WAMC Wins Two Gracie Awards for Radio Series on the Role of Women in Science

ALBANY, NY (03/13/2009)(readMedia)-- WAMC Northeast Public Radio is the recipient of two 2009 Gracie Awards for the radio series, The Sounds of Progress: The Changing Role of Girls and Women in Science and Engineering. The two-part series, funded by the National Science Foundation, highlights the role of women, past and present, in science and engineering education and careers.

The Gracie Awards are presented annually by the American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) to honor exemplary programming created for women, by women, and about women. The AWRT recognizes the best in radio, television, cable, and new media. Part 1 of The Sounds of Progress, produced by Glenn Busby, was awarded in the "Outstanding Documentary-30 Minutes or Less" category. Part 1 examines the latest research and educational practices designed to increase the participation of women in science and engineering. Part 2, produced by Mary Darcy, was awarded in the "Outstanding Public Affairs Program" category. Part 2 tells the stories of fascinating women throughout history who were pioneers in science and engineering fields.

"I could not be more proud of what this fabulous team has done," said WAMC President Alan Chartock. "Sometimes awards don't mean much, but the AWRT really know what they are doing. A tremendous amount of time and effort went into this radio series and the AWRT recognizes that."

Local market, public, and student award winners will be honored at the 34th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 4, 2009 at the New York City landmark, Tavern on the Green.

To listen to The Sounds of Progress, visit WAMC's Women in Science website, www.womeninscience.org, where you can access streaming audio, download a series podcast, or request a free CD-set. For more information about this series, or other WAMC Women in Science programming supported by the National Science Foundation, please call (800) 323-9262, ext. 169 or email womeninscience@wamc.org.

The Sounds of Progress was made possible by support from the National Science Foundation under grant number HRD-0631603. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and the people or subjects covered in each radio segment featured and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Science Foundation.