WKMS is proud to bring home five national Public Radio News Directors Inc. awards for outstanding news reporting.
WKMS won two 1st place and three 2nd place awards for Breaking News, Podcast, Best Use of Sound, Soft Feature and Sports Feature. WKMS competes in Division C, against other stations with newsrooms of one to three full-time staff.
Congratulations to award-winners: News Director Matt Markgraf, Volunteer 'Something From Nothing' Podcast Producer Justin Lewis, Reporter Nicole Erwin, Station Manager Chad Lampe and Freelance Reporter Will Aubrey.
"Of course, we couldn't tell these stories without the continuing financial support, participation and encouragement from listeners," said Matt Markgraf, who traveled to Philadelphia to attend the PRNDI conference and award ceremony over the weekend. "We have a small news team that understands the immense value of public radio in the region. It is with humble gratitude that we accept these awards, which will serve as a reminder that we must continue to strive to share the voices and issues of our region with local and national audiences."
WKMS News is comprised mostly of Murray State University students. Our staff is committed to affording a unique, professional opportunity through paid internships for a diverse group of students interested in public radio journalism. To contribute to the WKMS Student Journalism Fund, contact Membership Director Jenni Todd at jtodd14@murraystate.edu or 270-809-4748.
Listen to the award-winning pieces:
- First Place - Breaking News - "Big Sandy Residents Mourn Death Of Sonny Melton, Las Vegas Massacre Victim"
- First Place - Podcast - "Something From Nothing: #PartakeInPaducah"
- Second Place - Best Use of Sound - "Wickliffe Mounds Sing With Chickasaw Dance Troupe"
- Second Place - Soft Feature - "Defend Be A Friend: Tennessee Teen Creates Superhero To Help Children Understand Autism"
- Second Place - Sports Feature - "Tackling Stereotypes: Middle Schooler Playing The Line"
