New Leadership for Journalism Center on Children and Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     CONTACT:
October 18, 2011                                 Anne Martens (301)405-2420 amartens@umd.edu

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR JOURNALISM CENTER ON CHILDREN & FAMILIES

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Julie Drizin, an award-winning public radio producer, has been named Director of the Journalism Center on Children and Families (JCCF), a program of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

Drizin is recipient of numerous awards for original radio programming, including NPR’s Justice Talking and Pacifica Radio’s Democracy Now! Most recently, she served as Editor for the World Vision Report and a consultant to the Association of Independents in Radio.

Drizin is also the originator of Dining Out for Life, an event that raises nearly $4 million each year for AIDS organizations in 55 cities throughout the U.S and Canada.

“I’m passionate about improving the lives of children and families in our country,” Drizin said. “I know that high-quality, accessible journalism plays a critical role in telling stories, sparking conversation, inspiring engagement and fostering positive social change.”

“We’re very pleased that Julie is joining us,” said Kevin Klose, Dean of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. “She is an accomplished journalist who brings a depth of experience and fresh ideas that will translate into innovative programs, new collaborations, and compelling courses for students here at Maryland.”

Since 1993, JCCF has been a nationally recognized resource for journalists reporting on children and families, particularly those in distress. More than 14,000 journalists have accessed the Center’s extensive resources, story ideas and training. The Center also created and now runs the prestigious Casey Medals for Meritorious Journalism, which each year recognizes and rewards exemplary reporting on children and families.

“I admire the mission of JCCF,” Drizin said. “I participated in its fellowship program on covering diverse communities, and I’ve been a judge in the Casey Medals. My aim is to expand the scope and visibility of the center online, on campus, in Washington, and nationally.”

More information can be found at www.journalismcenter.org

Links of Interest:
Merrill College – http://merrill.umd.edu
University of Maryland – http://umd.edu