ALABAMA ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION
2003 AWARD WINNERS JUDGES' COMMENTS

RADIO

CLASS AA

• Best Regularly Scheduled Newscast: WOOF-FM, Deborah Pearson
The judges said: “Well written with short ‘to the point’ actualities that tell the story. Overall flow of the newscast is excellent.”

• Best Extraordinary Coverage of a Planned Event: WOOF-FM, John Daniel
The judges said: “Nothing like being there. This series of live and the produced reports follow the return of American Soldiers to ‘Sweet Home Alabama’. The reporter should work to improve the transitions from his voice work into and out of actualities. …Solid writing and reporting made this entry a winner.”

• Best General Sports: WOOF-AM, Phil Paramore
The judges said: “Nice job.”

• Soft-News Feature Story: WOOF-FM, John Daniel
The judges said: “Nice use of natural sound. He took what could have been a very dry story and gave it life.”

• Best Reporter: WOOF-FM, John Daniel
The judges said: “Great work on capturing the emotions of soldiers returning home from war. Use of sound and production on in-house wraps is excellent. On-scene report captures the moment.”

• Best Anchor: WOOF-FM, Deborah Pearson
The judges said: “Ms. Pearson’s delivery combines a professional delivery with personality. I wish I could hire Ms. Pearson for my morning drive anchor.”

• Best Sports Anchor: WOOF-AM, Phil Paramore
The judges said: “He gave a big market style. He was the best by far.”CLASS A

• Best Regularly Scheduled Newscast: WJOX 690, Lisa Roxanne Holifield
The judges said: “The newscast has an up-temp feel that keeps the listener tuned in. The stories have good flow and a good mix of compelling sound. Very listenable.”

• Best Extraordinary Coverage of a Planned Event: Alabama Public Radio, News Staff
The judges said: “Concisely written, thoroughly reported, properly produced series on reports on the legal battle that erupted over the placement of the Ten Commandments in a State building. I suspect such fare is a daily occurrence on Alabama Public Radio.

• Best Coverage of a Spot News Story: WZZK, Don Dailey, David Black, Laurie Mundy, Ben Wright
The judges said: “This is the best of the all the choices.”

• Best General Sports: WBHM-FM, Megan Williams
The judges said: “An exceptional job of letting the listener inside the ballpark. Great use of sound and sound bits add to the overall excellent performance. Great job!”

• Best Public Affairs or Documentary: Newsradio 960 WERC, Melanie Kearns, Neal Vickers, Tiffany Davis, Jayson Rogers, Brandi Srader
The judges said: “It has comprehensive coverage of an issue that impacts listeners. A good team effort.”

• Best Investigative Reporting: WBHM-FM, Steve Chiotakis
The judges said: “Excellent production, well written. … Overall, this was very well done. This reporter has talent.”

• Best Hard-News Feature Story: WBHM-FM, Tanya Ott, Michael Krall
The judges said: “Her writing style ranks, by far, best among the four entrants. Her voice is the most professional yet, also, the most conversational and pleasant, reaching nearest the goal of a friend-to-friend personal conversation about something that’s important. She easily wins listener confidence. She balances viewpoints from several stakeholders on both sides of freedom of information curing America’s on-going war on terrorism and under real and perceived constraints of the USA Patriot Act. She takes an important but dry issue and gives it a personality, personal impact and even throws in a little irony. She also makes best use of natural sound.

• Best Soft-News Feature Story: WVAS-FM, Jon Kent
The judges said: “Well produced. Editing all that tape must have been a chore! Very creative and proves again why children make for great stories. Too often we adults and journalists don’t take the time to hear what they have to say.”

• Best Reporter: Newsradio 960 WERC, Tiffany Davis
The judges said: “Great writing and delivery. Understandable and informative reporting on a story of national importance. On-scene live shot very well done. Good Job!”

• Best Anchor: Newsradio 960 WERC, Brandi Srader
The judges said: “Ms. Srader’s delivery is precise and professional.”

• Best Sports Reporter: WJOX 690, Matt Coulter
The judges said: “I like the structure of his reports. He did a good providing the right information for the story.”

• Best Sports Anchor: WJOX 690, Ryan Brown
The judges said: “His report on the Mike Price hire was nice and clean. He has great delivery. You can tell he’s on top of his game.”

• Best Specialized Reporter: WBHM-FM, Tanya Ott
The judges said: “Tanya’s writing is very interesting and flows well. The leads grabbed the attention of the listener. The sound is exceptional and folds well into the writing and actualities. Tanya did a good job of putting health-related stories into perspective.”

• Best Use of Tape: WBHM-FM, Steve Chiotakis
The judges said: “This story did a nice job of making the listeners feel like they were right in the kitchen. The tape is good and works well without a voice track. Steve lets people tell their own stories. The music enhances the story, but does not overpower it. The idea is also good…never world have thought of Christmas Tamales.”

