NLGJA Excellence in Journalism Award

WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) today announced this year's recipients of its national Excellence in Journalism Awards -- including its Journalist of the Year honor to be presented to Meredith May with the San Francisco Chronicle.

All awards will be presented in Chicago on Saturday evening, Sept. 24 during the association's 15th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Los Angeles based television personality Steve Kmetko will emcee the ceremony. "This year's competition was among our finest," noted NLGJA President Eric Hegedus. "Our judges faced a tremendous challenge in selecting the best of the best among a growing number of entries. We are especially proud of all honorees and the other excellent candidates."

The NLGJA Excellence in Journalism Awards were established in 1993 to foster, recognize and reward excellence in journalism on issues related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. In addition to Journalist of the Year, awards will be presented for HIV/AIDS Coverage, Written News, Written Feature, Written Opinion/Editorial, Radio, Television, Photojournalism, New Media, LGBT Media and Student journalism.

The NLGJA Journalist of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding professional achievements of an LGBT journalist and member of NLGJA. Meredith May, reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle will accept this award of distinction on Sept. 24 in Chicago.

Since joining the Chronicle staff in 1999, May has written narrative features, breaking news, investigative pieces and has covered topics ranging from public education to the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece. In 2004, May wrote "Operation Lion Heart," the powerful four-part narrative tale of a nine-year-old Iraqi boy who was maimed in an explosion and flown to the Bay Area for treatment. The story captivated readers and helped reunite the boy and his family and won the national SPJ award for feature writing.

"NLGJA chose to honor Meredith May to express our profound respect for an excellent story-teller and craftsperson," said NLGJA President Eric Hegedus. "Meredith May also honors us as a dedicated member of NLGJA and a role model for outstanding feature writing and coverage."

The NLGJA Excellence in Journalism Awards include $500 first prizes in ten separate categories (as well as a $1,000 first prize presented in the category of LGBT Media). All other winners receive award citations.

For a list of all winners, click here.