August & Seaton Share Special Awards Spotlight

by Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR

Who knows how many dumpsters J.W. August has found himself in over the years? For once, he won't have to go diving to get the goods.

August is this year's winner of the Press Club's most prestigious award, the Harold Keen Award for Outstanding Contribution in Journalism.

August has been with KGTV 10 News for 21 years. He's truly risen from the ranks to his current role as managing editor. He's been honored with well over 100 awards for journalistic excellence and community service.

For years, August has been the guy fearlessly diving into dumpsters, living on the streets as a homeless person, and knocking on the doors of wrongdoers with cameraperson in tow to get his audience the lowdown through his series and Troubleshooter reports.

Behind the scenes, August has dedicated himself to integrity in journalism, to open records and defending journalists who put themselves on the line for the truth through his involvement in the statewide CalAware network. He has made an enormous contribution by virtue of his commitment to the profession.

When people think of San Diego, they think of the San Diego Zoo, with Sea World San Diego running a close second. The man that can take credit for making these attractions famous around the world, Bill Seaton, is the recipient of the Andy Mace Award for Outstanding Contribution in Public Relations.

Seaton has been a leading PR executive for over 40 years, having headed the public relations departments at Sea World, the Zoo, the California Lottery, and Phillips Ramsey Advertising Agency. In 1985, the Point Loma resident was appointed by the Governor as the first public affairs director of the Lottery. He created the television network for "The Big Spin," and presented multimillion dollars checks to winners on camera.

Seaton started working for the San Diego Zoo in the 1960s as coordinating producer for the internationally syndicated television program "Zoorama." He created the position of "Zoo Ambassador" for a young woman named Joan Embery, and placed her on "The Tonight Show," where she became a perennial guest.

Hardly "resting" in retirement, Seaton is a published author and lecturer.

J.W. and Bill will receive their awards at the San Diego Press Club Journalism Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 26, at Chuey's Restaurant. We hope you'll join us to celebrate their achievements. Call the Press Club at 619-231-4340 to make your reservations now.

Posted Oct. 2006