In 1983, the Headliners Foundation of Texas was formed as a tax-exempt organization to formalize the Headliners Club’s awards program into an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in journalism. In addition to awarding scholarships for promising students, the Headliners Foundation recognizes media talent and sponsors unique journalism projects.
Each year the Headliners Foundation of Texas recognizes the best—the journalists who report and write outstanding stories, take riveting photos and design content for impact and accessibility – with the Charles E. Green Award. Green was the long-time editor of the Austin American-Statesman and one of the founders of the Headliners Club. Green awardees are writers, investigators, and photographers, and are chosen “Best in Show” from contests conducted by the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) and the Texas Managing Editors (TME). Green award winners receive $1,000 cash awards and the first place winners in each Division of the TAB and TME categories receive $500 from the Headliners Foundation. Each Green award winner also receives the prestigious Charles E. Green trophy.
The Headliners Foundation honors the legacy of Burl Osborne, former editor and publisher of The Dallas Morning News, by recognizing outstanding reporting on social justice and human rights. The Gold Award includes a cash prize of $2,000, and the Silver Award prize is $1,000 The contest is open to professional, Texas-based news providers— print, broadcast or digital — that distribute at least monthly and adhere to the highest journalistic principles.
The Headliners Foundation makes Showcase Awards for excellence in investigative reporting and in storytelling. The Gold Award includes a cash prize of $2,000, and the Silver Award prize is $1,000. The contest is open to professional, Texas-based news providers — print, broadcast or digital — that distribute at least monthly and that adhere to the highest journalistic principles.
Donations may be made directly to the general endowment of the Foundation, or may be specifically directed to benefit scholarships, the annual journalism contest, the speaker series, website or endowment in general.
Donations may be made outright or in pledged amounts to be paid in scheduled increments over a period of years. Click here for a summary of each program, including donor benefits. Click here for ways to donate. Please visit the Founders’ Scholarship Fund page for more information on this portion of the Foundation’s mission fulfillment.
Please consider including Headliners Foundation in your will or as a beneficiary of your life insurance or IRA. Thank you!
