Many Americans have met Oscar, Emmy, and Tony, but Reuben is still a stranger to most. Yet the annual Reuben ceremony has received little coverage in broadcast and print media, including the newspapers where so many cartoons appear. NCS president George Breisacher says cartoonists have millions of fans, but it's usually the feature, not the creator, that's the star.
Few cartoonists have the glamour quotient of a movie star.
But Breisacher, a Charlotte Observer artist, says the NCS also shares the blame for not promoting itself more. The mailing also includes instructions on accessing a special Web area where newspapers can view and download images and information about the nominees. On Reuben night, newspapers can also download photos of the winners receiving their awards. NCS members have discussed the need for more publicity for years, but it was Breisacher who decided to take action starting last summer. Over 20 people volunteered their time, and sent several thousand e-mails to each other as the effort was organized.