
Maryland Excellence in Journalism Awards-Society of Professional Journalists
Radio Investigative Reporting
Second Place: “The Maryland VA Healthcare System”
Mary Rose Madden
WYPR Radio
New Journalist Award:
Jennifer Chang
WYPR Radio
An impressive sampling of stories. Chang may be young, but she knows the elements of producing a good radio story, including good writing and use of natural sound.
Radio Commentary/Analysis/Editorial
First Place: “101st Homicide”
Fraser Smith
WYPR
A well written, well reasoned and well delivered editorial. The use of the 101st homicide victim of the year is poignant and effective.
Radio Specialty Reporting
First Place: “King Lear: A Study in Aging”
Sheilah Kast
WYPR
A fascinating look at the challenges of aging and relationships and how Shakespeare’s King Lear can serve as a model for addressing various issues. Kast is an intelligent interviewer who asks the type of questions many listeners would if they had the opportunity to talk to the guest.
Second Place: “The Rivers Series”
Joel McCord
WYPR Radio
Radio Public Service
First Place: “Ex-Offenders Find Employment Difficult to Obtain After Incarceration”
Donna Marie Owens
WYPR-FM/Freelance Reporter
This addresses a real community problem--ex-offenders who can’t find work. Owens looks at the problem from a variety of angles in an informative manner, such as why an employer might not be able to hire an ex-offender because of insurance restrictions. Good use of sound bites. This is very educational.
Second Place: “Developing A Vaccine for Cervical Cancer”
Sheilah Kast
WYPR-FM
Radio Human Interest
First Place: “A Wise Guy’s Tale
Aaron Henkin
WYPR
A fascinating look at a “wise guy,” how he got into the “business” and turned informer in order to get out. This is a well produced story that compels the listener to stay until the end. Great job!
Radio Documentary/In-Depth
First Place: “The Toll: Coping With Crime and Violence in Baltimore”
WYPR News Staff
WYPR
Public Radio News Directors Incorporated
Continuing Coverage
Gangs
Documentary
Crime & Redemption: A Wise Guy's Tale
Documentary
Marching Band Gone Hip-Hop
National Association of Black Journalists
Radio- News: Long Form:
Donna Marie Owens, WYPR-FM,, “ African American Muslims Pts. 1 & 2”
Radio- Documentary:
WYPR News Staff, Sunni Khalid, C. Fraser Smith and Mary Rose Madden, WYPR-FM,“The Toll: Coping With Crime & Violence In Baltimore”
Association of Black Media Workers - Media Choice Awards
Radio News, Documentary
"The Toll: Coping with Crime and Violence in Baltimore"
WYPR News Team
Radio News, Long Form
"Nation of Islam: African American Muslims"
Donna Marie Owens
Radio News, Short Form
"Martha's Place"
Donna Marie Owens
Best of Baltimore - Baltimore Magazine 2008
The Signal WYPR 88.1 FM
Best Radio Show We love the freewheeling aspect of the The Signal, WYPR's weekly arts-centric chronicle (heard Fridays at noon and 7 p.m.). Producers Aaron Henkin and Lisa Morgan (aided by the distinctive throat of program director Andy Bienstock) aren't married to a set format. They'll run interviews with no interviewer, or head out on the road to assess the mood of The Free State, if they happen to feel like it. The result? A timely, stylish, often-quirky set of offerings each week—interviews with poetry slammers, mandolin orchestra members, and "fair-trade" enthusiasts—that never fail to enlighten and entertain (Baltimore Magazine July 2008).