New England Public Radio has won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) for its continuing coverage of marijuana legalization in Massachusetts.
NEPR's award is in the category of "continuing coverage" which honors continuing coverage of a major developing story over an extended period of time. Regional winners will move on to the national round of judging.
"We knew the start of marijuana sales for recreational use was a big deal in the state and our region," said NEPR news director Sam Hudzik. "And NEPR's reporters and hosts have done a great job of showing that local picture — from health and public safety, to the economic impact and changing attitudes — while also providing context from what's occurred in other states with legal weed."
The station's submission to RTDNA included stories and interviews from reporters Karen Brown, Alden Bourne, Carrie Healy and Nancy Cohen, but, says Hudzik, "the entire newsroom contributed to this award through its coordinated marijuana coverage throughout 2018."
You can find NEPR's marijuana coverage here.
According to its website, RTDNA has been honoring outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. 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.