The Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award Rescinded

A 2002 Clarion Award presented to USA Today correspondent Jack Kelley has been rescinded by The Association for Women in Communications. The award entry was rescinded by USA Today based upon concerns raised by evidence that Jack Kelley, a former foreign correspondent for the newspaper, fabricated parts of at least eight major news stories and used quotes without proper attribution.

The 2002 Clarion Award was for the 2001 story "Explosion, then arms and legs rain down," about a suicide bombing in Jersusalem that took place on August 9, 2001. USA Today's investigation found that events of the suicide bombing differed substantially from what Kelley reported.

Kelley, who accepted the award in person at the Clarion/Matrix Dinner, also spoke at the AWC Annual Professional Conference held in Denver in October 2002. His topic was "Behind the Headlines in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Other Hotspots."

The Association for Women in Communications Clarion Award recognized excellence in communications. For more information go to www.womcom.org/clarion/index.html