American Women in Radio & Television is pleased to release the following statement in regard to the release of two U.S. journalists from North Korea today:
“On behalf of all the members of American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), we commend the decision of North Korean President Kim Jong Il to issue a ‘special pardon’ for U.S. journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling and applaud the efforts of former U.S. President Bill Clinton in negotiating their release.
Lee and Ling have been held in captivity since their arrest in March, and were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for alleged illegal entry into the region and engaging in ‘hostile acts.’ AWRT has a long history of support for all the very smart, capable and dedicated women in the media, and is pleased that North Korean officials recognized the rights of American journalists covering international issues. We hope their engagement of a ‘humanitarian and peaceloving policy’ is a sign of deeper understanding of the freedoms afforded to those practicing journalism everywhere.”
For additional information on AWRT’s initiatives, visit our web site at awrt.org.
About American Women in Radio & Television
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 carries forth its mission by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members, the public and the industry at large. Founded in 1951, AWRT works to promote diversity and strengthen the influence of women in the vast media community.
About The Foundation of AWRT
The Foundation of AWRT is the philanthropic arm of American Women in Radio and Television, supporting educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Foundation of AWRT has created partnerships and joint-initiatives with the National Middle School Association, the Emma Bowen Foundation, the American Red Cross and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation of AWRT.
The Foundation supports several public service campaigns including most recently AWRT Empowering America which pays tribute to many of America’s most pioneering and inspiring women. Through this initiative, the Foundation of AWRT has adopted needy urban middle schools around the country and provided educational donations derived from collateral based on the Empowering America program.
The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs including the Gracie Awards®, a live, New York-based gala that awards exemplary programming created for, by, and about women.