AAJA Honors Lloyd LaCuesta, Samantha Cheng, and P. Anthony Ridder for Efforts in Diversity

August 6, 2004

Media Contact:
Keith Kamisugi (for AAJA)
415-876-0589
keith@keithpr.com

Washington, D.C. -- The Asian American Journalists Association recognized those who have contributed significantly to AAJA's mission at its Gala Scholarship & Awards Banquet, during the 2004 UNITY Convention in Washington, DC. AAJA saluted Lloyd LaCuesta (KTVU-TV), Samantha Cheng (TPS), and P. Anthony Ridder (Knight Ridder) for their tireless efforts in diversity.

Lifetime Achievement Award to Lloyd LaCuesta

AAJA's Lifetime Achievement Award honors an Asian American who has demonstrated courage and commitment to the principles of journalism. The 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Lloyd LaCuesta.

San Francisco Bay Area broadcaster Lloyd LaCuesta has been one of AAJA's biggest advocates since it was founded in 1981. He has devoted his time and sweat equity to ensure that the organization thrives and that its members serve the news industry and Asian American community. This year's judges commented, "The things that distinguish Lloyd are his deep commitment to all aspects of journalism and AAJA over a long, long period of time. Here's what I think of when I think of Lloyd: tireless, enthusiastic, role model, mentor... Lloyd has done the heavy lifting to put minority journalists and their organizations in front of the faces of corporate America."

As AAJA's first elected president, LaCuesta moved the organization to become a national voice for Asian Americans. His remarkable commitment is demonstrated by his activity with AAJA's Executive Leadership Program as a trainer and Study Tours Program as its director. As UNITY Celebrates its third Journalists of Color Convention this year, AAJA also honors LaCuesta for being instrumental in the formation of the original coalition in 1994.

Special Recognition Award to E. Samantha Cheng

The Special Recognition Award honors a person - Asian or non-Asian, journalist or non-journalist - who has helped to advance AAJA's goals. The 2004 Special Recognition Award goes to E. Samantha Cheng.

Samantha Cheng is co-owner, vice president, executive producer and CFO of the Washington, D.C.-based Television Production Services (TPS), which produces and authors DVDs. Prior to work at TPS, she was an independent television producer and public relations specialist. This year, she dedicated her time and talents for the landmark production of "men of AAJA: DVD Showcase," a collection of the professional works of 60 on-air Asian American men in broadcasting. Her contribution to the project was immense. She secured the pro bono services of an editor, authorer, compressionist, graphic artist and composer for an original score, as well as low-cost duplication services. She provided the needed critical eye and set high standards for the product. AAJA recognizes Cheng for her achievements on this project, which advances the organization's goal to increase the number of Asian American men in television news.

Leadership in Diversity Award to P. Anthony Ridder

The AAJA Leadership in Diversity Award honors an individual or corporation that has made strides in promoting and demonstrating diversity in the news media industry. AAJA presented its 2004 Leadership in Diversity Award to Knight Ridder chairman and CEO, P. Anthony Ridder.

Ridder has been one of AAJA's staunchest supporters. As the head of the company that is the second largest newspaper publisher in the United States, he has worked hard to ensure that in the years when Knight Ridder is expanding, as well as in the years the company is downsizing, diversity remains among the most important of the company's goals. Ridder's dedication to diversity is reflected through the company's hiring practices, its placement of people of color in top management positions and in opening up its checkbook to organizations like UNITY and AAJA. For his leadership and courage, AAJA honors Ridder with one of the organization's highest awards.