COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Broadcasters Association will present its Honorary Life Membership Award to attorney Jay Bender on Jan. 25, during its annual Awards of Distinction ceremony at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Bender, a former partner who serves as of counsel with Baker Ravenel & Bender law firm in Columbia, has represented the SCBA since 1995, and has built a national reputation as a lawyer for broadcasters – as well as being the state’s leading attorney for print media.
Since beginning his media law practice in 1975, he has appeared in a multitude of trial and appellate courts, both federal and state, to advocate media-related cases. He is regarded as South Carolina’s foremost authority on the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
The Honorary Life Membership Award salutes those who have made significant contributions to the broadcasting industry. Recipients have included broadcast educators, legislators, owners and managers, on-air talent, broadcast technical specialists and regulatory experts.
“Jay has served as a tireless advocate for SC broadcasters since becoming our SCBA legal counsel in 1998,” said Margaret Wallace, executive director of the association. “He is brilliant, patient, always accessible to SCBA staff and members with questions and cares deeply about our industry. Jay is very deserving of this award.”