88.5 WFDD Wins Two Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards

The Radio Television Digital News Association announced Tuesday that 88.5 WFDD has won two 2016 regional Edward R. Murrow awards. The awards honor the best electronic journalism, including radio, from around the world. 

88.5 WFDD won Best Hard News Reporting for "Dan River Spill: Long-Term Impact Unknown" by Keri Brown. The story focused on the Dan River one year after a nearby coal ash site dumped more than 39,000 tons of waste into the water. Brown spoke to environmentalists who say the final toll could take years to find out. 

The news team also received the award for Best Newscast: 12:04 p.m. July 14, 2015, which included coverage of the "Selma" march in Winston-Salem to protest the state's voting laws, and redistricting Greensboro's local government. 

The Edward R. Murrow Awards are given annually, with entries judged by peers in the industry.

"We are delighted to honor the great work being done by local newsrooms," said RTDNA Chair Kathy Walker. "Whether the winning entries come from a large team of journalists in a big city, or from a single, dedicated reporter in a small town, each demonstrates the value of exceptional journalism." 

WFDD competes in a region that includes large market radio stations in North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

"We're grateful for this award recognizing the hard work we've been doing in our news department," says Emily McCord, News Director at WFDD. "We have been deepening our commitment to bringing more local news to our listeners and we're delighted our peers have taken notice." 

Regional winners automatically advance to the national competition, the results of which will be announced in June.