MPB Wins Two Edward R. Murrow Awards

Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) was honored with two 2008 Edward R. Murrow Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Network Radio News. MPB Reporter Sandra Knispel won in the hard news category with her story “Emmett Till Apology.” In the feature category, MPB Arts Reporter Ron Brown won with his story “Kids Write the Blues.”

Along with MPB, other winners in the national radio network category are ABC News, CBS News, NPR and XM Satellite Radio. Out of 3,459 entries, the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) presented 77 awards to news organizations across the country.

Senator Thad Cochran said, “Mississippi Public Broadcasting has represented our state well by winning two prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards. This recognition is well-deserved."

“The Murrow awards are testimony to the talent and work of the staff at Mississippi Public Broadcasting,” said Marie Antoon, MPB Executive Director. “To go up against CBS, ABC and NPR and win not one but two awards is a huge statement about the quality of our News and Public Affairs Department and our supporters. It places us in a peer position with national networks. It feels a little bit like being David facing seven Goliaths and coming out on top.”

Knispel’s “Emmett Till Apology” story focused on the formal apology by Tallahatchie County to the Till family for the community’s role in tolerating the brutal murder of the black teenager. The apology took place outside the courthouse in Sumner where in 1955 the two accused murderers were acquitted. “Rather than just cover the actual apology, I climbed on the bus with the family members for a tour of Emmett’s fatal visit to Mississippi,” said Knispel. “I am extremely proud, honored and humbled to receive this award.”

http://www.mpbonline.org/news/local-news/0710-archives/071003-sandra-EmmettTillfeature.mp3

The “Kids Write the Blues” story features fourth graders from the Matty Akin Elementary School in Greenville reading with true heartfelt emotion their songs celebrating the Delta blues and heritage. “This is a positive story that hopefully inspired those who heard it,” explains Brown. “I know these kids touched my heart. If I passed that feeling along, then I did a good job. I am honored by the recognition of a national Murrow award.” Brown’s art reports are funded by the Wallace Foundation through the Mississippi Arts Commission.

http://www.mpbonline.org/news/local-news/0709-archives/070913-ron-kids-blues.mp3

RTNDA will honor the national winners with an awards dinner on October 13 in New York. Since 1971, RTNDA has honored outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards. Murrow’s pursuit of excellence in journalism embodies the spirit of the awards that carry his name.

Visit www.mpbonline.org to learn more about MPB programs.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Mari Irby
July 2, 2008	601.432.6286
MPB Wins Two Edward R. Murrow Awards
Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) was honored with two 2008 Edward R. Murrow Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Network Radio News. MPB Reporter Sandra Knispel won in the hard news category with her story “Emmett Till Apology.” In the feature category, MPB Arts Reporter Ron Brown won with his story “Kids Write the Blues.” Along with MPB, other winners in the national radio network category are ABC News, CBS News, NPR and XM Satellite Radio. Out of 3,459 entries, the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) presented 77 awards to news organizations across the country. Senator Thad Cochran said, “Mississippi Public Broadcasting has represented our state well by winning two prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards. This recognition is well-deserved." “The Murrow awards are testimony to the talent and work of the staff at Mississippi Public Broadcasting,” said Marie Antoon, MPB Executive Director. “To go up against CBS, ABC and NPR and win not one but two awards is a huge statement about the quality of our News and Public Affairs Department and our supporters. It places us in a peer position with national networks. It feels a little bit like being David facing seven Goliaths and coming out on top.” Knispel’s “Emmett Till Apology” story focused on the formal apology by Tallahatchie County to the Till family for the community’s role in tolerating the brutal murder of the black teenager. The apology took place outside the courthouse in Sumner where in 1955 the two accused murderers were acquitted. “Rather than just cover the actual apology, I climbed on the bus with the family members for a tour of Emmett’s fatal visit to Mississippi,” said Knispel. “I am extremely proud, honored and humbled to receive this award.” http://www.mpbonline.org/news/local-news/0710-archives/071003-sandra-EmmettTillfeature.mp3 The “Kids Write the Blues” story features fourth graders from the Matty Akin Elementary School in Greenville reading with true heartfelt emotion their songs celebrating the Delta blues and heritage. “This is a positive story that hopefully inspired those who heard it,” explains Brown. “I know these kids touched my heart. If I passed that feeling along, then I did a good job. I am honored by the recognition of a national Murrow award.” Brown’s art reports are funded by the Wallace Foundation through the Mississippi Arts Commission. http://www.mpbonline.org/news/local-news/0709-archives/070913-ron-kids-blues.mp3 RTNDA will honor the national winners with an awards dinner on October 13 in New York. Since 1971, RTNDA has honored outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards. Murrow’s pursuit of excellence in journalism embodies the spirit of the awards that carry his name. Visit www.mpbonline.org to learn more about MPB programs.