SPJ/LA to Celebrate Distinguished Journalists Awards with Virtual Ceremony This Fall

The Greater Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will celebrate its 45th Annual Distinguished Journalists Awards with a virtual ceremony scheduled to air on Nov. 4.

SPJ/LA, after serious consideration, decided against an in-person banquet this fall because of the continued uncertainty that surrounds the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant. The event marks the second year SPJ/LA will gather online to celebrate our honorees’ talents and accomplishments.

“We are obviously disappointed about taking this step, but ultimately decided to err on the side of caution,” said Sarah Favot, SPJ/LA banquet chair. “Nevertheless, we intend to host an event that fully recognizes our amazing group of award winners.”

The honorees are longtime regional journalists working in print, television, radio and digital media. They are: David Allen, columnist for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin; Irfan Khan, staff photographer for the Los Angeles Times; Toni Guinyard, reporter with NBC4; Josie Huang, reporter with 89.3 KPCC, Southern California Public Radio; and Tami Abdollah, national correspondent for USA TODAY.

The Freedom of Information award will go to Nora Benavidez of the nonprofit advocacy group Free Press, where she is senior counsel and director, digital justice and civil rights.

SPJ/LA will distribute Information on sponsorship opportunities and RSVP details in the coming weeks.

Contact: Sarah Favot sarah.favot@gmail.com 617-756-5643.