The 2015 First Amendment Leadership Award is going to Wiley Rein attorney Kathleen A. Kirby. The honor comes from the Radio Television Digital News Foundation.
It is bestowed for excellent service in the cause of advancing and supporting freedom of the press.
“I am humbled to receive this honor,” said Ms. Kirby. “Throughout my career, it has been my privilege to serve as an advocate for and counselor to electronic journalists, particularly local broadcasters whose news coverage is so integral to their communities. I am proud to have been a part of RTDNA and RTDNF’s dedication to freedom of the press and their efforts to promote First Amendment values for more than two decades. As someone who simply puts the law at the service of those who gather and report the news, I am truly honored to be included among a group of individuals whose efforts have advanced the craft and reminded us all about the importance of a free press in our democratic society, including two who lost their lives brutally.”
Others receiving First Amendment awards:
* James Risen, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The New York Times
* Ann Compton, a distinguished and highly respected veteran of the White House press corps
* Perry Sook, president and CEO of Nexstar
RTNDF also announced, “The foundation will also honor journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff with the RTDNF Citation of Courage, a new award presented in recognition of distinguished service to journalism and the extraordinary courage to face danger and, ultimately, their own deaths in search of the truth.”
“We are proud to recognize the tireless dedication of this year’s recipients,” added Mike Cavender, RTDNF executive director. “From the board room to the courtroom and from the White House Press Room to our living rooms, they embody the values of a free press in our society.”
