Article Press Release
June 18, 2023
Alliance for Women in Media Announces Elizabeth Vargas as Host for 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon
Musical Talent, Curb Recording Artist Harper Grace to Perform
June 13, 2023 (New York, N.Y.) – The leadership of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announces that award-winning television journalist Elizabeth Vargas, host and anchor of “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on NewsNation, will host the 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon set for June 20 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary content created by, for and about women in all facets of media and entertainment.
“The theme of the 48th Annual Gracie Awards is Storytelling, and Elizabeth Vargas is the consummate storyteller. She is a veteran in our industry and her authenticity and focus on journalistic excellence make her the perfect fit to help us recognize the local and student winners at this year’s luncheon,” said Becky Brooks, President, Alliance for Women in Media Foundation.
Elizabeth Vargas has covered breaking news and reported on in-depth investigations and stories for decades. Her 15 plus years as host of ABC’s 20/20, serving as Co-Anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight, a frequent host of “Good Morning America” and her work on A&E Investigates, has earned her the trusted reputation and top source for news world-wide. Vargas’ memoir, Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction, released in 2016, landed on the New York Times bestseller list for weeks and won numerous awards. Vargas is a member of the board of directors for the non-profit Partnership to End Addiction and hosts “Heart of the Matter,” a podcast focused on addiction, recovery, and the stigma so many face in their effort to heal.
Performing at the Luncheon will be Curb Records recording artist, Harper Grace. The rising Country star’s initial experience in the spotlight came at just 11 years old when her first public performance of The National Anthem didn’t go as planned, eliciting widespread criticism from an array of online observers and media outlets. Seven years later, the “American Idol” alum redeemed herself by returning to the same stadium and nailing a version of the patriotic song. Now residing in Nashville and currently traveling around the U.S. sharing her anti-bullying message and singing The National Anthem at multiple high-profile venues. Harper also released brand new music in 2023, including two newly-available songs, “Sparkle” on 3/17/23, and “Oh Say Can You See,” an autobiographical track she penned for her 11-year-old self, on 5/19/23.
Presenters at the Gracie Awards Luncheon will include Judi Franco, Co-host #1 rated “Dennis & Judi” midday show on Townsquare’s New Jersey 101.5; Sara Haines, Co-Host, ABC’s The View; Maxwell of the world famous Z100 in New York hosting “The Maxwell & Crystal Show” an iHeartMedia station; Shima Oliaee, CEO and founder of Shirazad Productions; and Brigitte Quinn, creator, host and Managing Editor of Audacy affiliate Newsline on NYC’s WCBS 880.
Sponsors of the Gracies Luncheon include ABC, Audacy, Bonneville, Beasley Media Group, Graham Media Group, Katz Media Group, NCTA-The Internet and Television Association, Fishers Finery, Futuri, Gray Television, Hofstra University, iHeartMedia, News 12, TEGNA, and Townsquare Media, Inc.
The National Gracie Award honorees were recognized at the Gracies Gala, May 23, at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. A full list of recipients may be found on the Alliance for Women in Media website.
About The Gracie Awards
The Gracies Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent created by, for and about women. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA – The Cable and Telecommunications Association and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Gracie Awards please visit allwomeninmedia.org and follow on Twitter (@AllWomeninMedia), (#TheGracies), Instagram (@allwomeninmedia) and Facebook.
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