Fox News Media celebrated its 2025 Spotlight Award winners on Thursday with an intimate luncheon at Avra in mid‑Manhattan, just blocks from the network’s headquarters. CEO Suzanne Scott and President & Executive Editor Jay Wallace led the ceremony, highlighting the importance of recognizing the staff members who keep the operation running smoothly.
Celebrating three decades of news leadership
Scott reminded attendees that Fox News Channel will mark its 30th anniversary in a few weeks. She noted how the network started without a formal system for honoring extraordinary contributors, juggling technical challenges like satellite coordination and remote‑guest logistics while competing with newer rivals such as MSNBC and the then‑dominant CNN.
“A lot has changed since then,” Scott said, adding that today Fox News Channel consistently outperforms broadcast networks in key ratings measurements.
Spotlight Awards: recognizing unsung heroes
First introduced in 2020, the Spotlight Awards have grown to include dozens of categories that shine a light on employees whose work often goes unnoticed. The ceremony gave leaders a chance to publicly thank those who “show up every day and keep the company on top.”
Executive Vice President Scott Wilder, joined by “Fox & Friends” co‑hosts Ainsley Earhardt and Lawrence Jones, presented the Unsung Hero Award. Honorees included:
- Pat Butler – Director of broadcast contribution, who drove a truck to the World Trade Center site on September 11, 2001, and filed live shots despite cell‑phone outages.
- Tania Joseph – Fox Nation producer who launched “The Sean Hannity Show” podcast and now oversees every episode, praised for her work ethic and likability.
- Tiger Stanley – Field Engineering and Scenic Design Specialist, described as the go‑to person for impossible challenges, capable of building shelters, theme‑park‑style structures, and even a bar in a single day.
Rising Star and Community Awards
The Rising Star Award highlighted early‑career talent:
- Matthew Donnell – Assignment editor now serving as a Political Embed covering midterm campaigns.
- Jessica Sonkin – Associate producer recognized for her relentless work ethic and upcoming political field assignments.
- Carey Gallagher – “Fox & Friends” associate producer noted for producing segments, research packets, and graphics without complaint.
- Sabrina Baker – Fox Nation associate producer praised for creativity while juggling multiple shows, currently leading production of “Park’d” Season 10.
The Community Award honored employees active in volunteer work, such as stage manager Matt Rodriguez, who balances overnight shifts with Cub Scout leadership, and assignment manager Lillian Lecroy, who mentors veterans through American Corporate Partners.
Impact and innovation
Lead technical director Rich Cozzi was recognized for driving automation across the network, from business to weather operations. The Impact Award went to recruiters Brianne Bombara and Veronica Baker, whose campus‑recruiting program brought nearly 700 interns through three cycles, completing 34 campus visits and 53 days on the road.
Scott concluded by emphasizing that the Spotlight Awards reflect Fox News Media’s commitment to a strong, values‑driven workplace that supports families, faith, and the freedom to excel.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
