WITF earns 3 RTDNA Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards

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WITF has been recognized by the Radio Television Digital News Association with three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards.

Special Projects Editor Tim Lambert has been honored in the Feature Reporting, Best Use of Sound and Digital categories for his story detailing his father Tom’s experience in the military as a participant in an atomic test in 1953. It was the first and only time a nuclear device was fired from a cannon, changing the course of the Korean War and the Cold War in Europe.  Starting with his father’s account as perhaps one of the last living witnesses to the test called Grable, Lambert pieced together what may be the first comprehensive account of the event.

“To be able to bring a story to life that I’ve heard my dad tell since I was a kid and fill-in the blanks on such an historic event was an honor,” Lambert said. “To have it recognized on this level and in multiple categories is really just icing on the cake.”

Lambert has now received 24 Regional Murrows since 2007.

WITF digital producer Jeremy Long, head videographer Doug Watson and senior motion/interactive designer Tom Downing worked on the digital version of the story.

“It’s wonderful storytelling, plain and simple,” said Tom Murse, WITF’s vice president of journalism. “I’m thrilled for Tim Lambert, Jeremy Long and the team at WITF who wove together the compelling human drama and historical significance of May 25, 1953, to produce a stunning piece of local journalism.”

The Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence in broadcast and digital journalism are among the most prestigious awards in the industry. Since 1971, the Radio Television Digital News Association has used these awards to recognize news organizations that demonstrate the excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.

“WITF’s journalists once again demonstrated their commitment to elevating local community voices by capturing this story while providing important historical context,” said Ron Hetrick, president and CEO of WITF. “We are proud of how Tim and the team researched and thoughtfully presented this story with compelling audio, video and imagery on many different media platforms.  Thank you to the donors, corporations and foundations that enable WITF to invest in the high quality and impactful journalism reflected in these awards.

The awards are presented to small and large radio, television and digital outlets in 14 geographic areas. WITF’s entries were judged against those from  media organizations of similar size in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

Regional honorees are automatically considered for a National Murrow Award.