Business Wire | Oct 26, 2021 09:00AM EDT

Sinclair Broadcast Group Announces 2021 Annual Diversity Scholarship Winners, Shaping the Future of Broadcasting

Oct. 26, 2021

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 26, 2021--Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) has awarded scholarships to seven university students as a part of its annual Diversity Scholarship program. Having provided more than $100,000 in tuition assistance during the last six years, the scholarship program aims to invest in the future of the broadcast industry. The primary goal of the scholarships is to help diverse students, who reflect Sinclair's audiences nationwide, complete their education and pursue careers in broadcast journalism, digital storytelling, and marketing.

"It's critical that future journalists, digital storytellers, marketing professionals, and others working behind the scenes within broadcast reflect the communities they serve," said Sinclair President and CEO Chris Ripley. "With these scholarships, we hope to continue to increase diversity in the industry, not only heightening awareness but also driving change. We offer congratulations to this year's winners and look forward to seeing their future success."

This year, a total of $23,000 has been awarded to the following students:

Isaiah Mercado-AcostaIsaiah is working towards his bachelor's degree in journalism and explained his dedication to the field, "I am passionate about honest story writing and pride myself in being a trust-worthy journalist." He is a member of the Student Veteran Organization, National Residence Hall Honorary, and the PUENTE Program at Sacramento State University, with an expected graduation date of 2022.

Mia AlvaAfter shadowing with an NBC Universal producer, Mia decided that journalism was the career she wanted to pursue. Currently, Mia is a Social Media Editor and Reporter for the University Times at California State University, Los Angeles and is working towards receiving her bachelor's degree in Spring 2023.

Sandra Santos-CruzSandra and her family moved to the United States in 1998. She is a motivated student, who already has earned two associate degrees in both Communications and Digital Arts. Sandra transferred to San Jose State University where she is majoring in Journalism. She explained her passion, "Once I graduate, I would like to continue in this community and offer the best of my knowledge to local students and farm workers. I would like to be that genuine resource for my community."

Mallory HartmanMallory is pursuing a degree majoring in marketing, with a minor in entertainment and hospitality management at California State University, Fullerton. She works as a product marketing coordinator at New Hope Church and is the co-founder of News Girls on the Chalk in Elk Grove, CA.

Jullian Montes-PearsonAt Loyola Marymount University, Jullian has immersed himself into the field of journalism, which he shared "allows me to be a voice for the unspoken stories; for those who need to be heard. I want to represent the unspoken." A member of several campus groups, including the Black Student Union, The Learning Community, Brothers of Consciousness, and the National Association of Black Journalists LMU chapter, Jullian is expected to graduate in Spring of 2023.

Joy RowdenThird-year multimedia journalism student, Joy Rowden is passionate about creating content for the digital space. She is expected to graduate from California State University, Long Beach in the Spring of 2022, with a degree in journalism, with a major emphasis in multimedia, print, and broadcast journalism.

Imanni WrightImanni has a passion for creativity, innovation, and design of social good projects that elevate individuals. She currently attends Dodge College of Film and Media Art at Chapman University where she is involved in the school's Diversity and Inclusion Project, African American Women Retention and the NCAA division three women's basketball team. She is also a National Media Fellow for the Emma Bowen Foundation. Upon graduation in 2023, Imanni's goal is to obtain a position as a television web producer and broadcast engineer.

Since 2016, the annual Sinclair Broadcast Group Diversity Scholarship has complemented the company's efforts to bring more diversity to news teams nationwide. This includes enhanced efforts to recruit skilled and talented employees from historically Black colleges and universities.

Additional details on the scholarship can be found on the Sinclair Broadcast Group website.

About Sinclair Broadcast GroupSinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local sports and news. The Company owns and/or operates 21 regional sports network brands; owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets, owns multiple national networks including Tennis Channel and Stadium and has TV stations affiliated with all the major broadcast networks. Sinclair's content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and digital and streaming platforms NewsOn and STIRR. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

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