McLean, VA - Feb 9, 2009 - American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT) has named the recipient of the 2008 AWRT Achievement Award: Melodie Virtue. The annual award honors an AWRT member who has helped strengthen the role of AWRT and contributed to the betterment of the media industry. The 2008 Achievement Award will be presented at AWRT's Women's Media Forum to be held in Washington, DC, on March 6, 2009.

Melodie Virtue has distinguished herself professionally as an owner in the Washington, DC, office of Garvey Schubert Barer, where she focuses on broadcast, Internet, copyright and emerging technologies law. An AWRT member for more than two decades, Virtue has served in many official roles with both AWRT's national organization and its Washington, DC, chapter. In 1992, she began her service at the national level and during her tenure directed many of AWRT's committees including governance, finance and resource development. She led the organization as chair in 2004. In addition, she programmed many of AWRT's signature educational programs and conferences. She participated on the 2004 Strategic Planning Committee, whose shared vision launched AWRT's Making Waves magazine and re-energized the Gracie Awards program.

The 2008 AWRT Achievement Award will be bestowed during the opening keynote luncheon at the AWRT Women's Media Forum, which is being held at the Embassy Suites Washington Hotel.