chee, Akilah Green, Franchesca Ramsey, Jocelyn Richard (Yearly Departed)
Amazon Studios
Writer Scripted- Comedy [TV – National]
Between the World and Me
HBO
Special [TV – National]
black-ish
Disney Television Studios
Comedy [TV – National]
Bravery and Hope: 7 Days on the Front Line (CBS News Special)
CBS News
Documentary- Covid Special [TV – National]
Breonna Taylor: Her Life, Death and Legacy (CBS This Morning)
CBS News
Hard News Feature- Interview [TV – National]
Caitriona Balfe (Outlander)
Starz
Actress in a Leading Role – Drama [TV – National]
Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek)
Not a Real Company Productions, Inc., Pop TV, CBC
Actress in a Leading Role – Comedy or Musical [TV – National]
Catherine Reitman (Workin’ Moms)
Wolf + Rabbit Entertainment ULC
Showrunner Fiction- Comedy [TV – National]
Cecilia Peck, Inbal B. Lessner (Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult)
Starz
Showrunner Nonfiction [TV – National]
Erin Andrews (FOX NFL)
FOX Sports
On-Air Talent – Sports [TV – National]
Eve Lindley (Dispatches from Elsewhere)
AMC Networks
Actress in a Supporting Role – Made for TV Movie or Limited Series [TV – National]
folklore: the long pond studio sessions
Disney+
Grand Award for Special or Variety [TV – National]
Gina Brillon (Gina Brillon: The Floor is Lava)
Amazon Prime Video & Comedy Dynamics
Variety [TV – National]
Hear Her Voice (Nightline)
ABC NEWS
Hard News Feature [TV – National]
Hoda Kotb & Jenna Bush Hager (TODAY with Hoda & Jenna)
TODAY Show/NBC News
On-Air Talent – Lifestyle, Entertainment [TV – National]
Jessica Goldberg (AWAY)
True Jack Productions USA, Sixth and Idaho, Refuge Inc.
Showrunner Fiction- Drama [TV – National]
Julie Anne Robinson (Bridgerton)
Netflix
Director [TV – National]
Kate Redding (TODAY Show)
TODAY Show/NBC News
Producer- News [TV – National]
Katie Hinman (On The Trail: Inside the 2020 Primaries)
CNN
Producer- Documentary /Unscripted / Non-Fiction [TV-National]
Kerry Washington (Little Fires Everywhere)
Disney Television Studios
Actress in a Leading Role – Made for TV Movie or Limited Series [TV – National]
Lena Waithe (The Chi)
Showtime Networks, Inc. & Hillman Grad Productions
Writer Scripted- Drama [TV – National]
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Never Have I Ever)
Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group
Actress in a Breakthrough Role- Comedy [TV – National]
Mariana van Zeller (Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller)
National Geographic
Reporter/Correspondent [TV – National]
Martha Raddatz
ABC NEWS
Frontline – Reporter/Correspondent [TV – National]
Mary Mazzio (A MOST BEAUTIFUL THING)
50 Eggs Films
Writer Unscripted [TV – National]
Monica Dávila (Santiago of the Seas)
Nickelodeon
Director- Family [TV – National]
Morgan Radford (Nightly News, TODAY Show, MSNBC, Noticias Telemundo)
NBC News
On-Air Talent – News or News Magazine [TV – National]
Mrs. America
FX Networks
Ensemble Cast [TV – National]
Mrs. America
FX Networks
Limited Series [TV – National]
Not Done: Women Remaking America
PBS/Verizon Media Group/McGee Media
Documentary [TV – National]
Play Like A Girl (ESPN’s College GameDay)
ESPN – Features Unit
Sports Feature [TV – National]
Robin Roberts’ exclusive interview with Judge Esther Salas (Good Morning America)
ABC NEWS
Interview Feature [TV – National]
Sally Woodward Gentle (Killing Eve)
BBC AMERICA
Producer- Entertainment [TV – National]
Sara Sidner (Race & Unrest in America)
CNN
News Feature Series [TV – National]
SC Featured: Women In Sports – The Trailblazers
ESPN – Features Unit
Sports Program [TV – National]
SciGirls (Code Concert)
Twin Cities PBS
Family Series [TV – National]
Selenis Leyva (Diary of a Future President)
CBS Studios
Actress in a Supporting Role – Comedy or Musical [TV- National]
Shannon Thornton (P-Valley)
Starz
Actress in a Supporting Role – Drama [TV – National]
Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi
Hulu, Part 2 Pictures, Delicious Entertainment
Non-Fiction Entertainment [TV – National]
The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel
Lifetime
Made for Television Movie [TV – National]
The Kelly Clarkson Show
NBCUniversal Syndication Studios
