Rivas, 33, news editor for Honduras’ Radio Progreso, is to receive her award at a ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington on October 20, 2011. She will be the first woman to receive the award.

She works for the Jesuit-run Radio Progreso, a general interest broadcaster that was raided by the Honduran military following the 2009 political crisis, and worked to challenge censorship and promote dialogue within the country during months of civil unrest during and after the crisis.

“Rivas has shown enormous courage and integrity by asserting the right of the people of Honduras to receive fair, accurate news,” said Camille Mackler, Project Director for the award and widow of AFP journalist Peter Mackler, in whose memory the award was established.

“She has done so regardless of the danger she placed herself in. This selflessness and strong ethics are what the Peter Mackler Award rewards by naming Ms. Rivas this year’s winner.”

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