 |
AWRT SoCal Announces Cancellation of 2009 Genii Awards Show With respect for our colleagues who have recently lost their jobs in the down economy... April 19, 2009 Burbank, CA (April 20, 2009) -- The Southern California Chapter of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT SoCal) announce the cancellation of the 2009 Genii Awards Show. The Awards Show, held annually in June, celebrates the best and the brightest professionals in the broadcast industry and serves to raise money and awareness for the AWRT education and scholarship programs. The 2009 Genii Awards Show will be canceled this year out of respect for the rising number of AWRT colleagues who have recently lost their jobs in the current down economy. This year's Genii honorees will be honored when the Show resumes in 2010. The current Show cancellation will not affect the 2009 Scholarship winners. Scholarship recipients will be notified by mail. "With so many of our members and friends hit hard by the current economic recession and corporate downsizing, we are shifting our focus from the '09 Awards Show to respond to the immediate needs of our unemployed colleagues," states Laura Behrman, AWRT president. "As a result, AWRT plans to develop additional job resources and networking events during this difficult period." News about an uncertain economy and volatile job market continues to dominate daily headlines. Over 663,000 jobs were lost in March, pushing unemployment to 8.5%, the highest unemployment level since November 1983. The Department of Labor reported that the unemployment rate increased from February's 8.1 percent as employers cut 663,000 jobs from payrolls, the fifth-straight month with losses of at least 600,000. A total of 5.1 million jobs have been lost since the recession began in December 2007. Local numbers reflect even deeper cuts. A recent forecast from the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC ) indicates the Southern California and especially the greater Los Angeles area economies are sagging even further under the weight of Recession. Los Angeles County's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed from 9.2% in December to 10.5% in January, the highest level LA County has seen since February of 1993, during the deep recession of the early 90s. The good news: LAEDC sees a modest recovery by year-end 2009. "To do our part, AWRT SoCal is expanding its listing of job resources on our website and we're inviting employers to take advantage of free job postings at www.awrtsocal.org," states Behrman, AWRT president. "We are also planning more networking events which serve to match employers with prospective employees, like our recent Speed Mentoring event." AWRT's February Speed Mentoring attendance soared 88% over expectations and sent a clear message that more job cultivation events are needed. American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) is the longest established non-profit professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. The organization carries forth its mission by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry at large. Currently there are over 3,000 members nationwide. For more information about the AWRT Southern California Chapter, please visit www.awrtsocal.org or email info@awrtsocal.org. About AWRT SoCal's Genii Awards For over 50 years, AWRT's Southern California Chapter has presented the highest honor AWRT SoCal bestows in the name of Chapter Founder, Jeanne Gray McDonald. This special honor celebrates the notable achievements of excellence executed by individuals in radio and television broadcasting. The recipients of this prestigious honor are being saluted for their significant contributions to the industry aligned with the mission of the organization to promote progress and create change within the electronic media. Genii honorees are recognized for their pioneering efforts, dedicated leadership, commitment to quality and excellence, and their community contributions. Saluting the Notable Achievements of Excellence by Individuals in the Broadcasting Industry, the Genii Awards benefit AWRT SoCal's scholarship program, and educational programs. Past Genii Winners Include: Ellen Degeneres, Camryn Manheim, Heather Locklear, Jamie Lee Curtis, Candice Bergen, Lucille Ball, Carole Black, Aaron Spelling, Anne Sweeney, Whoopie Goldberg, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, and many others. To see the complete list go to www.awrtsocal.org. About AWRT: The year 2009 marks the 58th Anniversary of American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), the longest established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWRT is a national, non-profit organization that extends membership to qualified professionals in the electronic media and allied fields. AWRT carries forth its mission by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry at large. Founded in 1951, AWRT works to improve the quality of electronic media; promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the field; foster communication and idea exchange; and give back to the community we serve. About American Women in Radio & Television, Southern California Chapter: About AWRT SoCal Genii Awards: Website: www.awrtsocal.org # # # More Press Releases
|
Saluting the Notable Achievements of Excellence by
Individuals in the Southern CA Broadcasting Industry
Join AWRT SoCal and start networking
with other industry professionals.
View industry-related employment
opportunities in the Southern CA area.
