Media Honor Roll

Media Honor Roll

Purpose

In order to recognize the important duty of public school officials to involve the public in all decisions and the significant role the news media play in all aspects of democracy, the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) and the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) jointly sponsor the Media Honor Roll.

By recognizing the value of news coverage that is thorough, well researched, and balanced-even when it is not positive-school boards/organizations affirm the importance of the press in their communities.

Categories

The Media Honor Roll recognizes media representatives in three categories: print, radio, and television. Districts/organizations can submit television and/or radio station names, newspapers, or individual reporters.

Criteria

Criteria for honorees include the following:

• making an effort to get to know the board president, superintendent, and the district's mission and goals
• reporting news in a manner that is accurate and balanced
• visiting the schools
• maintaining a policy of open communication by sharing information with school representatives

Recognition

The Media Honor Roll is published by WSPRA in its quarterly newsletter, the WSPRAgram. WASB publishes the Media Honor Roll in its monthly publication, Wisconsin School News. In addition, WASB and WSPRA issue a joint news release about those honored through the program. Districts/organizations receive a sample resolution to be passed and personalized certificates suitable for presentation to media honorees at a board meeting.