The staff of WBHM Public Radio recently collected nine Alabama Press Association Awards – more than any other television or radio station in the state – and three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for Excellence in Journalism.
“WBHM Morning Edition” host Steve Chiotakis was named Best Reporter and Best Anchor in the state and “All Things Considered” local host Rosemary Pennington was honored as Best Specialized Reporter for her coverage of science. Pennington’s “AIDS: The Epidemic in Alabama” won for Best Documentary.
Chiotakis’ feature on using sports computer games to teach academics won for Best General Sports and his story “Paying for Progress,” about the economic incentives offered to developers, won the Best Hard-News Feature story. Chiotakis also won Best Use of Tape for “Holy Night,” his sound montage from the nativity scene at Briarwood Church. Chiotakis and WBHM News Director Tanya Ott shared the award for Best Coverage of a Spot News Story for their stories on the Alabama church fires, and freelance reporter Dale Short was named Best Commentator for his reflections on a record collection lost to water damage.
Pennington’s reporting on AIDS and methamphetamines also won the 2007 Douglas L. Cannon Broadcast Journalism Award for Excellence in Medical Writing from the Medical Association of Alabama. This is the second year Pennington has been recognized with this award.
Additionally, WBHM was recognized as the Best Media Outlet for Local Artists by the Alabama Underground Awards. This award is for “Tapestry,” WBHM’s locally produced arts and culture program heard Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and rebroadcast Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
“Once again, the talents and efforts of the work done by the WBHM news team has been recognized and rewarded,” said WBHM General Manager Mike Morgan. “Our news and production team continues the station’s commitment to produce high-quality, substantive, sound-rich programming that helps listeners better understand issues of importance.”
WBHM serves the Birmingham area and North Central Alabama at 90.3 FM. To learn more about programs available on WBHM, visit www.wbhm.org .