2025
Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
- Overall Excellence for CPR News
- Continuing Coverage for Coverage of the Tina Peters election security breach trial
- Digital for CPR News and Denverite Online
- Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for “A personal journey through family history to Dearfield”
- Excellence in Sound for “Trumpet, flute and cello, oh my! These Denver preschoolers heard classical music for the first time”
- Feature Reporting for “Adventure, empowerment and friendship: A sisterhood of rafters share their stories in ‘Where Are Your Men?’”
- Investigative Reporting for “Cash for Caring: Unlicensed, inexperienced providers take on mental health and drug addiction in Denver”
- News Documentary for “In-Depth: Psilocybin and the future of cancer care”
- News Series for An investigation into the woes and mismanagement at RTD
- Sports Reporting for “The 101 on goalball, the coolest sport you’ve probably never heard of”
National Association of Black Journalists
2025 NABJ Best Practices Award
Colorado Broadcaster Awards (April 9, 2025)
Awards of excellence:
- Best Public Affairs Program for “Aurora boy shines in critically acclaimed film screening at the Denver Film Festival”
- Best News Feature (Report or Series) for “In Montrose, pride and an uncertain future mark one of the country’s oldest drive-in theaters”
- Best News Special or Public Affairs Special for the podcast Purplish – “What will make the difference in this election?”
Certificates of Merit:
- Best Public Affairs Program for “25 years after the attack, a Columbine survivor dedicates herself to making others feel safer”
- Best News Feature, Report or Series for “Trumpet, flute and cello, oh my! These Denver preschoolers heard classical music for the first time”
- Best News Coverage of a Single Event for CPR Coverage of 2024 Mollie Creek Mine Disaster
- Best News/Talk Show Host or Team for Chandra Thomas Whitfield (Colorado Matters)
- Best News Special or Public Affairs Special for the podcast Colorado In-Depth – “The Colorado clerk on trial for the big lie, and what it means for the 2024 election”
- Best Station Website for Colorado Public Radio News online
- Best Radio Podcast for Purplish
The Colorado Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists: Top of the Rockies Awards (April 5, 2025)
Awards for CPR News (extra-large newsroom division):
- Podcast, First Place, “Colorado In-Depth”
- Multimedia Story, First Place, for “Inside the intense fight to keep Space Command in Colorado Springs”
- Business Enterprise Reporting, First Place, for “A successful golf charity that runs an event in Berthoud got $70,000 in taxpayer funds. Where did that money go?”
- Investigative Reporting, First Place, for “Cash for Caring: Unlicensed, inexperienced providers take on mental health and drug addiction in Denver”
- Legal News, First Place, for “Aurora police officer working undercover at first trial in Elijah McClain's death discloses information that gets prospective juror of color dismissed”
- A&E and Food: News or Feature, First Place, for “When Russia invaded, creativity became a form of resistance for a pair of Ukrainian artists”
- Multimedia Story, Second Place, for “The Pikeview Quarry served an essential role in Colorado Springs' history. Its story is still being written”
- News Photography/Videography, Second Place, for “Crested Butte celebrates permanent protections for its 'Red Lady,' a victory 47 years in the making”
- Science and Technology Feature, Third Place, for “We squished Colorado down to a one-inch thick fudge brownie. Its new surface area will blow your mind”
- Politics Feature, Third Place, for “Colorado's first lawmaker to use a wheelchair won't seek reelection but peers hope his impact on disability rights remains”
- Ag and Environment: Feature, Third Place, for “The San Luis Peoples Market has been around for 167 years. Its new owners are looking for 167 more”
Awards for Denverite (medium newsroom division):
- Photo package, Second Place, for “Denver law enforcement arrest antiwar protesters on Auraria Campus”
- News Photography/Videography, Third Place, for “Aurora booted hundreds from an apartment building. We followed one mother of three as she figured out what to do next”
- A&E and Food: News or Feature, Second Place, for “Heavy is the head that wears the Michelin Star”
- General Reporting: Series or Package, First Place, for “This Aurora neighborhood was all but forgotten - until the whole country started talking about it”
- Multimedia Story, Second Place, for “Can you navigate Denver like a paramedic?”
2024
2024 Edward R. Murrow Award (National) from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
Colorado Public Radio won in the News Documentary category, Large Market Radio division for "A Year Since Club Q." A team of people at CPR News and KRCC contributed to the documentary: Abigail Beckman reported and produced it; Andrea Chalfin and Rachel Estabrook edited it; and Pedro Lumbraño contributed mixing and sound design. Read more about the win here.
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists
Abigail Beckman, Andrea Chalfin, Rachel Estabrook and Pedro Lumbraño were awarded the Excellence in Podcasts Award for “A year since Club Q” in "Colorado In Depth."
Public Media Journalists Association
Awards for CPR News (Division E):
- Continuing Coverage, First Place, for CPR News coverage of trials in death of Elijah McClain
- News/Public Affairs Program, First Place, for “Flying through the holidays, from crowds to construction”
- Sports Feature, First Place, for “Colorado Sled Hockey is the latest Centennial State team to skate to a national championship”
- Narrative/Produced Podcast, Second Place, for "Parched"
Awards for KRCC (Division B):
- Human Interest Feature, Second Place, "Move over Great British Baking Show, this is how you judge blue ribbon winners at the Colorado State Fair"
- Sports Feature, Second Place, "Swords, axes and shields: Full-contact medieval armored combat is happening in Black Forest, Colorado"
Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
- Overall Excellence for CPR News
- Breaking News Coverage for "Elijah McClain Verdict #2"
- Digital for CPR News and Denverite online
- Feature Reporting for "A Run-Down Motel Became an Accidental Sanctuary for Hundreds of Migrants"
- Hard News for "Christian Glass Family to Receive Largest Known Police Settlement in Colorado History"
- News Documentary for "A Year Since Club Q"
- News Series for "How is Colorado's Red Flag Law Being Used?"
