CENTENNIAL, Colo. July 5, 2016 – Colorado Public Radio was recognized by both national and regional institutions for insightful stories and an in-depth approach to covering news in Colorado. The honors included two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for the CPR News team and first-time recognition from the Colorado Broadcasters Association (CBA) for CPR Classical.
Among the award-winning stories was one in which CPR’s news team worked closely with NPR on a groundbreaking investigation into the U.S. Army’s release of soldiers with mental illnesses. The story, “Investigation: Army Kicked Out Thousands Of Soldiers With Brain Injuries, Mental Health Issues,” received both an Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and CBA’s first place award for Best News Feature, Report or Series.
“CPR and NPR reporters worked hand-in-hand, sharing every document, conducting interviews together and traveling across the country to investigate the issue,” said Kelley Griffin, CPR’s vice president of news. “As a result of their work, the U.S. Senate ordered an official investigation into the issue, which shows the impact journalism can have on major issues like this, particularly when reporters collaborate at both the local and national level.”
In further collaboration, Digital Editor Brad Turner and Music Fellow Andrew Randall interviewed an Israeli-American composer who was inspired by a painter who died in the Holocaust. The resulting article, which brought new journalistic focus to online content for CPR Classical, received CBA’s Certificate of Merit for Best New Media—the first CBA award CPR has ever received for music-focused content. Other CBA award wins included: first place for Best News Special or Public Affairs Program for the “Colorado Matters” discussion about race at a northeast-Denver barbershop a year after Ferguson and certificates of merit for the news team’s coverage of the James Holmes trial and its story on Colorado breakout musician Nathaniel Rateliff’s new album.
CPR News’ extensive coverage of key issues impacting the state—including arts, education, energy and environment, health and state government—was also honored. Representing this work, Education Reporter Jenny Brundin was recognized by the Education Writers Association with a National Award for Education Reporting in broadcast beat reporting.
CPR News received a second Edward R. Murrow Award, this time for its continuing coverage on police body cameras. And rounding out this year’s awards, General Assignment Reporter Megan Verlee received the Associated Press Television and Radio Association’s (APTRA) Best Light Feature award for her story, “On Colorado’s Eastern Plains, Fur Trade Re-Enactors Resurrect History.”
Edward R. Murrow Awards honor exceptional achievements in electronic journalism, APTRA honors important journalism through annual awards in more than 30 categories and CBA awards showcase Colorado’s best broadcasters in over 50 categories. The Education Writers Association’s National Awards for Education Reporting recognize excellent coverage as a cornerstone of democracy and education.
Learn more and listen to these award-winning stories.
Colorado Public Radio is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that enriches the Colorado community by providing news, information and music for people who want to be informed, enlightened and entertained. Roughly 95 percent of CPR's funds come from the private support of listeners, businesses and foundations.
CPR News: Denver 90.1 FM, Boulder 1490 AM, Pueblo 1230 AM, Vail 89.9 FM, Grand Junction 89.5 FM, Montrose / Craig / Parachute 88.3 FM, Gunnison 89.9 FM, Ouray 91.5 FM, Meeker / Rangely 91.1 FM, and online at www.cprnews.org.
CPR Classical: Denver 88.1 FM, Boulder 99.9 FM, Pueblo 91.9 FM, Colorado Springs 94.7 FM, Vail 89.1 FM, Glenwood Springs 90.5 FM, Basalt 90.1 FM, Old Snowmass 93.9 FM, Thomasville 98.3 FM, Aspen 101.5 FM, Crystal River Valley 93.9 FM, Gunnison 89.1 FM, Delta 103.3 FM, Dove Creek 88.7 FM, Cortez 105.7 FM, Mancos 102.5 FM, and online at www.cprclassical.org.
CPR’s OpenAir: Denver and Boulder 102.3 FM, Fort Collins 88.3 FM and online at www.openaircpr.org.
