WDET Takes Home 24 Awards From the Society of Professional Journalists – Detroit Chapter
WDET took home 24 awards, including 7 first place honors.
WDET took home 24 awards, including 7 first place honors, from the Society of Professional Journalists – Detroit Chapter for its work over the past year.
RADIO
Spot or Breaking News
1st: In the Wake of Tragedy, Detroit’s Newest Police Officers Look Ahead
Eli Newman
Judges’ comments: A narrow winner that takes the top spot because of the way the broadcaster handled breaking material. Breaking news can be difficult to deal with because of the lack of the fluid nature of initial information. Well done!
2nd: Gordie Howe Dies
Quinn Klinefelter
General News
1st: Must Detroit Shrink To Survive?
Quinn Klinefelter
Judges’ comments: Topical, well thought out piece that asks an intriguing question about the continued growth of Detroit. The overall piece is well written and utilizes sound properly balancing both sides of the argument, which allows to make their own decision over the future of their city.
2nd: Flint Residents Still Paying For Switch To Contaminated River Water
Quinn Klinefelter
3rd: Crossing The Lines – Windsor
WDET News Team
Feature Story
1st: A Visit In Prison
Laura Herberg
Judges’ comments: A Visit in Prison brings listeners right into the scene as if we are standing next to the reporter, observing the same things she is. The script and narration make the piece captivating, telling a full story about why this event is important and how incarceration impacts entire families. It offered a few surprise elements, and on-point interview quotes. The producer also did a fantastic job combining the music and background noises from the event, intertwining them with the interviews. Overall, the piece was moving with great details, and ended on a difficult note that likely has made listeners reflect on what they just heard long.
Honorable Mention: Detroit Boat Delivers Mail By The Pail
Quinn Klinefelter
Honorable Mention: Helping Highland Parkers Help Themselves
Laura Herberg
Sports Reporting
1st: Indy 500 Races to Remain Relevant at Century Mark
Quinn Klinefelter
Judges’ comments: Found this entry fun. The use of actual “nat sound” from the racetrack gave the piece a familiar feel and kept me listening. You could even feel the fun that the broadcaster was having with the piece.
2nd: Penske Takes Lead on Race Track and Public Projects
Quinn Klinefelter
Newscast
1st: 5 am newscast 050216
Pat Batcheller
Judges’ comments: A well rounded cast which keeps the listener tuned in.The broadcaster’s delivery was solid, steady, properly animated and with few flaws. A solid newscast which caught me and kept me…well done!
2nd: 8 am newscast 080316
Pat Batcheller
3rd: 5:44 pm newscast 020316
Jermone Vaughn
News Special/Documentary
Laura Weber-Davis, Stephen Henderson
WDET News Team
News Editing
1st: People On The Ground Volunteering For Presidential Campaigns In Metro Detroit
Eli Newman
2nd: CuriosiD: What’s Up With All These Pheasants?
Shelby Jouppi
3rd: Why Does A Private Company Own A Major US Border Crossing?
Quinn Klinefelter
ONLINE
General News
Honorable Mention: Grand Bargain: Early Payments Shift Investment Burden To Pension Funds
Sandra Svoboda
Feature Story
2nd: How Detroit Parents Pick Schools
Laura Herberg
Judges’ comments: Main writer assisted by two others have done an excellent job with a wide variety of sources. Speaks to important issues with nice side-bars. The use of maps was impressive. Well presented and fine use of online advantages.
Best Localization of a National Story
Honorable Mention: From The White House To Your House
Sandra Svoboda
Digital Media Presentation
2nd: CuriosiD: Who Chooses Detroit’s “Tax-Free” Renaissance Zones?
Shelby Jouppi
Judges’ comments: A reminder of how well-presented explainer stories are always useful. Love how the story was sparked by a seemingly basic question from a listener (and how that listener’s bio was also integrated into the report)as well as the well-produced audio and reader-friendly layout. Also love that the reporter didn’t shy away from asking about data that would speak to the tax-free zones success, only to find out that none exists. Great format!
3rd: Detroit By The Numbers: Dollars For Duggan
Sandra Svoboda
Judges’ comments: Excellent use of graphics and the digital medium to tell a “follow-the-money” story that otherwise risked having readers’ eyes glaze over.
3rd-Tie: Motorless In The Motor City
Sandra Svoboda
Judges’ comments: A fun treatment of a classic “government” story that would have been boring without hoping on a bike and going on a tour. Great use of photos and interviews — vignettes are short and sweet; digital presentation is reader-friendly and clean. I’m sure the reporter had a grand time doing this story.