- Podcast for "Parched"
- Excellence in Writing for "Take a Look Inside the Friar’s Fork & Sanctuary, on the Shortlist for a Coveted James Beard Award"
These entries now advance to the national competition.
Education Writers Association
Jenny Brundin, Alison Borden and Hart Van Denburg are the winners in the 2023 News (Broadcast) category for their coverage of the Woodland Park School District's controversies. Comments from the judges:
“This is a powerful look at just one small district infected by the national politics and polarization the whole country is dealing with. It shows how teachers and education suffer when partisan politicians get involved. This is a warning to every school district and teacher in the country. The fact that this school district and its leaders sought to bring back a focus on traditional education by gagging teachers and [cutting] mental health funding was just shocking. This series of pieces is important for anyone who cares about education.”
“The storytelling within this submission was powerful, emotional, well-crafted, and examines numerous timely issues from a local lens with national relevance in a growing era of divisiveness within public education. The slightly different formats presented within audio storytelling in each segment (interview with live clip context, individual storytelling, etc) was helpful with moving the overall narrative forward.”
Explore the three stories from the submission:
- "A Woodland Park educator stood up for her students — and lost her job"
- "Gag orders on teachers, cutting mental health support, operating in the dark — what’s happening in Woodland Park?"
- "Woodland Park teachers defy ban on speaking out publicly; allege district’s policies are harming students"
The Society of Professional Journalists Top of the Rockies Awards
Awards for CPR News (Extra Large-Newsroom Category)
- Climate Reporting, First Place, "Colorado built a park over I-70 to contain pollution. Is the air safe to breathe?" Sam Brasch, Joe Wertz, Sarah Bures, Kevin J. Beaty, Hart Van Denburg
- Education: Feature, First Place, "Exploring diversity and inclusion as the 'Prime Factor' puts CU in the national spotlight," Chandra Thomas Whitfield, Carl Bilek, Rachel Estabrook
- General Reporting - Series or Package, First Place, "Aurora ICE death autopsy released, raises questions about medical care in federal detention centers," Matt Bloom, Matt Moret, Alejandro Alonso Galva, Stephanie Rivera
- Climate Photography/Videography, Second Place, "How drought is changing the Colorado River and the lives of the people who depend on it," Hart Van Denburg, Kevin J. Beaty, Joe Wertz, Jeremy Wade Shockley
- Legal: Feature, Second Place, "One Colorado stalking victim never wanted to become the center of a First Amendment case at the US Supreme Court," Allison Sherry, Alison Borden
- Legal: News, Second Place, "Christian Glass family to receive largest known police settlement in Colorado history," Allison Sherry, Matt Bloom, Alejandro Alonso Galva
- News Reporting - Single Story, Second Place, "For those who have fought big tobacco, lobbyist's presence on Denver Health board is 'a contradiction'," John Daley, Alison Borden
- Podcast, Second Place, "Colorado In Depth," Rachel Estabrook, Abigail Beckman, Michael Elizabeth Sakas, Allison Sherry, Pedro Lumbraño, Emily Williams, Rebekah Romberg
- A&E and Food: News or Feature, Third Place, "An institution of Denver music is closing. They made a lot of family along the way," Eden Lane, Andrew Villegas, Kevin J. Beaty
Awards for Denverite (Medium-Newsroom Category)
- Enterprise Reporting, First Place, "Michael Hancock gave Denver a bold 'Vision Zero' goal of eliminating traffic deaths. Here's why it failed," Nathaniel Minor, Kevin J. Beaty, Joe Wertz
- Mental Health: Feature, First Place, "A man died by suicide during an eviction. Denver's systems weren't built to save him," Kyle Harris, Obed Manuel, Kevin J. Beaty
- Multimedia Story, First Place, "A run-down motel became an accidental sanctuary for hundreds of migrants. In them, its owner found renewed purpose and meaning." Kevin J. Beaty, Obed Manuel
- Spot News Photography/Videography, Second Place, "Over a dozen arrested as pro-Palestinian protesters shut down Speer Blvd," Eli Imadali
- Feature: Long form, Third Place, "'It isn't normal': 21 hours of homelessness, crime and community at Denver's 'Top Gun' calzone shop on Broadway," Kyle Harris, Obed Manuel, Kevin J. Beaty
Awards for KRCC (Medium-Newsroom Category)
- A&E and Food: News or Feature, Second Place, "In the San Luis Valley, artisans paint pictures of everyday life using colcha embroidery," Shanna Lewis
- Ag and Environment: Feature, Second Place, "Farmers fear laws meant to protect agricultural workers could put them out of business, end iconic Colorado crops," Abigail Beckman
- Sports: Feature, Second Place, "Swords, axes and shields: Full-contact medieval armored combat is happening in Black Forest, Colorado," Shanna Lewis
- Sports Photography/Videography, Third Place, "The World Jump Rope Championships are in Colorado Springs. For team Canada, the event goes beyond getting a trophy," Hart Van Denburg
