NAMIC Announces Honorees for 13th Annual Holiday Benefit Gala

NAMIC Announces Honorees for 13th Annual Holiday Benefit Gala

NEW YORK, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association for Multi- ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) announced today that Scripps Networks and U.S. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA) have been selected as the 2006 honorees for its Annual Holiday Benefit Gala. Scheduled for November 30 at the New York Marriott Marquis, the black-tie event is presented in partnership with the NAMIC-New York Chapter and benefits the NAMIC Foundation.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060705/NYW092LOGO )

Scripps Networks is being honored for demonstrating an overall commitment to advancing diversity within the cable and telecommunications industry. Among its most notable diversity efforts, Scripps Networks has conducted a study to measure on-air diversity in both programming talent and promos. In addition to its extensive multicultural partnerships and diverse media strategy, the company is expanding its support of minority and women-owned vendors by developing a supplier diversity program. John Lansing, president, Scripps Networks, leads the organization's diversity plan by chairing the Diversity Committee and serving on the board of directors of several organizations focused on creating business opportunities for minorities.

"Diversity is more than a buzzword at Scripps Networks. It is a business imperative," said John Lansing, President of Scripps Networks. "Our focus is on serving the widest possible audiences through inclusive hiring practices and programming strategies. We are making some progress, and it is an honor to be recognized by an organization such as NAMIC for the work we're doing. But at the same time, we know we're nowhere close to being done.

Congressman Becerra's recognition is prompted by his strong support of public policy that fosters inclusion and equal opportunity in the communications arena. Responsible for California district 31, Rep. Becerra serves a large area within the City of Los Angeles and has dedicated himself to promoting issues affecting industries impacting the state's Southern region, such as entertainment and high technology.

Funds raised from the event will benefit the NAMIC Foundation, which advances multi-ethnic diversity in the cable industry by providing education, research and information to support workforce recruitment goals, programming innovation, career growth, and technology access. Through its Digital Bridge Alliance (DBA) Project, the NAMIC Foundation funds community-based organizations specifically designed to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities of color. A New York City-based community organization (to be named) will be the recipient of a contribution from this year's Annual Holiday Benefit Gala to support the work they are doing to bridge the digital divide in communities of color.

"We are proud to continue the tradition of honoring those such as Scripps Networks and Congressman Becerra who embrace the spirit of NAMIC and support the goals of the NAMIC Foundation," said Kathy Johnson, president, NAMIC.

Corporate sponsorship inquiries on the Annual Holiday Benefit Gala should be directed to Danny McGlone, Director of Development, 212-594-5985.

About NAMIC

NAMIC is the premier organization focusing on ethnic diversity in the communications industry. Founded in 1980 as a non-profit trade association, today NAMIC is comprised of nearly 2,000 professionals belonging to a network of chapters nationwide. Through initiatives that focus on education, advocacy and empowerment, NAMIC champions equity and inclusion in the workforce, with special attention given to ensuring that the leadership cadres of our nation's communications industry giants reflect the multi-ethnic richness of the populations they serve.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060705/NYW092LOGO
Source: NAMIC

CONTACT: Daphne Leroy of NAMIC, +1-212-594-5985, or
Daphne.Leroy@namic.com; or Charmaine Chapman of BTB Communications,
+1-310-242-8407, or char@btbcommunications.com, for NAMIC

Web site: http://www.namic.com/

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