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FOX 50 Tarheel Talk Host Also Awarded
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WRAL-TV’s Clarence Williams receives the 2010 Neil Blair Award from InterAct Executive Director Leigh Duque. |
InterAct of Wake County recently honored WRAL-TV Director/Producer Clarence Williams with the organization’s 2010 Neil Blair Award. InterAct presents the honor to members of the community “who advocate for and support the empowerment of victims of domestic violence and rape/sexual assault.”
The award is named for Neil Blair, who spent six years on the InterAct board ending in 2003. InterAct is a “private, non-profit, United Way agency that provides safety, support, and awareness to victims and survivors of domestic violence and rape/sexual assault. InterAct fulfills this mission through the support of its volunteers and community.”
InterAct told Williams, “Your compassion and enthusiasm for InterAct’s work consistently reminds us why it is so important to advocate for victims and survivors. We are honored to recognize you for your commitment.”
Williams received the award at InterAct’s annual volunteer picnic on their campus on Saturday, April 16, 2011.
“I’m deeply humbled and totally undeserving of such an honor,” said Williams. “It was a no-brainer in helping teach them a few years ago, on how to produce their own program for community TV…and to arrange for appearances of our various programs /platforms.”
Over a niine week schedule, Williams taught the InterAct staff how to produce own program for community television broadcast. They met for half-day sessions, whereby they learned producing, directing, lightning, camera operation, audio and tape editing.
The course was comprehensive, but afterwards they were certified to produce their own shows using the city’s equipment. InterAct developed a weekly cable broadcast to advocate their cause to the general public.
Those staffers also are now also able to checkout field equipment to shoot in the field. They were able to produce video presentations for the various North Carolina state government agencies, Wake county commissioners, churches and civic groups. These videos served to enhance their speakers and fund raising effectiveness.
Williams has also helped link up InterAct for appearanceson several public affairs news programs, and he produced a few PSAs for the non-profit to help them solicit funds and offer the abused a contact.
“I always supported their mission and believe in the cause,” said Williams. “Domestic violence is the major cause of broken families and the social mayhem that follows.”
Always the first to volunteer for WRAL and CBC efforts that help the community, Williams frequently helps with a variety of behind-the-scenes both on behalf of the company as well as endeavors he pursues on his own.
Sonya Harris (right) host of FOX 50’s Tarheel Talk receives a Neil Blair Award from InterAct as well. |
“Congratulations, Clarence,” said WRAL-TV News Director Rick Gall. “Your commitment to the station and community help set us apart.”
Williams was honored alongside Sonya Harris, host of FOX 50’s weekly program Tarheel Talk. Harris received her award for also helping teach staffers and volunteers to produce their own community television show.
Because of help from Williams and Harris, InterAct now has a weekly program on Raleigh Community Television.
“I’m honored, but feel the efforts and support that CBC gives me is the real honoree!” said Harris. “Congratulations to all of FOX 50 for allowing us to promote agencies like this!”
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Clarence Williams for this capcom photo.
