Gracie Awards Call for Entries Extended

January 15, 2018 (New York City/Los Angeles) The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has extended the call for entries for the 43^rd annual Gracie Awards to January 25, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern in response to a high volume of requests for extensions.

“Now, more than ever, we need to celebrate women for their exceptional work and contributions, especially in the media industry,” said Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Chair Sarah Foss.

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. The AWMF will accept all entries submitted after the originally published deadline of January 18 through January 25 with an additional $50 late fee.

Online/virtual judging will take place over a two-week period beginning the week of February 6, 2018. In-person judging will take place all day on Saturday, March 3, 2018, and the morning of Sunday, March 4, 2018, in New York City. The application deadline for eligible judges of the Gracie Awards is January 26, 2018. Qualified judges are chosen by the AWMF leadership after meeting specific published criteria.  Individuals are encouraged to apply through AWMF online here.

The Gracies are the largest fundraising event by the AWM Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AWM that supports educational programs, charitable activities and scholarships to benefit women in the media.

Please visit http://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/ for more information about the Gracie Awards, to submit entries and to apply to participate as a judge.

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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.

Gracies – Now More than Ever

By Sarah Foss, AWM Board Chair

Wow. A sea of LBDs, powerful speeches, and amazing honorees. The Golden Globes will forever be seen as an inflection point. That one show reflected an awakening across the media industry—and now the corporate landscape. Whether we call it a “movement” or a “reckoning,” we are finally publically addressing the reality of gender inequality in the workplace: pay inequality, sexual harassment, and retaliation. What was once taboo is now a real discussion in boardrooms. No longer are we accepting “that’s the way it’s always been” or “it’s part of the culture” or “don’t say anything…or you’ll regret it.”

As a woman who has been in media technology for more than 25 years. I’ve seen it all. Like so many of my contemporaries and peers, we have entertaining, unbelievable, and horrific stories from our careers. IOW, #metoo.

Thankfully, I found a positive outlet to drive change a decade ago when I joined the board of the Alliance for Women in Media. This organization has been recognizing amazing women breaking ceilings, instigating change, and shifting perceptions across the media landscape for more than 60 years. The founders—prominent women media professionals in the 1950s—knew they needed to create an organization to amplify our voice. And, it’s been a powerful one.

The Gracies, an industry award program recognizing amazing content and talent by, for and about women, is in its 43rd year. Many of the Golden Globe honorees are also Gracies honorees; it’s truly a Who’s Who of trailblazers and rebels—a sisterhood of change agents that knew media had the opportunity to move societal progress forward.

Each year, as a Gracies Judge, I’ve been able to play my part in supporting the women and men who brought these stories to listeners and viewers. Winning a Gracie has helped these story tellers and content creators hear loud and clear—“This matters! Your voice is making a difference!” It’s propelled careers and given us a way to shout “Atta Girl!” for each other when our industry didn’t.

Is this “movement” or “reckoning” important? Absolutely. Is it urgent and long-overdue? Absofreakin’lutely. We as an industry have a responsibility—an obligation—to leverage our media platforms to drive progress. This is why, more than ever, The Gracies are relevant. So—here’s my ask: let’s make this Gracies a celebration of all the amazing work that women and men are doing to counterbalance the inequality and negativity. How?

1) Reach out to urge media storytellers to get involved—and submit amazing content for consideration.

2) Apply to be a Gracies judge. (Trust me – you will remember why you joined this field after participating!)

3) Join AWM to bring your voice into the organization.

4) Come to the Gracies and see for yourself. There is power and R-E-S-P-E-C-T throughout our industry.

I am grateful to the many fantastic women—and committed men—for making my career fun and fulfilling. I am humbled to be associated with the most amazing leaders on the AWM Board. And though I can say #metoo, I am damned proud to be a woman executive in media.

And yes. I’ll be wearing my LBD this coming June at The Gracies 2018. I hope to see you there.

