NLGJA Announces Michael Tune as New Managing Director

Tune to lead premier LGBT journalist group beginning May 4, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Today the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) announced that Michael Tune has assumed its top staff post and will oversee its efforts to support newsroom diversity and ensure fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. As managing director, he will also lead NLGJA’s flagship programs, including its annual convention, scheduled to take place in Montreal in September.

“The nation’s journalists face unprecedented challenges and opportunities in their careers, and we’re excited to have Michael’s energy and experience behind finding new and innovative ways of supporting and promoting LGBT journalists,” said NLGJA National President David Steinberg. “In addition, with LGBT issues such as same-sex marriage equality so much in the news today, LGBT journalists play a unique role in ensuring fair and accurate coverage, both in their reporting and by educating their colleagues in the newsroom.”

Tune comes to the NLGJA from Appleseed, a nonprofit network of public interest justice centers, where he was a member of the senior staff, overseeing finance, human resources, and operations. Michael served during a great period of growth for Appleseed, while revenues rose from $1 million to $2.5 million in three years’ time. He has been active in the city’s nonprofit world for the past eight years.

Founded in 1990, NLGJA is the leading professional organization for LGBT journalists with 22 chapters nationwide, as well as members around the globe. Tune takes over from David Barre, who has led the organization since 2007.

“NLGJA is on the front lines, accomplishing its vital mission of fair and accurate news coverage every day – a cause I am proud to join in advancing. Each day we will ask ourselves, ‘How do we make the greatest impact?’” added Mr. Tune. “We will maintain and build strong programs and resources, from our convention to tools on new and social media. In so doing, NLGJA will move the country toward fairer news coverage and more diverse newsrooms, all while helping LGBT journalists thrive in a changing world.”

NLGJA will host its 2009 National Convention and 6th Annual LGBT Media Summit in Montreal on September 10-13. Information is available at: http://nlgja.org/convention/

About the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association:

NLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members. For more information, visit www.nlgja.org.

Media Contact: David Steinberg, 510-708-7004 or president@nlgja.org