Sigma Delta Chi Foundation Seeks Nominations for the Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/28/2008

Contact:
Heather Porter, Programs Coordinator, (317) 927-8000, ext. 204
Beth King, Communications Manager, (317) 927-8000, ext. 211

INDIANAPOLIS — The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of the Society of Professional Journalists is currently seeking nominations for the Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award.

The Award is named after Eugene S. Pulliam, who died in January 1999. He served as publisher of The Indianapolis Star and The Indianapolis News until his death and was well-known for consistently supporting activities that educated the public about First Amendment rights and values. The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has established this annual award to honor those committed to the same goals and as a tribute to the professional contributions that Mr. Pulliam made to journalism.

Nominations are open to any person, persons or organization in the United States or its territories who have worked to protect the basic rights provided by the First Amendment. Honorees do not have to be journalists. In fact, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation encourages recognition of those outside the journalism profession for their First Amendment efforts and initiatives, such as, but not limited to, public officials, members of the legal profession, scholars, educators, librarians, students and ordinary citizens.

The recipient is honored with a $10,000 cash award and an engraved crystal. The honoree also will receive transportation (airfare and a two-night hotel stay) to the 2008 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference in Atlanta to accept their award.

To learn more about the award, please contact Programs Coordinator Heather Porter at (317) 927-8000, ext. 204, or visit the Pulliam First Amendment Award page. The application deadline is July 1.

Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. SDX is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. For more information about SPJ, please visit www.spj.org.

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