WSB-2 in Atlanta broadcast journalist Jovita Moore died in 2021 after a battle with cancer. In her honor, Cox Media Group partnered with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) to create a scholarship aimed at supporting diversity in local TV news.
Now, the inaugural winners of the Jovita Moore Memorial Scholarship have been announced.
The scholarship winners are Bella May, from Hampton University; Daniella Lake, from the University of California at Berkeley; and Bethany Cates, from the University of Missouri.
“These talented students were chosen because of their demonstrated passion for the field of broadcast journalism and for how each embodies the legacy of Jovita Moore,” CMG said.
The three will split a $45,000 scholarship, which is being funded by CMG and individual contributors.
“Jovita Moore graced the screen with her confidence and was passionate about her community,” Crates wrote in her scholarship application. “Throughout my childhood, I grew up watching Jovita. To receive this scholarship would not only help me offset the cost of my college expenses, but it would also allow me to follow and continue her legacy.”
As an active and long-time member of the NABJ, Moore “made significant contributions to the community and mentored aspiring journalists, leaving an indelible impact on their lives and careers,” CMG said.
Dan York, the President/CEO of CMG, commented, “Jovita loved people and cared deeply for the community. She was a tireless advocate for diversity and exemplified our mission of informing, entertaining, and elevating our audiences and community. It’s both an honor and a privilege to award these scholarships and continue. Jovita’s passion for supporting increased diversity in local broadcast news.”
The Jovita Moore Scholarship is administered in collaboration with the NABJ. Eligible students were required to submit a 500-word essay, a resume, and work samples demonstrating their leadership skills and passion for journalism, along with multiple references. Applicants also had to demonstrate financial need and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
