Fox News Media's Spotlight Awards celebrate behind-the-scenes stars as network nears 30 years
· Fox News
FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott and President & Executive Editor Jay Wallace honored the 2025 FOX News Media Spotlight Award winners on Thursday during an intimate luncheon.
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The FOX News Media Spotlight Awards are an annual tradition for the organization, and management received hundreds of nominations from staff members passionate about celebrating colleagues who earned special recognition. Winners were announced at a network-wide town hall, and they gathered at Avra in midtown Manhattan just blocks away from FOX News Media’s headquarters to celebrate alongside their families and colleagues.
FOX News anchor Bill Hemmer, who hosted the event, welcomed guests before introducing Scott to the stage.
"In a couple of weeks, Fox News Channel will mark 30 years. When we started, we didn’t have a system for recognizing extraordinary people, and there were many," Scott said.
"We were just figuring out how to not lose a satellite and keep a guest on the air from remote locations, forget about competing with MSNBC, which had just launched a few months prior, and CNN, which was the national leader in cable news at the time," Scott added. "But a lot has changed since then."
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Scott noted that nowadays, Fox News Channel dominates cable news and regularly competes with and beats the broadcast networks.
"We’ve also come up with a way to celebrate our most extraordinary performers," Scott said.
The Spotlight Awards launched in 2020, and prizes have since been handed out to staffers on dozens of teams. The annual event gives FOX News Media leaders a chance to show appreciation for individuals who show up every day and keep the company on top.
Wallace then took the stage to hand out the first award, where he was joined by Executive Vice President Scott Wilder and "FOX & Friends" co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt and Lawrence Jones.
The Unsung Hero Award goes to employees who consistently go above and beyond with work that is vital to FOX News Media but often goes unnoticed. This award recognizes those behind-the-scenes stars who keep everything running, often without fanfare, but always with excellence.
Director of broadcast contribution Pat Butler
"I think Pat preceded maybe everybody in this room because he’s been here since 1995, and he’s got some good stories," Wilder said before sharing Butler’s astonishing role in covering the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"Pat drove the truck down there on 9/11, he communicated with our assignment desk by dialing an 800-number from a phone booth because cell phones didn’t work, he told them where he was parking the truck," Wilder said. "He shot all of those live shots that morning… he’s been an unsung hero for a very long time."
FOX Nation producer Tania Joseph
"Tania has been with Fox for seven years, working hard and working her way up. She launched ‘The Sean Hannity Show’ podcast and now handles every single episode. She ensures Fox Nation’s content stays at the highest quality. Her recognition is especially well-deserved, because not only does she have an incredible work ethic, she’s also one of the most likable people you’ll ever meet," Wilder said.
Field Engineering and Scenic Design Specialist Tiger Stanley
"If you’re ever stranded on an island, Tiger is the one you want with you. He’ll have a shelter, a theme park, maybe a bar, and he’ll build it by the end of the day. None of us have any idea how he gets it done… impossible challenges are met all the time. Tiger is there to handle anything," Wilder said.
The Rising Star Award goes to employees who have shown exemplary work ethic and growth during the early stages of their careers.
Assignment editor Matthew Donnell
"We’re starting with two Assignment Desk staffers from Washington, who have done such good work, that both of them have earned gigs with the politics unit. First, Matthew Donnell, who has begun working as a Political Embed, covering campaigns through the midterm elections," Earhardt said.
"Matt always looks for ways to move stories forward, and now he’s going to do it from the field, interviewing candidates, and breaking news in primaries across the country," she added.
Associate producer Jessica Sonkin
"Second, also from the D.C. desk, associate producer Jessica Sonkin. Jessica was already known for her incredible work ethic, and it was an easy call to make her a political embed," Earhardt said.
"Jessica, you and Matt have a lot of long days ahead on the trail, so I hope you’re all caught up on sleep," she continued. "We very much look forward to your dispatches from across the country during this exciting election season."
‘FOX & Friends’ associate producer Carey Gallagher
"I personally know firsthand how hard Carey works, never complains, stays under the radar. She produces segments and handles our research packets. We can always count on her to come up with talking points, good intros and important graphics. Like so many of our Rising Stars, she puts in long hours and is always ready to take on more responsibility. Because of that dedication, Carey has earned the trust of both the ‘FOX & Friends’ hosts and the production team," Earhardt said.
FOX Nation associate producer Sabrina Baker
"Colleagues say Sabrina is exceptionally creative, and reliable. She routinely juggles at least six shows at the same time, and she’s currently leading the production of ‘Park’d’ Season 10. Sabrina adds that she’s excited to keep growing in her role at Fox. We’re excited as well," Earhardt said.
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This award goes to an employee that has dedicated time and energy to his or her local community and is active in company volunteer efforts.
‘FOX and Friends First’ stage manager Matt Rodriguez
"Matt has worked overnights for 13 years. Despite working the graveyard shift, he still has enough energy to volunteer for his Cub Scouts. He’s a Unit Commissioner for them, and that’s a big job. He works with many different packs of Scouts. And he recently completed the Wood Badge course, which is focused on advanced leadership, so that he can continue to help children grow into the best versions of themselves," Jones said.
Washington, D.C., assignment manager Lillian LeCroy
"She volunteers with American Corporate Partners, a nonprofit that connects veterans with mentors for career guidance. It’s an organization Fox has been proud to support and partner with for more than a decade, and we’re so proud of Lillian for her dedication to the community," Jones said.
Lead technical director Rich Cozzi
"Rich Cozzi is someone I’ve worked with for years, obviously working at Fox, we’re leaner, meaner, better and more experimentative than any other network … he exemplifies this," Wallace said.
"I could not be more proud of him… he’s driving automation across all parts of FOX News Media, from Business to Weather," Wallace added. "Rich Cozzi, you earned this."
"Innovation at Fox means finding better, faster, smarter ways to get the job done," Wallace said.
Director Brianne Bombara and recruiter Veronica Baker
The Impact Award goes to those who have had some of the most positive overall effects on FOX News Media. This year, a pair of colleagues from the campus recruitment team shared the award for building a first-class recruiting program.
"People ask me all the time, I’ve worked for 30 years, and it’s no secret I started entry level, ‘How do you continue to have a successful culture and develop great people?’ That’s because we bring in the best and brightest at the university level, and we design a way to offer the best, top-rated jobs before they leave. These two have done an incredible job, I couldn’t be prouder of you," Scott said.
"This year, the team has overseen three intern cycles with nearly 700 participants, made 34 campus visits… they spent 53 days on the road recruiting top talent," Scott continued. "Brianne and Veronica, I’m so proud of this program you have built and, because of your dedication, our internship program is ranked among the best in the country."