“Father of HDTV” Receives Award

Richard Wiley, who is the former FCC chairman, received an award on March 6 for his contributions to the television world. The award was given by The Radio and Television News Direction Foundation at its First Amendment Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.

At the awards ceremony, the president and CEO of the Newspaper Association of America referred to Wiley as the “father of HDTV.” He bestowed this title upon him because of the work he put into his time as chairman of the FCC advisory committee, which was instrumental in helping the United States develop a standard for HDTV. In addition to this accomplishment, Wiley also founded Wiley Rein, LLP.

“In Just 348 days, the reign of analog television will be largely over,” Wiley said while accepting his reward. “And, the bright promise of digital and its highest form, HDTV, will be upon us.”

Bob Schieffer from CBS News also received an award, which was presented by Jim Lehrer, for his work with the program “Face the Nation.” The CEO of the Associated Press, Tom Curley, also received an award for his work at establishing the Sunshine Government Initiative. In addition, Tom Brokaw presented an award to Paula Madison, who is the executive VP for diversity of NBC Universal.

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