The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) awarded WUNC with an impressive six Edward R. Murrow Awards on Thursday. The Murrow Awards honor outstanding achievement in electronic journalism. This is the fifth year in a row WUNC has received regional awards.
Six is the most Murrow Awards awarded by any large market radio station this year. WUNC led its market with awards for a large market radio station. The 2015 regional winners include:
Breaking News
Jorge Valencia, ReemaKhrais and Jeff Tiberii for Same-Sex Marriage coverage
Last Fall, a federal judge struck down North Carolina's longstanding ban on same-sex marriage. Aftur the ruling, couples across the state rushed to get their marriage license and WUNC's reporters were right behind them.
Investigative Reporting
Eric Mennel for Eugenics Compensation
After the General Assembly created a $10 million fund to compensate victims of state-sponsored eugenics, the state either outright denied or asked for more information from hundreds of applicants.
News Documentary
Dave DeWitt for Year of the Teacher
North Carolina is 46th in the nation in average teacher pay. The General Assembly recently cut salary benefits for teacher's with master's degrees. So what is keeping North Carolina's education system intact? WUNC's Dave DeWitt looked inside the state's relationship with its teachers in an extensive and engaging audio documentary.
News Series
The State of Things For Witness to an Execution. Here is Part One and Part Two of the series.
Stephen Lich Tyler traveled to Texas to witness the execution of the man convicted of murdering his father. The State of Things spoke to Lich before and after this experience.
Before: "I have no idea what to expect. It could be horrible. It could be traumatic. And then I start thinking about that and I realize it could be just the opposite experience."
After: "I was stepping up to a fight and I had to confront, face-to-face, this person who had done so much to affect my life."
Sports
Jeff Tiberii for U.S. Open at Pinehurst
Pinehurst, N.C. ushered in thousands of fans last summer for the U.S. Open. WUNC's Jeff Tiberii reported on the contest, uncovering the man behind a famous pose and enjoying time with spectators on the historic No. 2 course.
Website
Wunc.org. From digging up dinosaur bones to rides on virtual rollercoaster, WUNC's website offers a growing collection of captivating stories.
The regional winners advance to compete in the national Murrow Awards in May.
You can see a full list of regional winners here.
