WashCOG celebrates TVW, Crosscut, other access advocates at 2023 Sunshine Breakfast
Lineup of Awards for the March 17 Sunshine Breakfast.
The March 17, 2023 Sunshine Breakfast, a sold-out event at T-Mobile Park, recognized those who made outstanding contributions to open government efforts in 2022.
TVW, a public access cable and webcast service, was honored with the Toby Nixon Award, which is the Coalition’s lifetime achievement award. The nonprofit channel, founded 30 years ago, provides unedited coverage of state government, politics and public policy, enabling greater access by the people, especially during legislative sessions. Renee Radcliff Sinclair, president and CEO, accepted on behalf of TVW, which also webcast the event.
TVW president and CEO Renee Radcliff Sinclair receives the Toby Nixon Award for lifetime achievement in promoting government accountability. Presenter is Toby Nixon, WashCOG president emeritus.
Recognized with the James Andersen Award, given to the Coalition’s volunteer of the year, was Peggy Watt, a journalism professor at Western Washington University and longtime WashCOG board member.
KING5’s Susanna Frame, a Bunting Award winner, emceed the event.
Crosscut, a nonprofit online news organization, received the Kenneth F. Bunting Award for outstanding journalism for its work creating Washington Recovery Watch, an examination of the recipients and use of federal funds intended for Covid recovery efforts.
Also, eight runners-up for the Bunting Award were recognized with Key Awards, given periodically for any party that has done something notable for the cause of open government.
Another Key Award was presented to Judge Judith H. Ramseyer of King County Superior Court, for her work as the chief of the Bench-Bar-Press Committee’s Fire Brigade, which mediates simmering conflict over access issues before they escalate.
The Coalition also presented a Ballard/Thompson Award, which has not been given since 2018. It recognizes legislators who demonstrate outstanding commitment to open government. This year’s recipients were Rep. Gerry Pollet and former Rep. Emily Wicks.
The Keynote Address was given by Oregon journalist Les Zaitz, a longtime crusader for government oversight, who shared war stories and encouragement about efforts to demand political accountability.
WashCOG Executive Director Juli Bunting addresses the St. Patrick’s Day crowd at WashCOG’s Sunshine Breakfast.
Photos by Desiree Erdmann
Watch the entire event on TVW here: