Amber Key (MSA 2016) talks about her experience at the 2017 Celebration of America Awards and what this ceremony means to her. Don't miss the reminder these awards serve for our industry.

What do the Service to America Awards mean to you?

To me, the Service to America Awards is a time to witness local television and radio stations receiving recognition for their hard work and dedication in the community. Especially during these unprecedented times, it is increasingly difficult to see our impact and feel like we are helping to make a difference. The Service to America Awards remind us that our efforts do not go unnoticed and that we are helping communities more than we could imagine.

Can you tell us about your experience at the Service to America Awards? What made that night special to you?

In 2017, I was asked by the NAB Leadership Foundation to be a speaker at the Service to America Awards and share my experience in the MSI program, where I was recruited for my first job in media sales in Richmond, Va. It was a great night being surrounded by others who have paved the way in the industry and being able to sit at the same table with people who I aspire to be like one day. The Service to America Awards are truly an honor to be invited to and one experience I will remember forever.

What is your vision for the future of the awards and the broadcasting industry?

My vision for the future of the awards is that after this year we can go back to in-person awards. I pray that we all stay safe and follow social distancing so that we can go back to our regularly scheduled program! There is nothing like the Service to America Awards in person and I hope more people have the chance to experience it. I also envision the broadcast industry to be more diverse. I want our workplaces to look like the communities we serve. When this finally happens, the broadcast industry can continue to be the driving force we have been for all these years