The Audrey Tanzer Scholarship

The Audrey Tanzer Scholarship was established in 2004 to honor the lifetime achievements and contributions of Audrey Tanzer, one of AWRT-NYC's most celebrated, dedicated and respected executives.

The Audrey Tanzer Scholarship recognizes the academic achievements and merit of students majoring in broadcast communications at New York City tri-state colleges and universities. In addition to a monetary award, Audrey Tanzer Scholars are provided with the opportunity to participate in a five-day shadowing program that gives them wider exposure to different areas of the broadcast industry. They can observe first-hand the inner workings of our business.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• College undergraduate must have a 3.0 grade point or above
• Majoring in Broadcast Communications
• Attending college or university in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut

Application Form and Information (pdf)

2007-08 Tanzer Scholarship Winner Erica Emmich

At this year’s Annual Kick-Off event, our chapter saluted
this year’s 2007-2008 Audrey Tanzer Scholarship winner.

Audrey Tanzer Scholarship recipient Erica Emmich
with Guest Speaker Jodi Applegate

Erica Emmich, a Broadcasting major at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Erica’s excellent grades, dedication to her craft and passion for journalism earned her this prestigious award. She is hoping to pursue a career in the news industry and AWRT-NYC intends to help her achieve that goal. Along with receiving a generous monetary award, Erica will be completing several shadowing opportunities at CBS News, ABC-TV, Clear Channel Radio, WFUV-FM, Late Show with David Letterman and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Professor/Advisor Quotes:
We have a number of students who aspire to careers in broadcast journalism. Erica is one of the few who actually reads a newspaper and maintains an understanding of what's going on in the world, and I have no doubt that she will find her place in the industry. I don't think you could have spent the Audrey Tanzer Scholarship money any more wisely!
-Larry Londino, Ph.D. Professor & Chair, Department of Broadcasting, Montclair State University

"As a daily witness to her hard work and determination, it comes as no surprise to me that Erica has been recognized by AWRT-NYC for her talents. She is motivated, genuinely interested in all things relating to media and leaves a positive impression on those who interact with her. The Audrey Tanzer scholarship will be put to great use helping to prepare a future leader of our field."
-Patty Piroh, Producer/Director, Dept. of Broadcasting, Montclair State University

Here is what this year’s Tanzer scholarship recipient,  Erica Emmich, had to say about her AWRT-NYC experience

"As I reflect upon my shadowing experiences, I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to explore this creative and exciting industry with great role models!  Spending the day at ABC News with Al Prieto and David Dreispan...was an amazing opportunity that truly inspired me to keep striving towards my goal of becoming an investigative journalist.  With Susan Bacich at KTU 103.5 FM...not only did I get to spend time in the studio with the DJ’s, I happened to be there for the results of the new rating system they adopted, Portable People Meters.  At WFUV 90.7 FM with Julianne Welby, I felt right at home I even had the chance to work on a report myself and recorded my own newscast!  At the David Letterman Show with Kathy Mavrikakis I sat in the control room during the taping of the show. While observing the crew, I felt comfortable enough to jump right in!  I credit the wonderful faculty of the Montclair State University’s Broadcasting department who, at all times, have stressed the importance of learning every aspect of Broadcasting, both in front of the camera, and behind the scenes. 

Shadowing such talented men and women in these leadership positions within the business was truly inspirational.  This experience has exposed me to the many different careers that are available in Broadcasting.  Many of these opportunities were unknown to me prior receiving the valuable and exciting AWRT scholarship.  I believe this experience has truly prepared me for the next stages of my career. My first goal is to acquire an internship for both, the summer and fall of 2008; and then, obtaining a position in Broadcasting after my graduation in December 2008.  I will fondly remember these experiences for many years to come.  I would like to thank AWRT-NYC and Audrey Tanzer for being so supportive of students, such as myself, and future women in Broadcasting!  This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life and I have learned a tremendous amount about the many aspects of broadcasting.  I sincerely believe that I could not have asked for more!"

Erica Emmich at David Letterman

2006-07 Tanzer Scholarship Winner Katie LaCorte

Here’s what Kathleen LaCorte, had to say about her AWRT-NYC experience

"I've always believed that everything happens for a reason, and one thing always leads to another. After receiving the Audrey Tanzer Scholarship for the 2006-2007 school year, I went on a variety of shadowing opportunities that have proven invaluable. I spent time at World News Tonight with Charles Gibson, and also spent the day at ABC's NewsOne. Most of all, after shadowing at CBS, I earned an internship, on the actual day I shadowed, at the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. I spent my last semester in college interning at the Evening News, gaining experience in a news room, and most importantly, pitching a story I discovered to an associate producer and correspondent, which was broadcasted on the Evening News. Having experience with pitching stories, and having a successful national one under my belt, helped me earn my first "big girl" job at News Broadcast Network, as a Media Relations Specialist, where I pitch various stories each day to radio stations around the U.S. I firmly believe that AWRT helped put the wheels in motion, and I know that my future career prospects will always be attributed to AWRT. And when I become famous one day, I promise I'll host an AWRT luncheon..."

Katie LaCorte
Media Relations Specialist
News Broadcast Network