Twenty-Fifth
First Amendment
Annual Celebration
Awards Dinner
Congratulations
To The
2015 RTDNF FiRsT AmeNDmeNT hoNoRees
Bob Simon
Kathleen Kirby
Perry Sook
Ann Compton
CBS News/60 Minutes
Wiley Rein, LLC
Nexstar Broadcasting Group
ABC News
James Risen
James Foley
Steven Sotlof
The New York Times
Friends
YOUR
AT RTDNA & RTDNF
Amy Tardif
WGCU-FM
RTDNA Chair
Mark Ginther
KING-TV
Region 1 Director
Andrea Parquet-Taylor
WNCN-TV
Region 8 Director
Vince Dufy
Michigan Radio
Director-at-Large
Chris Carl
WDEL-AM
RTDNF Chairman
Brandon Mercer
KPIX-TV/KCBS Radio
Region 2 Director
Randy Bell
WMSI-FM/WQJQ-FM/WJDX-AM
Region 9 Director
Jerry Walsh
Nexstar Broadcasting Group
Director-at-Large
Kathy Walker
KOA-AM
RTDNA Chair-Elect
Sheryl Worsley
KSL-AM
Region 3 Director
Andrew Vrees
WCVB-TV
Region 10 Director
Sean McGarvy
WTTV-TV
Director-at-Large
Loren Tobia
AccuWeather
RTDNA Treasurer
Scott Libin
University of Minnesota
Region 4 Director
Bill Roswell
KYW Newsradio
Region 11 Director
Harvey Nagler
CBS Radio News
Director-at-Large
Dan Shelley
Radio One, Inc.
RTDNF Treasurer
Scott Brady
KYTV-TV
Region 5 Director
Mark Kraham
WHAG-TV
Region 12 Director
Janice S. Gin
KRON-TV
RTDNF Trustee
Mike Cavender
RTDNA/F Executive Director
Carlton Houston
KFOR-TV
Region 6 Director
Terence Shepherd
WLRN-FM
Region 13 Director
David Louie
KGO-TV
RTDNF Trustee
Barbara Cochran
Missouri School of Journalism
RTDNA President Emeritus
Jam Sardar
WLNS-TV
Region 7 Director
Dave Traford
Global Toronto
Region 14 Director
Program
WELCOME
Mike Cavender
RTDNA/F Executive Director
INTRODUCTION
Chris Carl
RTDNF Chairman
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Chuck Todd
NBC News
RTDNF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Bob Simon, Correspondent
CBS News and 60 Minutes
Presenter: Jef Fager, Executive Producer, “60 Minutes”
FIRST AMENDMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
Kathleen Kirby, Attorney at Law
Wiley Rein, LLC
Presenter: Barbara Cochran, RTDNA President Emeritus and
Missouri School of Journalism Washington Program Director
FIRST AMENDMENT SERVICE AWARD
Perry Sook, Chairman, President and CEO
Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc.
Presenter: Tim Busch, Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Oicer,
Nexstar Broadcasting Group
RTDNF CITATION OF COURAGE
Steven Sotlof and James Foley
LEONARD ZEIDENBERG FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD
Ann Compton, Former White House Correspondent
ABC News
Presenter: Mary Bruce, White House Producer, ABC News
FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD
James Risen, Correspondent, Washington Bureau
New York Times
Presenter: Chris Carl, RTDNF Chairman
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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RADio TelevisioN DigiTAl News FouNDATioN
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
Sponsors
DIAMOND
Wiley Rein, LLC
PLATINUM
Nexstar Broadcasting Group
Hearst Television, Inc.
GOLD
CBS News
CNN Newsource
NBC News
Gannett Broadcasting
National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation
SILVER
Raycom Media, Inc.
Associated Press
ABC News
ABC News Radio
SAG-AFTRA
American Petroleum Institute
National Association of Broadcasters
Sinclair Broadcast Group
CNN Washington
RECEPTION SPONSOR
JVC Kenwood USA Corporation
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
Stephen Arnold Music
FRIENDS OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
General Motors
Weather Metrics, Inc.
Baron
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award honors journalists in the electronic media who have distinguished themselves throughout their careers with consistently outstanding
work. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who routinely demonstrates the highest standards of excellence and ethics in
reporting and producing the news.
