Monica Kaufman Pearson, a well-known Atlanta journalist, has been honored for her 50-year career in media. The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) gave her the Gold Circle Award. This award shows how much people respect her work in TV news.
Trailblazing Journalist Receives Prestigious Gold Circle Award
Pearson got the award at a special event in Atlanta on September 6. The Gold Circle Award is for people who have worked in TV, film, or radio for 50 years or more. It’s a big deal in the media world.
Pearson made history in 1975. She became the first Black woman to be a news anchor at WSB-TV in Atlanta. She worked there for 37 years before retiring in 2012.
Monica Pearson Reflects on Her Groundbreaking Career
When talking about the award, Pearson said it was an “accent” on her career. She felt excited but also thought about the people who helped her along the way.
“I’m very excited about it. But when I think about it, I also have to look back at the people who helped me get here,” Pearson told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
She thanked Bill Summers, who owned the first Black radio station in Kentucky. Pearson said, “He gave me my first job doing voiceover work. So, this is a time to reflect.”
A Legacy of Excellence in Journalism
Pearson’s career spans 53 years. She started as a reporter for the Louisville Times. Later, she worked at WHAS-TV before moving to Atlanta in 1975.
Her work has earned her many awards. She has over 33 Southern Regional Emmy awards for her anchoring and reporting skills.
Continuing to Inspire: Monica Pearson’s Current Projects
Even though Pearson calls herself “sorta retired,” she’s still active in media. She hosts The Monica Pearson Podcast, which is presented by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Fans can listen to new episodes every Tuesday. They’re available on AJC.com and popular streaming platforms like Apple and Spotify.
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