Poynter to Honor Industry Executive Brian Tierney with Distinguished Service to Journalism Award

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of his valuable contributions and steadfast dedication to journalism, The Poynter Institute will present Brian Tierney, CEO of Brian Communications and former publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer, with Poynter's Distinguished Service to Journalism Award. The award will be presented at the Institute's Inaugural Bowtie Ball, celebrating the organization's 40^th anniversary, on October 9, 2015 at the Hilton Carillon in St. Petersburg. The Distinguished Service to Journalism Award is bestowed upon an individual who has championed the goals and craft of journalism through actionable efforts or meritorious service. As Chair of the Poynter Foundation, Tierney's work helped elevate the Institute's visibility as he orchestrated several philanthropic initiatives.  The Ball will also honor CBS News legend Bob Schieffer with the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement.

As publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News, Tierney's strategic business development efforts were intrinsic to their successes. For instance, as he galvanized shareholder interest and hired respected journalists to restore editorial integrity, he led The Inquirer's rise to the top of the 24 largest newspapers in the country in advertising performance, while enhancing its journalistic distinction and improving its circulation performance.

After accepting his post as publisher, Tierney immediately identified the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity across the industry and he devoted his efforts to supporting The Poynter Institute and the creation of its fundraising arm, The Poynter Foundation, where he has served as chair since its inception.

"Brian Tierney became publisher of one of America's great regional newspapers, The Philadelphia Inquirer, amid skepticism about whether an advertising and marketing executive would be committed to journalistic excellence," said Institute president Tim Franklin. "During his tenure, he proved those skeptics to be mistaken. Brian's passion and commitment to quality journalism that serves citizens was palpable in Philadelphia. And, in his years of service as chair of The Poynter Foundation Board, he has contributed greatly to our work in helping improve journalism."

"After he became publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer, one of Brian Tierney's first stops was the Poynter Institute," said Paul Tash, chairman and CEO of the Times Publishing Company and chairman of Poynter's Board of Trustees.  "From that day forward, his commitment to quality journalism has been clear. When others were losing confidence, Brian held fast to the faith that newspapers are essential to the fabric of democracy. Even after leaving the Inquirer, Brian has devoted his time and talents to supporting newspapers and the journalism that they can do. Poynter is fortunate to count him as a friend."

Tierney is the current CEO of Brian Communications and Realtime Media and is a nationally-recognized expert in marketing and communications. Throughout his career, he has led teams in building some of the Unites States' most recognizable brands, including Exelon, Verizon, Aramark and Independence Blue Cross, and has launched numerous successful advertising companies, including T2 Group, Tierney Communications and, most recently, Brian Communications.

Tierney received his bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law and a Doctor of Humane letters from Cabrini College. His influence on the journalism and communications industries is only rivaled by the time he spends giving back to the community. He has served on boards for various non-profit organizations, including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Thomas Jefferson University, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Episcopal Academy and the University of Pennsylvania Museum.

About The Poynter Institute
The Poynter Institute for Media Studies is a global leader in journalism education and a strategy center that stands for uncompromising excellence in journalism, media and 21st century public discourse. Poynter faculty teach seminars and workshops at the Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., and at conferences and organizational sites around the world. Its e-learning division, News University, www.newsu.org, offers the world's largest online journalism curriculum in 7 languages, with more than 400 interactive courses and 330,000 registered users in more than 200 countries. The Institute's website, www.poynter.org, produces 24-hour coverage of news about media, ethics, technology, the business of news and the trends that currently define and redefine journalism news reporting. The world's top journalists and media innovators come to Poynter to learn and teach new generations of reporters, storytellers, media inventors, designers, visual journalists, documentarians and broadcast producers, and to build public awareness about journalism, media, the First Amendment and protected discourse that serves democracy and the public good.

Contact:
Kim Tobin
Marketing Communications Strategy Manager
The Poynter Institute
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727-553-4707

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SOURCE The Poynter Institute