The Year in Review

By Becky Brooks, Executive Director

Just when you think the events of another year would be predictable, along comes 2017. The highlights, situations and crises that unfolded over the past 365 days came at a dizzying pace. No one felt the whirlwind more than the media who brought the stories to life and in a few cases, were the story.

Stories of hope, tragedy and triumph have made the headlines. From the long-awaited solar eclipse where millions of people experienced a natural phenomenon through cereal boxes to anxiously awaiting the birth of April the Giraffe, to natural disasters, mass shootings, fidget spinners and countless sexual harassment allegations that have taken down some of entertainment and media’s titans. Our industry is more surprising, provocative and relevant than ever before.

At every point, women in media continuously played pivotal roles in bringing these powerful issues and stories to life. We knew about these moments because of the perseverance and dedication demonstrated by you – the drivers and supporters of content through multiple mediums.

For over 60 years, the Alliance for Women in Media has been supporting and celebrating the contributions of women through connections, education and storytelling. Born out of the National Association of Broadcasters, AWM (originally the American Women in Radio and Television) was created by a group of women who understood the need to connect within a male-dominated media world, so they could positively impact the future for other women in the profession. History is full of stories like these—stories of women who had the courage to step up, speak out and their actions have a lasting impact.

This year highlighted the influence women continue to have in media and in workplaces everywhere.

At AWM, we like to believe that our organization has been there to help those women find their voices and their important place in companies everywhere. We celebrate and salute all of you – and the men who respect, support and elevate the contributions of women in media. This includes those in front of and behind the cameras and microphones, creating environments of community and comradery.

With 2018 in sight, we each can learn and grow from the lessons so apparent in the stories that captured headlines this year. Most importantly, we have an opportunity to take action by mentoring, coaching, teaching and raising other people up, while finding and navigating our own paths forward.

We frequently use the phrase “now, more than ever”. As an organization and as an individual, now more than ever means so much more. Through my own personal losses this year, I will emulate my inspirational, strong-willed, wise and caring mother by being intentional in everything I do and say. As an organization, we will keenly focus on recognizing and celebrating the best programming and individual achievement by, for and about women through The Gracie Awards while adding educational content to our offering and introduce new ways to connect women (and men) in media.

Here’s to welcoming a New Year and wishing the world of media a healthy, happy, productive, fun-filled 2018!

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

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) hosted its annual Women Who Lead luncheon Tuesday to a capacity crowd at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. Keynote speaker Geraldine Laybourne brought audience members to their feet as she wove current headlines of workplace harassment with poignant stories from her career. She closed her remarks by offering the rally cry “Woman up!” to reflect the great strides women have made in the industry and offer her support for continued progress.

AWM honored 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

“AWM was proud to host and celebrate an incredible group of leaders with our Women Who Lead event,” said Sarah Foss, chief product officer, Advertising Management Systems, Imagine Communications, and AWM Board chair. “In a room full of multi-talented and successful women and men who were moved to tears, laughter and standing ovations, it is clear these trailblazing honorees are paving the way for future generations while having earned the much-deserved respect and recognition from their colleagues inside and outside their companies.”

“As a mentor, as a role model, I hope that I can impact people at least a fraction of the way the women in my life have impacted me,” honoree Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks, told the crowd.
In accepting the honor, Kathleen Finch, chief programming, content and brand officer, Scripps Interactive Networks, told attendees, “If there is one thing we’ve learned, it is that now more than ever, we need more women in media.”

Ms. Laybourne, a serial media entrepreneur and founder of Oxygen Media, energized the crowd, hitting on many of the most relevant touchpoints for women working across media today, often reflecting on how challenges faced today mirror those faced decades ago. But she went on to remind of the tremendous strides women have made in overcoming those obstacles and persevering to make their mark in their chosen field, as evidenced by those honored at the event that day.