Talk Show – Entertainment [TV – National]
This Is Us
Disney Television Studios
Drama [TV – National]
TODAY Show
TODAY Show/NBC News
News Program [TV – National]
VICE on Showtime
VICE News and Showtime
News Magazine [TV – National]
RADIO NATIONAL HONOREES
Allison Keyes (Weekend Roundup)
CBS News Radio
Frontline – Special Report [Radio National]
Alzheimer’s in Color (Latino USA)
Futuro Media
Documentary [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]
Cami McCormick and Deborah Rodriguez (CBS World News Roundup)
CBS News Radio
Crisis Coverage [Radio – National Syndicated Commercial]
China’s Coronavirus Crisis (All Things Considered)
NPR (National Public Radio)
Crisis Coverage/Breaking News [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]
Danielle Monaro (Elvis Duran and the Morning Show)
iHeartMedia/Premiere Networks
Co-host [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial]
DeDe McGuire (DeDe in the Morning)
Compass Media Networks / Service Broadcasting Group
Host/Personality [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial]
Estelle (The Estelle Show)
Apple Music Radio
Host/Personality- Digital Streaming [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial]
Hilary Kramer (Hilary Kramer’s Millionaire Maker)
Salem Media Group
Weekend Host / Personality- Talk Host [ Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial ]
Ina Jaffe (Morning Edition/Weekend Edition)
NPR (National Public Radio)
Reporter / Correspondent / Host [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]
Jessica Beck (Snapshots from Black America)
BBC Radio 4
Producer [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]
Jill Schlesinger (Jill on Money)
CBS News Radio
Talk Show [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial]
Karen Travers (ABC News)
ABC NEWS
Outstanding News Anchor [ Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial ]
Lindsay Czarniak (Important Conversations with Lindsay Czarniak)
SiriusXM
News Feature [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial]
Lisa Abramowicz (Generation Interrupted)
Bloomberg LP
Special [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial]
Lulu Garcia-Navarro & Peter Breslow (Weekend Edition Sunday)
NPR (National Public Radio)
Public Affairs [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]
Marla Gibbs: A Living Treasure (Café Mocha Radio)
Miles Ahead Broadcasting/Compass Media Networks
Interview Feature [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial]
Noel King (How A Mother Protects Her Black Teenage Son From The World)
NPR (National Public Radio)
Interview Feature [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]
Reconciling History: The Ordeal of One Last Surviving “Sex Slave” of Wartime Philippines (Weekend Edition Sunday)
NPR (National Public Radio)
Investigative Feature [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]
Reema Khrais (This Is Uncomfortable)
Marketplace – American Public Media
News Feature [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]
Roula Christie (WEEKENDS WITH ROULA)
Westwood One
Weekend Host / Personality- Music Host [ Radio – Nationally Syndicated Commercial ]
Stuck-At-Home Moms: The Pandemic’s Devastating Toll On Women (All Things Considered & Morning Edition)
NPR (National Public Radio)
Series [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]
Victoria Balestrieri (Make Way – A Celebration of Women’s Basketball)
SiriusXM
Producer – Talk [Radio Nationally Syndicated Commercial]
DIGITAL MEDIA NATIONAL HONOREES
Amicus Presents: The Class of RBG
Slate
Original Online Programming – Standalone Audio [DM – National]
Brooke Thomas (The Black Report)
Meruelo Media
Frontline – Original Online Programming – News/Documentary [DM – National]
Carol Sutton Lewis (Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis)
Ground Control Parenting
Podcast – Educational [DM – National]
Caroline Fairchild (Working Together)
LinkedIn News
Blog [DM – National]
CNN Style
CNN Digital
Website – Information/Entertainment [DM – National]
Creators for Change on Girls’ Education with Michelle Obama
YouTube Originals
Original Online Programming – Video Series [DM – National]
HerMoney.com
HerMoney Media, Inc.
