WDET Wins 13 Awards From the Society of Professional Journalists – Detroit Chapter
SPJ recognizes the best work of Detroit journalists throughout the year.
WDET has won 13 awards from the Society of Professional Journalists – Detroit Chapter for its work in 2015.
RADIO
Feature
1st: John’s Carpet House
Laura Herberg
Judges’ comments: Superb sense of place and people…with a little bit of whimsy and vivid reporting.
2nd: CuriousiD – Lahser
Laura Herberg
Judges’ comments: Great piece on a local mystery. Enjoyed going along on this quest for a street’s backstory.
HM: CuriousiD – Black Bottom
Laura Weber Davis
Judges’ comments: enjoyed the mix of archival recordings, voices. Strong reporting. Really delivered on answer to audience question.
General News
1st: Detroit Bankruptcy, One Year Later
WDET
Judges’ comments: Thoughtful, informative series
Pat Batcheller, Quinn Klinefelter, Jerome Vaughn
3rd: Parks
WDET
Newscast
1st: 5:44 pm newscast 102015
Jerome Vaughn
Judges’ comments: Strong, solid newscast across the board
2nd: 5:44 pm newscast 092315
Jerome Vaughn
Spot or Breaking News
1st: SE Michigan Tornadoes
Pat Batcheller, Jerome Vaughn
Judges’ comments: Good reporting, incisive questioning. Shows news team’s quick response, initiative.
ONLINE
Digital Media Presentation
HM: Belle Isle Nature Restoration: A Tour of the Park’s East End
Sandra Svoboda, Michael Ference
HM: Purchasing Detroit’s Vacant Land: Stories from the Side Lots
J. Carlisle Larsen, Melissa Mason, Jessica McInchak
General News
2nd: Detroit Bankruptcy, One Year Later
WDET
Narrowly missed first place, but still a comprehensive look at a complex and character-building period for the city. Reports were well-rounded, presenting diverse views that would help a newcomer to the city…or a long-time resident…better understand how Detroit evolved into a troubled community and how it’s trying to pull itself back up by its bootstraps.
HM: Riverside Park – Unauthorized Work
Amber Harvey