Colorado Broadcasters Association
- Station of the Year (Metro Market)
Awards of Excellence for CPR News (Metro Market):
- Best Public Affairs Program, "Exploring diversity and inclusion as the ‘Prime Factor’ puts CU in the national spotlight" AND "‘Diversity doesn’t happen in a vacuum’ — CU officials on school’s DEI quest," Chandra Whitfield, Rachel Estabrook, Carl Bilek
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, "RTD wants to ban riding trains and buses all day. So we rode for 20 hours and talked to people who do that.," Nathaniel Minor, Kevin J. Beaty, Joe Wertz
- Best Mini-Documentary or Series, "The life and death of Elijah McClain: What have we learned?," Allison Sherry, Rachel Estabrook, Emily Williams
- Best News Special or Public Affairs Special, "Elijah McClain Trial #2 Special Coverage," Nathan Heffel, Rachel Estabrook, Alejandro A. Alonso Galva
- Best Station Website, www.cpr.org, Sarah Bures, Stephanie Rivera, Alex Scoville
- Best Radio Podcast, "Parched," Michael Elizabeth Sakas, Rachel Estabrook, Joe Wertz
Certificates of Merit for CPR News (Metro Market):
- Best Public Affairs Program, "He survived the Holocaust, then flourished on Colorado’s folk music scene," Michael Hughes, Ryan Warner
- Best News/Talk Show Host or Team (multiple winners), "Colorado Matters," Chandra Thomas Whitfield
- Best Sports Feature, "Colorado Sled Hockey is the latest Centennial State team to skate to a national championship," Anthony Gorman, Alejandro A. Alonso Galva
- Best Mini-Documentary or Series, "A year since Club Q," Abigail Beckman, Rachel Estabrook, Andrea Chalfin
- Best News Special or Public Affairs Special, "Colorado Springs’ next mayor is a man few thought would win. What happened?," Andrea Chalfin, Bente Birkeland, Shane Rumsey
- Best Radio Podcast, "Purplish," Bente Birkeland, Andrew Kenney, Caitlyn Kim
Award of Excellence for KRCC (Major Market):
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, "Farmers fear laws meant to protect agricultural workers could put them out of business, end iconic Colorado crops," Abigail Beckman
- Best News Coverage of a Single Event, "Accused Club Q shooter pleads guilty," Abigail Beckman, Allison Sherry
Certificates of Merit for KRCC (Major Market):
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, "Swords, axes and shields: Full-contact medieval armored combat is happening in Black Forest, Colorado," Shanna Lewis
Best of the West
- News Slideshow, Third Place, "Migrant arrivals push city resources to their limits," Kevin J. Beaty, Denverite
“This is a topic that dominates much of our political discourse these days, but these photos go past that and give migrants a dignity they’re not often shown,” the judge wrote.
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Gracie Award®
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation awarded the team behind "A year since Club Q" (Abigail Beckman, Andrea Chalfin and Rachel Estabrook) a Gracie Award (News Feature - Radio Local). The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media and entertainment.
Colorado Association of Black Journalists
- Organization of the Year: Colorado Public Radio
- Journalist of the Year: Chandra Thomas Whitfield
2023
The Best of The Colorado Sun
- Best Radio Station Denver Metro: Colorado Public Radio
- Runner-up: Indie 102.3
- Best Radio Station Southeast: KRCC
Colorado Parent Magazine
- Family Favorites 2023: Favorite Radio Station Award
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists
- Excellence in Radio Award, Hayley Sanchez and Kevin Beaty for “For the Colorado Springs LGBTQ community, the Club Q shooting has dredged up memories of the area’s bigoted past — and the huge progress made (and yet to make)“
Public Media Journalists Association
- News Feature, First Place - KRCC, for “Ever wonder what all those numbers mean on your property tax bill? Take a tour of a bill with a Pueblo homeowner and find out.”
- Digital Writing, Second Place - Colorado Public Radio, for “'Ghost guns,' violent threats and dodged subpoenas: Why an earlier case against the alleged Club Q shooter failed”
- News/Public Affairs Program, Second Place - Colorado Public Radio, for “A road trip across Colorado's new congressional district”
Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
- Overall Excellence
- Continuing Coverage for Coverage of Club Q Shooting
- Digital for CPR News and Denverite online
- Excellence in Sound for She was a World-Class Violinist Who Became Homeless. Now Her Instrument is Getting a New Life
- Hard News for Fentanyl is Everywhere, and Showing up in Other Illicit Drugs
- Investigative Reporting for A Criminal Investigation and Complicated Professional History Loom over the Adams County Sheriff
- News Documentary for How Colorado Counts Your Ballot
- Sports Reporting for ‘Where Nerds Win’: At the Colorado School of Mines, Excellence on the Field is a Natural Product
These entries now advance to the national Murrow competition.
The Webby Awards
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Podcast, Honoree, "¿Quién Are We?"
