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CPR honored with four awards from the Colorado AP Broadcasters Association

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – May 24, 2011– Colorado Public Radio's (CPR) news team won two first place and two second place awards at the Colorado Associated Press Broadcasters Association (CAPBA) annual awards banquet on Saturday, May 21.

CPR won first place in the documentary and general reporting categories and second place in the feature and investigative reporting categories.

“Colorado Matters” Host Ryan Warner won first place for documentary for his in-depth discussion with Army Staff Sergeant Ian Newland about his experiences as a soldier during the Iraq War.

General assignment reporter Megan Verlee received first place in general reporting for her five-part series “Biography of a Bill,” which examined each step in the legislative process by following Colorado's “Wildlife Crossing Bill” from concept to adoption.

Health reporter Eric Whitney won second place in investigative reporting for his story, “Doctors and Drug Company Money.” The report exposed Colorado doctors who failed to report earned income from drug companies despite a three-year old law that mandates this disclosure.

Reporter Zachary Barr won second place in the feature category for his story “Treating Autism with Marijuana,” which examined parents' unconventional attempts to treat autistic children with small doses of marijuana and the controversy this created within Boulder's autism community.

CAPBA judges considered objectivity, thoroughness in reporting, creativity and writing style. In total, seven CPR reporters were honored for their contributions to these stories. In addition to Barr, Verlee, Warner, and Whitney, News Director Kelley Griffin, former Senior Producer Sadie Babits, and Contributing Reporter Shanna Lewis were recognized for writing and producing these award-winning reports.

“We're honored by CAPBA's recognition of our news team's achievements,” said CPR Vice President of Programming Sean Nethery. “Winning these awards helps reaffirm that we are fulfilling our mission to inform and educate listeners about Colorado through in-depth local news coverage.”

Find biographical information for CPR's news team at www.cpr.org.

Colorado Public Radio is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides 24-hour, in-depth news and classical music to about 450,000 listeners each week (Source: Arbitron, Spring / Fall 2010). More than 90 percent of CPR's funds come from the private support of listeners, businesses, and foundations.

Colorado Public Radio In-Depth News: Denver 90.1 FM and 1340 AM, Boulder 1490 AM, Pueblo 1230 AM, Vail 89.9 FM, Grand Junction 89.5 FM, Montrose / Craig / Parachute 88.3 FM, Gunnison 88.5 FM, Ouray 91.5 FM, Meeker / Rangely 91.1 FM, and online at www.CPR.org.

Colorado Public Radio Classical Music: Denver 88.1 FM, Boulder 99.9 FM, Pueblo 91.9 FM, Colorado Springs 94.7 FM, Glenwood Springs 90.5 FM, Aspen 101.5 FM, Western Slope 103.3 FM, Dove Creek 88.7 FM, Gunnison 89.1 FM, Cortez 102.5 FM, Crystal River Valley / Old Snowmass 93.9 FM, Thomasville 93.7 FM, and online at www.CPR.org.

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