The SPJ San Diego Pro Chapter honored KPBS senior political correspondent Gloria Penner as the 2011 San Diego Journalist of the Year at its Annual Awards Banquet July 7 at the Bali Hai.

We shot video of her inspiring speech. It’s worth a listen, and you can learn about KPBS’ early history and evolution.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5 and conclusion

Penner, the longtime host of KPBS Radio’s “Editors Roundtable” and “San Diego Week,” has spent more than 50 years in radio and television journalism, beginning her radio career in San Francisco in the 1950s as an associate producer on a program called “Housewives Protective League.”

She has worked in television on the “Today Show” and as producer and host of various KPBS-TV and KPBS Radio news programs. She has been awarded 7 Emmys, 5 Golden Mikes, 2 Gracies from the American Federation of Women in Radio and Television, the San Diego Press Club’s Harold Keen Award for excellence in journalism, the John Swett Award from the California Teachers Association, and many SPJ honors. An annual Gloria Penner Award for Civic Service was established in 2003 by the League of Women Voters of San Diego County, and Penner was the first recipient.

SPJ is proud to honor Penner as the 2011 San Diego Journalist of the Year for her career achievements; consistent adherence to high standards of journalism, ethics and professionalism; service to the journalism profession; and advancement of First Amendment rights.