2015 HONOREE BOB SIMON
Bob Simon was one of the most honored journalists at CBS, with a career at the
network spanning nearly 50 years. A Fulbright Scholar who worked in the American
Foreign Service, he started with the network in 1967 and covered the war in Vietnam, the Yom Kippur War, conlicts in in Portugal and Cyprus, and was in South
Africa on the day Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He was CBS News
Chief Middle East Correspondent when the irst Gulf War began in 1991. It was in
the opening days of that war when he and his crew were captured and imprisoned
by Iraqi forces, which he detailed in his book Forty Days. He joined 60 Minutes II and
later 60 Minutes as a correspondent, specializing in foreign afairs reporting. Simon
won what is believed to be a record 27 Emmy Awards for ield reporting, four Overseas Press Club Awards,
three Peabody awards, and CBS won multiple RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards during his tenure, including the Overall Excellence Award in 1996, which many attribute to his remarkable work covering the war in
Sarajevo.
Presenting the award: Jef Fager, Executive Producer, 60 Minutes
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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Congratulations
Kathleen A. Kirby
Our Mentor, Friend, Partner, and Leader
For the well-deserved honor of receiving this year’s
RTDNF First Amendment Leadership Award.
Kathy, your passion, dedication, and commitment
to First Amendment freedoms and our rights to free
and unfettered media inspires us every day.
h+ h
We applaud and honor all of tonight’s distinguished
RTDNF award recipients for their courage, extraordinary
accomplishments, and commitment to the freedom of the press.
Wiley Rein is proud to support the eforts of
RTDNF and to celebrate the 25th Anniversary
of the RTDNF First Amendment Awards.
wileyrein.com
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
First Amendment Leadership Award
RTDNF presents this award annually to a media executive, business or government leader who has upheld the highest standards of journalism
and made a signiicant contribution to the protection of First Amendment freedoms.
2015 HONOREE KATHLEEN KIRBY
Kathleen A. Kirby, partner and co-chair of the Media Practice at Wiley Rein LLP, represents many of the nation’s top radio and television companies in business, transactional,
legislative, and regulatory matters. In addition to her First Amendment and newsroom
expertise, she possesses extensive experience with Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) regulatory matters, broadcast mergers and acquisitions, and program licensing and
distribution.
A former radio broadcaster, Kathy is a strong advocate for the electronic media’s First
Amendment rights, leading eforts to temper government regulation and increase access to
information. She has long served as counsel to the RTDNA, advising electronic journalists
on such legal and legislative concerns as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), privacy,
libel, content regulation, and copyright issues, as well as access to places and records. Her monthly column for Communicator magazine discussing FCC regulation and legal developments that impacted free press and free speech was a
favorite among RTDNA members. Kathy also co-authored Keeping It Legal: A Media Law Handbook for the Newsroom.
Kathy has championed eforts in numerous states to open courts to cameras and microphones, and has spearheaded efforts to open all federal courts, including the Supreme Court, to electronic coverage. On behalf of RTDNA, she helped
persuade the High Court to release audiotapes of the historic oral argument in Bush v. Gore. She is involved with eforts
to strengthen FOIA and create a federal shield law, and currently is working with the Federal Aviation Administration
on rules to permit the use of drones for newsgathering.
Kathy’s First Amendment advocacy on behalf of broadcasters has included playing a key role in the elimination of the
Fairness Doctrine and repeal of the personal attack and political editorial rules; challenging overly aggressive enforcement of FCC indecency rules and sanctions against the use of video news releases; preserving spectrum for electronic
newsgathering; and questioning government studies pertaining to news content. She recently successfully defended
against a license renewal challenge that targeted a radio station for using the team name “Redskins” in its reporting.
She is a recipient of RTDNA’s Rob Downey Citation, and an inductee into the National Freedom of Information Hall
of Fame. Kathy serves on the Media Institute’s First Amendment Advisory Council, is a faculty member for the Practising Law Institute’s annual Communications Law program in New York, and holds leadership positions with the Federal
Communications and American Bar Associations. Her commitment to educating the next generation of journalists was
evidenced by her service on the Board of the Student Press Law Center.
Kathy obtained her J.D. as a Dean’s Scholar from Catholic University, where she was Executive Editor of the Law Review. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, where she was awarded Lawn Residence
based on leadership and academic merit, and was instrumental in founding one of the country’s irst student-owned
and operated commercial radio stations. She continues to advise WUVA-FM as a member of the station’s alumni interest group.
Presenting the award: Barbara Cochran, RTDNA President Emeritus and Missouri School of
Journalism Washington Program Director
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
First Amendment Service Award
This award honors news professionals in local or network news who work in an of-air, management capacity. Through largely behind-the-scenes
work, winners of this award are in a position to inluence their news product and demonstrate standards of excellence that are the underpinnings
of journalistic integrity and capability.
2015 HONOREE PERRY A. SOOK
Perry A. Sook has over 33 years of professional experience in the television and
radio broadcasting industries, covering all facets of the business including ownership
and M&A, management, sales, on-air talent and news. Sook is the founder, Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Oicer of Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. which is
based in Irving, Texas and trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol (NXST).
