THE DIAMOND CIRCLE AWARD
Periodically at its luncheons honoring a well-known celebrity, Hollywood Media
Professionals also honors one of its members, who may or may not be a celebrity in the
usual sense of the word, but who nonetheless has made a significant contribution
to broadcasting. The other criterion for this honor is that
the member must also be age 60 or older. On this page, you will find pictures
of and information about our most recent inductee into the Diamond Circle. Over
the past years, we have honored many distinguished broadcasting pioneers with
membership in our prestigious Diamond Circle.
Past Recipients.
The most-recent Recipient of the Diamond Circle Award
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Diamond Circle inductee Herman Rush
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Hollywood Media Professionals' Past President Chuck Street presented the organization's Diamond Circle Award to Herman Rush at the June 14, 2019 luncheon honoring Fritz Coleman. Below are Mr. Street's remarks introducing Mr. Rush.
Today's Diamond Circle inductee is an incredibly accomplished television producer. He is a Philadelphia native and graduated from Temple University in 1950.
Mr. Rush began his television career in 1951 with Official Films, a pioneer TV distribution firm. In 1957 he purchased Flamingo Films, a television syndication firm, and developed it into a major independent syndication company.
During the 60's he was associated with Creative Management Associates eventually becoming president of its television division. Herman was responsible for the packaging and network placement of "The Perry Como Show," "The Jackie Gleason Show," "The Kraft Music Hall," and "All in the Family" to mention just a few shows.
During the 70's, he produced a number of television movies and several comedy series that aired on ABC. In 1976, in association with David Wolper Productions, he executive produced the "ABC Bicentennial Special."
In 1980 he became president of Columbia Pictures Television Group, and re-established Columbia as one of the major producers and distributers of TV programs.
Mr. Rush was Chairman, CEO of Coca-Cola Telecommunications. And for seventeen years he served as an Executive Producer of "The Montel Williams Show."
In 1988 he was appointed by President Reagan to a Presidential Commission for a Drug Free America. Also, he was a board member of the Just Say No Foundation and he was Chairman of the Board of the Entertainment Industries Council.
Mr. Rush currently is involved in the creation and packaging of television and cable programs and original content for the internet and related new media.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the newest member of the HMP Diamond Circle....Mr. Herman Rush!
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Herman Rush accepting his Diamond Circle Award from Chuck Street
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