Indiana’s Associated Press Honors IPR News (04/06)

This month Indiana Public Radio News - Brian Beaver, Marcus Jackman, and Stan Sollars - received numerous awards from the Indiana Chapter of the Associated Press, including the highest honor given in radio news by the AP: Outstanding News Operation.

Brian Beaver, a senior news correspondent for IPR since 2000, was singled out as Best Reporter in Local Radio. He also received an Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio & Television News Directors Association (RTNDA)—the only Murrow Award given to a small market radio station in Indiana this year.

Stan Sollars and the IPR News staff won a first-place award in Best Newscast—Long Form for the December 8, 2005 broadcast of Morning Edition®.

Marcus Jackman was honored with a first in Best Newscast—Short Form for the May 27, 2005 broadcast of All Things Considered®. Jackman also hosts and produces Indiana ArtsDesk, a weekly program broadcast on Thursday.

The award for Outstanding News Operation is given to the station with the best overall news operation. To qualify, stations have to submit a tape containing a newscast as well as “additional examples of work that reflect the depth and scope of the news operation”—including coverage of spot news, continuing coverage and features. Judges (broadcasters in North Carolina) said they chose IPR News for its in-depth coverage and use of natural sound on a variety of topics. The 2006 awards recognize work completed in 2005.

Beaver’s “knack for getting to the heart of the story” was the reason given by the judges for naming him Best Reporter, citing his interview of a U.S. Army sergeant as an example.

In addition, IPR News won the following awards:

First - Best Community Impact – Local Radio – Beaver

First - Best Spot News Reporting – Beaver for “Marion Flood”

First - Best Continuous Coverage of a Single Event – Beaver (“January Ice Storm 2005”)

First - Best News Series – Beaver (“Wartime Ornaments”)

Second – Best News Series - Marcus Jackman and Virginia Ball Center students (“Consuming a Nation”)

First – Best General News – Beaver (“Cowan Tornado Drill”)

First – Best Enterprise Story – Beaver (“Marion Flood”)

First – Best Public Affairs Program – Beaver (“Ice Storm”—Talk of Indiana)

Second – Best Public Affairs Program – Jackman and Virginia Ball Center students (“Consuming a Nation”)

First – Best Feature – Beaver (“Afghan Girl Visits”)

Second – Best Feature - Jackman (“Homecoming”)

Honorable Mention – Best Feature – Beaver (“Woman Turns 112”)

First – Best Use of Radio Sound – Jackman (“Tech Night”)

Second – Best Use of Radio Sound – Beaver (“Egg Launch”)

Honorable Mention – Best Use of Radio Sound – Beaver (“Harmonica Rehab”)

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