Philadelphia, PA – The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) awarded Johnathan Rodgers the association’s President’s Award last night at the Association’s 36th Annual Convention and Career Fair in Philadelphia, PA. The award is given annually to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the organization.
Until his recent retirement Rodgers served as the first president and CEO of TV One, an award-winning television network created in partnership with Radio One and Comcast Corporation with programming targeted to African-Americans. While leading TV One, Rodgers was instrumental in programming shows that sought to engage, entertain, enlighten, and empower the African-American community.
Rodgers worked his way from reporter, to producer, to network news executive. His manageent expertise eventually led him to become the first African-American president of the CBS television stations group and later president of Discovery Networks. He is a member of the Broadcast and Cable Hall of Fame.
Rodgers and his wife, Royal Kennedy-Rodgers, are lifetime members of NABJ. He is also a former board member and has mentored and trained countless journalists and media professionals. He has been a steadfast supporter of NABJ as a benefactor, sponsor, and corporate supporter.
NABJ President Kathy Times presented the award during the event’s Salute to Excellence Awards Gala.
“Johnathan’s contributions to journalism warrant our organization’s recognition of him as a pioneer and trailblazer. I am honored to present the award to a man who is living NABJ’s mission and values by paying forward to the next generation of Black journalists.”
NABJ is an organization of journalists, students and media-related professionals that provides quality programs and advocacy on behalf of black journalists worldwide. www.nabj.org.
