The Radio Television Digital News Foundation hosts its 25th Annual First Amendment Awards Dinner tonight in Washington D.C. And among the honorees was Perry Sook, President and CEO of WEHT's parent company, Nexstar Broadcasting.

The First Amendment Awards celebration honors working journalists and corporate executives for their hard work and dedication in the television broadcasting industry. Wednesday night, Nexstar's Chairman, President, and CEO, Perry Sook received the First Amendment Service Award.

"Our local television stations do two things," said Sook. "One we produce local content which is our service to the community and our identity, and we help local advertisers and local businesses grow."

"30 years I've been in the business, 15 with Perry," said Nexstar Co-Chief Operating Officer Tim Busch. "The man has lived up to the vision of everything he set out to do when he started this company."

Nexstar started with just one station 19 years ago. It now owns, operates, and provides sales and other services to 105 television stations reaching approximately 15.6% of all us television households. Sook says it's all about viewers having access to their news on a 24/7 basis.

"We have also endeavored to offer local news throughout the day," said Sook, "so that if you're working shift work 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., we have a newscast for you early afternoon or perhaps late night, or we have expanded our morning shows."

Sook has 33 years of experience in the television and radio broadcasting industry and credits the viewers for the success of his business

"For viewers and advertisers," said Sook, "coupling digital and broadcast is an unbeatable combination."

Also honored tonight was CBS News Correspondent Bob Simon, who was killed in a car crash last month, and journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, who were abducted and beheaded by ISIS last year.

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Nexstar President and CEO Receives First Amendment Service Award