- News & Politics Podcast, Honoree, "Purplish"
The Society of Professional Journalists Top of the Rockies Awards
Awards for CPR News (Extra Large-Newsroom Category)
- Politics: Feature, First Place, "A road trip across Colorado's new congressional district," Ryan Warner, Carla Jimenez, Pete Creamer
- Podcast, First Place, "Back From Broken," Vic Vela, Luis Antonio Perez, Erin Jones, Brad Turner, Rebekah Romberg, Jo Erickson, Daniel Mescher
- Sports: Feature, First Place, "Where Nerds Win': At the Colorado School of Mines, excellence on the field is a natural product of excellence in the classroom," Vic Vela, Andrew Villegas, Michael Hughes
- Feature Photography/Videography, Second Place, "Drone shows instead of July 4 fireworks? More Colorado communities are making the switch for fire safety," Hart Van Denburg
- Legal: Feature, Second Place, "Elijah McClain's autopsy report changed to death by ketamine," Allison Sherry, Alison Borden
- Column Personal/Humor, Second Place, "Remembering Betty White for the indelible impact her 'Golden Girls' HIV story left on me," Vic Vela, Andrew Villegas, Michael Hughes
- Podcast, Second Place, "¿Quién Are We?," May Ortega, Luis Antonio Perez, Erin Jones, Andrew Villegas, Ana Campbell, Brad Turner, Pedro Lumbrano, Mia Rincón, Rebekah Romberg, Jo Erickson, Patrice Mondragon
- Education: Feature, Second Place, "DougCo schools don't require masks, leaving parents of kids with medical conditions with little options and a lot of fear," Jenny Brundin, Alison Borden, Kevin Beaty
- Climate Reporting, Second Place, "Shrinking Water Supply in the San Luis Valley," Michael Elizabeth Sakas, Joe Wertz
- Climate Photography/Videography, Second Place, "'What was important was life': Marshall fire evacuee recalls losing his house, and being saved by the community," Eli Imadali
- Health: Feature, Third Place, "Your poop is being tested for COVID. Here's how that helps control the virus' spread," John Daley, Alison Borden
- Social Justice Reporting, Third Place, "Meet the couple working to get more people of color driving in the truck industry," Elaine Tassy, Patrice Mondragon, Hart Van Denburg, Chuck Murphy
- Mental Health: Feature, Third Place, "Restaurant work can be a 'stress bucket.' To help support mental health, one restaurant group hired a full-time wellness director," John Daley, Alison Borden, Hart Van Denburg
- News Reporting- Single Story, Third Place, "In Colorado Springs, a Ukrainian cobbler works, watches from afar, and waits for news of his family," Dan Boyce, Andrew Villegas
Awards for KRCC (Medium-Newsroom Category)
- General Reporting- Series, First Place, "Many people on the Front Range depend on water from the Denver Basin. But the underground supply isn't infinite, and one group is trying to find a solution," Shanna Lewis
- News Reporting- Single Story, First Place, "Ever wonder what all those numbers mean on your property tax bill? Take a tour of a bill with a Pueblo homeowner and find out.," Shanna Lewis
Awards for Denverite (Medium-Newsroom Category)
- Multimedia Story, First Place, "Play our version of Guess Who and get to know some mayoral candidates," Kevin Beaty, Obed Manuel
- Education: Feature, Second Place, "The State of Childcare in Denver," Kyle Harris, Ana Campbell, Dave Burdick, Stephanie Rivera, Kevin Beaty
- News Photography/Videography, Third Place, "The Afghan refugee crisis is still happening, and it's spilling into Denver," Kevin Beaty
- Extended Coverage, Third Place, "Migrant families from the southern U.S. border have quietly been arriving in Denver. The city is preparing for many more," Kevin Beaty, Stephanie Rivera, May Ortega, Obed Manuel
- Feature Photograph/Videography, Third Place, "Zen and the art of pigeon racing: win or lose, the sport is an escape for Eduardo Gonzalez," Kevin Beaty
Colorado Broadcasters Association
- Station of the Year (Metro Market)
Awards of Excellence for CPR News (Metro Market):
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, "Stressed out, busy moms say microdosing mushrooms makes life easier and brighter," Allison Sherry, Alison Borden
- Best News Coverage of a Single Event, Shooting at Club Q, CPR News & KRCC staff
- Best Sports Feature, "For a guy named Bones, a winding road to the NBA has him ready to show what he’s made of — and where he comes from," Vic Vela, Andrew Villegas
- Best Mini-Documentary or Series, "How three Coloradans found solutions for chronic pain," Andrea Dukakis, Ryan Warner, Rachel Estabrook
- Best News Special or Public Affairs Special, "Turn The Page With Colorado Matters," Ryan Warner, Tyler Bender, Carla Jimenez
- Best Radio Podcast, "Back from Broken – Lissa Yellow Bird-Chase," Vic Vela, Luis Antonio Perez, Rebekah Romberg
Certificates of Merit for CPR News (Metro Market):
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, "A criminal investigation and complicated professional history loom over the Adams County sheriff election," Ben Markus, Allison Sherry, Chuck Murphy
- Best Sports Feature, "‘Where Nerds Win’: At the Colorado School of Mines, excellence on the field is a natural product of excellence in the classroom," Vic Vela, Andrew Villegas
- Best Mini-Documentary or Series, "How Colorado Counts Your Ballot," Matt Bloom, Rachel Estabrook, Emily Williams
- Best Radio Podcast, "¿Quién Are We?," May Ortega, Luis Antonio Perez, Erin Jones
Award of Excellence for KRCC (Major Market):
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, "Colorado Springs man hopes to be the fourth person to push a peanut up Pikes Peak with his nose," Abigail Beckman
Certificate of Merit for KRCC (Major Market):
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, "Ever wonder what all those numbers mean on your property tax bill? Take a tour of a bill with a Pueblo homeowner and find out.," Shanna Lewis
Best of the West
- Audio Storytelling, Third Place, "¿Quién Are We?," May Ortega, Luis Antonio Perez, Erin Jones
New York Festivals Radio Awards
- Personal Lives Podcast, Silver, "¿Quién Are We?"
