Jon Heidtke Named DFW-AWM 30th Annual Award of Excellence Winner

FOX Sports Southwest’s Jon Heidtke Named DFW-AWM 30th Annual Award of Excellence Winner

The Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is pleased to announce FOX Sports Southwest Senior Vice President/General Manager Jon Heidtke as the recipient of its annual Silver Award of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award.

Heidtke is the 30th recipient of the highest award given by the DFW-AWM chapter.

The award is presented annually to a media professional in Dallas/Fort Worth based on the following criteria: above reproach in regard to the hiring and promoting of women; promotes and helps the media business; deeply contributes to the community at large; has made a direct, positive impact on the DFW media community; solely represents a commitment to excellence; and whose accomplishments are an example to others in the media and business community.

A 30-year sports television veteran, Heidtke has been in his current position since 1996 when FOX combined the nation’s top regional sports networks under one banner and created FSN. He became one of the youngest General Managers in the regional sports television industry in 1994 when as a 34-year-old he was promoted to the top post at Home Sports Entertainment (HSE), the predecessor to FOX Sports Southwest. Heidtke joined HSE in 1989 as Director of Affiliate Sales and Marketing after working in affiliate sales for ESPN and regional sports networks in Chicago and St. Louis.

Heidtke is actively involved in the DFW community, supporting many local civic groups. He sits on the Board of Directors of several leading sports organizations, including the National Sports Marketing Network, the SMU Athletic Forum, the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the Dallas All Sports Association.

Heidtke is a member of his alma mater’s Texas A&M 12th Man Foundation Advisory board. In 2002, the 12th Man Magazine named him “The Most Influential Aggie in Sports,” and in 2005 Heidtke entered the Texas A&M Former Journalism Students Association Hall of Honor.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in broadcast journalism from Texas A&M.

Last year’s Silver Award of Excellence Award recipient Kathy Saunders commented on Heidtke’s AWM recognition.

“In this highly competitive market, Jon’s longevity and knowledge of the sports business is unequaled,” said Saunders, Vice President General Manager of KDFW FOX 4 and KDFI My27. “This is an honor truly deserved.”

Heidtke will be honored at the 30th Annual AWM Awards of Excellence Gala recognizing top media professionals in Dallas/Fort Worth on Thursday, April 11 at the Omni Hotel Dallas at 6 p.m.

Alliance of Women in Media is a national, nonprofit organization of men and women who work in the media and allied fields. Founded in 1951 as American Women in Radio and Television, AWM (formerly American Women in Radio and Television. AWRT) is proud to represent men and women engaged in all aspects of creating high-quality media and related services. AWM harnesses the promise, passion and power of women in all forms of media to empower career development, engage in thought leadership, and drive positive change for our industry and societal progress.