For his work in radio, television and publishing, and for his courageous stand for American principles, Emmy Award-winning television anchor and radio host, Shad Olson, has been named recipient of the prestigious, ‘Eagle Award,’ for 2011, given by Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum to Americans who have exemplified conservative principles of honor, integrity and character in their life and work.

Shad Olson was a television news anchor in Rapid City, South Dakota, before a speaking appearance before a Tea Party gathering caused his suspension from anchoring duties and demands by his employer that he apologize for his public remarks.  Olson instead resigned his position and launched a talk radio program and media venture that has added his voice to the conservative cause both on his own syndicated radio show and with other talk hosts from coast to coast.  He has been an active and outspoken proponent of conservative values and was instrumental in bringing Glenn Beck to South Dakota and Colorado Springs in 2010 for a series of speaking engagements.  Olson served as emcee for those events.

Shad Olson was nominated for the National Eagle Award by Austrian holocaust survivor and conservative activist, Kitty Werthmann of Pierre, South Dakota.  Both Werthmann and Phyllis Schlafly have made frequent guest appearances on Olson’s conservative radio program, The Shad Olson Show. Werthmann offered her congratulations during her most recent appearance.

“Congratulations on your recent National Eagle Award,” Werthmann said.  “You are most deserving.  You are a very courageous man and you are a hero.  Thank you very much.”

Olson said he was surprised and humbled by the recognition.

“To be honored by two women who are unquestioningly counted among my greatest heroes in Kitty Werthmann and Phyllis Schlafly is a rare privilege that I would never have expected,” Olson said.  “Phyllis Schlafly’s writings were inspirational for me during my politically formative years as a home schooler in Nebraska.  Kitty Werthmann’s courage in comparing America’s socialist slide to the devolution of Nazi Germany and the Austria of her childhood makes her an inescapably poignant voice in American life.  I am honored to count them both as friends,” said Olson.
Olson continued: “Having this award come by their mutual request and installment makes it all the more meaningful for me.”

Past recipients of the Eagle Award in South Dakota include former Governor Bill Janklow (1983), Rep. Elli Schwiesow, (1994), Leslee Unruh (1990) and Roger Haugo (1987.)