Looking toward continued growth and grooming of the next generation of women as media leaders, she brilliantly emphasized the importance of women mentoring and supporting women, and the need for women to have their voices and ideas heard. “If you don’t have enough glass shards in your heads yet, you haven’t broken enough glass ceilings,” she told audience members, to thunderous applause.

Photos from the event can be found at https://tinyurl.com/WWL2017AWM.

Sponsors of the event were Ford Motor Company, CBS Corporation, Discovery Communications, Katz Media Group, NCTA, Premiere, Scripps Networks Interactive, Refinery29, SintecMedia, vCreative and WideOrbit. Supporters were Beasley Media Group, Benztown and Mr. Master, BMI, Lerman Senter and Nielsen.

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Announces 43rd Gracie Awards Call for Entries

November 2, 2017 (New York City/Los Angeles) – The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF), has opened the call for entries for the 43rd Annual Gracie Awards Gala, May 22, 2018, at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel, and Gracie Awards Luncheon, June 27, 2018, in New York City at Cipriani 42nd Street.

“Each year, the Gracie Awards turns the spotlight on the best and brightest in all segments of the media industry, on and off the screen. The scope of the event—recognizing groundbreakers in radio, television and interactive media—truly reflects the spirit of Gracie Allen, a media pioneer and the namesake of the Gracie Awards,” says Sarah Foss, AWMF board chair. “The AWM has celebrated exceptional individuals for over 40 years. The Gracies honor those creating innovative content, highlighting diversity, and exhibiting integrity in journalistic approach. We look forward to recognizing more worthy contributors for their outstanding achievements.”

Serving again as co-chairs for the 2018 Gracie Awards are Alliance for Women in Media Foundation board members Karla Ballard Williams, Heather Cohen and Annie Howell. Vicangelo Bulluck, a seasoned veteran in awards production as well as the Executive Producer of the 2016 Democratic National Convention, has produced the Gracie Awards since 2016 and will return to produce the Gracie Awards Gala in 2018.

A highlight of the 2017 Gracie Awards was honoring Ms. Debbie Allen with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by her “television son” actor Jesse Williams and Allen’s daughter, Vivian Nixon. Award recipients in 2017 also included “This is Us” with cast members Mandy Moore, Chrissy Metz, and Susan Kelechi-Watson accepting, as well as Rachel Bloom, Natalie Morales, Lisa Ling, Garrett Clayton, Denise Contis and Lynn Whitfield. Presenters and additional guests included Wendi McLendon-Covey, Laura Ling, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Nischelle Turner, Debbie Matenopoulos and more.

The 2018 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates are from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017. Early Bird rates for entries end on December 14, 2017, at 11:59 PM Eastern. The deadline for all entries is January 18, 2018, at 11:59 PM Eastern. Entry details including pricing, updated categories can be viewed at Gracies Call for Entries.

To see more about the 2017 Gracie Awards, including the media release and past video, visit Gracies Coverage.

Winning Scholarship Essay- Loreen Arbus Scholarship

The following essay was written by Kathryn Poe, the 2017 winner of the Loreen Arbus Scholarship. The Loreen Arbus Foundation and AWMF Scholarship provides a deserving female communications/media undergraduate or graduate student with a scholarship to their educational institution for $2,500.

The world is one giant fish bowl— well, depending on who you are. We’re all trapped in our own little spaces, swimming around to the same people and faces until somebody dies. Unless someone breaks the glass, of course. Then the water goes spraying everywhere, someone gets yelled at, and we’re left flopping around on the floor. Occasionally the family cat gets to us before we can be saved. Or we get flushed.

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Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Announces Jane Pauley as Lifetime Achievement Honoree for 42nd Annual Gracies Luncheon Hosted by NBC’s Dylan Dreyer

Kara DioGuardi to perform at the event on June 27, 2017 at Cipriani on 42^nd Street

June 13, 2017 (New York City) – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) is pleased to announce that Jane Pauley, journalist, author and anchor of ‘CBS Sunday Morning,’ will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 42nd Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon. Award-winning “CBS Sunday Morning” journalist Martha Teichner will present Pauley with the award. Dylan Dreyer, weather anchor of NBC News’ “Weekend TODAY” and regular co-host for TODAY, will serve as host. This annual event, which honors the accomplishments of local and student women in media and entertainment, will take place on June 27, 2017 at Cipriani on 42^nd in New York City.

