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Lori Matsukawa

Posted: 08.31.05

Lori Matsukawa, a 1996 graduate of Department and a member of the 2005 Communication Alumni Hall of Fame, is the recipient of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes an Asian American who has demonstrated courage and commitment to the principles of journalism over the course of a life's work.

Matsukawa, a co-anchor with NBC-affiliate KING 5 in Seattle, first joined the station in 1983 as a reporter and co-anchor for a news show called "Top Story." From 1984 to 1990, she also co-hosted "Celebrate the Differences," a weekly KING 5 minority affairs program.

Matsukawa is a founding member of AAJA's Seattle Chapter and served as chapter president and co-chaired the 1991 national convention in Seattle.

Matsukawa's professional awards include ARBY Awards in 1987, 1989, 1992, 1996 and 2000, given by the Academy of Religious Broadcasting; a Society of Professional Journalists award for Economic Reporting in 1989; and the "American Scene Award," from the local chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 1986.

"Beyond her professional achievements, what really stood out was her continuing support and dedication to the advancement of Asian American journalists," said award judges. "Matsukawa is clearly a leader whose influence and actions inspire change. She has made it her mission to build a culture of diversity in newsrooms by mentoring hundreds of young Asian American journalists."