Award-winning journalist, author, and talk show host Anderson Cooper will be honored with the Vito Russo Award at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York, New York Daily News first reported this morning. Cooper will be presented with the award on March 16, 2013 at the New York Marriott Marquis.
Take a look at this year's nominees and get your tickets here.
For over 20 years Anderson Cooper has been an instrumental figure in American journalism. He is the host of the immensely popular CNN show Anderson Cooper 360°, and is a contributor to CBS' 60 Minutes. Cooper has captivated audiences with his coverage of important historical events, including Hurricane Katrina and the devastating earthquake in Haiti, for which he was awarded the National Order of Honour and Merit, Haiti's most prestigious honor.
Anderson Cooper has long been an advocate for the LGBT community. His wide range of subjects includes the bullying of LGBT youth, families supporting their transgender children, and the dangers of the so-called "ex-gay conversion therapy." For his coverage of issues relevant to the LGBT community, Anderson Cooper has received seven GLAAD Media Award nominations, and has been awarded the trophy three times.
"By sharing his own experiences as a gay man, Anderson has reminded millions of Americans that LGBT people are part of their everyday lives and an integral part of our cultural fabric," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. "He continues to raise the bar and set a new standard for journalists everywhere, and I'm proud to call him a friend."
The Vito Russo Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality. Previous honorees include Ricky Martin, Rosie O'Donnell, and Elton John. The Award takes its name from legendary HIV/AIDS activist Vito Russo, who was also one of GLAAD's founders.
Good Morning America anchors Lara Spencer, Josh Elliott, and Sam Champion will host the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, presented locally by Delta Air Lines. The GLAAD Media Awards are presented nationally by Ketel One and Wells Fargo.
The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in New York on March 16, 2013 at the New York Marriott Marquis; in Los Angeles on April 20 at the JW Marriott; and in San Francisco on May 11 at the Hilton San Francisco - Union Square. Additional Special Honorees for each city will be announced in coming weeks.
The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are executive produced by Marc Honaker, Director of Creative Development at GLAAD, and by Josh Wood, founder and president of Josh Wood Productions. "I am very proud that my company is producing the GLAAD Media Awards this year alongside such great collaborators. I have always been a fan of the organization and the important work GLAAD is doing to make the world a better place for the LGBT community. The fight is not over in the United States, or globally, and I admire GLAAD for inspiring and changing opinions through media," said Wood.
Emmy Award winning production designer James Connelly will design this year's set across the three cities. Acclaimed producer and editor Brett Henrichsen will also contribute to this year's GLAAD Media Awards.
For ticket information visit: www.glaad.org/mediaawards
To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.