American Women in Radio and Television Salutes Industry Leaders at Celebrity Book Launch Event
Honorees tell their stories in their own words

Vienna, VA August 28, 2001 - American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) will salute the top women in broadcasting and cable at a celebrity book launch luncheon for "Making Waves: The 50 Greatest Women in Radio and Television." The event will take place on October 25, 2001 at New York City's Tavern on the Green and will feature more than 17 of the 50 honorees.

Scheduled to speak at this blockbuster event are: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Sylvia Chase, Julia Child, Connie Chung, Joan Ganz Cooney, Katie Couric, Linda Ellerbee, Diane English, Phyllis George, Cathy Hughes, Kay Koplovitz, Geraldine Laybourne, Mary Tyler Moore, Cokie Roberts, Marlene Sanders, Diane Sawyer, Leslie Stahl, Susan Stamberg.

Each of the remarkable women who will be honored at this event will read a passage from her own inspirational essay featured from happy birthday son images Making Waves. The subject matter shared is diverse, but one element runs true throughout their vivid remembrances, the triumph of women. Connie Chung, Cokie Roberts, Diane Sawyer and Lesley Stahl all recount the challenges they faced working in a traditionally male dominated industry. Cathy Hughes describes in detail the painful process she underwent in order to become the owner of the nation's largest black-owned radio company. Julia Child tells of her discovery of French cuisine and the pleasure and success it has brought her throughout her career.

According to Jacci Duncan, Executive Director of AWRT, "We are so pleased to honor many of the remarkable women who have shaped our past, present and our future in these industries - women who have forged a new media frontier and opened the doors to advancement. We take great pride in AWRT's role in serving as a collective voice in advancing the impact of women in electronic media."

Making Waves is scheduled for release by Andrews McMeel to bookstores in September 2001. All royalties will go directly to benefit AWRT in order to further the organization's mission of advancing the impact of women in radio and television.

About AWRT: American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) is a national, nonprofit organization that extends membership to qualified professionals, women and men in the electronic media and allied fields. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, AWRT's mission is to advance the impact of women in the electronic media and allied fields by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry. Founded in 1951, AWRT has worked to improve the quality of the electronic media; to promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the electronic media and allied fields; to serve as a medium of communication and idea exchange; and to become involved in community concerns. For information about membership in AWRT, contact: (703) 506-3290 or visit www.awrt.org for complete information about the "Making Waves: The 50 Greatest Women in Radio and Television."