| Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal Will Honor Thirteen/WNET |
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| Friday, 18 November 2005 | |
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal Will Honor Thirteen/WNETNEW YORK, NY, (NAMC) - In honor of its "unwavering commitment to the public good and to freedom of expression," the board of directors of the Municipal Art Society will award the 2005 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal to public television station Thirteen/WNET New York at the MAS Annual Gala on Thursday, December 1. This year's presentation is the first time that the MAS will present its highest honor to a fellow New York institution. "For more than 40 years, Thirteen has given New Yorkers a window on their city," said Philip Howard, MAS Chairman. "In holding up the mirror to the city's history, culture, streetscapes, artistic achievements and vitality--not to mention its fascinating people--Thirteen makes New York a more livable city." The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal is presented annually to an individual or organization whose work and deeds have made an outstanding contribution to the city of New York. The medal was named for Mrs. Onassis, an MAS board member, in 1994 in honor of her tireless efforts to preserve and protect New York's great architecture. Thirteen/WNET New York is one of the key producing stations for PBS and the originator of such series and specials as Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, Charlie Rose, Secrets of the Dead, Cyberchase, Innovation, DNA, Slavery: The Making of America, Broadway: The American Musical, and Colonial House. As the flagship public broadcaster in the New York City metro area, Thirteen reaches millions of viewers each week, airing the best of PBS along with its own local and national productions on its analog and digital channels. Thirteen extends the impact of its broadcasts through innovative educational outreach and cutting-edge interactive media. For more information, visit www.thirteen.org "We are proud and delighted to learn that Thirteen is the first institution ever to receive The Municipal Art Society of New York's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal," said Steven Rattner, Chairman of Thirteen's Board of Trustees. "This truly great honor, bestowed by one of our community's most discerning institutions, wholly validates the unique role that Thirteen plays in the life of New York City." "This is a wonderful honor from a wonderful organization," said William F. Baker, President and CEO of Thirteen. "One of our enduring ambitions at Thirteen is to showcase our city, to celebrate its wonders, and to give the amazing people who call themselves New Yorkers a deeper understanding of who they are and where they live. This award tells us that our endeavors have been successful." The honorary chairs of the 2005 dinner are Walter Cronkite and Judith and Bill Moyers. The dinner chairs are Lewis B. Cullman and Marian S. Heiskell, and dinner co-chairs are Elihu Rose and Wade F.B. Thompson. The historic Seventh Regiment Armory on Park Avenue at 66th Street will be the venue for the black tie dinner. The Municipal Art Society of New York is a private, non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote a more livable city. Since 1893, the MAS has worked to enrich the culture, neighborhoods and physical design of New York City. It advocates for excellence in urban design and planning, contemporary architecture, historic preservation and public art. Contact: |
