Each year, the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters host an assemblage of television and radio journalists, producers, and storytellers in Austin, Texas for an evening of showcasing some of the previous year's best news and sports content from around the state.
This year, 88.9 KETR in Commerce came away with an unprecedented nine first place awards and two second place awards in categories that demonstrate a specific aspect or technique of newsgathering or presentation. All awards submissions were made to the Radio Division II competition, where participants are from stations that are outside of Texas' major metropolitan areas.
Use of Actuality-Production
-First Place: George Hale and Jerrod Knight; "Buried"
-Second Place: Scott Morgan; "Does Texas Have a Hog Problem? Yes. So How Did We Get Here?"
General Assignment
-First Place: Mark Haslett; "Commerce Water: What Do Those Postcards Mean?"
-Second Place: Mark Haslett; "Norris Residents: Sidewalks, Ivory Moore Park Essential to Revitalization"
Digital (formerly Website)
-First Place: Mark Haslett and Jerrod Knight; ketr.org
Feature (Serious)
-First Place: Scott Morgan; "What Conservative Women Say (and Don't) About Sexual Harassment"
Feature (Light)
-First Place: Scott Morgan; "Does Texas Have a Hog Problem? Yes. So How Did We Get Here?"
Investigative Report
-First Place: George Hale; "Buried"
Specialty or Beat Reporting
-First Place: George Hale; "Environment and Development"
Sports Anchor or Anchor Team
-First Place: Jared Taylor and BJ Laudermilk
Sports Play-by-Play
-First Place: John Mark Dempsey and Kevin Jefferies; "Commerce Tiger Football"
"As always, these awards recognize the work that our news and sports staff are doing day-in and day-out," says KETR's General Manager Jerrod Knight.
"We create our news and sports content with our audience in mind, and we consider ourselves fortunate when we are recognized by our peers for our work. With so many important stories being shared by so many talented journalists and storytellers throughout the Lone Star State, the staff here are deeply honored to be counted among some of the best," Knight said.