- Social Justice Podcast, Finalist, "Systemic"
Westword BEST OF DENVER® 2023
Westword named Indie 102.3 the Best Radio Station for Music in its 2023 Best of Denver awards.
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Gracie Award®
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation awarded CPR reporter Allison Sherry a Gracie Award (Interview Feature - Radio Non-Commercial Local) for "Stressed out, busy moms say microdosing mushrooms makes life easier and brighter." The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media and entertainment. Sherry was also given a Gracie Award in the same category in 2022.
2022
Public Media Journalists Association
- Enterprise, First Place, for Colorado's affordable housing crisis - and the people living through it
- Feature, First Place, for A World War II vet is reunited with the bracelet - inscribed with his wife's name - he lost during the war
- Interview Podcast, First Place, for Back From Broken: Hunter Biden
- Investigative Reporting, First Place, for Colorado In Depth: Humans Start Most Wildfires in Colorado. Why's It So Easy To Get Away With?
- Series, First Place, for The Workforce Behind The Workforce: Confronting Colorado's Critical Child Care Staffing Shortage
Covering Climate Now Awards
CPR News climate and environment reporter Miguel Otárola's story, "Wildfires Are Ravaging the West. Research Shows the People in Their Paths Vastly Underestimate the Risk" won the award for short audio feature at the 2022 Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards. From the judges: "He uses the voices of local characters to turn what could have been a dull feature on fire-preparedness into exemplary local journalism that both anticipates and serves the needs of its audience. The feature outlines practical steps that individuals, businesses, and communities can take to enhance their safety. Coverage like this helps close the gap between people’s perceptions and the realities of the dangers climate change is bringing." The piece is one of 23 winners selected from over 900 entries submitted from 65 countries. Juries composed of distinguished journalists representing 58 newsrooms around the world chose 68 finalists before naming the ultimate winners.
Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
- Podcast for Systemic
- News Documentary for From dawn to dinner at a family-owned restaurant that has survived the pandemic
- Feature Reporting for He bought land in Park County before he could afford to build a home. So, he dug a hole there instead and lives in it.
- Excellence in DEI for ‘We’re coming to them’: One Colorado vaccine activist looks to get shots to every Latino
- Excellence in Sound for We Rode Amtrak’s California Zephyr Train Across Colorado. Here’s What We Saw And Who We Met
- Digital for CPR News and Denverite online
These entries now advance to the national Murrow competition.
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Gracie Award®
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation awarded CPR reporter Allison Sherry a Gracie Award (Interview Feature - Radio Non-Commercial Local) for her interview with Elijah McClain's mother, "‘I’ll Fight For The Rest Of My Life’: Elijah McClain’s Mother Reflects On Two Years Since His Death." The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media and entertainment.
The Society of Professional Journalists Top of the Rockies Awards
- First Amendment Award: Ben Markus
Awards for CPR News (Extra Large-Newsroom Category)
- Sports: Feature, First Place, "Tiny Branson's Field of Dreams", Vic Vela, Andrew Villegas, Shane Rumsey
- Health: News, First Place, "Omicron has arrived in Colorado. Here's what we know about how COVID spreads in the air", John Daley, Alison Borden
- Podcast, First Place, Systemic, Jo Erickson, Brad Turner, Dennis Funk, Luis Antonio Perez, Rachel Estabrook, Elena Rivera, Daniel Mescher
- News Reporting - Single Story, Second Place, "He bought land in Park County before he could afford to build a home. So, he dug a hole there instead and lives in it", Dan Boyce, Alison Borden
- Climate Reporting, Second Place, CPR News' Wildfire Solutions Series, Sam Brasch, Michael Elizabeth Sakas, Miguel Otárola, Joe Wertz
- Health Feature, Second Place, "Last Year, He Caught COVID. Now, He’s Had Colorado’s First COVID-Related Lung Transplant", Michelle P. Fulcher, Ryan Warner
- Feature Photography/Videography, Second Place, San Luis Valley, Kevin Beaty
- Education: Feature, Third Place, "We Asked The Third Graders Of Room 132 To Reflect On The ‘Year Like No Other.’ Here’s What They Said", Jenny Brundin, Andrew Villegas, Kevin Beaty
- Health: Feature, Third Place, “A Respected Denver Doctor Ends Her Practice, But She’s Not Done Serving Her Community,” John Daley, Kevin Beaty, Chuck Murphy
- Enterprise Reporting, Third Place, “Colorado In Depth: Humans Start Most Wildfires in Colorado. Why's It So Easy To Get Away With?”, Ben Markus, Veronica Penney, Chuck Murphy, Rachel Estabrook , Hart Van Denburg, Kevin Beaty, Eli Imadali, Sam Brasch, Luis Antonio Perez, Pedro Lumbrano, Kevin Dale
