Francavilla takes 12 awards in statewide communications contest

Longtime CBS Radio news reporter and owner of Frankly Speaking Communications, LLC, Donna Francavilla recently won a total of 12 awards at a ceremony given by the Alabama Media Professionals (AMP). Seven of the awards were first-place in their category. 

Francavilla was recognized for outstanding radio news and television broadcasting in five categories. One first-place award was won in the podcasting arena, and one was for online publication. Francavilla also won two second-place awards, one fourth-place award, two honorable mentions and the Sweepstakes Award, given to the highest-scoring entrant.

“I am pleased and honored to be recognized by my peers for the work I did, especially after not working in front of a camera since my days at NBC 13,” Francavilla said. “I feel blessed to work with the experienced crew at ABC 33/40, which includes veteran news director Garry Kelly and top-notch anchors James Spann, Brenda Ladun, Pam Huff, Dave Baird, Mike Raita and Linda Mays. Garry Kelly and I had talked about having me join the station for about 20 years, and finally, the stars aligned. I have enjoyed the partnership.” 

Francavilla is scheduled to return to ABC 33/40 for a one-month, four-day-a-week reporting contract. Because AMP is an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women, all first-place entries advanced to the national contest.

Frankly Speaking Communications LLC has freelanced for CBS Radio News since 2000 and has worked in broadcasting since 1981. The company offers public relations, publicity, messaging, presentation and media training. 

AMP is a group of individuals working as online, print and TV journalists. The group also has authors, editors, bloggers, columnists, web designers, copywriters, photographers, videographers and podcasters. It meets the second Thursday of each month at the Homewood Library. For more information on AMP, visit alabamamediaprofessionals.com or contact AMP Vice President Kaneshia Sims for membership at kaneshia.sims@yahoo.com.

-Submitted by Rick Watson