Nexstar was formed in 1996 for the purpose of acquiring and operating network ailiated television stations in medium-sized markets. Today, Nexstar is a leading diversiied
media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers
and advertisers through its traditional media, digital and mobile media platforms.
Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to 105 television
stations and 34 related digital multicast signals reaching 56 markets or approximately 15.6% of all U.S. television
households and its station portfolio includes ailiates of NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetworkTV, The CW, Telemundo, Bounce TV and independent stations. Nexstar's 56 community portal websites ofer additional hyper-local
content and verticals for consumers and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when and how they access
content while creating new revenue opportunities. Pro-forma for the completion of all announced transactions
Nexstar will own, operate, program or provides sales and other services to 110 television stations and related digital
multicast signals reaching 58 markets or approximately 18.0% of all U.S. television households.
Prior to Nexstar, Sook was one of the principals of Superior Communication Group, Inc., which was sold in 1995
to Sinclair Broadcast Group. Before Superior, Sook was President/CEO of Seaway Communication, Inc., owner of
network ailiated stations in Bangor, ME and Wausau, WI. Before being recruited to run Seaway, he worked in the
television industry as a General Sales Manager, acting General Manager and National Sales Manager. Sook previously spent ive years with Cox Broadcasting, irst in local sales in Pittsburgh then at Telerep, Inc., as a National Account Executive. Early in his career, Sook was involved in local TV sales and radio sales. Sook also worked briely as
a television news anchor at the CBS ailiate in Clarksburg, WV.
Sook did his undergraduate work at Ohio University in Athens, OH and was an adjunct professor at Edinboro State
University of Pennsylvania. He is a recipient of the NAB/BEA Harold E. Follow Memorial Scholarship, a Board
Member of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Television Bureau of Advertising, the NBC Ailiate Board,
and a Board Member and Trustee of The Ohio University Foundation.
He and his wife Sandra have three children; Laura (28), Victoria (26) and Perry, Jr. (22), and reside in Flower Mound,
Texas.
Presenting the award: Tim Busch, Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Oicer, Nexstar
Broadcasting Group
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
Citation of Courage
RTDNF presents this new award in recognition of distinguished service to journalism and the extraordinary courage to face danger in
search of the truth.
2015 HONOREE JAMES FOLEY
James Foley was a freelance journalist, reporting from some of the most dangerous places on the planet. He graduated with a master’s degree from the Medill
School of Journalism at Northwestern University and was embedded with U.S.
troops in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan soon after. His blogs were quickly noticed,
which opened the door to freelance opportunities to report for GlobalPost, AFP and
PBS. He had been kidnapped in Libya in 2011, where he was held for 44 days. He
was abducted in Syria in 2012 by the Islamic State. Prior to working as a journalist, Foley was a teacher with Teach for America in Phoenix and taught inmates in a
Chicago prison.
2015 HONOREE STEVEN SOTLOFF
Steven Sotlof was a freelance journalist who brought a passion for the Middle
East to his work. He studied journalism at the University of Central Florida and
graduated from the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya near Tel Aviv. He acted upon
his strong interest in the Middle East by traveling to Yemen and learning to speak
Arabic. Soon, his knowledge of the region became a foundation from which he iled
stories for Time Magazine, the Christian Science Monitor, Foreign Policy and more.
He was abducted by the Islamic State in Syria in 2013.
Presenting the awards: Chris Carl, RTDNF Chairman, and Mike Cavender, RTDNA/F Executive
Director
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
Leonard Zeidenberg First Amendment Award
Named for the late Broadcasting and Cable senior correspondent, this award is presented annually to a radio or television journalist or news executive whose work, through high standard and signiicant achievements, embodies the spirit of the First Amendment and its free-press principles.
2015 HONOREE ANN COMPTON
For forty years, ABC News assigned Ann Compton to the frontlines of coverage of
the White House and presidential politics, a career that spanned an arc of history from
the Cold War and post-Watergate era to the age of the Internet, global terror, and the
dramatic digital revolution changing the way Americans get their news.
A native of Chicago, Ann was hired as a television reporter right out of Hollins University in Virginia at a time when women were few and far between on the nation’s
airwaves. in 1974, ABC News named her the irst woman to cover the White House for
a network news organization. At age 27, she was also one of the youngest on the beat,
from which she retired 41 years to the day after she joined ABC.
She covered seven presidents and ten national campaigns, and was selected twice as a panelist on presidential campaign debates. As television and radio increased their reliance on live breaking news coverage, Ann was a prominent
voice from early mornings on Good Morning America through daily White House brieings, global presidential travel,
ABC World News Tonight and Nightline. She was also assigned occasional anchor duties in New York for newscasts and election coverage. Ann proudly shares in the Emmy and DuPont Silver Baton awards ABC News won for
the network’s coverage of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when Ann was the only broadcast reporter
allowed to remain onboard Air Force One with the President when he was unable to return to Washington in the
hours after the attacks.
