Los Angeles Press Club has a long and storied history as one of the oldest and most prestigious journalist organizations in the country, serving Southern California. The club established the NAEJ Awards in 2008 to recognize and honor quality journalism in the fastest-growing segment of the modern media revolution.

The contest is open to all journalists covering arts and entertainment in the U.S. including international journalists.

OC World was nominated for its program “The Power and Awe of Music” in the category of Soft News Feature, Music/Arts/Culture — Over 5 Minutes; “Surviving the Trauma of Relationship Violence” in the category of Documentary or Special Program, Short (Under 30 Minutes).

Other nominees in these categories include CBS Sunday Morning, KABC-TV, and PBS SoCal, among others.

Awards will be handed out at a gala taking place 1 December at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Melissa Etheridge, Tiffany Haddish, and Kevin Frazier will be honored at the event.

“The Power and Awe of Music” interviews two visionaries who continue to raise funds to support music and arts programs in schools both locally and globally . . . Alec Glasser, owner of the Drake Restaurant in Laguna Beach and founder of The Drake Gives, and Jake Groshong, CEO for the “Playing for Change” Foundation. Click here to watch.

“Surviving the Trauma of Relationship Violence” features Maricela Rios-Faust, CEO of Human Options, other professionals, and victims who discuss the intergenerational impact and trauma for families and their children. Click here to watch.

Kudos to OC World co-founder / Producer Manuel Gomez for his mention in the B2B “Orange County Visionaries” magazine 2024, which circulates to roughly 40,000 Orange County readers of the Los Angeles Times.

November 4 – Breaking the Grand Silence
OC World Host Manuel Gomez interviews two Orange County Native Acjachemen leaders: storyteller Jerry Nieblas, and Heidi Lucero, Chair of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Council who discuss the past trauma, present challenges, and future dreams of the Acjachemen Nation of San Juan Capistrano.

November 11 – SCR Paula Tomei
OC World Guest Host Paul Hodgins interviews Paul Tomei from South Coast Repertory (SCR). Learn about Tomei’s role in driving SCR’s mission, the magic of theater as a transformative experience, and the vital place of performing arts in Orange County’s cultural fabric.

November 25 – Northgate Markets / Down for Dance / Bowers Museum
OC World discovers the rich traditions of Northgate, the passion of Down for Dance in promoting inclusivity, and the cultural treasures housed at Bowers Museum, showcasing Orange County’s diversity and spirit.

December 2 – Orange County Transportation Authority
OC World Guest Host Lucy Dunn takes an in-depth look at the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and its vision for a connected, efficient transit network and sustainable transportation solutions to keep Orange County moving forward.

December 9 – OC Sheriff Don Barnes (Part 1)
In part one of this special two-part series, OC World Guest Host Shelley Hoss sits down with Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes to discuss law enforcement’s evolving role in public safety. Sheriff Barnes offers a candid perspective on community challenges, partnerships, and strategies for ensuring a safe Orange County.

December 16 – OC Sheriff Don Barnes (Part 2)
Concluding the two-part series, OC World Guest Host Shelley Hoss continues her dialogue with OC Sheriff Don Barnes about future initiatives, reforms, and Sheriff Barnes’ commitment to innovative policies that bridge law enforcement and community trust.

OC World Guest Host Steve Churm recently interviewed Visit Anaheim President / CEO Mike Waterman about tourism in Orange County and how the organization is recalibrating its reputation and future direction.