Congratulations to SPJ/LA’s 2023 Distinguished Journalist honorees!
It was a memorable Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists honored six local journalists and two students during the 47th annual Distinguished Journalist Awards banquet.
It was a sold out show as 170 people gathered at the Omni Hotel in downtown LA to support local journalism and celebrate the deserving winners.
SPJ/LA President Alexi Chidbachian kicked off the night by speaking about SPJ's mission and how this awards banquet helps raise money for the chapter's six student scholarships.
SPJ National Board President Ashanti Blaze-Hopkins discussed the current cultural climate and issues facing journalists before keynote speaker Ken White, a First Amendment expert and criminal defense lawyer, shared his thoughts on the state of First Amendment protections and the critical role of journalists in defending these rights.
Veteran radio anchor and longtime SPJ/LA board member Frank Mottek emceed the event.
Honorees were introduced by colleagues and loved ones who shared stories of their careers.
LA Times columnist Patt Morrison was introduced on stage by stand-up comic and actress Paula Poundstone who delivered several crowd-pleasing jokes.
TV host Michaela Pereira got a big surprise when ESPN’s Michael Eaves appeared on stage to present her award.
Frank Stoltze, civics and democracy correspondent for LAist, introduced his colleague and friend Paul Glickman who received the Distinguished Journalist Award in audio.
Gwen Muranaka, who received the Distinguished Journalist Award in print (small circulation) was introduced on stage by former Rafu Shimpo editor Chris Komai who discussed the importance and role their publication has on the Japanese-American community in LA.
Ben Camacho, recipient of the Distinguished Journalist Award in the digital category, was introduced on stage by Knock LA managing editor Cerise Castle.
In the visual category, Dean Musgrove with Southern California News Group, was introduced by his lovely wife Janice who shared the story of how they first met.
To round off the evening, Mottek presented the award to our student winners Jackson Tammariello of Santa Monica College and Alexandra Najera of California State University, Northridge.
SPJ/LA would like to thank everyone who attended and made it such a special night. We would also like to thank our sponsors LAist, the Los Angeles Times, Southern California News Group, Santa Monica College and Cal State Northridge for generously supporting the event, which helps to raise money for the chapter's six student scholarships.
The Distinguished Journalist Awards, created in 1976, honors journalists who have achieved a record of accomplishments over the course of their career. Our honorees work in various media including broadcast, audio, print, and digital.
