Cox Media Group (“CMG”) today announced its winners of the prestigious 47th annual Gracie Award presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF). The Gracies recognize exemplary programming created by, for and about women in radio, television, cable, and interactive media. CMG’s Gracie Award recipients are:

• Jeana Gondek of 104.5 WOKV in Jacksonville for Outstanding News Anchor (Radio-Local)
• Deborah Horne of KIRO 7 in Seattle for Outstanding On-Air Talent (TV-Local)
• MalaniKai of WSB Radio in Atlanta for Talk/Personality Co-host (Large/Major Radio-Local)

Gondek anchors weekday mornings on 104.5 News & Talk. She joined CMG in 2020, and previously worked as a News Director and anchor in Kalamazoo, Mich., and anchor and producer in Grand Rapids, Mich.  She received a bachelor’s in broadcasting from Grand Valley State University.

“Few can say they truly enjoy when their alarm goes off at 2am, but when you work with a news team that is just as passionate and dedicated as you, it really makes those wake ups worth it,” said Gondek. “I’m beyond grateful and truly honored to be awarded The Gracies Outstanding News Anchor, and I have the incredible CMG Jacksonville team to thank for this accomplishment.”

A reporter with KIRO 7 since 1991, Horne created InColor, an Emmy-Award winning public affairs show about diversity across the Pacific Northwest, and KIRO Backstage, an Emmy-nominated show she created in 2005 about women in the Northwest. She graduated from Hampton University with a bachelor’s in mass media arts, and from Ohio State University where she received a master’s in journalism. ‘It is truly an honor to have my work recognized in this way,” said Horne “I have spent my career trying to elevate the voices of those that are often overlooked. It has taken a village of extraordinarily talented colleagues over my 41 years in television to help me reach this moment. Nothing could have been achieved without them.  For that, I shall be forever grateful.’

MalaniKai is host of WSB Radio’s Word on the Street that blends pop, culture and politics from various views and voices. With nearly two decades in radio, she has served in numerous roles at AM and FM radio from New York to Atlanta, including 13 years at Turner Broadcasting. A Troy, New York native, she graduated from Saint Peters College in New Jersey where she majored in broadcasting.

“I’m so thankful for this incredible honor and recognition, which I share with the entire Word on the Street and 95.5 WSB team on 95.5,” said MalaniKai. “The Gracies is the most prestigious award for Women in Media, and I’m truly thankful to be recognized among so many other greats! Thank you to our Vice President and Market Manager, Jaleigh Long and our Director of Programming, Drew Anderssen, for their unwavering support of me and our show.”

In a joint statement, Rob Babin, SVP of CMG Radio and Paul Curran, EVP of CMG TV said: “Jeana, Deborah and MalaniKai are dedicated journalists and on-air talent who epitomize everything that’s great about the broadcasting industry. They are innovative, engaging, curious and make the team around them better. Gracie Award honorees represent the most powerful women in storytelling and journalism and winning this award is a true testament of their dedication, excellence, and service to the local communities in Jacksonville, Seattle, and Atlanta. They are outstanding examples for all of us to follow.” The Gracies is the largest annual fundraiser supporting the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation. AWMF creates educational programs and provides scholarships that benefit the public and media industry. The awards will be given at The Gracies Luncheon on June 22 in New York.

About Cox Media Group

CMG Media Corporation (d/b/a Cox Media Group) is an industry-leading media company with unparalleled brands, award-winning content, and exceptional people. CMG provides valuable local content to viewers in the communities in which it serves. The company’s operations primarily include 53 top-performing radio stations delivering multiple genres of content in 11 markets, 31 high-quality, market-leading television stations in 20 markets, , and numerous streaming and digital platforms. CMG’s portfolio includes primary affiliates of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo and MyNetworkTV, as well as several valuable news and independent stations. Additionally, the company also offers a full suite of national, regional, local and digital advertising services with CMG Local Solutions, CoxReps and Gamut. For more information about CMG, visit www.coxmediagroup.com.