The White House Correspondents’ Association elected Ann as its president in 2007-2008 at a time when she led the
eforts to increase access for news coverage inside the White House and on presidential travel. She has also made a
sustained efort over the years to mentor young reporters.
In 2014, Ann announced her retirement, determined to give more of her time and attention to her daughter, three
sons, and her husband Dr. William Hughes, in gratitude for their steady support during her four decades in what she
called a “front row seat to history.”
Presenting the award: Mary Bruce, White House Producer, ABC News
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
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First Amendment Award
This award honors an outstanding individual or organization which champions the First Amendment and press freedoms and who
has played a signiicant role in dissemination of news and information.
2015 HONOREE JAMES E. RISEN
James E. Risen joined The New York Times as a correspondent in the Washington
bureau, covering national security and intelligence, in May 1998.
Previously, he served as a correspondent for The Los Angeles Times from 1984 until
1998. He covered national security and intelligence from 1995 until 1998; he was chief
economic correspondent in their Washington bureau from 1990 until 1995; and he was
their Detroit bureau chief from 1984 until 1990.
From 1981 until 1984, he worked as a reporter for The Detroit Free Press covering the
auto industry and labor.
In 2006, Mr. Risen and his colleague Eric Lichtblau won a Pulitzer Prize for national
reporting for their carefully sourced stories on secret domestic eavesdropping that
stirred a national debate on the boundary line between ighting terrorism and protecting civil liberty. He is the author of State of War: The Secret History of the C.I.A. and the Bush
Administration, (Free Press, 2006).
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 27, 1955, Mr. Risen received a bachelor’s degree in history from Brown University in 1977 and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University in 1978. He is married, has three
children and lives in Maryland.
Presenting the award: Chris Carl, RTDNF Chairman
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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Congratulations, Perry Sook
leader and visionary.
We applaud tonight’s distinguished honor and your
dedication to excellence at Nexstar.
NBC News, NBC Affiliate Relations
and Affiliate Marketing salute you
as the recipient of the 2015 RTDNF
First Amendment Service Award
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
2015 Master of Ceremonies
Chuck Todd is NBC News Political Director and the moderator and managing editor of Meet the Press, the lagship Sunday morning public afairs program
and longest-running broadcast in television history.
Prior to taking the helm of Meet the Press in September 2014, Todd served as
NBC News Chief White House Correspondent (2008-2014) as well as host of
MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown (2010-2014) Todd has held the role of Political
Director since March 2007, leading all aspects ofthe news division’s political
coverage and analysis across every platform. He is also the editor of First Read,
NBC’s must-read guide to political news and trends in and around Washington,
D.C. (www.irstread.nbcnews.com)
Todd is a self-described political junkie who has earned a reputation as one of
the most passionate journalists and sharpest analysts in American media. Upon
his appointment to Meet the Press, inluencers and competitors praised him as “a
tireless reporter” with “an encyclopedic knowledge of politics” and the ability
to “break down barriers and get people of of their talking points.”
In 2009, Todd co-authored with Sheldon Gawiser the deinitive election result analysis book for the 2008 presidential campaign, titled, How Barack Obama Won, published by Vintage. His second book, The Stranger: Barack
Obama in the White House was released in November 2014 by Little, Brown and Company.
Before joining NBC News in 2007, Todd spent six years as the Editor-in-Chief of National Journal’s The Hotline,
Washington’s premier daily brieing on American Politics. In his 15 years working at The Hotline or one of its afiliates, Todd became one of Washington’s foremost experts on political campaigns of all levels.
In January of 2012, GQ named Todd "The Most Powerful Journalist in Washington," part of the magazine's
"50 Most Powerful People in Washington" list. In May of 2012, Todd won the Jeopardy! Power Players match.
Todd is a native of Miami and currently resides in Arlington, Va., with his wife, Kristian, and two children.
