Santa Monica College-based public radio station KCRW (89.9 FM) is being honored by LA YOUTH--Los Angeles' only newspaper written by and about teens--with the Los Angeles Times First Amendment Award for its advocacy and promotion of freedom of expression in its programming. The award will be presented to KCRW's General Manager Ruth Seymour at the LA Youth City Lights Dinner on Thursday, May 18 at the Beverly Hills Hotel (9461 Sunset Blvd. in Beverly Hills; for tickets, call: (323) 938-9194). Pat O' Brien of Access Hollywood will host the event. The guest speaker is Dennis Kneale, Executive Editor of Forbes Magazine.

Since its inception in 1988, LA Youth has helped thousands of young people develop into educated, responsible members of the community through publication of its newspaper. Each year more than 600 young people learn writing, editing, photography, graphic arts, business management and general office skills which help prepare them for the real world. More than 500 teachers receive the newspapers and incorporate the articles into the curriculum of their classrooms to enhance literacy, encourage critical writing and stimulate meaningful conversation and constructive debate.

KCRW is only the second recipient of the Los Angeles Times First Amendment Award; Kelli L. Sager, Esq. of Davis Wright Tremaine was the previous honoree at the LA Youth City Lights Dinner in May 1998. The proceeds from the dinner will be used to enable LA Youth to reach even more teens and help them build the character traits and self-esteem that will increase their chances for success in later life.

KCRW has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years--over forty in the last decade alone--many in honor of its signature public affairs program Which Way, L.A.? Other accolades have been bestowed on the station for productions including its series Jewish Stories from the Old World to the New; radio dramas such as Sleeping Beauty; and innovative programming including the promotion of world music. The station has also been honored for its human rights advocacy work by organizations such as Amnesty International.