TELEVISION

CLASS AAA

• Best Regularly Scheduled Newscast: WTVY-TV, Angie Casey, Reginald Jones, Jeff Sanders, Brad Sherwood, Heidi Reamer, Huey Lee
The judges said: “The two newscasts show stories with ‘heft’: hard news stories on teacher pay, the peanut harvest and local business developments clearly are relevant to local viewers.”

• Best Documentary: WVUA 7, Lynn Brooks, Philip Coleman, Michael Nix, Jerome Davis, Scott Spence, Tony Humphries, Jill Thompson, Sarah Black
The judges said: “A well-executed special on a topic of high interest to the citizens of Alabama.”

• Best Series: WTVY-TV, Angie Casey, Ashley Brand
The judges said: “This was a nicely done series on an important, yet non-visual, topic. The story unfolded in an easy to understand style.”

• Best Spot News Story: WVUA 7, Yas Richardson, Jerome Davis
The judges said: “Strong visuals and compelling sound highlight this story, turned on short deadline.”

• Best Feature Story: WVUA 7, Kristy Guy, Jerome Davis
The judges said: “Well shot story that lets viewers hear the choir. Sound with the choir members gives a sense of the excitement and anticipation before their presidential performance.”

• Best Sports Story: WDHN TV 18, Kim Allen
The judges said: “Great editing and use of nat sound. Golf is a very slow sport and through different camera angles made me think gold started to use the fast break. Excellent story that kept me interested the entire time.”

• Best Sports Feature: WVUA 7, John Huddleston
The judges said: “Nice feature story one of Alabama’s truest Tide fans. Moving story of how one fan has been a collector of memories and has seen the best Alabama football has to offer. I enjoyed the computer animation that went with the story with the video and the headline of the newspaper article.”

• Best Sports Program: WTVY News 4, Brad Sherwood, Al Roberts, Kelly O’Donnell, Mike Gurspan, Ben Tew and Staff
The judges said: “Nice pacing and packed with information.”

• Best Extraordinary Coverage of a Planned Event: WTVY-TV, Angie Casey, Reginald Jones, Huey Lee, Phil Bump, Joe Holloway, Kevin White, Ben Tew, Earl Tyson, Ravi Warford, Heidi Reamer, Tom Johnson, Gene Perry, David Williams, Brenda Stefin
The judges said: “We recognize the initial nature of the question of school finding in Alabama. This station engaged officials and the public in an important discussion of the church to be made.”

• Victor Irving Best Staff Photography: WVUA 7, Jerome Davis, Clayton Zook, John Huddleston
The judges said: “Top to bottom the best. Good examples of photojournalism.”
• Best Reporter: Brock Parker, WVUA
The judges said: “Brock’s tape was the best.”

• Stan Tarilton Best Photographer: WTVY, Inga Oberst
The judges said: “Inga really understands the basic of good photography. Her shot composition is excellent and she knows how to sequence her shots effectively. The rack-focuses used in the toy train package were very well done. It’s tough to pull those shots off effectively, but shoe does it well.”

• Best News Anchor: WTVY-TV, Lauren E. Davis
The judges said: “Professional in delivery, showed some personality and her writing was solid. Seemed comfortable.”

• Best Weather Anchor: WVUA 7, Wes Wyatt
The judges said: “Excellent explanation. Smooth presentation. Clear, concise breaking weather coverage.”

• Best Sports Anchor: WVUA 7, Gary Harris
The judges said: “Very creative and energetic. Witty without being slapstick. Mike is fun, credible and easy to watch. Great job!”

• Best Specialized Reporter: WDHN, Dori Marlin
The judges said: “Very nice energy level…she really engages the viewer. Nice use of nat sound…especially in the band piece…the sound was smooth. Dori does a good job of referring to her video throughout all her stories!”

CLASS AA

• Best Regularly Scheduled Newscast: WSFA 12 News, Desmond Wingard, Carrie Gerber, Kim Hendrix, Barry Davis, Michael Briddell, WSFA Photojournalist Staff, WSFA Reporting Staff
The judges said: “Solid, strong local news content. Court system lawsuit story tells a bit of the lingering state budget story with new facts that should concern every viewer. Newscast is light on crime and routing court stories, and instead presents a mix of relevant, fast-paced stories to give a good picture of what happened this day.”

• Best Documentary: WAKA-TV, Cynthia Milledge, Ben Plaut, Rodney Rocker, Jabaree Prewitt, John Matson, Monica Allen, Perry Dawson, Rob Martin
The judges said: “An interesting and informative treatment of the subject matter. The documentary was well-produced and very nicely shot”

• Best Series: WAAY-TV, Joe Rogers
The judges said: “A compelling and dramatic story done in a very non-traditional manner. The photographer captured the sounds, sights and drama of everyday life in the ER.”