Website – News [DM – National]
Hillary Clinton (You And Me Both with Hillary Clinton)
iHeartRadio
Podcast Host – Entertainment [ DM – National ]
Kavitha A. Davidson (The Lead)
Wondery & The Athletic
Podcast – Sports [DM – National]
Liz Oliva Fernández (The War on Cuba)
Belly of the Beast
Online Video Host / Correspondent / Actress [DM – National]
Malika Bilal (The Take)
Al Jazeera Digital, Audio
Podcast Host – News [ DM – National ]
MOBITUARIES: Anna May Wong – Death of a Trailblazer (CBS Sunday Morning)
CBS News
Podcast – Entertainment [DM – National]
#IAMVANESSAGUILLEN (Real America with Jorge Ramos)
Univision News
Original Online Programming – Standalone Video [DM – National]
Somebody
Topic Studios, The Intercept, and the Invisible Institute
Podcast – Investigative [ DM – National ]
Stephanie Wittels Wachs, Jackie Danziger, Jessica Cordova Kramer (Last Day (Season 2))
Lemonada Media
Podcast Producer [DM – National]
The Lakota Daughters
Voice of America
Original Online Programming – News/Documentary [DM – National]
The Michelle Obama Podcast
Spotify & Higher Ground
Podcast – Lifestyle [DM – National]
Tika Sumpter and Thai Randolph (The Suga)
Stitcher
Podcast Co-host/Ensemble [DM – National]
Zahra Rasool (Still Here)
AJ Contrast, Al Jazeera Digital
Online Producer [DM – National]
TELEVISION LOCAL HONOREES
Ashley Stroehlein (Dancing Through the Fight of a Lifetime)
WCNC Charlotte
Sports Feature [TV – Local]
Grace Chimel
WUSA9
Director [TV – Local]
JC Whittington (Daisy Fields)
WUSA9
Soft News Feature [TV – Local]
Jessica Miller (A Turning Point: The Healing Power of Poetry)
WKYC
Producer – Scripted / Edited / Live [TV – Local]
Kirstin Garriss (Black in America: Generational Pain & Healing)
Fox13 Memphis – Cox Media Group
On-Air Talent [TV – Local]
Lori Jane Gliha (Police, Paramedics, and Ketamine: What Happened to Elijah McClain?)
