Local News Director Honored By FBI Director

March 19, 2010 - The Knoxville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is pleased to announce Mr. William Shory as the recipient of the 2009 FBI Director's Community Leadership Award for being instrumental in promoting the FBI through the media. This prestigious award, which was established by the Director of the FBI in 1990 to publicly recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations actively involved in community crime prevention is given annually to one individual or organization from each of the FBI's 56 field offices.

Mr. Shory is currently the News Director for NBC local television station WBIR, Channel 10 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is a member of the Radio-Television New Directors Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Associated Press Broadcasters Association. He is also a Fellow of the Carole Kneeland Project for Responsible Journalism.

Since moving to East Tennessee, Mr. Shory has been a staunch advocate of safe communities by developing partnerships between community stakeholders and his television station. As a true community activist, he works tirelessly to engage the community. His commitment, as a member of the media, in regards to keeping the public informed and aware of the FBI's priorities and mission is evidenced by the numerous broadcasts featuring FBI stories. Many of the segments were in-depth feature stories highlighting a multitude of Knoxville's Community Outreach initiatives such as Citizens Academy, Junior Special Agent, and Teen Academy classes. Mr. Shory's support in his capacity as the News Director for WBIR, Channel 10, exemplifies the spirit of this award and his effort is deserving of recognition.

Under his direction, WBIR has won numerous awards including two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for Overall Excellence and one National Edward R. Murrow Award. The Society of Professional Journalists also honored WBIR with both the Horace V. Wells Community Service Award and the Golden Press Card Award for its investigation of corruption in Knox County Government.