Chantilly, VA - Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) today announced the recipients of the 2011 Signature Accolades, which honor the best cable programming that depicts women in multidimensional and authentic roles.
 
The Signature Accolade in the Documentary/Biographical Series or Special category will be presented to ESPN for "Her Story: Ten Times Over." Signature Accolade honorees in the Reality/Lifestyle Series or Special category are The Style Network and WE tv for "Ruby" and "Downsized," respectively. Signature Accolade honorees in the Scripted Drama or Comedy Series or Special category are TNT and USA for "The Closer" and "In Plain Sight," respectively.

The 2011 Signature Accolades, which are among WICT's most prestigious awards, will be presented at the WICT Signature Luncheon in conjunction with The 2011 Cable Show, on Tuesday, June 14, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.
 
"We are proud that the cable industry demonstrates its commitment to programming that depicts such strong female characters in central roles. WICT is thrilled to have the opportunity to award these five original programs from these outstanding companies with the 2011 Signature Accolades," says Maria E. Brennan, WICT President & CEO.

The 2011 honorees were selected as the finest examples in each of their categories and faced strong competition this year. The programs depicted women in multidimensional and authentic roles, and originally aired between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2010.

Signature Accolade - Documentary/Biographical Series or Special

ESPN for "Her Story: Ten Times Over"

This story is about a young Nigerian-American, Mobi Akiode, who quit her "dream job" as a junior accountant at ESPN, in the middle of an economic recession and moved 5,000 miles to Lagos, Nigeria. Her goal: to use sports, particularly basketball camps, to inspire and empower impoverished young women. Akiode's journey is the subject of "Her Story: Ten Times Over."

Signature Accolade - Reality/Lifestyle Series or Special

The Style Network for "Ruby"

"Ruby" takes viewers inside the life of Ruby Gettinger, a severely obese woman living in Savannah, GA, and follows her personal journey as she tries to lose weight, pursue a balanced lifestyle and inspire others to take steps towards a healthier and happier future. At her heaviest, Ruby weighed an astonishing 716 pounds and today she has successfully shed close to 400 pounds. After being told she'd have to lose weight or risk death, she decided to change her life and her health forever, with the whole world sharing in her challenging journey.

WE tv for "Downsized"

"Downsized" portrays a common story faced by many American women today: how to lead a family through daily financial and emotional hardships. The reality show features Laura Bruce, a mother of seven, including two stepchildren from her second marriage. Now, as the matriarch of a large, formerly upper-class family, "Downsized" chronicles Laura's daily struggle to stay afloat as a result of the recession.

Signature Accolade - Scripted Drama/Comedy Series or Special

TNT for "The Closer"

"The Closer" debuted in 2005 and will soon begin production of its final extended season. The show stars Kyra Sedgewick, who plays LAPD Deputy Police Chief Brenda Johnson. Chief Johnson is faced with professional and personal resistance from her mostly male squad, as well from her male colleagues and boss. Her ability to close cases successfully won them over, helping forge a team that now works almost like a family.

USA for "In Plain Sight"

"In Plain Sight" centers around Mary Shannon, a Deputy United States Marshal for the Federal Witness Security Protection Program. Mary is constantly striving to balance her very dangerous job and her incredibly complicated personal life. Her unique job makes her unable to share this large part of her life to mostly everybody around her, including her family, friends, and significant others. However, her unyielding passion to protect her witnesses and be the best at her job, while struggling to maintain a semblance of personal life, defines a character who is multifaceted and realistic.

About WICT
For over thirty years, Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) has partnered with cable and telecommunications leaders to provide professional development programs, research and services that help advance women in cable media. With over 8,100 members, WICT is the oldest and largest professional association serving women in the cable and telecommunications industry. Comcast, Rainbow Media/WE tv, Time Warner Cable and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. are WICT's Strategic Touchstone Partners. Please visit www.wict.org or follow @WICT on Twitter for more information.

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