CENTENNIAL, Colo. – March 23, 2011 – Colorado Public Radio (CPR) received top honors in local news reporting and producing in two categories in the Colorado Broadcasters Association's 2010 Awards of Excellence.
“Each of these series and stories is an example of the in-depth, high-quality coverage that CPR brings to local news,” said CPR News Director Kelley Griffin. “It's an honor to lead and work with such a talented team of high-caliber journalists.”
CPR Reporter Megan Verlee's news series exploring the legislative process, “Biography of a Bill,” won first place for Best Public Radio Documentary or Series. Verlee reported in five separate stories on the process of House Bill 1238, concerning wildlife crossing zones, moving from concept to committee to adoption in Colorado's 2010 General Assembly.
A collection of stories on doctors' disclosure of financial ties with pharmaceutical companies, reported by CPR Health Reporter Eric Whitney, received the second place award in the same category. Working with ProPublica and Rocky Mountain Investigative News Network, Whitney localized a national review of this issue and found that, contrary to Colorado law, many doctors in the state were not reporting the money they received from drug manufacturers.
In the category of Best Public Radio News Special or Public Affairs Program, first place was awarded to CPR for the Dec. 14 edition of its local news interview program, “Colorado Matters.” The program focused on the careers of jazz singer Mandy Harvey and former Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll. Host Ryan Warner spoke with Harvey, who although deaf recently released her second album and performs and records music by relying on the physical sensations of sound throughout her body. For the same program, Warner interviewed Carroll about how he got his start in politics.
Second place in the same category went to CPR for the Sept. 13 edition of “Colorado Matters,” which updated and gave listeners various perspectives about last year's Fourmile Canyon fire, including the experiences of homeowners who broke the law and returned to their properties against the state fire marshal's safety orders.
Host Ryan Warner, Senior Producer Sadie Babits, Producer Zachary Barr, and Audio Producer David Fender worked together in producing the two award-winning editions of “Colorado Matters.”
Find biographical information for CPR's news team.
Colorado Public Radio is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides 24-hour, in-depth news and classical music to nearly 470,000 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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