WITF has received 74 Regional Murrow Awards in the last ten years, 17 National Edward R. Murrow awards since 2007
WITF has received two Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association.
The Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence in broadcast and digital journalism are among the most prestigious awards in the industry. Since 1971, the Radio Television Digital News Association has used these awards to recognize news organizations that demonstrate the excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.
“Journalism is a challenging field these days, but our team is dedicated to serving the community,” said WITF’s Multimedia News Director Tim Lambert. “Each honored story highlights the unique work we try to provide to our listeners and readers. I’m proud of their day in and day out efforts and thrilled to see it recognized with two Regional Murrow Awards.”
The awards are presented to small and large radio, television and digital outlets in 14 geographic areas. This year’s awards were selected from more than 5,000 entries. WITF’s entries were judged against those from media organizations of similar size in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
“We’re grateful to have our work honored by RTDNA – this year and over many years,” said Scott Blanchard, WITF’s director of journalism. “Our journalists are challenged as never before with ongoing stories like COVID-19 and the threat to American democracy. They’re doing an incredible job for listeners and readers across central Pennsylvania.”
The two honored stories, in Investigative Reporting and Excellence in Sound are:
- Investigative Reporting, “Police, Constables in PA Joined ‘Anti-Government’ Oath Keepers” Brett Sholtis led WITF’s investigation into the Oath Keepers and was assisted by Julia Agos, Scott Blanchard, Sam Dunklau, Tim Lambert, Gabriela Martinez, Rachel McDevitt and Anthony Orozco. The story spoke with police officers and state constables in Pennsylvania who are confirmed current or former Oath Keepers members, offering insight into why they joined and what prompted former members to leave.
- Excellence in Sound, “WITF Music: All Without Words” WITF’s Joe Ulrich told the story of Loren Morell, a 16-year-old who has autism and does not speak, but is not silent. Loren’s father, Justin Morell, recorded his son’s vocalizations and worked with trumpeter John Daversa to turn the captured audio into melody. The result was an album titled “All Without Words: variations inspired by Loren.”
Regional honorees are automatically considered for a National Murrow Award. Pennsylvania organizations KYW Newsradio, NBC 10 Philadelphia, WESA, WHYY, and WXPN also received Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards.
WITF has received 87 RTDNA Regional Murrow Awards since 2006 – the most of any organization in Pennsylvania. In the last 10 years, WITF has garnered 74 Regional Murrow Awards, and has received 17 National Edward R. Murrow awards since 2007.
The RTDNA has honored outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. Murrow’s pursuit of excellence in journalism embodies the spirit of the awards that carry his name. Murrow Award recipients demonstrate the excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.
National Murrow Award recipients will be announced in Summer 2022 and will be honored at the 2022 Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on October 10, 2022, in New York City.
