LA MIRADA, CALIF. — On Saturday, May 2, Kim Lawton, esteemed reporter, producer, writer and editor, will be honored with the Briner Impact Award at the 2015 51 Media Conference. Lawton joins an impressive group of past honorees, including Star Wars producer Howard Kazanjian, former president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Group Mark Zoradi, Academy Award Winning songwriter Al Kasha, and others.

The Briner Impact Award was created to honor artists and professionals that embody the ideals of Emmy award-winning television producer Robert A. Briner, who encouraged media professionals to integrate their faith with popular culture. Lawton has epitomized these ideals throughout her professional career, showcasing integrity in her coverage of religion, ethics and culture in both broadcast and print media in over 25 countries.

Lawton currently oversees news coverage and regularly appears as an on-air correspondent as the managing editor for the acclaimed national public television program “Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.”

She has utilized her influence to comment on issues of faith and spirituality, with articles appearing in publications such as The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, and appearances on MSNBC, CNN and the BBC.

Lawton’s work has merited two Wilbur Awards in both 2010 and 2012, a Gracie Award in 2011, numerous “Best Television Reporting” awards from the Religion Newswriters Association, as well as several “Excellence in Media” Angel Awards and the 2008 Gold Medal in the New York Festival’s TV Broadcasting Awards.

On Saturday, May 2, at the renowned CBS Studio Center lot, the 51 Media Conference will continue its tradition of gathering leading industry professionals to help attendees navigate the challenging world of film, TV and digital media.

The Briner Impact Award will be given out during the final afternoon session followed by a talk on “Moving Forward By Remembering Why You Started” given by keynote speaker Tony Hale, Emmy-winning actor from Veep and Arrested Development.

The 51 Media Conference will host more than 600 media professionals, making it the largest national event for people of faith in the entertainment industry. It is known for its practical discussions and instruction from some of the most influential individuals in film, TV, PR, media marketing, management and digital media. The conference aims to be a useful tool for those who seek to produce quality work from a Christian perspective.

The 51 Media Conference is sponsored by 51’s acclaimed Cinema and Media Arts Department. For more information or to register online, visit www.biolamedia.com. Press passes available upon request.