Michigan Radio received nine awards for news coverage this weekend from the Michigan Associated Press Media Editors. The station was recognized with six First Place awards and three Second Place awards in the large market radio category. The large market radio category includes both public and commercial radio stations that serve Michigan’s largest market of Detroit. Here is the complete list of Michigan Radio winners from the Michigan Associated Press award competition:
First Place
- Best Feature Story: "School Helps Kids Step Into Their Best Selves," Zak Rosen
- Best News Documentary: “The Big Test,” Dustin Dwyer
- Best Natural Sound: “After 7 Years, A Football Field Of Their Own,” Tracy Samilton
- Best Individual Photojournalism: Lester Graham
- Best Spot Photojournalism: "A Day in the Life of Detroit After Bankruptcy", Ali Lapetina
- Best Website: www.michiganradio.org, Michigan Radio web team
Second Place
- General Excellence: Michigan Radio
- Best Individual Reporting: Sarah Hulett
- Best Feature Story: "Sweater Wearing Pirates of the Great Lakes," Rebecca Williams
In referring to Michigan Radio’s award winning website, the judges commented “A stylish, informative, easy-to-use website.” Tracy Samilton‘s story garnered this comment from the judges, “The audio immediately brings you to the football game and emotionally connected to the players/coaches.”
Seventeen broadcasters submitted 212 entries in the competition, which featured news reports, feature stories, documentaries and photography as well as news and sportscasts from 2014. The awards were formally presented at a ceremony on Sunday, May 17 in Lansing.
Michigan Radio also picked up four prestigious regional Edward R. Murrow awards at Sunday’s ceremony. The Murrow Awards are presented by The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) to honor outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. The station received Regional Murrows in the Large Market Radio category for:
- Best News Documentary: “Finding Home,” Jennifer Guerra for State of Opportunity
- Best Investigative Coverage: “What is the condition of the oil pipeline under the Great Lakes?,” Mark Brush for M I Curious
- Best News Series: “One Company’s Toxic Legacy” Rebecca Williams, Lindsey Smith and Mark Brush for The Environment Report
- Best Website, www.michiganradio.org, Mark Brush and Michigan Radio web team
Michigan Radio competes in Region 7, which consists of public and commercial stations in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The station won more regional Murrow Awards than any other radio station in the region.
