#USA #New York City #Katie Couric #Gracies Awards #AWM

Honoring Excellence in Media: The Gracies Leadership Awards 2025

The upcoming 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards promises to be a stellar occasion, celebrating exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the media and entertainment industries. Scheduled for November 18, the event will take place at Tribeca 360° in New York City, recognizing eight extraordinary women whose leadership and visionary influence are reshaping the future of media.

Among the distinguished recipients is the renowned journalist Katie Couric, who will be awarded the prestigious Gracies Icon Award. Having been the first woman to anchor a network evening newscast solo, Couric is a trailblazer in the field, continuously setting high standards through her work with Katie Couric Media.

Alongside Couric, Michelle Duke, President of the NAB Leadership Foundation, will receive the AWM Legacy Leadership Award for her impactful presence within the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). The evening will also honor six additional leaders in the industry:

• - Martha Benyam, COO of Kino Lorber
• - Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising at The Walt Disney Company
• - Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming and News at BET Networks
• - Alissa Pollack, Executive Vice President of Global Music Marketing and Strategy at iHeartMedia
• - Valari Dobson Staab, Chairman of NBCUniversal Local
• - Jenna Weiss-Berman, Head of Audio and Podcasts at Paper Kite Productions

AWM President Becky Brooks expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Each honoree embodies innovation and leadership, highlighting the powerful influence women have across media sectors. Presenting the Gracies Icon Award to Katie Couric is a reminder of the significance of women's contributions in media, inspiring future generations."

The event aims not only to celebrate these accomplished women but also to pay forward their legacy by spotlighting emerging talent. The AWM Foundation will introduce Student Fellowships, offering female journalism students the chance to attend the luncheon and network with industry leaders. Applications for the fellowships are open from September 29 through October 17.

Moreover, the luncheon will honor the recipient of the AWM Foundation/NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Student Scholarship, with applications available until September 26.

Special thanks go to the Presenting Sponsor, The Walt Disney Company, along with other partners, including Clear Channel Outdoor, Hallmark Media, Katz Media Group, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and NBCUniversal.

For more insights regarding the Alliance for Women in Media and the Gracies Leadership Awards, visit allwomeninmedia.org.

About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM)

Founded in 1951 as American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) serves as a prominent professional organization dedicated to the advancement of women in media. AWM fosters collaboration, education, and innovation while celebrating women’s contributions across all media platforms. The organization focuses on empowering career development and promoting social progress, thus amplifying the voices and achievements of women in the field.

This year’s Gracies Leadership Awards are set to be not only a celebration of past achievements but also a platform for inspiring the next generation of women leaders in the media landscape. Let us remain committed to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of women, paving the way for a more inclusive future.

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