KDVR/FOX31
Investigative Feature [TV – Local]
Ocoee Massacre
WFTV-CHANNEL 9
Documentary [TV – Local]
Race in Chicago
WMAQ-TV
News Program [TV – Local]
Robin Wilhoit Elizabeth Sims (Ten News at 5/ What it is like to be in a Covid-19 Vaccine Trial)
WBIR-TV
Hard News Feature [TV – Local]
Sia Nyorkor (The Next 400: #DefendBlackWomen)
WOIO-TV
News Magazine [TV – Local]
WUSA9 Inauguration Day (WUSA9 11pm – Inauguration Day)
WUSA9
Frontline – Special Report [TV – Local]
RADIO NON-COMMERCIAL LOCAL HONOREES
Angela King (No more haircuts: Stylist says closing salons is right thing to do to stop COVID-19)
KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio
Interview Feature [Radio – Non-Commercial Local]
Bonnie Petrie (Petrie Dish)
Texas Public Radio
Host/Anchor [Radio – Non-Commercial Local]
Carson Frame
Texas Public Radio & The American Homefront Project
Reporter/Correspondent [Radio – Non-Commercial Local]
Daniella Cheslow (In Virginia, A Family Tragedy Stirs New Life In A Burial Ground For The Enslaved)
WAMU
News Feature [Radio – Non-Commercial Local]
Fernanda Camerena (Petrie Dish)
Texas Public Radio & The Texas Newsroom
Producer [Radio – Non-Commercial Local]
Going Flat or Building New Breasts: Two Women’s Post Mastectomy Stories (Audacious)
Connecticut Public Radio
Talk Show [Radio – Non-Commercial Local]
Gwynne Hogan (WNYC/Gothamist)
WNYC/Gothamist
Crisis Coverage [Radio – Non-Commercial Local]
Postcards From The Pandemic
ideastream
Series [Radio Non – Commercial Local]
Victoria Chamberlin (How This Army Officer Is Memorializing Her Stillborn Daughter Through Music)
WAMU
Portrait/Biography [Radio – Non-Commercial Local]
‘Why Can’t I Breathe?’ How Systemic Racism Makes COVID-19 Worse For Communities Of Color
Texas Public Radio & The Texas Newsroom
Special [Radio – Non-Commercial Local]
RADIO LOCAL HONOREES
Alex Razo (Wake Up Call / The Bill Handel Show)
KFI AM 640
Producer [Radio – Local]
Amanda Orlando (Jim & Amanda on WARM98.5)
CUMULUS MEDIA BROADCASTING
Co-host (Music DJ/ Personality) Medium [Radio – Local]
Annie Frey (The Annie Frey Show on 971FMTalk)
Audacy
Host Non-Morning Drive (Talk/Personality) Large/Major Market [Radio – Local]
Brigitte Quinn (The Wedding)
1010 WINS
Interview Feature [Radio – Local]
Chaos In The Capitol, A Nation Divided
WCBS-AM/Audacy New York
Frontline – Special Report [Radio Local]
Covid Community Help
Cox Media Group
Public Service Announcement- Community Giveback [Radio – Local]
KNX News (Emily Valdez)
KNX AM
Breaking News [Radio – Local]
Help for Domestic Abuse Victims During The Pandemic Shutdown (Sonstein Sunday) (Shelli Sonstein)
WAXQ-FM IHeartRadio USA
Public Affairs- Crisis Coverage [Radio – Local]
Holly Quan
KCBS RADIO (Audacy-San Francisco)
Outstanding News Anchor [ Radio – Local]
Jamie Morris (Jamie & You)
Connoisseur Media LLC
Host – Morning Drive – Medium Market [Radio – Local]
Jillene Khan (Jillene Khan on Magic 98)
Mid-West Family Broadcasting
Host Non-Morning Drive (Music DJ/Personality) Small Market [Radio – Local]
Juliet Huddy (Curtis & Juliet)
WABC Radio
Frontline – Reporter/Correspondent [Radio Local]
Kelly Ford (Kelly Ford in the Morning)
Audacy
Host Morning Drive- Major Market [Radio – Local]
Lori Voornas (Lori Voornas-WJBQ-Portland)
Townsquare Media
Host – Morning Drive – Small Market [Radio – Local]
Maggie Gray (The Moose and Maggie Show)
Audacy New York
Co-host (Talk/Personality) Large/Major [Radio – Local]
Marci Wiser (95.5 KLOS/Los Angeles/Rock Format)
Meruelo Media
Host Non-Morning Drive (Music DJ/Personality) Major Market [Radio – Local]
Megan Lynch (The COVID Recession – Worse for Women)
Audacy/KMOX
Hard News Feature [Radio – Local]
myTalk’s Project Down & Dirty Classic Radio Drama
KTMY-FM (United States of America)
Public Service Announcement [Radio – Local]
Sue Purnell “Big Sue” (WHRK-FM)
iHeartMedia Memphis
Host Non-Morning Drive (Music DJ/Personality) Medium Market [Radio – Local]
Susy Solis (KRLD Difference Makers)
Audacy
Soft News Feature [Radio – Local]
