2008 ACE Awards - News & Information Programming      

Winner: 

KNAU, Flagstaff - Geoff Norcross, Program Director - Listen

Honorable Mention:   

North Country Public Radio, Canton - Jackie Sauter, Program Director - Listen

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Judges Comments: KNAU

A very well done series that truly embodied the core values (Qualities of Craft/Excellence, Qualities of the Heart and Spirit, Qualities of the Mind.) The series helped the audience expand their “understanding of and connection with the world. This entry was particularly strong in Qualities of Craft; Uniquely human voice, Pacing, Attention to detail.

KNAU should be congratulated for such an undertaking. Very impressive entry!  The writing is conversational, the interviews are engaging, and the framing of the stories/series is solid. This is entry hits the mark on all fronts! Amazing work. This entry clearly demonstrates that even smaller stations with smaller staffs and budgets can produce stellar quality journalism by simply focusing on what is most important, achievable, and meaningful to listeners.

Where to start? It is rich and deep and interesting and compelling and damn fine journalism. Finding creative ways to tell a story that is full of facts and figures. Income vs Housing prices. etc

 

What can others learn from this entry?

 This series should be considered a benchmark for implementing Core Values in local news. Look a bit more deeply at your local community. Scratch the surface in many communities and you will likely find many of the same stories that can help listeners have a better understanding of the community in which they live and understanding of the struggles many people in their community face that are not on public display.

 

Honorable Mention: North Country PR

What was your overall impression of the entry?

A very clever approach to illuminate the lives of area residents that are essential to the economy, yet their history and lives are unknown to their neighbors. It answers the question—who are these people who work on these farms? Exceptional. Clearly reflects core values, The "qualities of craft" were present throughout . Through the use of natural sound and effective writing the listener is transported to the Mexican town. This was a tremendous effort and demonstrates what is so magnificent about public radio. A very sound rich and personal stories that lets the listener inside the lives of people they wouldn’t normally know.

 

What are its greatest strengths?

Ambitious, smart, good approach to the issue of immigration. Following this “local” story to Mexico was a brilliant idea. The station should be applauded for making this happen.> The reporters’ writing and narration are so strong, and understated, that they let the interview subjects shine. I can’t say it any better than Jackie said it in the narrative: This unique and compelling series takes the complex and abstract issue of immigration and makes it understandable and human by focusing on the needs and lives of individuals. Listeners in northern New York are transported to a comparably small community in Mexico and are able to hear and understand the impact of the phenomenon of seasonal migration and its repercussions in a meaningful and personal way. The quality of the writing and of the audio, and the distinctly human voice of the narrative, makes the series both memorable and resonant for public radio listeners. The series is faithful to all the key core public radio values and best practices. It is a clear presentation of a complicated issue that makes the listener care about the individuals involved. In addition to great craft and production, the series does not rely on experts to prop it up, but instead uses the words and tells the stories of ordinary people.” 

What can others learn from this entry?

Sometimes “local” stories need ambitious and brave reporting to tell them properly. How a local station can produce material that is comparable to what comes from NPR.