The Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies (IFAJS) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University announces the selection of the first winners of its annual Vernon Jarrett Award for Journalistic Excellence. The award - named in honor of veteran columnist and television commentator, Vernon Jarrett, who died May 2004 – is given to journalists for outstanding coverage of people of African descent and the issues that impact their lives. It is intended to promote greater diversity in the coverage of domestic and foreign news by media organizations in the United States.

The print journalist winners are: Tammy L. Carter, Orlando Sentinel – Commentary; Kevin Merida, The Washington Post – Features Writing; and, Jerry Mitchell, The Clarion Ledger - Investigative Reporting. A special judges award went to the staff of the Montgomery Advertiser. In the broadcast category, winners were: Byron Pitts, Jack Renaud and Craig Crawford, CBS Evening News – News Reports; Marion Brooks and Gregg Schatz, WMAQ-TV, – Documentary; and Jeff Koinange, CNN International – News Magazine.

Print Journalist Winners:

Tammy L. Carter, Orlando Sentinel	Kevin Merida, The Washington Post	Jerry Mitchell, The Clarion Ledger

Special Judges Award Winner:

Broadcast Category Winners:

Byron Pitts, CBS News National Correspondent	Marion Brooks, NBC 5 News Chicago	Gregg Schatz, NBC 5 News Chicago
	Not pictured: Jack Renaud, CBS Evening News – News Reports Craig Crawford, CBS Evening News – News Reports
Jeff Koinange, CNN International