“The Gracie Awards are the industry’s chance to pause and recognize women and men who use their voice and creativity to bring stories to life, every day,” said Sarah Foss, AWMF Chair and Chief Product Officer, Advertising Management Systems, for Imagine Communications. “Speaking personally, Jane Pauley, her journalist acumen and strong representation of women as valid voices, was the reason that I joined the media industry.  I know that her timeless work has inspired legions of women and men for decades and continues to move her viewers today.”

Pauley is an award-winning journalist and bestselling author. She was named anchor of ‘CBS Sunday Morning” in September 2016. She joined the program in 2014 as a contributor and has delivered newsmaking interviews including Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and the only TV interview with David Letterman about his retirement from late night television. She’s also reported about a group of educators who lived through the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., now fighting to change gun control laws and an 11-year-old boy who became the voice of reason following the Ferguson, Mo. shooting. She began her network television career in 1976 as a co-host of NBC’s “Today” show. She spent 13 years on the morning broadcast, and a decade as the anchor of “Dateline NBC,” starting in 1992. She was the host of the syndicated daytime series, “The Jane Pauley Show” in 2004.

“I have so much to be grateful for and so many to thank,” Pauley said. “A Lifetime Achievement Award recalls colleagues, partners and mentors, and in particular, all the women in our industry whose perseverance and tenacity opened the doors for my generation and everyone since.”

Gracies Luncheon host Dylan Dreyer joined “Weekend TODAY” in 2012 from WHDH-TV, the NBC affiliate in Boston, where she served as the weekday morning meteorologist on “Today in New England” since 2007. In 2008, she was named Boston’s Best Meteorologist by Improper Bostonian magazine. Throughout the years, Dreyer has reported live for NBC News from some of history’s worst storms.

“It is an honor to host this distinguished event,” said Dreyer. “The Gracies recognize top talent and quality in the industry, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi is slated to perform at the celebratory event. DioGuardi is one of the most successful contemporary songwriters in the world, with songs appearing on more than 160 million albums. A former judge on American Idol, the record EXECUTIVE and music publisher’s long list of credits include successes and collaborations with artists such as Pink, Katy Perry, Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Carrie Underwood, and many more. The Alliance for Women in Media thanks Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI®) for connecting The Gracies with empowering female musicians like Kara DioGuardi.

Said DioGuardi of the Gracies Luncheon, “It’s a privilege to perform in a room full of women and men who are committed to journalistic excellence and using their voices to inform and inspire the public.”
The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, acknowledge individual achievement and outstanding programming created by, for and about women in all facets of media. Celebrating more than 40 years, the Gracie Awards focus on women who are making positive change and who continue the discussion of what having a fulfilling career in media looks like.

National Gracie winners were recognized at the Gracies Gala, June 6, 2017 at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California while local and student winners will be recognized at the Gracies Luncheon. A full list of winners can be found on the Alliance for Women in Media website.

For more information about the 2017 Gracies or to secure tickets, please visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation supports and promotes educational programs, charitable activities, and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, NCTA- The Internet and Television Association, NAB and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. In addition to giving almost $20,000 a year away in scholarships to deserving female students, the Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards, a gala that honors exemplary programming created by, for and about women. The 42^nd Gracie Awards are sponsored by the Ford Motor Company, Crown Media, CBS, 20^th Century Fox Television, CNN, Katz Media Group, NBCUniversal, NCTA- The Internet and Television Association, National Geographic, NPR, Sinclair Broadcast Group, TBS, Discovery, Disney|ABC, HBO, OWN/Lionsgate, PBS/Virginia Film Office, SiriusXM, American Public Media, Cumulus and vCreative. For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media please visit allwomeninmedia.org and follow them on Twitter (@AllWomeninMedia #TheGracies), Instagram (@allwomeninmedia) and Facebook .

