Washington, D.C. -- NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke today issued the following letter regarding plans for the 2020 Celebration of Service to America Awards in light of coronavirus concerns:
Dear Broadcast Community,
As our world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, our thoughts are with those who have been directly affected by the virus. Our gratitude is with you as you and your team continue to perform the responsibilities, duties and commitment that come with being a broadcaster.
The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation believes it is our obligation to put the safety and well-being of our community first, and we continue to follow the social distancing guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With those principles in mind, the NAB Leadership Foundation team, partners and stakeholders have decided to transition the 2020 Celebration of Service to America Awards, scheduled for June 9, to a virtual event later this summer.
We recognize that much of the broadcast community is focused on other issues in this moment and feel that, in light of the current circumstances, it is impossible to host a celebration during this time. We will instead move forward with a virtual event that will recognize our station honorees, partners, political leaders and the entire broadcast industry.
In addition to providing news and entertainment, we know you and your team are committed to the safety and well-being of your local communities. This event will not only highlight your exceptional community service in 2019 but will also recognize the unparalleled efforts of broadcasters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We will have more to share about this transition in the coming weeks. As we continue to navigate this unique and challenging situation, we are committed to delivering as much value as our usual in-person event.
As we move forward, we will continue to keep an open line of communication and look forward to supporting you throughout the year. Most importantly, we hope that you and your loved ones continue to remain safe in the months to come.
Sincerely,
Michelle Duke
President, NAB Leadership Foundation
The Celebration of Service to America Awards is sponsored and produced by the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation with major support from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Bonneville International and Hearst Television. In recent years, music and entertainment icons, including John Legend, Jon Bon Jovi, Sharon Stone, Gary Sinise, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Glenn Close, have received leadership awards at the event. Details about the Celebration of Service to America Awards are available at www.nabfoundation.org/events/sta/.
The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (formerly the NAB Education Foundation) rebranded in 2018 in recognition of its role in developing broadcasting’s future leaders. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing the industry through leadership, diversity and community service. Learn more at www.nabfoundation.org.
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
