NEW YORK, N.Y. ? Common Sense Media, the nation's leading non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to improving families' experiences with media and technology, today announced the honorees for the Seventh Annual Common Sense Media Awards, to be held at Gotham Hall in New York City on Thursday, April 28, 2011.

Over the years, Common Sense Media has honored some of the most innovative minds in the worlds of entertainment, public policy, and technology, from filmmaker George Lucas to former FCC chairman Newton Minow to Sesame Street's Elmo. The theme for this year's awards is "Raising Kids in a Digital World."

The 2011 honorees include:

• President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd president of the United States, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding leadership and vision on the future of digital media and its impact on kids and families.
• Joel I. Klein, CEO Educational Division, News Corp, and former chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, will receive the Educator of the Year Award for bringing digital literacy and citizenship education to public schools in New York City.
• Miranda Cosgrove, actress and singer, Nickelodeon's iCarly, will receive the award for Best Role Model in a Digital Age, for exemplifying the creative, positive, and responsible personality of today's digital kid.

"This year Common Sense Media is honored to recognize a varied group of honorees who fully understand both the significant challenges and the unlimited opportunities that come with raising kids in today's digital world," said James P. Steyer, CEO and founder of Common Sense Media. "From leading the charge in bringing digital citizenship programs to schools, to providing realistic and responsible role models, this year's honorees are true leaders in helping both parents and kids embrace the potential of digital media," said James P. Steyer, CEO and founder of Common Sense Media.

This year marks the first time the Awards will be held in New York City. The event will be emceed by Juju Chang, news anchor for Good Morning America and Emmy-winning correspondent for Nightline and 20/20. Leading sponsors for this year's awards include AOL, First Republic Bank, and Goldman Sachs Gives. The audience will include more than 300 influential guests representing the worlds of education, entertainment, government/public leadership, technology, and business.

About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: www.commonsemsedia.org .

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