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Presented the 42nd Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

NEW YORK, June 28, 2017 – Yesterday the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation handed out the 42^nd Annual Gracie Awards at a luncheon at Cipriani on 42^nd in New York City. Host Dylan Dreyer led the program alongside presenters Bevy Smith from Bravo’s “Fashion Queens,” Larry Mullins from CBS Radio’s 1010 WINS, Christine Nagy from The Bob and Christine Show, and Erin Moriarty, CBS “48 Hours” correspondent. The Gracie Awards were presented to honorees which were previously announced (view 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.

Lifetime Achievement Honoree Jane Pauley was presented her award by close friend and colleague Martha Teichner.

Highlights from the show include:

• AWM/F Board Chair and Chief Product Officer, Advertising Management Systems, for Imagine Communications Sarah Foss opened the Luncheon by sharing how she went into the media industry because of her admiration for Lifetime Achievement Honoree Jane Pauley. She then described the Luncheon as, “truly the heart of the Gracies—it’s where we celebrate each of you telling stories that impact each of us in our communities and schools.  We remember how we got started with celebrating students as they enter our industry.  We celebrate why we got into media. Why we are STILL in media.”
• Foss went on to say, “This year, the events across the globe—and how media covered them—remind us that we live in an ever-changing world where attention spans run low, and quick-fire news cycles and tweets can compromise facts and events.  We’ve been harshly reminded that there is still so much work to be done in the fight for women’s rights, religious freedom, gender and race equality.”
• Host Dylan Dreyer, weather anchor of NBC News’ “Weekend TODAY” and regular co-host for TODAY, opened the awards with a story of how she grew up with all brothers and wasn’t intimidated being one of two women in her meteorology program.
• After sharing her inspiring and personal story of beating breast cancer, songwriter Kara DioGuardi shared how she wrote the song Sober with Pink. She then performed the song as well as the Kelly Clarkson collaboration Walk Away.
• Award-winning “CBS Sunday Morning” journalist Martha Teichner introduced Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Jane Pauley, relating how the two met while working on a local television station in Chicago in their early careers.  She shared how Pauley “had to endure a hostile environment with no mentors, no one to rely on or ask questions to. No one made her feel at home.”
• “Jane conducted herself in Chicago with tremendous dignity and developed a kind of respect among her peers that she has developed among her colleagues for her entire career,” said Teichner.
• Lifetime Achievement Honoree Jane Pauley kept the full crowd laughing, sharing stories on aging, self-reflection and marriage. She said of her marriage to famed cartoonist Gary Trudeau, “I think the advantage to growing old together is that neither of us can see in hi-definition.”
• When reflecting on her career, Pauley said, “I think one of the secrets to my success has been my awareness of pathetic moments that I can share with people. There’s a certain authenticity to being able to admit the things I can admit.” She continued, “I hope you find great inspiration from a woman who started the best new job of her career at the age of 65.”
• Pauley went on to say, “From the perspective of a woman who has been in the television business since the VHS was considered new technology, go ahead and do it. Give yourself a break. There is a thing you do better than everyone else and you’re struggling as I speak to think of yours. I went decades trying to find a single strength. If you can’t think of that thing, you’ll turn 50 someday and it’ll come to you.”
• “48 Hours” correspondent Erin Moriarty presented the non-commercial radio awards, stating, “What I love about radio is that you have to create images with your voice and your words. Our words and what we do truly matter.”
• When closing the show, host Dylan Dreyer asked the crowd to, “not let today slip through your fingers. Take the energy of this event and this room and use it to continue to impact the world for good. Now, more than ever, we must stand as a force to report, entertain and educate in a way that is inclusive of all, no matter the gender, race, age, whatever!”

