WASHINGTON– The Radio Television Digital News Foundation will honor the online micro-blogging service Twitter with its First Amendment Award at the 23rd Annual First Amendment Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 14, 2013 in Washington.
The award honors an individual or organization that has played a significant role in dissemination of news and information. Notable examples of Twitter’s growing role include natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy, tragedies like the Connecticut and Colorado mass killings, as well as coverage of major world events like the Arab Spring revolts. Social media has added a new and important dimension to information dissemination and Twitter has been in the forefront of those efforts.
“It’s difficult to quantify the impact that Twitter has on news dissemination not only here, but all around the world. Millions of people turn to Twitter as an instant source of information, especially in times of crisis,” said Mike Cavender, RTDNF Executive Director. “We’re proud to honor this organization for its support and defense of our First Amendment freedoms.”
Accepting will be Twitter's General Counsel, Alex MacGillivray, a noted advocate for journalism and free speech around the world. Also being honored at the event are Robert Decherd, Chairman, President, CEO, A.H. Belo Corporation; Candy Crowley, Chief Political Correspondent, CNN; and Lloyd Siegel, Vice President, NBC News Partnerships.
The honorees are expected to make remarks at the dinner, which is attended by more than 500 people. The black-tie event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 1150 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC. For table and sponsorship information, contact Jen Wafalosky at 216.409.8314 or jenwafalosky@sbcglobal.net
About RTNDF
Funds raised at the First Amendment Dinner help support RTDNF’s work to promote excellence in electronic journalism through research, education and training for news professionals and journalism students. The foundation’s work is also supported by contributions from foundations, corporations, members of the Radio Television Digital News Association and other individuals.
(