The Gabe And Nina Morning Show (Nina Hajian)
Audacy Chicago
Crisis Coverage [Radio – Local]
VOICES with Pebbles (Pebbles)
Beasley Media Group
Public Affairs [Radio – Local]
TELEVISION STUDENT HONOREES
Andrea L. Cabrera (Newsline)
Brigham Young University
On-Air Talent [TV – Student]
Carly Wasserlein (Newsline)
Brigham Young University
Director [TV – Student]
Courtney Adema and Julia Wachtel (Hofstra Today)
Hofstra University
Producer [TV – Student]
Healthcare’s New Home: A Barbershop Story (Sidni Espinosa)
University of Maryland College Park
Hard News Feature [TV – Student]
Local artist memorializes lives lost to COVID-19 (Kelsey Mannix)
Capital News Service
Soft News Feature [TV – Student]
The Flyover State (Amelia Jarecke)
University of Maryland College Park
Documentary [TV – Student]
RADIO STUDENT HONOREES
Katie Francis (Katie Francis – The Rowan Report)
Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM
Host/Personality [Radio – Student]
Natalie Khait (First Female District Attorney in Nassau County Inspires & Encourages More Women to Enter Politics)
Radio Hofstra University – WRHU FM / WRHU.org
Interview Feature [Radio – Student]
Nora Thomas (IS COVID-19 FORCING DISPLACEMENT IN LOW-INCOME AREAS?)
WFUV / Fordham University
News Feature [Radio – Student]
Rylee Meyer and Alexandra Cann (The Social Media Effect)
Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM
Public Affairs [Radio – Student]
Women in Politics / Double Standards – A League of Our Own (Eli Finkelson)
Radio Hofstra University – WRHU FM / WRHU.org
Talk Show [Radio – Student]
Zia Kelly, Madison Conte, Hannah France, Isabella Paxton, Veronica Mohesky, Alec Stutson, Jane Mather-Glass, Olivia Moses (The Check-In)
KBIA
Producer [Radio – Student]
DIGITAL MEDIA STUDENT HONOREES
Carmen Collins (WFUV NEWS PRESENTS: STAYING SAFE AND SANE)
WFUV / Fordham University
Online Producer [DM – Student]
Madison Lawson (The Obvious Question)
KBIA
Podcast Host [DM – Student]
ViewFinder Season #12 (ViewFinder Spring 2020 Virtual Screening)
ViewFinder of Capital News Service at University of Maryland, College Park
Original Online Programming [DM – Student]
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.
# # #
Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Extends Deadline for the 2021 Gracie Award Entries and Announces New Categories
Foundation announces Gracies Gala postponed to September and Gracies Luncheon postponed to July
January 12, 2021 (New York City/Los Angeles) – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has announced that the deadline to submit entries for the 46th Annual Gracie Awards at the regular rate has been extended until January 21, 2021. AWMF is also offering a further extended deadline of January 28, 2021 at an additional cost. The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, celebrate programming and individual achievement by, for and about women in television, radio and digital media. Submissions from all facets of media are encouraged.
Journalists have continued to work tirelessly on the front lines to provide coverage of the unprecedented events in the first two weeks of 2021. Due to the bravery of these storytellers and the timeliness of this important coverage, AWMF has added ten new categories specifically dedicated to January 2021 Frontline Special Reports for on-air talent and programming in television, radio and digital media. A full list of the new categories can be found here.
“We know the circumstances of the past year led to delivering content to audiences in ways we never expected, which is why we are more committed than ever to honoring the remarkable work that has been created by, for and about women,” says Becky Brooks, AWMF executive director. “As our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Gracie Awards enable the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation to deliver on its promise of furthering the connection, education and recognition of women in media, even during turbulent times.”
