Each year BEA’s Lifetime Achievement in Scholarship (LAS) (formerly the Distinguished Scholar Award) is awarded to an individual who has exhibited evidence of an extensive media-related publication record in books, leading journals and/or public scholarship, usually over at least twenty years. This award is in recognition of scholarly output.

Nominations for candidates are accepted starting in September each year.

Eligibility

• Nominees must be current BEA individual members.
• Nominees must have a significant contribution to media research and scholarship. 
• NOTE: Current board members are not eligible to be nominated but may nominate candidates for the award.

Timeline

September 1, 2024: Nominations open

January 15, 2025: Nominations close at 11:59 pm ET

February 15, 2025: LAS winner announced

April 6, 2025: LAS winner recognized during the BEA2025 Opening Awards Ceremony

April 6-9, 2025: BEA2025 annual convention