For Immediate Release

PITTSBURGH (June 14, 2004)   Singer/songwriter and AFTRA member Carol Lee Espy entertained as the Pittsburgh Local of the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists revived the annual AFTRA Awards at a great evening Monday, June 14th at Dowe's on 9th , Downtown. AFTRA members and friends turned out in large numbers for the festivities. The awards recognized achievement in five categories:

Top Broadcast Manager:   The award will be presented to Ron Davenport of Sheridan Broadcasting and WAMO-AM and FM Radio. Davenport is recognized for his efforts in behalf of Sheridan employees and his work to improve labor relations.

Top Freelance Producer:   The award goes to producers T.J. Lubinsky and Henry DeLuca for producing PBS’s successful “American Soundtrack” series under AFTRA’s public TV contract.

Top Elected Official:   AFTRA will honor State Senator Jane Orie. Senator Orie has proven to be a strong ally of AFTRA in its efforts to fight against unfair non-compete restrictive covenants for broadcast employees in Pennsylvania.

Community Ally Award:   The award goes to Gary Rotstein and Chris Rawson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Gary and Chris are key organizers of "Off the Record," the annual gridiron-style show satirizing local news makers. The event has raised thousands of dollars for the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the AFTRA and Newspaper Guild scholarship funds.

AFTRA Lifetime Achievement Award:   This award is given to a member who has worked throughout his or her career for the advancement of our union and whose professional accomplishments have brought pride to all members. The winner is Alan Boal, long-time WTAE newsperson and former Local president and national board member.

The evening also was highlighted by the presentation of our annual Dan Mallinger Memorial Scholarship awards. The recipients were:

• Kristin Hayes, daughter of Harold Hayes

• Ryan Howell, son of Jeff Howell

• Danielle Martino, daughter of Paul Martino

• Brittany Bouchette, daughter of Ed Bouchette

• April Effort, daughter of Elaine Effort

• Steven James, son of Dave James

The scholarship is awarded to members of AFTRA Pittsburgh or their children in memory of our longtime Executive Director, Dan Mallinger, who started the fund and personally solicited and encouraged member donations. Dan’s belief in higher education and his enthusiastic support of the fund are primary reasons for its existence.

The awards come from member donations and bequests as well as specific fund-raising activities of the Local, including our hat sales. Much money has been raised in recent years through our association with the Newspaper Guild and the annual Off the Record shows.