The Gracie Awards Gala, previously scheduled for May 2021, has been postponed to September 20, 2021, and the Gracie Awards Luncheon, previously scheduled for June 2021, has been postponed to July 21, 2021. The Gala will still be held at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel, and the Luncheon will still be held at Cipriani 42nd St in New York, N.Y. AWMF extends their gratitude to Cipriani and the Beverly Wilshire for their incredible partnerships.
The 2021 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates for the traditional categories are from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. New Categories are exclusive to January of 2021. Entry details, including pricing and updated categories, can be viewed at https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/call-for-entries/.
The application to judge content for The Gracie Awards is available until January 22, 2021. Learn more about Gracies judging and view the application at https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/judging/.
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.
###
The Year in Review
By Becky Brooks, AWM/F Executive Director
Wow – what a year! We are closing out twelve months at a time when most of us can use the phrase, “if someone had told me eight months ago we would…” fill in the blank. The silver lining? There are few times in history where a single event, or experience, has impacted nearly everyone in some way. There is some measure of comfort in that all of us are living with the same uncertainty…and hope.
In past “Year in Review” reflections, I recall events that took place throughout the year — those moments, by the time we get to December, we forgot happened and the role media played in the storytelling. In the spirit of not “doing things just because we’ve always done them” – I won’t walk down 2020’s memory lane!
What should stay the same, however, is the importance of celebrating storytellers. 2020 was an opportunity for journalists to put into action what we’ve known is true and hadn’t seen to even these extremes – to share the must-tell stories however and from wherever they could – basements, front rooms of apartments, in the streets and everywhere in between. Our connection to media, in every form, was even more powerful in a year that brought a pandemic, social justice movement and a challenging presidential election.
And we have a heightened need to connect with others in person.
Speaking for myself, this lack of connection is real and it’s hard. We have two kids who are attending school virtually since March while my husband and I work from home. As I said at the beginning, if someone told us eight months ago our kids wouldn’t walk the halls of a school and we would work from home through the end of the year – oh, and pulling off events virtually for the first time ever – we would have had a good laugh over the absurdity! Yet we did it. We have enjoyed breathing for a minute when not at a soccer game that was cancelled or swim meet we watched online – and remembered to enjoy every minute of cross country and activities outside.
So, while we don’t want to ignore that things are hard – it’s taught us more in a short period of time than imaginable. We are courageous and tenacious albeit weary. One of my favorite stories of courage is that of the founders of AWM. We celebrate 70 years of AWM next year. Imagine the courage of those women signing an organization into existence in 1951! There were so few women in media roles at that time they formed a group to educate, connect and recognize others just like them.
As we look to turn the page into 2021, we invite you to join us in celebrating the courage of all women in media and supporting our journey. We will offer opportunities throughout the year to engage and recognize those who have inspired you. We need your financial support to keep doing the important work of creating programs, offering scholarships and recognizing the courageous storytellers. Please consider a donation to the Foundation, joining AWM, posting your jobs on our career center and entering for a Gracie. These are all ways to keep us active and thriving and we cannot do it without you.
I am so grateful for the amazing leadership of AWM and our partners who navigated and steered us through 2020 while looking forward to everything that is possible as we build on the lessons from this historic and unimaginable year!
Cheers to 2021!
Alliance for Women in Media Foundation & ESPN Launch Scholarship
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.
Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Releases Interview with American Medical Association President, Dr. Susan Bailey
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.
###
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Announces Virtual Gracie Awards Show to Stream on September 10, 2020
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.
###
Alliance for Women in Media Statement on the Homicide of George Floyd
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
- Great Big Story
- Gayle King interviews TD Jakes
Get informed – get involved. Read. Learn. Connect. Talk. Get involved locally or nationally. Here are a few resources to help get you started:
Coronavirus and the Media – Mike McVay
Coronavirus and the Media – Mike McVay
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
Alliance for Women in Media, Foundation Announce 2020 Board
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.