- Ag and Environment: Feature, Third Place, “Historically excluded from Colorado River policy, tribes want a say in how the dwindling resource is used. Access to clean water is a start.”, Michael Elizabeth Sakas, Joe Wertz, Jeremy Wade Shockley
Awards for Denverite (Medium-Newsroom Category)
- Specialized Reporting - Arts and Entertainment, First Place, “A Denver billboard was supposed to show solidarity with the Asian American community. It ended up hurting instead.”, Maggie Donahue, Dave Burdick
- News Photography/Videography, First Place, “Welton Street Cafe navigates another season of change, confronting challenges that lead to support and stability”, Kevin Beaty
- Business: Enterprise Reporting, First Place, The pandemic’s impact on Denver businesses, Kevin Beaty
- Multimedia Story, First Place, “The fight over Montbello High has always been bigger than a school. The Montbello Warriors have always been bigger than sports.”, Kevin Beaty
- Social Justice Photography/Videography, First Place, Portraits of people recovering from police brutality and suing to hold authorities accountable, Kevin Beaty
- News Photography/Videography, Third Place, Business owners bounce back from COVID-19, Kevin Beaty
Colorado Broadcasters Association
- Station of the Year (Metro Market)
Awards of Excellence
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, “When Coronavirus Postponed The Tokyo Games, This Paralympian Kept Swimming - With High Schoolers In Salida,” Dan Boyce and Andrew Villegas
- Best Sports Feature, “Tiny Branson’s Field of Dreams”, Vic Vela, Andrew Villegas and Shane Rumsey
- Best Mini-Documentary or Series, “From dawn to dinner at a family-owned restaurant that has survived the pandemic”, Sarah Mulholland, Ryan Warner and Carl Bilek
- Best Station Website, Colorado Public Radio News Online, Dave Burdick, Hart Van Denburg, Obed Manuel
- Best Radio Podcast, Back from Broken, Vic Vela, Brad Turner and Luis Antonio Perez
- Best Use of Digital/Social Media, Indie 102.3 Marketing Campaign, Jodi Gersh, Mia Rincón and Willobee Carlan
Certificates of Merit:
- Best Regularly Scheduled Newscast, CPR Newscasts, Mike Lamp, May Ortega and Jo Ann Allen
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, “We Asked The Third Graders Of Room 132 To Reflect On The 'Year Like No Other.' Here's What They Said,” Jenny Brundin, Andrew Villegas and Kevin J. Beaty
- Best Mini-Documentary or Series, “The Workforce Behind The Workforce: Confronting Colorado's Critical Child Care Staffing Shortage,” Jenny Brundin, Kate Schimel and Andrew Villegas
- Best News Special or Public Affairs Special, “Rhythm Of Healing: Grieving And Reflecting On The Last Year,” Hayley Sanchez, Megan Verlee and Amanda Henderson
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, (KRCC) “Preservation work at the Ludlow Massacre site revealed hidden symbols. They'll never be seen again,” Shanna Lewis
Westword Best of Denver 2022
- Best New Denver Podcast, "Ghost Train"
Best of the West
- Sports Reporting, First Place, “Tiny Branson’s Field of Dreams”, Vic Vela, Andrew Villegas and Shane Rumsey
The Podcast Academy's Awards for Excellence in Audio (Ambies)
- Best Podcast for Kids, "Music Blocks"
2021
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists
- Excellence in Radio, for Ken Felts Came Out At 90 Years Old, And His Story Went Viral. Now The Next Chapter Is Just Beginning, Ryan Warner, Carl Bilek, Sonya Doctorian
Best of the West
- Feature Slideshow, for Pregnant and on a ventilator: This Colorado mom survived coronavirus and just gave birth, Hart Van Denburg and Jim Hill
Public Media Journalists Association
- Newscast, Second Place
- Long Documentary, Second Place, for "The Long Lonely Lake", Dan Boyce
- Investigation, Second Place, for Shot's Fired, Ben Markus, Allison Sherry and Chuck Murphy
- Commentary, Second Place, for This Nuggets Playoff Run Is Making It OK To Feel Good Again, Vic Vela
Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
- Breaking News for coverage of the East Troublesome fire
- Digital for CPR News’ online COVID-19 coverage
- Continuing Coverage for CPR News’ coverage of health inequities in the pandemic and coronavirus vaccine rollout in Colorado
- Excellence in Sound for A Colorado Spruce’s Journey To Becoming The US Capitol Christmas Tree
- Feature Reporting for Black And Latino Officers Bring Their Own Experiences With Racism To The Job
- Investigative Reporting for Shots Fired: An Investigation Into Police Shootings
- News Documentary for “The Long Lonely Lake”
- Sports Reporting for The Nuggets Are Making It OK To Feel Good Again
These entries now advance to the national Murrow competition.
The Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Mental Health Reporting from the National Press Foundation
According to the National Press Foundation, the Mattingly Award recognizes exemplary journalism that illuminates and advances the understanding of mental health issues and treatments for the illness. Boyce won the award in recognition of his audio documentary “The Long Lonely Lake,” published as a bonus episode of CPR’s podcast “Back from Broken.” “The Long Lonely Lake” details Boyce’s own mental breakdown and his journey back to health.
