Women in Media Honored at 48th Gracie Awards Luncheon

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 20, 2023 | 3:40pm CT

48th Annual Gracie Awards

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) presented the 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon in New York on June 20. Host Elizabeth Vargas, anchor of "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" on NewsNation, led the program alongside presenters Judi Franco, co-host of "Dennis & Judi" midday show on Townsquare's New Jersey 101.5; Sara Haines, co-Host of ABC's The View; Maxwell of Z100 in New York hosting "The Maxwell & Crystal Show"; Shima Oliaee, CEO and founder of Shirazad Productions and Brigitte Quinn, creator, host and Managing Editor of Audacy affiliate Newsline on WCBS/New York.

The Gracie Awards were presented to honorees which were previously announced in recognition of individual achievement and outstanding programming by, for and about women in local and student television, radio and digital media.

Highlights from the show included:

• AWMF Board Chair and Chief Communications Officer, Hallmark Media, Annie Howell opened the Luncheon by acknowledging "The east coast stop of the bi-coastal awards, is what many people call the heart of the Gracies. It is the celebration of local and student winners and honoring those telling stories that impact each of us in our communities."

• Host, Elizabeth Vargas, of NewsNation, said: "We all know, the connection to our local communities happens through local television and radio... breaking news, keeping us informed, uplifting moments and understanding how we are all interconnected happens with those of you in this room... appreciate the storytellers in your life, at the local level and nationally."

• Presenter, Judi Franco, Co-host of "Dennis and Judi" on Townsquare's New Jersey 101.5, acknowledged that "Even though the media industry has changed so much, radio is still a living, breathing, invincible force that will always just ... .be there for us."

• Mike McVay, Gracies Co-Chair, President McVay Media Consulting, introduced Curb Records recording artist and singer/songwriter Harper Grace. McVay described Grace as having "picked herself up after being jeered on a national television following her brave performance of the National Anthem at a sporting event... she's an American Idol alum and written a song that will be an anthem for every person who needs encouragement." Grace performed "Sparkle" and "Oh Say Can You See."

• Presenter, Sara Haines, ABC's The View, referenced the AWM Foundation filling an important need in the industry to give scholarships and offering programming focused on women in the industry and noted surprising Fatima Moien with her Gracie Award and scholarship live on The View in March.

• Presenter, Shima Oliaee, CEO and founder of Shirazad Productions said: "Coming up as a young woman in the entertainment and media world, I often chose to stay behind the scenes, writing and producing to help many men look smarter and wiser. What I came to learn over time is that it is crucial to have women seen and heard and listened to, especially in media."

• Presenter, Brigitte Quinn, creator, host and Managing Editor of Audacy affiliate Newsline on NYC's WCBS 880, said: "Public radio programming or non-commercial local radio programming shares a mission to inform, increase understanding of the world, enrich the experience of everyday life and inspire... I can certainly appreciate the important work these honorees are doing!"

• Presenter, Maxwell, of the world famous Z100 in New York hosting "The Maxwell & Crystal Show", said: "I appreciate an organization that celebrates brilliant women in media as we all know they are making the world go round."