Kansas Public Radio news team wins Associated Press awards

LAWRENCE -- The Associated Press recently honored Kansas Public Radio's team of reporters, writers, editors and program hosts for excellence in broadcast journalism. Kansas Public Radio is based at the University of Kansas.

During a June 8 ceremony, the Kansas City Associated Press Broadcasters presented four awards to the KANU and Kansas Public Radio staff, whose work competed against that of stations in the "small-market" category -- both commercial and non-commercial -- from across Kansas.

"We hadn't entered this particular awards contest in years, so it was gratifying to see every single member of our news team receive some kind of recognition from this prestigious competition," said J. Schafer, KPR news director. "I'm very proud of my staff."

"Morning Edition" host Laura Lorson was honored for best newscast. In their critique, the AP judges praised "the writing, delivery, use of sound bites and varied subject matter."

"Receiving this kind of recognition from the Associated Press is especially flattering because the AP has always set the standard for excellence in broadcast reporting," Lorson said.

Kansas Public Radio took home a handful of other awards.

Reporter Bryan Thompson and editor J. Schafer won second place for enterprise story with a report on food allergies, part of Thompson's children's health series, "Kansas Kids: A Prescription for Change."

"It's gratifying that this story was recognized," Thompson said. "There are serious health concerns in the state, and we feel that it's an important part of our job as journalists to bring them to light."

For the past two years, KPR has presented the weekly children's health series. Each report examines an aspect of the health challenges facing the state's children, school and parental roles in keeping children safe and healthy, and some of the health and social policy issues that health care providers, agencies and legislators must confront.

Schafer landed another second-place award, this time for spot news, for his feature report on a candlelight vigil on the KU campus honoring the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

An honorable mention for enterprise story went to reporter Peter Hancock for a follow-up report on the damage caused by a tornado that hit Hoisington.

"I'll never forget the courage and dignity displayed by the people of Hoisington in the face of that catastrophe. It was an honor just to be there to tell one part of their story," Hancock said.

The news division is part of Kansas Public Radio's continuing commitment to bring the best in national, state and local news, music and entertainment to listeners. The Kansas Public Radio network consists of KANU 91.5-FM in Lawrence, KANH 89.7-FM in Emporia and 89.7-FM in Atchison. The network plans to add a station later this year in Manhattan.

Among the stories the KPR news division will continue to follow are this fall's state and congressional elections and Kansas' ongoing budget, as well as breaking news around the state.

"These awards set a benchmark for the Kansas Public Radio news division to measure our future performance," Schafer said. "I'm confident our reporters, producers, editors and hosts will continue to strive for excellence."