Atlanta News First wins three 2024 National Edward R. Murrow Awards
Murrow Awards honor outstanding work in the journalism profession
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Atlanta News First is the recipient of three national Edward R. Murrow awards, sponsored by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA).
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.
“I’m excited and proud of our news team, and even more hopeful that the revelation of the injustices in these stories will ultimately result in changes that could help so many in the Atlanta area,” Atlanta News First General Manager Erik Schrader said. “These are the types of stories local newsrooms should be doing, and I’m so glad we are able to tell these stories on a consistent basis.”
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,” according to the RTDNA website.
Click here for a full list of all 2024 Edward R. Murrow award winners.
Atlanta News First was recognized in the Large Market Television category for:
Digital
Investigative Reporting
Hard News
Atlanta News First‘s digital presentation of “Shielded” revolved around a series of investigative reports by Chief Investigator Brendan Keefe and Digital Producer Tim Darnell. The series examined the cases of police and law enforcement officers who were given special treatment when they were involved in suspected instances of family violence.
“In Plane Sight,” a series by Atlanta News First Investigates, won in the Investigative Reporting category. Keefe uncovered how plainclothes drug agents are randomly searching passengers at airport gates nationwide they suspect of carrying large amounts of cash.
In Plane Sight has also been awarded a Service to America recognition from the National Association of Broadcasters: four regional Southeastern Emmys; and numerous other recognitions for investigative journalism.
Keefe’s report on the tragic story of how an innocent man was shot by police during a hostage situation won in the Hard News category.
‘A tragic story’ | State troopers capture criminal but shoot his hostage also uncovered a federal appeals court ruling found police were not liable for shooting the man while trying to stop a murder suspect in his truck.
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.
Along with other winners, Atlanta News First will be recognized October 14, 2024, in New York City.
If there’s something you would like Atlanta News First investigates to look into, email investigates@wanf.com.
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