In a Columbus ceremony recognizing the best in print and broadcast journalism, WKSU reporters took home eight prizes from Ohio AP media editors (OAPME), including sharing the award for Overall Excellence for radio broadcasters (an award WKSU took home last year as well). The OAPME Awards reflect standout work created in 2015.
Amanda Rabinowitz received a first-place nod for broadcast writing for her story on Northeast Ohio racinos a year after racetracks expanded their gaming options. The judges said, “Descriptive language put this to the top.” Rabinowitz’s work also earned a Regional Murrow Award in the same category from Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). She also shared a second-place award with commentator and sportswriter Terry Pluto for their weekly segment in the Best Sportscast category.
M.L. Schultze, a Canton resident, picked up the top prize for Sports Feature with her profile of rookie basketball pro Joe Harris who spent much of his season splitting court time between championship contenders Cleveland Cavaliers and their smaller, feeder franchise, the Canton Charge. The judges said, “Nice job spotlighting what would be an otherwise unheard of story.”
The WKSU news staff was recognized with a first-place award for Best Coverage of a Scheduled Event for extensive breaking news reporting after the verdict announcement in the Michael Brelo trial. The police officer was acquitted of charges surrounding the shooting deaths of two unarmed suspects in a multi-jurisdiction car chase. The judges said, “Strong effort from start to finish, keeping listeners informed of this important story throughout the day. Nice coverage.”
Other WKSU staff projects received second-place honors, including the seven-part series Remembering Vietnam: Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, produced in collaboration with Western Reserve PBS, and continuing coverage of Cleveland’s consent decree following several high-profile fatal shootings by Cleveland police officers.
Quick Bites producer Vivian Goodman won the station’s eighth OAPME award for a feature story on elementary students preparing a seed-to-table feast. Goodman’s weekly segment focuses on food, cooking, area restaurants and farming. The students at Bath’s Old Trail School were celebrating “Garlic Week” with produce they had grown, harvested and helped prepare for the group meal. The judges said, “Fun audio. Natural sound was intriguing.”
The Associated Press is a not-for-profit news cooperative representing 1,400 daily newspapers and 5,000 broadcast stations in the United States. Members of AP include 127 broadcast stations in Ohio.
