OPB has been honored with three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) for its work in digital and broadcast journalism serving communities across the Northwest.

The awards highlight OPB’s reporting on broad range of Pacific Northwest subjects: a journey through rural Oregon by public transit, the story of an Oregon woman who braves open water swimming crossing the Columbia River while also facing past traumas, and an on-the-ground examination of Oregon’s drug crisis.

“It is an honor for OPB to be recognized for our storytelling about the fascinating people, beautiful places and the important issues that communities in all corners of our region face,” said Rachel Smolkin, OPB president and CEO. “This deep and accessible reporting would not be possible without support from our members and trust from the communities we serve.”

Among the most prestigious in news, the Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community. The Awards are the embodiment of the values, principles and standards set forth by Edward R. Murrow, a journalism pioneer who set the standards for the highest quality of broadcast journalism.

OPB received awards in the following categories:

Excellence in Innovation:

• “Stop Requested” — this multimedia series follows Reporters Lillian Karabaic and Prakruti Bhatt on a mission to travel to all the communities that OPB mentions on the radio every hour. They journey through rural Oregon by public transit in the state’s most remote areas, and explore the challenges faced by communities as they navigate limited transit options. 

Excellence in Sound:

• “Oregon swimmer braves a 5-mile swim across the Columbia River — and her own trauma” — This feature from Reporter Joni Auden Land follows an Oregon woman throughout her intense journey into open water swimming crossing the Columbia River near Astoria as she faced anxiety, fear, doubt and past traumas.  

News Series:

• “Oregon’s experiment with decriminalizing drugs” — As part of OPB’s extensive reporting on Oregon’s drug crisis, Reporter Conrad Wilson takes to the streets of Portland in the heart of the state’s drug problem, exploring the realities of Oregon’s drug decriminalization experiment. 

Regional Murrow Awards are presented to small and large radio, television and digital outlets based on 14 geographic regions. OPB was named a winner in RTDNA’s Region 1, which includes entries from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon Washington.

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) is the world’s largest professional organization devoted exclusively to broadcast and digital journalism. Founded as a grassroots organization in 1946, RTDNA’s mission is to promote and protect responsible journalism. RTDNA defends the First Amendment rights of electronic journalists throughout the country, honors outstanding work in the profession through the Edward R. Murrow Awards and provides members with training to encourage ethical standards, newsroom leadership and industry innovation.

The RTDNA has been honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971.

Regional Murrow Award winners are automatically considered for a National award. National winners will be announced in August, followed by a celebration at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on Oct. 13 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/pressroom/opb-wins-three-regional-edward-r-murrow-awards-for-excellence-in-digital-and-broadcast-journalism/