“And the winner is WFYI.”
All told, banquet-goers heard that statement 10 times at the recent Indiana Associated Press awards, held in Indianapolis. Three first place honors went to Side Effects Public Media health reporters for pieces as diverse as med student match day and music therapy for dementia patients. WFYI News won in the category of Outstanding News Operation. WFYI President and CEO Lloyd Wright commented, “To see the judges remark that we ‘stand well above the competition’ is reassuring as we continue our commitment to provide meaningful stories and programs that impact people’s lives.”
That impact was acknowledged in mid-April by the Society of Professional Journalists Best in Indiana awards. Side Effects reporter Jake Harper won in the radio in-depth reporting category. Side Effects Public Media also garnered a regional Edward R. Murrow award for hard news coverage. Harper explored the predicament faced by undocumented immigrants who need dialysis.
“We appreciate the acknowledgment,” noted Side Effects managing editor Carmel Wroth, “because it gives our news partners and the general public assurance that Side Effects’ reporting represents high-quality journalism.”
