Women from across the broadcast industry gathered Wednesday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City for the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s 2025 Gracie Awards Luncheon, an annual celebration of excellence in local radio, television, and digital media. Held just steps from Grand Central Station, the event spotlighted the achievements of both established professionals and emerging talent.
Alliance for Women in Media President Becky Brooks and ABC News Nightline co-anchor Juju Chang hosted the event, which offered moments of inspiration and reflection on the power of media in today’s world. Chang set the tone early in the program, saying, “We give voice to the voiceless. And hold power to account. And if we do it right, we can uplift and inspire with our stories.”
Radio had a particularly strong showing at this year’s luncheon. Presenters included WFAN personality and former NFL quarterback Boomer Eliason, iHeartMedia’s Medha Gandhi, and KJOY 98.3 host Jamie Morris. Among the radio honorees were Christine Nagy, Alabama Cole, and Rita Cosby, each recognized for their distinctive contributions to the industry. Student awardees also shared the spotlight, with standout representation from Hofstra University and Brigham Young University.
The ceremony balanced celebration with heartfelt commentary, as presenters and winners spoke about the evolving media landscape and the enduring value of storytelling. The audience, filled with media professionals, educators, and students, was reminded of the impact women continue to have on shaping broadcast journalism.
A highlight of the afternoon came with the presentation of the Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award to Martha Teichner by her CBS Sunday Morning colleague Jane Pauley. Teichner, a fixture in journalism for decades, received dual standing ovations after recounting her start in the industry—responding to a job ad seeking a “news man.” She described studying the delivery of icons like Walter Cronkite and pushing forward in the face of newsroom discrimination, reflecting the determination and resilience that marked her career.
While national Gracie Award winners were honored earlier this year at the Gracies Gala in Beverly Hills on May 20, Wednesday’s luncheon celebrated the voices shaping the future of radio and media, one story at a time.