CINCINNATI, Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Through its
relentless digging to shed light on local political corruption,
WXYZ, the Scripps (NYSE: SSP) affiliate in Detroit, has earned the Alfred I.
duPont-Columbia Award, the television industry's highest honor in
journalism. The honor recognizes the community-changing success of
"Wayne County Confidential: Government Run Amok," WXYZ's years-long
investigative series focused on politics in Wayne County, Michigan.
Investigative journalists Heather
Catallo and Ross Jones broke
the story of former Wayne County Economic Development Director
Turkia Mullin's $200,000 secret severance package. Their
investigations also revealed other secret severance deals, a
political machine fueled with county resources and global travel
for county officials funded by secret donors.
The reports by WXYZ led to an FBI investigation, a series of
indictments, criminal charges, resignations, firings and stronger
ethics rules.
Also honored for their work on the series were Randy Lundquist, editor, and photographers
Ramon Rosario and Johnny Sartin. Ann
Mullen is the executive producer of WXYZ's investigative
unit.
"We are very proud of the ongoing efforts by WXYZ to make a
lasting and positive impact for the people of Detroit," said Brian
Lawlor, senior vice president of television for Scripps.
"This award-winning investigation goes right to the core of our
mission to enlighten, reflect and improve communities through
enterprise journalism."
Each year, approximately a dozen news stories are singled out by
the Alfred I. duPont Columbia
University Awards for the strength of their reporting,
storytelling, and impact in the public interest. The winning
pieces are selected by the duPont jury from hundreds of entries
vetted by a board of screeners.
"The duPont-Columbia award recognizes the very best in broadcast
journalism," said Ed Fernandez,
divisional vice president for Scripps television and WXYZ vice
president and general manager. "WXYZ is honored to receive this
award for upholding the highest journalism standards as we serve
our community."
The award will be presented to WXYZ on January 22, 2013 at Columbia
University in New York
City. The evening will feature highlights of the
award-winning reporting.
The duPont-Columbia Award caps off an award-winning year for
WXYZ. Honors in 2012 include:
- Station of the Year award from the Michigan Association of
Broadcasters
- General Excellence award from the Associated Press
- Station Excellence award from the Michigan Chapter of the
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
About Scripps
Scripps (www.scripps.com) is a leading media enterprise driven
to develop and expand its digital strategies, while embracing its
rich history in delivering quality journalism through television
stations and newspapers. Creative, talented and energetic employees
are leading the way at 19 television stations in major cities such
as Denver, San Diego, Detroit, Phoenix, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Tampa. The Scripps digital group is growing
and gaining momentum with new product offerings, enhancements, and
technology that gives customers more options than ever before to
find the information and entertainment they crave.
SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company