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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THANKS TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS
For more information on how to become a corporate member contact
Executive Director Mike Cavender at 770-622-7011, or mikec@rtdna.org
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
Past Honorees
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
2015 - Bob Simon
2014 - Bill Plante
2012 - Andy Rooney
FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD
2010 - Barbara Cochran & Marcellus Alexander
2009 - John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
2008 - Richard Wiley
2015 - James E. Risen
2014 - The Associated Press
2013 - Twitter
2012 - Jim Bohannon
LEONARD ZEIDENBERG FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD
2005 – Ed Bradley
2015 – Ann Compton
2004 – Andrea Mitchell
2014 – Lester Holt
2003 – Judy Woodruf
2013 – Candy Crowley
2002 – Sam Donaldson
2012 – Martha Raddatz
2001 – Jim Lehrer
2011 – Wolf Blitzer
2000 – Diane Sawyer
2010 – Brian Williams
1999 – Christiane Amanpour
2009 – Cokie Roberts
1998 – Mike Wallace
2008 – Bob Schiefer
2007 – Bob Woodruf and Kimberly Dozier 1997 – Jane Pauley
1996 – Carole Simpson
2006 – Gwen Iill
1995 – Walter Cronkite
1994 – David Brinkley
1993 - John Chancellor
1992 – James Snyder
FIRST AMENDMENT SERVICE AWARD
2015 – Perry Sook
2014 – Robin Sproul
2013 – Lloyd Siegel
2012 – Marci Burdick
2011 – Susana Schuler
2010 – Harvey Nagler
2009 – Susan Grant
2008 – Paula Madison
2007 – Philip S. Balboni
2006 – William Wheatley
2005 – Wendy Walker Whitworth
2004 – Walter Ulloa
2003 – Susan Zirinsky
2002 – Fred Young
2001 – Gary Wordlaw
2000 – Lee Giles
FIRST AMENDMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
2015 – Kathleen Kirby
2014 – David Lougee
2013 – Robert Decherd
2012 – Steve Capus
2011 – David Barrett
2010 – David Westin
2009 – Google Inc.
2008 – Tom Curley
2007 – Roger Ailes
2006 – Belo Corporation, Clear
Channerl, Emmis Communications,
Entercom Communications, HearstArgyle Television, Inc., Raycom Media,
Inc., Tribune Broadcasting
2005 – Jim Keelor
2004 – Charles Grassley
2004 – Patrick Leahy
2003 – Floyd Abrams
2002 – Katharine Graham
2001 – Don Hewitt
2000 – R.E. “Ted” Turner
1999 – Bob Wright
1998 – Roone Arledge
1997 – Robert L. Johnson
1996 – Howard Stringer
1995 – Tom Johnson
1994 – James Quello
1993 – Frank Stanton
1992 – Allen Neuhath
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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Living.
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News Music.
Current events measured in music. Call 214.726.1600 for our latest broadcast news music demo reel or visit www.stephenarnoldmusic.com
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
SAM15_RTDNA_SOTS_v3.indd 1
2/25/15 4:01 PM
:01 PM
Salutes its
2014-2015 scholARship AND Fellowship wiNNeRs
2014-2015 ScholarShip WinnerS
ED BRADLEY SCHOLARSHIP
Aaron Maybin
Marquette University
CAROLE SIMPSON SCHOLARSHIP
Nathalie Dortonne
University of Florida
MIKE REYNOLDS SCHOLARSHIP
Jennifer Tintner
University of Florida
LOU AND CAROLE PRATO SPORTS REPORTING
SCHOLARSHIP
Alan Miller
Brigham Young University
GEORGE FOREMAN TRIBUTE TO LYNDON B.
JOHNSON SCHOLARSHIP
Alexandra Wilkins
University of Texas at Austin
PETE WILSON SCHOLARSHIP
Kevin Hume
University of California Berkeley
PRESIDENTS SCHOLARSHIP
Brett Hall
University of Maryland
ABE SCHECHTER GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
Emily Gibson
University of California Berkeley
PRESIDENTS SCHOLARSHIP
Brooke Sassman
Rutgers University
2014-2015 FelloWShip WinnerS
N.S. BIENSTOCK FELLOWSHIP
Angela Chen
KTRK-TV
MICHELE CLARK FELLOWSHIP
Crystal Clark
WTOL-TV
JACQUE I. MINNOTTE HEALTH REPORTING
FELLOWSHIP
Erika Beras
WESA-FM
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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Scholarship
2014-2015
wiNNeRs
eD BRADleY scholARship
Aaron Maybin, Marquette University
Aaron Maybin is a senior journalism student at Marquette University. The Wisconsin native is currently an
associate producer at WISN-TV in Milwaukee, where he writes for newscasts, pitches story ideas and shadows reporters. During the summer of 2014, Maybin investigated inner-city gun violence in Flint, Michigan
and the deep-rooted hunting culture in Minnesota for the Carnegie-Knight News21 initiative. He has also
worked at WABC-TV in New York, KPHO-TV in Phoenix for the Meredith-Cronkite fellowship, WTMJTV in Milwaukee and served as news director at Marquette University Television. His goal is to work in
network television and report for a newsmagazine show where he can do in-depth features on topical issues in
the world. He is an avid runner, swimmer and Green Bay Packers fan.
“I cannot thank the RTDNF enough for selecting me to receive the 2014 Ed Bradley Scholarship. Receiving this award is truly a
full circle moment for me. I grew up watching “60 Minutes” and admired Bradley’s skill, veracity and phenomenal story telling.
