Ann M. Sperber Prize
The Sperber Prize is given in honor of Ann M. Sperber, the author of the excellent biography of Edward R. Murrow, Murrow: His Life and Times (Fordham University Press). The book received numerous awards for its meticulous research and finely crafted writing and was a finalist in 1987 for the Pulitzer Prize. Through the generous support of Ann’s mother, Lisette, the prize was established to promote and encourage other outstanding biographies, autobiographies and memoirs related to the field of media and journalism.
Jane Ferguson wins 2024 Sperber Prize
Jane Ferguson, a distinguished international journalist, has won the 2024 Sperber Prize for her memoir No Ordinary Assignment. The prize was awarded by Fordham University on November 11th at a ceremony held at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. With over a decade of experience covering some of the world’s most politically complex and dangerous regions, including Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Afghanistan, Ferguson’s work has brought to light the human toll of conflict. Born in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, and a graduate of the University of York, she has reported for major outlets such as CNN, Al Jazeera, PBS, and The New Yorker.
In No Ordinary Assignment, Ferguson offers a personal and compelling account of her experiences as a frontline journalist, capturing the profound human stories behind the headlines.
The Sperber Prize, now in its 26th year, recognizes exceptional biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs related to media and journalism.
Listen to WFUV's Jay Doherty interview Jane Ferguson here: https://wfuv.org/node/473286
To Apply
The Sperber Prize Committee is currently considering books with 2023 copyright dates for the 2024 Sperber Book Prize.
To apply, kindly send two copies of the nominated book with contact information for the author and editor/publisher to:
Sperber Prize Jury
Department of Communication and Media Studies
Fordham University
45 Columbus Ave.
New York, NY 10023
No letter of nomination is required. Finalists will be contacted and asked for additional copies of their books.
Please contact Sperber Prize director Dr. Amy Aronson for questions about the application.
Phone: 212-636-7738
Email: [email protected]