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Presented the 42nd Annual Gracie Awards to a Full House at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

Honorees in Attendance Included “This is Us” Cast Members Mandy Moore, Chrissy Metz, Susan Kelechi-Watson, in addition to Rachel Bloom, Dove Cameron

Debbie Allen Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award, Presented by her Grey’s Anatomy co-star Jesse Williams and her daughter Vivian Nixon

LOS ANGELES, CA (JUNE, 7, 2017) – Last night, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) handed out the 42^nd Annual Gracie Awards to a packed house at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. First-time host Jeannie Mai led the show with exuberant energy and Gracies Impact Award recipient Rachel Platten treated attendees to a stellar performance.

The Gracie Awards, which each year celebrate female luminaries on and off the screen for outstanding achievements across radio, television, cable and interactive media, hosted award recipients such as Lifetime Achievement Honoree Debbie Allen, Rachel Bloom, “This is Us” cast members Mandy Moore, Chrissy Metz, Susan Kelechi-Watson, as well as Natalie Morales, Lisa Ling, Dove Cameron, Garrett Clayton and Lynn Whitfield. Presenters and additional guests included Jesse Williams, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Laura Ling, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Nischelle Turner, Debbie Matenopoulos, Vivian Nixon, and more. This year’s social ambassador was Jillian Rose Reed and the ceremony was executive produced by Vicangelo Bulluck. The complete list of previously announced honorees can be found here.

Highlights from the show include:

• Host Jeannie Mai kicked off the evening with an uplifting message for the women in the room. “I have the feels because I am actually standing in front of what I call real life wonder women, who use their superpowers every day in their work,” said Mai, attributing her nerves to the energy in the room. “These incredible women are laying the groundwork, breaking through barriers, and carving out paths of opportunities for other women to follow, and inspiring uncharted journeys ahead.”
• Actress Donna Lynne Champlin received the first award of the evening for her supporting role in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and gave an acceptance speech that had co-star Rachel Bloom in the audience in tears. “I would like to accept this award on behalf of all the women who have been told they’re too fat, too old, or too ugly to be on television,” said Lynne Champlin as she received a standing ovation.
• The Gracie Awards featured some sisterly love on stage as Laura Ling presented her sister Lisa Ling and executive producer of “This Is Life with Lisa Ling,” Amy Bucher, with the award for Best Non-Fiction or Reality. “We feel so privileged to have the opportunity to be welcomed into people’s lives, to allow us to come into family’s living rooms and tell stories,” said Lisa. “It’s a responsibility we take very seriously.”
• Co-creator, writer, and star of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” Rachel Bloom presented the award for Best Drama to the cast of “This Is Us,” which was accepted by Mandy Moore, Chrissy Metz, Susan Kelechi Watson, and executive producer Jess Rosenthal.
• Debbie Allen was presented with the night’s top honor, the Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award, by actor Jesse Williams and daughter Vivian Nixon. “This is a time for women to speak up loudly and to stand tall. I truly am honored as is my family and my own tribe. Thank you for continuing to inspire us to honor ourselves,” said Allen.
• International pop star Rachel Platten, who was honored with the inaugural Gracies Impact Award, serenaded the star-studded audience with a powerful performance of her hits “Fight Song” and “Stand By You.”

Video Credit – Getty Images Video

Video:  http://bit.ly/2sCqzPf

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

Red Carpet Photos: https://assignments.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr528742849

Inside Gala Photos: https://assignments.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr528742638

Rachel Platten to Receive Inaugural Gracies Impact Award and Set to Perform at the 42nd Annual Gracie Awards

MANDY MOORE, RACHEL BLOOM, CHRISSY METZ, WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY, JILLIAN ROSE REED, LISA LING ANNOUNCED AS ATTENDEES AT THE 42^nd ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS GALA

DEBBIE ALLEN TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, PRESENTED BY JESSE WILLIAMS

LOS ANGELES, CA (MAY 25, 2017) –International popstar Rachel Platten will be honored with the first-ever Gracies Impact Award, which is presented to an artist who has made a positive impact on society through their music, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announced today.  Her award will accompany a performance at the 42^nd Annual Gracie Awards Gala with her chart-topping hits, “Fight Song” and “Stand By You”.  The event, hosted by The Real’s Jeannie Mai, will take place on June 6 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. The Gracie Awards honor outstanding individual achievement and programming by, for and about women.