I still watch Bradley’s news stories and credit him as one of my irst journalism teachers. I am extremely thankful to Bradley’s family for believing in a young journalist
and allowing me to continue making strides toward a prosperous career in television.”
cARole simpsoN scholARship
Nathalie Dortonne, University of Florida
Nathalie is currently a news intern at the ABC-ailiate WCJB-TV 20, and produces Morning News in 90
broadcast updates for WUFT News. Dortonne also served as a stringer and photo editor for the Independent
Florida Alligator, freelance writer for the Gainesville Sun, and a radio co-host for UF’s NPR Ailiate WUFTFM Radio Reading Service. Dortonne was a writer for the Gator Chapter of the National Association of
Black Journalists ZION Magazine, and a dancer/performer with the black Actors’ Guild. Dortonne interned
in the Florida House of Representatives in spring 2014, and in the U.S. House of Representatives during the
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Congressional Internship Program.
“I have always looked up to Carole Simpson because she is one of the irst Black female journalists to prove that we can overcome
obstacles and excel in this industry. I would like to thank Carole Simpson and RTDNF for presenting me with this distinguished
award and believing in my potential as a rising journalist. I am excited to continue with my career and reach even greater heights. I
hope that I have the opportunity to meet Carole Simpson sometime in the near future!”
miKe ReYNolDs scholARship
Jennifer Tintner, University of Florida
Jennifer is a one-man band writing, ilming and editing her stories. Interning at the Jerusalem Post in Israel
in the summer of 2014, Tintner experienced the change in a newsroom’s atmosphere from peacetime to a
war efort when Israel invaded Gaza after prolonged rocket ire and launched Operation Protective Edge.
While at WUFT, Tintner has investigated the future of composting in Gainesville and highlighted candidates
running for local elections. She interned at San Diego local news station UTTV, the Union Tribune’s start-up
station, in the summer of 2013. At WUFT, Tintner got her start in radio covering stories for the NPR ailiate
WUFT-FM. Her vulture story received the Florida Associated Press award for best long light feature. Her
goal is to give a voice to the voiceless through her storytelling.
“Mike Reynolds leaves behind an inspiring legacy and I am honored to have been chosen for this award. This scholarship will
enable me to continue my reporting and expand my story telling abilities while at the University of Florida. I’m so grateful for this
scholarship and look forward to participating more with RTDNA.”
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
pResiDeNTs scholARship
Brett Hall, University of Maryland
Brett is an anchor/reporter for the Capital News Service, the Merrill College of Journalism’s student run
news service. In addition Brett is as an associate journalist at All News 99.1 WNEW-FM in their Baltimore
Bureau and can also be heard on CBS Radio’s New Country on 106.1 FM. Brett is currently on the Society
of Professional Journalist’s national board as a student representative. He is past president of the University
of Maryland student SPJ Chapter. Brett has worked part-time and interned at a various other broadcast
stations including WBAL-TV, WMAR-TV, WDEL-AM, WXCY-FM, WPOC-FM, WHFC-FM and the
Harford Cable Network.
“Getting the call that I had won the RTDNA presidents scholarship may have been one of the most gratifying calls I’ve received.
Gratifying in the sense that I had applied for the scholarship three years in a row and... I guess this is what they mean when
they say the third time is the charm. I am blessed to have found two things that I enjoy... journalism and broadcasting. RTDNA
believes strongly in these two things and I can’t think of a better award for a broadcast journalism senior.”
pResiDeNTs scholARship
Brooke Sassman, Rutgers University
Brooke represents the top .5% of her class as a member of Cap and Skull, the highest senior honor society
at Rutgers University. She’s previously interned at NY1 News, The Today Show, Today.com, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Glamour Magazine, and She’s the First. She managed over 500,000 Twitter followers as the
Social Media Strategist for the web-based talk show “Gimme Mo” hosted by Monique Coleman. Brooke has
published more than 30 stories on Today.com, written for the Huington Post and recently sold her irst article
to the national teen publication, Justine Magazine. On campus she’s served as the senior class President and
co-founded a chapter of She’s the First. In her time working for the Rutgers University Television Network,
she’s worn many hats as an Executive Producer, Creative Services Supervisor, Production Assistant, Host and
News Correspondent.