The Society of Professional Journalists Top of the Rockies Awards
Awards for CPR News (Extra Large-Newsroom Category)
- Ag and Environment: News, First Place, Safety Fears Hang In The Air After A Benzene Spike At A Greeley School With A Neighboring Oil And Gas Well, Allison Herrera, Michael Elizabeth Sakas, Alison Borden, Chuck Murphy, Hart Van Denburg
- Beat Reporting, COVID-19 health impacts, John Daley, Kate Schimel
- Education: News, First Place, Inside Room 132: How One Colorado School Embarks On In-Person Learning, Jenny Brundin, Kate Schimel
- Enterprise Reporting, First Place, Shots Fired: An investigation of police shootings in Colorado, Ben Markus, Allison Sherry, Chuck Murphy, Jim Hill, Kevin Beaty, Hart Van Denburg, Kevin Dale
- Feature Photography/Videography, First Place, What A Time To Become An American, Hart Van Denburg, Avery Lill, Rachel Estabrook
- Health: News, First Place, COVID-19 Long Haulers, Claire Cleveland, Hart Van Denburg, Kate Schimel
- Pandemic Photography/Videography, First Place, Pregnant And On a Ventilator: This Colorado Mom Survived Coronavirus And Just Gave Birth, Hart Van Denburg
- Podcast, Back from Broken, Vic Vela, Brad Turner, Rebekah Romberg, Rachel Estabrook, Curtis Fox
- Politics: News, First Place, Colorado's Third Congressional District Race, Caitlyn Kim, Michelle Fulcher, Sandra Fish, Megan Verlee, Carl Bilek, Ryan Warner, Jim Hill, Hart Van Denburg
- Social Justice Reporting, First Place, The inequities in Colorado's COVID-19 response, John Daley, Andrea Dukakis, Kate Schimel, Chuck Murphy, Paolo Zialcita, Elena Rivera, Esteban Hernandez, Kevin Beaty, Hart Van Denburg, Andrew Kenney, Jim Hill, Phil Maravilla, Ryan Warner, Avery Lill, Carl Bilek, Claire Cleveland, Donna Bryson
- Breaking News Story, Second Place, The East Troublesome Fire, Hart Van Denburg, Alison Borden, Dan Boyce, Michael Elizabeth Sakas, Kevin Beaty, Corey Jones, Ana Campbell, Sam Brasch, Nathaniel Minor, Dave Burdick, Alex Scoville, Jim Hill, Francie Swidler, Esteban Hernandez
- Enterprise Reporting, Second Place, How Colorado Caught COVID-19, Ben Markus, Allison Sherry, Chuck Murphy, Jim Hill, Kevin Beaty, Hart Van Denburg, Kevin Dale
- Mental Health: News, Second Place, Healthcare Worker Burnout, John Daley, Hart Van Denburg, Kate Schimel
- Podcast, Second Place, On Something, Ann Marie Awad, Curtis Fox, Mark Pagan, Rebekah Romberg, Brad Turner, Dennis Funk
- Mental Health: Feature, Third Place,The Long Lonely Lake, Dan Boyce, Bishop Sand, Dennis Funk, Alisa Barba
- Politics: News, Third Place, Election Conspiracy Theorists Focused On One Man In Colorado. His Life Will Never Be The Same, Bente Birkeland, Megan Verlee
Awards for Denverite (Medium Newsroom Category)
- Feature Photography/Videography, First Place,Deportation made her a single mother. Now, Christina Zaldivar may leave the only city she's called home., Kevin J. Beaty
- Multimedia Story, First Place, Denver's coroners, our advocates for the dead, are busier than ever, Kevin J. Beaty
- Social Justice Photography/Videography, First Place, “Protests for racial justice,” Kevin J. Beaty
- Social Justice Reporting, First Place, Aftermath of protests against police violence and systemic racism, David Sachs
- Ag and Environment: News, Third Place, Air Quality Data Reporting, Kevin J. Beaty
- Public Service, Third Place, RTD's domain, David Sachs
Colorado Broadcasters Association
Awards of Excellence
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, Marching with King: After 50 Years, A Coloradan’s Emotional Return to Selma, Anthony Cotton, Rachel Estabrook, Michael Hughes
- Best Mini-Documentary or Series (public radio stations only), The Long Lonely Lake, Dan Boyce, Bishop Sand, Dennis Funk
- Best Radio Podcast, On Something: Cannabis on the Menu, Ann Marie Awad, Rebekah Romberg, Dennis Funk
Certificates of Merit
- Best News Coverage of a Single Event, CPR’s coverage of the spread of the East Troublesome Fire, CPR News team
- Best Mini-Documentary or Series (public radio stations only), Monet Mondays, Monika Vischer, Karla Walker, CPR Classical Team
Full list of CBA awards (must watch videos in order to see awards lists).
2020
Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
- Investigative Reporting for CPR investigates lobbyists’ influence on Denver’s mayor
- Feature Reporting for the With(In) Podcast
- Sports Reporting for CPR reports on handball in “Old Denver”
The Associated Press Television and Radio Awards
- Best Sports Feature Story, First Place, Colorado Vintage Base Ball League Keeps the Old Timey Game Alive, Vic Vela, Andrew Villegas
- Best Continuing Coverage, First Place, Teens Under Stress, CPR News staff
- Best Continuing Coverage, Second Place, The Crisis at the Denver Regional Transportation District, Nathaniel Minor, Kate Schimel
- Best Use of Sound, Second Place, Mars? Nope. Students Take to Great Sand Dunes to Test Robots, Dan Boyce, Megan Verlee
- Best Feature Story, Second Place, The With(In) Podcast Takes You Inside Prison, Made By The Inmates Who Live The Reality, Stephanie Wolf, Kelley Griffin
- Best Documentary, Second Place, How Mass Shooting Survivors Help Each Other, Nathaniel Minor, Rachel Estabrook
- Best Digital Presence, Second Place, CPR News online, Dave Burdick and Jim Hill
- Best Special Programming, Second Place, The Lasting Impact of Child Sexual Abuse, Ryan Warner, Xandra McMahon
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Gracie® Award
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation awarded CPR reporter Jenny Brundin a Gracie® Award (News Feature - Radio Non-Commercial Local) for her work on the "Teens Under Stress" series. The Gracies® have honored individual achievement and exemplary programming created by, for and about women in all facets of media and entertainment for 45 years.
