Brian Lamb to receive Nation's Highest Honor

BRIAN LAMB TO RECEIVE NATION'S HIGHEST HONOR
[SOURCE: Associated Press]
C-SPAN founder Brian Lamb and former FCC Commissioner and NAACP Executive Director Benjamin Hooks are among eight recipients of this year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom. The medal is the nation's highest civilian award. Lamb launched C-SPAN on March 19, 1979, as a non-profit organization supported by cable operators. The original network (primarily dedicated to gavel-to-gavel coverage of the House) has spawned C-SPAN2 (Senate), C-SPAN3 and WCSP, a Washington radio station. According to the White House, Lamb is being recognized for elevating the public debate and making the government more accessible. Benjamin Hooks is a pioneer of the civil rights movement. President Richard Nixon appointed him to the FCC in 1972 where he promoted minority involvement in media. In 1978, he took a more direct role in advancing minority causes as executive director of the NAACP. He held that post for the next 15 years. The medal is given to those deemed to have made remarkable contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, culture, or other private or public endeavors.
http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2007/10/29/daily.21/

* President Bush Announces Recipients of Presidential Medal of Freedom
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071029.html

* C-SPAN’s Brian Lamb to Receive Nation's Highest Civilian Honor
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6495473.html?rssid=193

* Eight Chosen for Presidential Medal of Freedom
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/29/AR2007102901724.html