“I’m so grateful that RTDNF saw something special in my young career and journey to becoming a journalist. I place a lot of value in the journalistic practices that
RTDNF promotes and I could not be happier to become part of an organization that I have forever looked up to. Thanks for honoring me as this year’s Presidents
Scholarship winner, RTDNF!”
lou AND cARole pRATo spoRTs RepoRTiNg scholARship
Alan Miller, Brigham Young University
While growing up, Alan’s father owned and managed a handful of local small market radio stations along the
Oregon coast. Alan literally learned to crawl in the halls of his father’s station and had his irst experience
with broadcasting as soon as he could talk, telling stories and singing songs on air. Alan worked for the family
business as a board operator for live high school games, as well as an on air personality in high school. While
attending BYU as an engineering student, he visited the broadcasting facilities on campus and felt instantly at
home and decided to change majors. After making the switch to broadcast journalism, Alan worked part time
as an operator for BYUtv’s master control operations. He volunteered to help in the web broadcast of the university’s club hockey games and called a few games himself. As part of his education, Alan learned to shoot,
write, and edit stories for the university’s weekly sports broadcast. He continued to work part time at BYUtv
and BYU Radio where he helped develop and launch a daily sports talk show and was an integral part of the
show’s transition to become nationally simulcast on both TV and radio.
“The achievements of Lou Prato are to be admired and his contributions to his alma mater are of great
signiicance to the history of Penn State. I’m grateful to the Prato family and all others associated with RTDNF for this generous scholarship that will help me begin my
career and hopefully have the opportunity to some day give back in the same regards.”
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
25
geoRge FoRemAN TRiBuTe To lYNDoN B. JohNsoN scholARship
Alexandra Wilkins, University at Austin
From Cedar Park, Texas, Alex Wilkins is currently a senior broadcast journalism major at the University of
Texas at Austin. She intends to graduate with the school’s Sports Journalism Certiicate. In addition to her
academic pursuits, Alex also works as an intern for ESPN’s Longhorn Network. Outside of her internship,
she is involved with Texas Student Television, the only student-run, FCC-licensed television station in the
nation. There she serves as an associate producer for the award-winning show, KVR News, produces the live
sports segment for the show, and is a sports reporter for College Press Box. After graduation, Alex hopes to
continue her passion for telling stories as a sports reporter.
“I am incredibly thankful to be a recipient of the George Foreman Tribute to Lyndon B. Johnson Scholarship. I, too, share a
deep respect for Johnson and his great improvements to our society and it is an honor to receive such a prestigious and generous
scholarship. I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the Radio Television Digital News Foundation for this opportunity and
allowing me to further my passion in journalism.”
peTe wilsoN scholARship
Kevin Hume, University of California Berkeley
Kevin N. Hume is a second-year graduate student at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, where
he is pursuing a Masters in multimedia and photojournalism. Kevin has lived in the Bay Area for most of his
life. He served as the multimedia editor on the student-run Spartan Daily newspaper at San Jose State University before graduating in December 2010. He quickly found a job as a reporter/photographer at the Lake
County Record-Bee, a small northern California newspaper. During his two years there, Kevin became the
go-to breaking news reporter. After beginning his studies at UC Berkeley in 2013, Kevin most recently served
as a summer photo intern at the San Francisco Chronicle. He is currently a Graduate Student Researcher at
the journalism school, assisting students and teachers with projects and equipment both inside and outside the
classroom.
“I grew up watching Pete on KRON-TV and ABC 7 News, so it’s an amazing feeling to be the recipient of the scholarship that bears his name. As a photojournalist,
my job is to tell the reader visually what is going on quickly, clearly and without riddle or confusion. I believe this relects the values and commitment to ethical, responsible journalism that Pete upheld in his work. My passion is to tell people’s stories and to document the world around me in a way that is creative and accurate, while
also relecting the beauty I see in everything. I am incredibly thankful that the Radio Television Digital News Foundation believes in the work I’ve done thus far.
ABe schechTeR gRADuATe scholARship
Emily Gibson, University of California Berkely
Emily Gibson studied human rights and political science at Columbia University and worked on social justice
issues at several nonproits during her 10 years in New York City. She is currently studying documentary
production at the University of California, Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism and intends to focus on
international and humanitarian stories. She recently produced a short video on women’s safety in India and is
currently working on a short documentary about Burma. Emily also works as a video production intern at Al
Jazeera’s Fault Lines.
“I have dedicated my life and career to reporting on critical humanitarian and human rights stories and I hope to use this award
to continue that work. I’m incredibly grateful to RTDNA for selecting me for the Abe Schechter scholarship and for believing in the
work that I do.”
