NAMME Recognizes ‘Champions in Diversity’

Program Also to Salute ‘Award of Valor’ Nominees

Washington, DC, April 17, 2006— The National Association of Minority Media Executives will recognize a multicultural slate of industry trailblazers during “A Celebration of Diversity,” April 27 th in Seattle, Wash.

In what will be an emotional, heart-felt ceremony that takes place during the week of the American Society of Newspaper Editors national convention, NAMME Chair Mei-Mei Chan, vice president of advertising, The Seattle Times, will pay tribute to this year's winners by acknowledging their numerous contributions not only to media, but to the world at large.

This year's program features a panel of prominent journalists who share a passion for their work and for using their profession to make the world a better place. This year's dinner marks the debut of the Award of Valor, which recognizes media professionals at all levels whose work has gone above and beyond the call of duty, exhibiting courageous behavior under extreme circumstances in order to serve the public good. The winner of the Award of Valor will be revealed at the dinner. The nominees include Hannah Allam , Knight Ridder, Cairo; CNN's Anderson Cooper ; Yolanda Green , KHWB-TV, Houston; nationally syndicated radio personality and philanthropist Tom Joyner ; CNN's Larry King ; Ricky Mathews , The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss.; David Meeks , The Times-Picayune, New Orleans; Bryan Monroe , Knight Ridder; Chris Osborne , ABC 33/40, Birmingham, Ala.; CBS's Byron Pitts ; NBC's Carl Quintanilla ; Brian Thevenot , The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, and Anzio Williams, WDSU-TV, New Orleans.

The Diversity Award winners are:

Distinguished Diversity Award for Lifetime Achievement
Phil Currie, Senior Vice President of News, Newspaper Division, Gannett Co. Inc.

Robert C. Maynard Legend Award
Reginald Stuart, Corporate Recruiter, Knight Ridder

Catalyst Award—Print
Monica Lozano, Publisher and CEO, La Opinión

Catalyst Award—New Media
Nihal Mehta, Founder & President, ipsh!

Catalyst Award—Broadcast
Juan Williams, Senior Correspondent, National Public Radio and Political Contributor, FOX News

The Lawrence Young Breakthrough Award
Dinah Eng, Columnist and Founder, AAJA Leadership Program

NAMME is celebrating its 16 th year anniversary as the nation's leading group of minority media managers and executives in all forms of media including, but not limited to newspapers, broadcasting, magazines and online media. The organization provides programs and seminars on management development, media trends and serves as a valuable networking and informational resource.