Contact: Gail Kiles, Assistant Programs Director, 317/927-8000 ext.204 or gkiles@spj.org

New York—The Society of Professional Journalists has named three Fellows of the Society for 2004. The Society first named Fellows in 1965, and established this award to promote the highest standards of journalism through searching, candid examination of professional problems. Those named as Fellows of the Society are individuals whom the Society wishes to confer high honor in recognition of their achievements in the profession of journalism.

“The list of SPJ fellows over the years reads like a 'Who's Who?' of journalism, a journalism Hall of fame. The list strongly represents the practice of quality journalism in al mediums. And with the addition of the 2004 SPJ Fellows, the list just got stronger,” said SPJ Immediate Past President, Mac McKerral.

The 2004 Honorees are:

Tom Curley: Tom Curley was the original news staffer on the project that led to the creation of USA Today while working for Gannett in 1979. He held positions in every department of the new national publication. Later, while Curley served as USA Today president and publisher, the paper’s circulation grew to more than 2.3 million copies a day. Last year Curley accepted role as president and CEO of The Associated Press. Under his leadership, the AP is growing beyond its role as a news wire service to become an interactive global news network.

Anne Garrels: In 2003, Anne Garrels was one of only 16 journalists to remain in the streets of Baghdad while Allied forces advanced on the city. She described the scene around her as it unfolded, and was awarded the 2003 Courage in Journalism award for her vivid and insightful reports. Garrels’ work can be regularly heard on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and Weekend Edition on Saturday and Sunday. She reports on international issues and frequents both the Middle East and the newly-formed independent states that emerged from the former Soviet Union.

Bob Woodward: Bob Woodward has been described as “the most famous investigative reporter in America.” The assistant managing editor of the Washington Post has collected numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize in 1973 for his reporting on the Watergate scandal and another Pulitzer in 2002 for National Affairs reporting on the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Woodward has authored or co-authored ten #1 best-selling non-fiction books—more than any modern American writer.

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. The organization is the nation’s largest and most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.

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