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
Fellowship
2014-2015
wiNNeRs
N.s. BieNsTocK Fellowship
Angela Chen, KTRK-TV
Angela Chen is currently a reporter at KTRK-TV, the ABC O&O in Houston. Chen graduated from UC
San Diego with degrees in Literature, Writing and Psychology. Her irst job was at KUSI’s morning show
in San Diego, where she worked as a news writer and associate producer. After that, she earned a Master of
Science from Columbia University’s Journalism School in New York City and went on to become a reporter
for NY1 News. Some of her top stories included the destruction by Hurricane Sandy, the aftermath of
Private Danny Chen’s death and Anthony Weiner’s indiscretions. After returning to Los Angeles, she worked
in Bakersield for KBAK/KBFX as an evening reporter and for XETV San Diego 6 News as the nightside
reporter. She then went on to become the morning reporter/ill-in anchor for KOLO 8 News Now, the ABC
ailiate in Reno. She was also a freelance writer for The New York Times and has worked at The Charlie
Rose Show and Dateline NBC.
“Receiving the N.S. Bienstock Fellowship is a privilege. I am honored and humbled to be recognized, and I am deeply encouraged by the spirit of this fellowship –
especially with the declining diversity in our recent journalistic climate. With this award, I’ll continue pursuing the purpose for which Leibner and Cooper originally
established this award – to recognize issues that minority communities are facing that may otherwise be overlooked.”
michele clARK Fellowship
Crystal Clark, WTOL-TV
Crystal Clark is a television news anchor and multimedia journalist at WTOL in Toledo, Ohio. She has covered stories ranging from blizzards, to murder trials, to communities coming together to put a smile on a dying
child’s face. Prior to moving to the Midwest, Crystal helped pioneer the irst weekend morning news program
for WECT in Wilmington, North Carolina, working as the sole anchor, writer, producer and overnight desk
manager. She graduated with honors from North Carolina State University with a degree in Media Communications.
“I am so grateful for this fellowship, and I am honored to have my name forever associated with a news pioneer and role model
like Michele Clark. Being a young reporter, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing your work has the ability to touch others,
even as you are still learning and growing as a journalist. I will work hard to honor Michele Clark’s legacy through intelligent and
meaningful reporting.”
JAcQue i. miNNoTTe heAlTh RepoRTiNg Fellowship
Erika Beras, WESA-FM
Erika Beras is the Behavioral Health reporter at WESA, the public radio station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her
voice and stories can be heard on NPR programs and she is a regular contributor to Scientiic American’s 60-Second Podcasts. In 2013, she was a National Health Journalism Fellow where she reported on refugee issues and in
2012 she was a Fellow at The International Center for Journalists where she traveled to Poland to report on the
Natural Gas Industry. Before going into broadcasting, Erika worked as a reporter at The Miami Herald and the
Cleveland Plain Dealer. She has won awards for her work including the Rolling Stone Award for College Journalism and awards from The Associated Press. Originally from New York City, Erika is a returned Peace Corps volunteer and a graduate of Purchase College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
“I am so honored and excited to receive the Minnotte Award! I became a journalist to report on undercovered communities and issues and
I’ve found that health care is an ideal vehicle in which to do that. This award will allow me to continue doing this work.”
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
27
SAVE
the
DATE
RTDNA AWARDS
DINNER & SHOW
October 12, 2015
Reception: 6pm | Dinner & Show: 7pm
Gotham Hall | New York City
Congratulations
SAG-AFTRA Member Ann Compton and All the Honorees
of the 2015 RTDNF First Amendment Awards
SAGAFTRA.org
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First Amendment Awards Dinner | March 11, 2015
About Us
The Radio Television Digital News Foundation
thanks the many sponsors and supporters of the 2015 First Amendment Dinner.
Your support helps RTDNF provide training programs, resources and scholarships for
working and aspiring electronic journalists.
RTDNF is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization. Its programs are made possible through
contributions from corporations, individual donors and foundation grants.
To learn more about how you can support RTDNF’s work
please visit www.rtdna.org or call (770) 622-7011.
RADio TelevisioN DigiTAl News FouNDATioN
The National Press Building | Washington, DC 20045
529 14th Street, NW | Suite 1240
www.rtdna.org
Upcoming Events
RTDNA @ NAB 2015
RTDNA Nightcap – April 14 at 9 p.m. | Parasol Down at the Wynn Las Vegas
Day of programming - April 15 | Las Vegas Convention Center
eXcelleNce iN JouRNAlsim coNFeReNce
September 18 – 20 | Orlando World Center Marriott | Orlando, Florida
http://excellenceinjournalism.org
RTDNA AwARDs DiNNeR & show
Presentation of National Edward R. Murrow Awards | October 12, 2015
Gotham Hall | New York City
For more information please contact
Kate Switchenko at (202) 662-7256 or katies@rtdna.org
For sponsorship and advertising information
please contact Holly Rose at (856) 380-6890 or hollyr@rtdna.org
First Amendment Awards Dinner | www.RTDNA.org
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To become a member and join Thousands of journalisTs
in our fighT, please visit spj.org.
FIND US ON
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SPJ.ORG
First Amendment Awards Dinner
| March 11, 2015
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