“I’m truly humbled to accept this award and stand alongside such an esteemed group of women,” said Platten. “The Alliance of Women in Media has created a legacy of recognizing outstanding women in the industry, and through my music I hope to reflect their same goals and continue to make a lasting impact.”

Best known for her emotionally empowering anthems, Rachel Platten first made the transition into a professional singing career after performing in college. The vibrant musician broke through in 2015 with her uplifting pop hit “Fight Song.” The multi-platinum selling single topped countless radio and iTunes charts around the globe before being succeeded by her platinum Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Stand by You.” Rachel’s Gold-certified, major label debut album “Wildfire” was released by Columbia Records in 2016. The singer has won several awards, including the 2016 Daytime EMMY Awards for Outstanding Musical Performance in a Talk Show/Morning Program for her television debut performance of “Fight Song” on Good Morning America. Rachel is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on her new album, expected later this year.

“Rachel’s anthemic songs of empowerment and perseverance make her the perfect fit to perform at this year’s Gracie Awards,” said Sarah Foss, Chief Product Officer, Advertising Management Systems at Imagine Communications and Chair of the AWM/F Board of Directors. “The meaning behind her lyrics serves as a powerful reminder that we need to uplift and empower each other, and rings true to why we celebrate women at the Gracies each year.”

Additional attendees of the annual fete include Mandy Moore, Rachel Bloom, Chrissy Metz, Jesse Williams, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Lisa Ling, Natalie Morales, Jillian Rose Reed, Lynn Whitfield, Rehema Ellis, Susan Kelechi Watson, and more. They will join previously announced honoree Debbie Allen, recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by her Grey’s Anatomy co-star Jesse Williams and her daughter Vivian Nixon.

Elena of Avalor & Awkward star Jillian Rose Reed will serve as the social media ambassador for the 42^nd Annual Gracie Awards. To follow along, follow #TheGracies and tune in on Twitter (@AllWomeninMedia; @JillianRoseReed) and Instagram (@AllWomeninMedia; @JillianRoseReed) to get a behind-the-scenes look leading up to and throughout the show.

Platten’s performance at the Gracie Awards is presented by Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI). Gracie Awards Gala tickets are available for purchase at the AWMF’s website, allwomeninmedia.org/gracies. National Gracie winners in television, radio and interactive media are recognized at the Gracies Gala in June while top local media and student winners are recognized at The Gracie Awards Luncheon, June 27, 2017 at Cipriani 42^nd Street in New York City.

To apply for media credentials, click here.

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA 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, and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, NCTA- The Internet and Television Association, NAB and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. In addition to giving almost $20,000 a year away in scholarships to deserving female students, the Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards, a gala that honors exemplary programming created by, for and about women. The 42^nd Gracie Awards are sponsored by the Ford Motor Company, Crown Media, CBS, 20^th Century Fox Television, CNN, Katz Media Group, NBCUniversal, NCTA- The Internet and Television Association, National Geographic, NPR, Sinclair Broadcast Group, TBS, Discovery, Disney|ABC, HBO, OWN/Lionsgate, PBS/Virginia Film Office, American Public Media, Cumulus and vCreative, For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media please visit allwomeninmedia.org and follow them on Twitter (@AllWomeninMedia #TheGracies) and Facebook .

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Press Contacts:

Sunshine Sachs
Michael Samonte | Alyssa Furnari | Charli Wood
Gracies@SunshineSachs.com
(323) 822-9300