Monica Kaufman Pearson, a trailblazing journalist from Atlanta, has received the esteemed Gold Circle Award. The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) bestowed this honor upon her. This recognition celebrates Pearson’s remarkable 50-plus years in media.
Gold Circle Award: Honoring 50 Years of Media Excellence
NATAS held its annual Gold and Silver Circle Awards Banquet in Atlanta on September 6. The event recognizes professionals with long-standing careers in television, film, and radio. While the Silver Circle acknowledges 25-year careers, the Gold Circle honors those with 50 or more years.
Pearson’s reaction to this prestigious award was one of excitement and reflection. “I’m very excited about it. But when I think about it, I also have to look back at the people who helped me get here,” she told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
Breaking Barriers: Monica Pearson’s Groundbreaking Career
In 1975, Pearson made history as the first Black woman news anchor at WSB-TV in Atlanta. Her tenure at the station spanned an impressive 37 years before her retirement in July 2012.
Throughout her 53-year career, Pearson has accumulated numerous accolades. She boasts over 33 Southern Regional Emmy awards for her exceptional anchoring and reporting skills.
From Print to Broadcast: Pearson’s Journey in Journalism
Pearson’s journey began at the Louisville Times as a reporter. She then moved to television, joining WHAS-TV before relocating to Atlanta in 1975. The University of Louisville graduate credits Bill Summers, the first Black radio station owner in Kentucky, for giving her start.
“He gave me my first job doing voiceover work. So, this is a time to reflect. It’s exciting, but it’s more exciting because of the people who helped me get here,” Pearson shared.
Continuing Legacy: Monica Pearson’s Current Endeavors
Despite calling herself “sorta retired,” Pearson remains active in the media landscape. She currently hosts The Monica Pearson Podcast, presented by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. New episodes release every Tuesday on AJC.com and major streaming platforms like Apple and Spotify.
Pearson’s induction into the Gold Circle places her alongside other media veterans. These include Sheryl Gripper, founder of the Black Women Film Preservation Project, Gary Meadows of Meadows Media, and Charles Humbert, CEO of UP Entertainment.
