RICJ METCALF DIVERSITY IN MEDIA AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

Reza Rites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Person: Ann Clanton
(401) 467-1717, (401) 996-3796

Rhode Island for Community & Justice (RICJ) will present the following individuals and media outlets with 2007 Metcalf Diversity in the Media Awards:

Broadcast: Deb Ruggiero and PBS-Channel 36 for “Rhode Island-Amazing Women”.

Daily: Joseph Fitzgerald and The Woonsocket Call for the Article Series: “New Americans”.

Weekly: Natalie Myers** and The Providence Business News for the Article Series: “Primer Paso”.

Monthly: Denise Dowling and Rhode Island Monthly for “The Reluctant Warrior”.

History Coming to Life Award: Paul Davis and The Providence Journal for the Article Series: “Unrighteous Traffick”.

Technology for the New Millennium Award: On-line Publisher Reza Clifton and RezaRitesRi.com for “Jerusalem Women Speaks, RI Women Answers”.

Recipients will receive their awards at the social justice organization’s annual media award breakfast, Tuesday, May 22, 8:15 a.m. at the Providence Marriott on Orms Street.

Chairing the event is Paul Cronin, Vice President and Region Manager for Cox Communications. WJAR President and General Manager Lisa Churchville will emcee the early morning event. Providence Journal Publisher Howard Sutton will give remarks about the history of the award named to honor Michael Metcalf, late publisher of the Providence Journal.

The RICJ Metcalf Diversity in Media Awards recognizes Rhode Island journalists and media for an exemplary job of promoting diversity that’s both entertaining and tells an important story. Selections were made by an independent panel of judges.

This year RICJ received entries from print, broadcast and web-based blog sites. Entries focused on a variety of topics from the traditions of the Narragansett Indians to the vital role minorities play in our electoral process, the history and the economy of our state.

“We are thrilled with the quality of entries this year” said Dr. Toby Ayers, Executive Director for Rhode Island for Community & Justice.

Sponsors for the event include The Providence Journal, Citizens Bank, Belvoir Properties, Cox Communications, Rhode Island Broadcasters Association, LIN-TV, Amica Mutual Insurance, University of Rhode Island –Providence Campus, AAA of Southern New England, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Providence Business News.

The event is free to honorees and their guests. Tickets are $40. For additional information contact RICJ at (401) 467-1717.

**Natalie Myers has also published work on RezaRitesRi.com.