EAST LANSING, MI; May 6, 2022 -- The radio news team at WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University has earned six Excellence in Journalism awards from the Detroit chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ Detroit), including one first place award.
“In this contest, we compete with nationally recognized media outlets like The Detroit Free Press,” said Drew Henderson, senior director of broadcast operations. “These awards reflect the quality of journalism that our audience expects from WKAR.”
The Society of Professional Journalists is an organization dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.
SPJ Detroit announced the Excellence in Journalism awards on May 6, 2022. The awards honor the outstanding achievers and achievements in 2021 by print, broadcast, photo, digital and other practicing journalists throughout Michigan.
“I am immensely proud of the work the WKAR News team continues to do,” said Karel Vega, WKAR News Managing Editor. “Though our team may be small, these awards are a reminder that our work stands among the best in Michigan.”
FIRST PLACE WINNER
- Broadcast: Videography
1st place
Crown Boxing: A Fighting Chance
Al Martin
OTHER WINNERS
- Broadcast: Consumer/Watchdog/Investigative Reporting
2nd place
Group is backing a string of marijuana proposals in Michigan, but its donors are a mystery
Sarah Lehr - Broadcasting: Education Reporting
2nd place
Stockbridge High engineers shoot for the moon designing lunar rover
Kevin Lavery - Broadcasting: General News Reporting
4th place
MSU dining halls juggle with keeping up normal service amid student staffing shortage
Sophia Saliby - Broadcasting: Sports reporting
2nd place
Tailgater Trash At Michigan State University Is Treasure For Can Collectors
Sarah Lehr - Digital: Community/Local News Reporting
4th place
Former Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero Fallout
Sarah Lehr, Kevin Lavery, and Karel Vega
The full list of awards can be found at the SPJ Detroit website.
About WKAR Public Media
WKAR Public Media is the Michigan capital region source for award-winning original television and radio, and the best from PBS and NPR. WKAR is part of Michigan State University College of Communication Arts & Sciences and includes WKAR TV, WKAR Radio, wkar.org, WKAR Radio Reading Service, WKAR Family, and WKAR Ready to Learn.