AWRT Salutes Industry Leaders at Celebrity Book Launch
American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) saluted the top women in radio, television broadcasting and cable at a celebrity book launch luncheon for “Making Waves: The 50 Greatest Women in Radio and Television” on April 16. The luncheon was held at Tavern On The Green in New York City. Twenty-nine Local Market Winners of the 27th Annual Gracie Allen Awards were also honored at the sold-out luncheon. BMI is a long-time sponsor of AWRT.
 Mary Tyler Moore |  Connie Chung |  Katie Couric |
Broadcasting celebrities and book contributors who attended the event included Candice Bergen, Connie Chung, Jane Cahill Pheiffer, Peggy Charren, Katie Couric, Diane English, Phyllis George, Cathy Hughes, Geraldine Laybourne, Mary Tyler Moore, Jane Pauley, Marlene Sanders, Diane Sawyer, Lesley Stahl and Barbara Walters.
 Mary Hart |  Lesley Stahl and Barbara Walters |  Candice Bergen |
Mary Hart, Anchor, Entertainment Tonight, was also in attendance to announce the launch of a new Radio PSA Campaign “AWRT Empowering America,” a program of the Foundation of AWRT sponsored by AT&T.
The luncheon celebration also recognized the 2002 Gracie Allen Awards Local Market Winners for their outstanding achievements in creating programming by, for and about women in radio, television and new media. The Gracies are presented by the Foundation of AWRT, the philanthropic arm of the organization, which supports and promotes charitable programs, educational projects, public service campaigns, mentoring and other activities.
“AWRT is dedicated to the advancement of women in the broadcast media,” commented Joan E. Gerberding, President of Nassau Media Partners and National President of AWRT. ”This luncheon, our "Making Waves" book and the Gracie Allen Awards celebrate the female broadcast pioneers who came before us and those who are in positions of leadership today. We are honored and thrilled to be able to salute them at this event.”
Several of the remarkable women honored at the luncheon read a passage from her own inspirational essay featured in AWRT’s commemorative book "Making Waves." The subject matter shared is diverse in scope, but one element runs true throughout their vivid remembrances, the triumph of women.
“We are extremely proud to host this event. So many individuals involved with this luncheon are today’s role models for tomorrow’s leaders. We feel this 50th anniversary celebration is a fitting tribute to what the next 50 years can bring,” stated AWRT Executive Director, Maria E. Brennan.
Making Waves ($27.95, Andrews McMeel Publishing), is in major bookstores and online now. All royalties will go directly to benefit AWRT in order to further the organization’s mission of advancing the impact of women in radio and television.
In addition, an awards gala was held on April 17 to honor the 2002 Gracie Allen Awards National Award winners at the New York Hilton Hotel.
 BMI's Nancy Logan, past president of AWRT, presents a Gracie Award |  BMI composer and opera singer Lindsay Killian performs at the Gracie Awards |
About AWRT: American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) is a national, nonprofit organization that extends membership to qualified professionals, women and men in the electronic media and allied fields. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, AWRT’s mission is to advance the impact of women in the electronic media and allied fields by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry. Founded in 1951, AWRT has worked to improve the quality of the electronic media; to promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the electronic media; to serve as a medium of communication and idea exchange; and to become involved in community concerns. For information about membership in AWRT, contact: (703) 506-3290 or visit www.awrt.org for complete information about the “Making Waves: The 50 Greatest Women in Radio and Television.”
photos: Gary Gershoff
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