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April 21, 2021

WKAR News earns top Michigan APME awards

WKAR News is honored with Outstanding News Operation and multiple first place awards for 2020.

The radio news team at WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University has earned the Outstanding News Operation award from Michigan Associated Press Media Editors for 2020. In total, the team at the public broadcasting station serving mid-Michigan received twelve first place and seven second place awards across fourteen categories.

 

APME is a nonprofit group of newsroom leaders and journalism educators that works closely with the Associated Press to promote journalism excellence. The Michigan chapter of the APME announced the awards on April 14, 2021.

“I’m honored that the Michigan APME recognized the journalistic work of WKAR with their Outstanding News Operation award,” said Drew Henderson, WKAR senior director of radio strategy and operations. "The news in 2020 was dominated by a pandemic, civil unrest and contentious elections, and our reporters worked hard to keep our audience informed. Financial support from WKAR donors made this award-winning coverage possible, and I welcome them to join us in this celebration.”

“The pace of news that came out in 2020 was unprecedented,” said Karel Vega, WKAR News managing editor. “Along with providing our listeners with information they could trust, WKAR News strove to dive deeper into the context surrounding these events to further inform our audience. It’s an honor to receive recognition for our work from the Michigan APME.”

Michigan APME honors are awarded in three print, one television, and two radio divisions. Outstanding News Operation awards were given in each division based on points earned by winning in other categories. WKAR competes in Radio Division II.

RADIO DIVISION II

General Excellence — Outstanding News Operation — Broadcast

  • First Place: WKAR-FM/AM

Best Feature Story

Best Reporter/Anchor

Best Sports Feature Story

Best in Sports Coverage

Best Sportscast

Best Use of Sound

Best Use of Portrait

Best Documentary

Best Public Service

Best Spot News Coverage

Best Continuing Coverage

  • First Place: Continuing Coverage of Michigan Board of State Canvassers by Abigail Censky
  • Second Place: Latinx Voters in Michigan by Michelle Jokisch Polo

Best Newscast

Best Multimedia Storytelling

The full list of awards can be found at the Michigan APME website.

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