CNN evp and managing director of CNN International Tony Maddox and the CNN Freedom Project were honored by the U.S. State Department as a 2015 Trafficking in Persons Report Hero today in Washington, D.C. The CNN Freedom Project aims to end modern-day slavery and offers a wide variety of news and statistics regarding human trafficking.
“I am humbled by this recognition,” said Maddox. “ And I am proud of CNN using the full range of our international resources to track and highlight this important story.”
TVNewser has obtained a note that CNN boss Jeff Zucker sent to his staff:
July 27, 2015
I am proud to share with you all that today in Washington, D.C., Tony Maddox and the CNN Freedom Project were honored by the U.S. State Department as a 2015 Trafficking in Persons Report Hero. Secretary of State Kerry personally presented Tony with the award.
Tony and the CNN Freedom Project made a commitment five years ago to take a stand, and to shine CNN’s worldwide spotlight on modern-day slavery. In just five years under Tony’s leadership, the CNN Freedom Project has enlisted dozens of correspondents and crews around the world, and has published more than 400 investigative stories. They follow the routes, they hold the powerful accountable, and importantly, they give voice to the survivors.
Various NGOs report that CNN Freedom Project stories have contributed to changing laws and corporate policies, led to more than 1,000 survivors receiving assistance and sparked over $24 million in donations to anti-trafficking organization. Additionally, the CNN Freedom Project has inspired new NGOs and grassroots campaigns around the world.
Please join me in congratulating Tony and the CNN Freedom Project on this tremendous honor.
Jeff
Tony Maddox