The Society of Professional Journalists - Colorado Chapter
- Journalist of the Year, to CPR News for the "Teens Under Stress" project
- Spot News Photography, First Place, Promised Snow Snarls The Front Range, Closes State Govt. And Will Certainly Mess With Your Travel Plans, Hart Van Denburg
- Politics: Enterprise, Reporting, Second Place, CPR investigates the personnel problems plaguing a new state ethics commissioner, Bente Birkeland, Megan Verlee, Chuck Murphy
- General Website Excellence, First Place, CPR News online, Dave Burdick, Jim Hill, Hart Van Denburg, Francie Swidler, Alex Scoville, Alison Borden, Andrew Villegas
- General Podcasting Excellence, First Place, CPR's Since Columbine, Andrea Dukakis, Rachel Estabrook, Nathaniel Minor, Kevin Dale, Jon Pinnow
- Breaking News Story, Second Place, CPR News' coverage of the bomb cyclone, Dave Burdick, Andrew Villegas, Jim Hill, Hayley Sanchez, Natalia Navarro, Megan Verlee, Dan Boyce, Michelle P. Fulcher, Ryan Warner, Dan Schneider, Kevin J. Beaty, Donna Bryson
- Business Enterprise Reporting, First Place, and Multimedia Story, First Place, CPR investigates businesses' influence on Denver's mayor's office, Ben Markus, Kevin Dale, Rachel Estabrook, Jim Hill
- Ag and Environment: General Reporting, First Place, It’s Raining Plastic In Parts Of Colorado, Michael Elizabeth Sakas, Kelley Griffin, Jim Hill
- Health: Enterprise Reporting, First Place, CPR's coverage of the vaping epidemic, John Daley, Kate Schimel
- Marijuana Enterprise Reporting, First Place, Weed's Legal Hangover, Ann Marie Awad, Brad Turner, Curtis Fox, Rachel Estabrook, Kevin Dale
- Best Solutions Journalism, Second Place, Climate Change Variety Hour, Ryan Warner, Carl Bilek, Matt Herz, Michael Hughes, Grace Hood, Paul Karolyi
- Sports: General Reporting, First Place, and Feature Photography, Second Place, Colorado Vintage Baseball League Keeps The Old Timey Game Alive, Hart Van Denburg
- News Photography, First Place, Frustrated With Adults, STEM School Shooting Survivors Take Over Vigil in Highlands Ranch, Kevin J. Beaty
- News Photography, Second Place, In Early-Morning Roundups, Denver Grabs Geese In City Parks To Kill Them And Send Meat To Hungry Families, Kevin J. Beaty
- News Photography, Third Place, Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke visits Aurora to talk about gun control, Hart Van Denburg
- A&E and Food: Single Story, First Place, Colorado Ballet Hopes This Years Nutcracker Is The Last Held Together By Duct Tape And Glue, Stephanie Wolf, Kelley Griffin
- Multimedia Story, Third Place, Beloved Saber-Toothed Cat At The Denver Museum Of Nature & Science Gets Dental Work, New Roars, Sam Brasch, Kevin J. Beaty, Jim Hill, Megan Verlee
- Health: General Reporting, First Place, Colorado Is A Hotbed Of Teen Vaping, But Lacks The Tools To Help Kids Quit, John Daley, Kate Schimel
- Health: General Reporting, Second Place, How medical translators could slow America's maternal mortality crisis, Sam Brasch, Megan Verlee, Dave Burdick
- Education: General Reporting, Second Place, Amelia's audio diary, Jenny Brundin, Kate Schimel
- Ag and Environment: Enterprise, First Place, CPR investigates methane reporting in Colorado, Grace Hood, Kate Schimel, Allison Herrera, Chuck Murphy
The Colorado Broadcasters Association
Awards:
- Best Public Affairs Program, CPR’s special “Guns, Hate and Mental Health” (Colorado Matters team)
- Best Mini-Documentary or Series, CPR’s Since Columbine, Nathaniel Minor, Andrea Dukakis, Rachel Estabrook
- Best News Special or Public Affairs Special, CPR reports on the lasting impact of child sexual abuse, Ryan Warner, Xandra McMahon, Carl Bilek
- Best Use of Digital/Social Media, CPR’s Teen Phone Use on Instagram, Francie Swidler, Kevin Beaty, Kate Schimel
- Best Radio Podcast, CPR’s On Something, Ann Marie Awad, Brad Turner, Curtis Fox
Certificates of Merit:
- Best News Feature, Report or Series, CPR reports on bike safety in Colorado, Nathaniel Minor, Kate Schimel
- Best News Special or Public Affairs Special, CPR’s Climate Change Variety Hour, Ryan Warner, Grace Hood, Matt Herz
- Best Radio Podcast, CPR’s Since Columbine, Nathaniel Minor, Andrea Dukakis, Rachel Estabrook
The New York Festivals® Radio Awards
- Personal Lives Podcast, Silver award, CPR’s "On Something," Ann Marie Awad, Brad Turner, Rebekah Romberg, Curtis Fox, Rachel Estabrook, Kevin Dale
- Best Regularly Scheduled Talk Program, Bronze award, CPR's "Colorado Matters," Ryan Warner, Carl Bilek, Michael Elizabeth Sakas, Ben Markus, Michael Hughes
