Dozens of local and network broadcasters were recently honored with prestigious Edward R. Murrow awards for their outstanding journalism work over the past year, including investigative reporting, hard news, podcast production, breaking news and more. These impactful reports provide Americans with critical news about their communities and the world at large. The stations are among the thousands of broadcasters across the country that continue to demonstrate their commitment to exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press to provide the most trusted news. Below are a few of this year’s winners, and the full list is available here. A recap of the regional Murrow award winners, announced last spring, can be found here.
Scripps’ WFTS-TV Tampa won the National Edward R. Murrow Award for continuing coverage of unexplained fires in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. “Up in Flames: Investigating the Cause of Kia and Hyundai Fires” exposed how the automakers knew about the fire hazard. The two-year investigation led to auto recalls and prompted action from federal regulators.
Hearst’s WBAL-AM Baltimore received an award for Breaking News Coverage for its fast and accurate reporting in the 24 hours following the FBI raid on Mayor Catherine Pugh’s house. Listen to details of the investigation into Pugh’s personal business dealings with a local hospital system where she served on the board in “ FBI Raids Mayor Pugh's Home.”
New York Public Radio’s WNYC earned an award in the Feature Reporting category for “ Trying to Graduate From High School at 21.” Reporter Shamari Ridley shares his personal story of dropping out of high school in the 11th grade after years of switching schools. He brings a human voice to a staggering statistic: 25 percent of New York City high school students struggle to graduate in four years.
Nexstar’s KGET-TV Bakersfield received recognition in the Podcast category. In “ The Man With A Thousand Faces,” reporter Olivia LaVoic explores the many faces of Jamie Osuna, a family man and avid reader who is also a convicted murderer.
Scripps’ KNXV-TV Phoenix earned a Murrow Award for its investigative reporting on Arizona’s prison system, “Unlocked and Unsafe.” The KNXV investigative team combed through leaked surveillance videos and documents from inside Arizona's Lewis Prison System to expose security issues.
Major broadcast television and radio networks also received Murrow awards for their work. CBS News Radio won for Overall Excellence and Breaking News Coverage for its newscast on the Notre Dame cathedral fire. ABC News won for Overall Excellence in Network Television. NBC Nightly News won in the Continuing Coverage category, and Nexstar received accolades for innovation.
Your local broadcasters are on the front lines providing critical support to their communities, even as they struggle from a steep decline in advertising revenue. Read more stories about broadcasters’ public service at BroadcastPublicService.org.
More than 2.47 million American jobs depend on broadcasting, and the local broadcast radio and television industry - and the businesses that depend on it - generate $1.17 trillion annually for the nation's economy.
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