Women In Media | Germany Kent Wins National Journalism Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Multimedia producer and journalist Germany Kent has received a prestigious honor from The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) for Online Independent Deadline Reporting, making history as the first black female to win the coveted award in this category.

The Society says this year 77 honorees were chosen from more than 1,300 submissions. At the awards banquet in D.C., hosted by NBC Chief White House Correspondent Hallie Jackson, Kent joined other honorees from across the country at the National Press Club.

Kent’s work, titled “Tragedy in Thousand Oaks,” covers the aftermath from the massacre that occurred at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, northwest of Los Angeles, in November 2018. In the wake of the deadly mass shooting where a former Marine opened fire on a packed bar, killing 12, including college students and a veteran sheriffs sergeant, the story highlights a palpable concern for victims and details the impact of violence, crime, disaster, and other trauma with exclusive footage and exclusive interviews. The news compilation is being hailed as one of the best stories of the year for its compelling journalistic content and technical visual quality.

The award winning body of work was shot, written, edited, produced and published by Kent. The journalism and radio-television-film producer in her unique role in communication and media has worked as a freelance reporter based in Los Angeles since 2011 producing web content, and news applications through vivid interactives and storytelling to highlight stories that matter in the community and the industry.

As a creative talent, Kent has remained on the cutting-edge of research and practice in journalism through scholarly, and professional avenues with many contributions to news and media using her influence to make connections through public relations, marketing, video production, digital enterprises, strategic communication and leadership. Kent is also the award-winning author of the national bestseller “You Are What You Tweet”.

Kent is also well known for her contribution to community organizations, and her dedication to youth empowerment. The respected businesswoman has won national and international accolades for her philanthropic efforts, which are closely tied to her social change, activism, and media literacy commitments, along with numerous regional and local honors.

In 2018, Kent was named to the LA Business Journal’s List of Powerful Women Making A Difference in Los Angeles. Over the years she has been a stand out in digital marketing and brand attachment and has blazed trails while navigating the digital world. In 2015 Onalytica named Kent on its list of most influential individuals and brands. She has also been named in the Top 100 experts to follow; Top 100 social media power list; as well as the Top 100 media marketing leaders by Digital Scouting.

From reporting in Hollywood, Kent has achieved an impressive media portfolio with hundreds of high-profile interviews with entertainers, sports moguls, humanitarians, politicians and newsmakers. Kent’s resume extends beyond that of a journalist and media executive. You’ve probably seen her on your television without realizing it. Kent has starred in multiple commercials for global brands including Disney, AT&T, Carrier, Coors Light, Coca-Cola, eHarmony, Dove, Target, Verizon, Nike, and many others.

The Sigma Delta Chi Awards recognize the best in print, radio, television, newsletters, art/graphics, online and research, and are open to any work published or broadcast by a U.S. or international media outlet.

Other honorees this year include The Associated Press, NPR, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Newsy, NBC Nightly News, The LA Times, Nieman Reports, Chronicle of Higher Education, PRI’s The World, PBS NewsHour, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.