Press Releases

02.13.03  RIAA's Hilary Rosen to Receive NARM's Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award

Hilary Rosen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Recording Industry Association of America, will receive NARM's Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award at Insights & Sounds.03, the Annual Convention & Trade Show of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) and the Association For Independent Music (AFIM).

Rosen will receive the award during the Business Session & Annual Meeting on Monday, March 17. In addition to receiving the award, Rosen will deliver the keynote during that session.

As head of the RIAA, Rosen directs the Association's campaign to educate the public about the voluntary Parental Advisory label. More than that, during her 15 years with the RIAA, Rosen has become known as an avid defender of free speech and the arts, advocating for allowing artists to be able to express themselves without fear of government censorship. For her efforts, she has already received the American Civil Liberties Union's Torch of Liberty.

A founder and board member of Rock the Vote, Rosen also serves as a board member of The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Kaiser Family Foundation, Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., National Music Council, Y.E.S. to Jobs, National Cancer Foundation, Meridian International Center, and LifeBeat.

"Hilary has long been a fierce advocate for the music community, the arts, free speech, human rights, and many other worthwhile causes.  Her selfless service on the boards of so many humanitarian foundations is a telling reflection of her values," notes NARM President Pamela Horovitz. "It is fitting that we honor one who exemplifies the very essence of our Humanitarian Award."

As Chairman and CEO of the RIAA, Rosen leads the trade group that represents the $14 billion U.S. sound recording industry. Its mission is to foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes its 700 labels and record company members' creative and financial vitality.

NARM established the Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award after the death of the artist in the early 1980s. The award honors Chapin's efforts on behalf of the environment and other humanitarian causes.

Insights & Sounds.03 will be Sunday, March 16, through Wednesday, March 19, at the Orlando World Center Marriot in Orlando, Florida.

NARM serves the music retailing community in the areas of advocacy, networking, information, education, and promotion. The Association's members include retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and suppliers of products and services.