Religion Communicators Council
The Religion Communicators Council is a U.S. nonprofit organization representing marketing, communications and public relations officers from 60 different faith-based institutions. Founded in 1929 as the Religious Publicity Council, it changed its name to the Religious Public Relations Council in 1949 and became the Religion Communicators Council in 1998.[1] It was originally focused on communications needs for Christian organizations, but in 1970 it expanded its membership to all religious faiths.[1]
The organization is headquartered in the Interchurch Center in New York City and has 13 branches across the U.S.[2] It hosts an annual conference to discuss media strategies and issues.[3] It also presents the Wilbur Awards, an annual tribute to mainstream media's coverage of faith-based issues.[4]
Wilbur Awards
The council has presented Wilbur Awards annually since 1949. They honor excellence by individuals in secular media – print and online journalism, book publishing, broadcasting, and motion pictures – in communicating religious issues, values and themes. Winners receive a stained-glass trophy and $250. The award is named for the late Marvin C. Wilbur, a pioneer in religious public relations and longtime council leader.[5]
2010
- Newspapers, feature story: "Young Muslims after 9/11," Peter Smith, The Courier Journal, Louisville, Ky.[6]
- Newspapers, series: "Faith in Motion," Mindy Rubenstein, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times.
- Newspapers, column: "Sunday Reflections," Tracey O’Shaughnessy, Republican-American, Waterbury, Conn.
- Newspapers, blogs: "Under God," David Waters, The Washington Post.
- Magazines, article: "The Rise of the Godless," Paul Starobin, National Journal.
- Magazines, columns: Lisa Miller, Newsweek.
- Editorial Cartoons: John Sherffius, Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo.
- Books: Have A Little Faith, Mitch Albom, Hyperion ISBN 978-0786868728.
- Television, local news: "Shepherd Me Oh God," Randy Biery, photography, and Fran Riley, reporter, KWQC-TV, Davenport, Iowa.
- Television, national news: CBS Evening News: Weekend Edition, "Peace on Earth," John Blackstone, correspondent; Erin Lyall George, producer; and Patricia Shevlin, executive producer.
- Television, national news magazine: Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, "Wintley Phipps," Kim Lawton, correspondent, Judy Reynolds, producer.
- Television, documentary: "Science of the Soul," Associated Producers, Toronto, Canada, Simcha Jacobovici, writer/director.
- Radio: "The Soundscapes of Faith," Laura Kwerel, writer/producer, Katie Davis, editor, Interfaith Voices, Brentwood, Md.
- Film: "Blood Done Sign My Name," Paladin and Real Folk Productions, written and directed by Jeb Stuart.
- Lifetime Achievement: Bob Abernethy.
The 2010 Awards were presented on April 9 during Religion Communication Congress 2010 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. Manya A. Brachear, religion reporter for the Chicago Tribune and a double Wilbur Awards winner in 2009, was master of ceremonies.[5]
2009
- Newspapers, feature story:
- Newspapers, series:
- Newspapers, column:
- Newspapers, blogs:
- Magazines, article:
- Magazines, columns:
- Editorial Cartoons:
- Books:
- Television, local news:
- Television, national news:
- Television, national news magazine:
- Television, documentary:
- Radio:
- Film:
- Lifetime Achievement:
2008
- Newspapers, feature story:
- Newspapers, series:
- Newspapers, column:
- Newspapers, blogs:
- Magazines, article:
- Magazines, columns:
- Editorial Cartoons:
- Books:
- Television, local news:
- Television, national news:
- Television, national news magazine:
- Television, documentary:
- Radio:
- Film:
- Lifetime Achievement:
2007
- Newspapers, feature story:
- Newspapers, series:
- Newspapers, column:
- Newspapers, blogs:
- Magazines, article:
- Magazines, columns:
- Editorial Cartoons:
- Books:
- Television, local news:
- Television, national news:
- Television, national news magazine:
- Television, documentary:
- Radio:
- Film:
- Lifetime Achievement:
References
External links