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Updated: Thursday, August 3, 2006
Published: Thursday, August 3, 2006 |
Contact:
NABJ Communications
(866) 479-NABJ
Charles Whitaker
Northwestern University
847-491-3014
c-whitaker@northwestern.edu
North Carolina Newspaper Exec to Receive 2006 Ida B. Wells Award
Virgil L. Smith, president and publisher of the Asheville (N.C.) Citizen-Times, is the 2006 recipient of the Ida B. Wells Award, presented annually by The National Conference of Editorial Writers and The National Association of Black Journalists to media executives who have demonstrated a commitment to diversifying the nation's newsrooms.
In selecting Mr. Smith, the seven members of the Wells jury noted the efforts he has made to recruit, retain and promote women and people of color at his 59,000-circulation daily. Since he became publisher of the paper in 1996, the number of employees of color at the Citizen-Times has more than tripled growing from fewer than 10 to nearly 40, representing close to 19 percent of the papers editorial workforce.
Women and people of color represent about more than 10 percent of papers managers.
The fact that Mr. Smith has continued to be successful in promoting diversity at a small paper in a relatively small market was one of the many factors that impressed the Wells jurors. Its really quite remarkable that he's been successful at this in a market this size, said Medill School of Journalism Professor Loren Ghiglione, a member of the jury and past Wells Award honoree. It really is a testament to his commitment to diversity.
The Ida B. Wells Award is named in honor of the distinguished 19th century journalist and publisher who won international acclaim for her fearless crusade against lynching. First bestowed in 1983, the award is designed to give tangible and highly visible recognition to an individual or group of individuals who have provided distinguished leadership in increasing access and opportunities to people of color in journalism, and helped improve the coverage of communities of color. Presentations alternate between the annual conventions of the sponsoring bodies, the National Conference of Editorial Writers (NCEW) and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
Past recipients of the award include Jay T. Harris, former publisher of the San Jose Mercury News and Donald Graham, publisher of the Washington Post.
The 2006 award will be presented to Mr. Smith Sept 15 at the NCEW awards luncheon to be held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pa.
An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation, with more than 4,100 members, and provides educational, career development and support to black journalists worldwide.
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