Dear ALSC Members,
This week, you may have heard that Newbery and Caldecott medalists, Clare Vanderpool and Erin C. Stead did not appear on the NBC’s Today Show. Noting that it has been a decade long tradition to interview the medal winners following the Youth Media Awards, Publishers Weekly posted an article today addressing this news.
The Public Information Office of the American Library Association has issued this statement regarding the situation:
“The American Library Association did reach out to the Today Show, and multiple conversations took place between show producers and Pro-Media Communications, ALA’s media relations firm,” said Mark Gould, director, ALA Public Information Office. “Unfortunately we were turned down.
“The ALA Youth Media Awards have had a spot on the Today Show for more than a decade, and while not being on this year was a disappointment for ALA members and book lovers across the country, we hope the Today Show can find room for us in the future.”
While our awardees may not have received the national coverage on the Today Show, they have received coverage in many of the major print newspapers across the country. Also, and most importantly, it is our members and other frontline youth services staff who bring attention and awareness of the Youth Media Award winners to the children and families in their communities.
Thank you for your support and most importantly, ensuring distinguished literature for children is reaching our young readers.