Lifetime Television to Receive Governors Award

Lifetime Television will receive the Academy's 2003 Governors Award for its "Our Lifetime Commitment: Stop Violence Against Women" initiative. The award will be presented at the 2003 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony on September 13.

"Lifetime has consistently exerted leadership in the television industry through its on-going commitment to making the lives of women better," said Bryce Zabel, who made the announcement. "Not only have they made some excellent television as a result, but this Governor's Award also honors the fact that, in our community, they are seen by their peers as excellent citizens."

Lifetime Television’s "Our Lifetime Commitment: Stop Violence Against Women" campaign is dedicated to raising awareness of domestic abuse and sexual assault and to change laws and lives for the better. The network has partnered with leading non-profit organizations, corporations and government officials to create extensive original on-air programming, online content and community outreach that offers information and support, promotes passage of progressive national legislation, and encourages both women and men to work together to stop the violence. The campaign is part of the network’s efforts to advocate on behalf of women and families on a range of critical issues, including breast cancer awareness, quality, affordable childcare and self-esteem among women and girls.

Maura Dunbar, Chair of the Governors Award Nominating Committee, oversaw the selection process.

"Lifetime’s ongoing advocacy initiative, in its second year, represents the first comprehensive campaign by a television network to stop violence against women," said Dunbar. "In partnership with leading non-profit organizations and governmental leaders, Lifetime helped raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault among women and families. This ongoing initiative’s objectives go well beyond awareness, offering resources and assistance as well."

The Governors Award honors the achievements of an individual, company or organization whose works stand out with the immediacy of current achievement. Past recipients include: Walter Cronkite, Johnny Carson, Masterpiece Theatre, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, CNN, Showtime's diversity programming, PBS, Alistair Cooke, MTV's Fight For Your Rights: Take a Stand Against Violence, among others. Last year the award went to ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC for the 9/11 special Supporting America: A Tribute to Heroes.