• Best Investigative Reporting: WSFA, Mark Bullock, Lawrence McDonald, Andre Morgan
The judges said: “Reporting that goes beyond the obvious in taking advantage of a national news peg. Humanization of the problem with the former-addict counselor told the story well. The reporter stays neutral in telling a problem that not only is growing across the country, but at home in central Alabama as well.”

• Best Spot News Story: WSFA TV, Kim Hendrix, Eileen Jones, Tonya Terry, David Hagood, Carrie Gerber, Desmond Wingard, David Williams, WSFA Photojournalist Staff
The judges said: “Live breaking news coverage capsulizes the controversy, as viewers (and reporters) wait for the moment when crews will move the monument. Reporters clearly have knowledge of all sides of the controversy.”

• Best Feature Story: WAAY-TV, Joe Rogers
The judges said: “Photojournalist/nat sound piece that shows a common nuisance with a bit of humor. The grandmother’s plight has happened to many in the area, no doubt. The viewer empathizes with her frustration and shares in her victory.”

• Best Sports Story: WSFA-TV, Derek Steyer, John Heckman
The judges said: “Nice story of the next generation of race car drivers. The nat sound was great and consistent throughout. Quick edits gave you every angle of the car and the feel of what it’s like to drive the oval.”

• Best Sports Feature: WAKA-TV, Dee Jackson, Perry Dawson
The judges said: “Great video to this story and the video clips from the past helped me feel as if Jackie Robinson was still playing in Ebbets Field or another great from the past came back to life. Enjoyed the “one on one” feel the story took with the sports collector telling simple stories about how he came across this jersey or that ball etc.”

• Best Sports Program: WSFA-TV, Jeff Shearer, Derek Steyer, John Heckman, David Williams, Desmond Wingard, Ryan Vaughan, Michael Briddell, WSFA Photojournalist Staff
The judges said: “This reminded me immediately of ESPN GameDay which I guess was the concept. Really enjoyed the features and comparisons between Auburn and Alabama. Several different angles and numerous reports with multitude of reports!”

• Best Extraordinary Coverage of a Planned Event: WAFF 48, Lee Marshall, Liz Hurley, Susie Edwards, Chris Chapman, Gregg Moore, Tim Norment, Amanda Ryder, Tracey Rogers, Brian Temple
The judges said: “Strong, multi-talented coverage of a major controversy.”

• Victor Irving Best Staff Photography: WHNT News Channel 19, Greg Stone, Alex Lynch, Jonathan Clifton, Michelle Gifford, Tom Perkins
The judges said: “Great visuals and presentation.”

• Best Reporter: WAFF, Garrett Sheehan
The judges said: “Enterprise reporting. Good storytelling. Energetic liveshot. Multiple story elements.”

• Stan Tarilton Best Photographer: WAFF 48, Gregg Moore
The judges said: “The three packs on this tape were tremendously shot and edited. Gregg has an excellent feel for the psychology of video. The use of alternating directional shots of trains in the train package reinforces the feel of an impending train crash. The story is meant to drive home the danger of train crossings and the shooting and editing supports that. The shot of the church steeple emerging from the smoke in the fire story is one of the most memorable shots I’ve ever seen.”

• Best News Anchor: WAAY-TV, Erin Dacy
The judges said: “Good on breaking news with a professional delivery. Calm and poised.”

• Best Weather Anchor: WAFF 48, Brad Travis
The judges said: “Strong storm presentation and explanations. Good mixture of background plus strong use of technology.”

• Best Sports Anchor: WAKA-TV8, Dee Jackson
The judges said: “Good presentation and delivery.”

• Best Specialized Reporter: WAFF 48, Jason Gaston
The judges said: “Jason does a really good job of making educational stories interesting this is often a challenge. He does a nice job of making his stand up purposeful. He writes exceptional well to video. His stories are easy to understand.”CLASS A

• Best Regularly Scheduled Newscast: FOX 6 WBRC-TV, Jason Brown, Janet Hall, Steve Crocker, David Neal, Rick Karle, Ronda Robinson, Jen Biddinger, James Finch, Mike McClain, Fox6 News Team
The judges said: “Proves you don’t need breaking news or “easy” stories (crime, fire, trials) to come up with good stories. Nice enterprise stories “on your dime” segment, and great features. Newcast flowed well. Good graphics, clean look.”

• Best Documentary: WKRG 5, Mel Showers, Roseann Haven, Gary Arnold, Randy Lowe, Shawn Kirkpatrick, Sam Day, Dan Cates
The judges said: “There were a lot of very strong entries in this division. The judges thought a lot of time and effort went into the making of this documentary. The storyline moved nicely with engaging video, compelling sound and strong focus. Nicely done.”

• Best Series: WKRG-TV, Stephone Cage, Mel Showers
The judges said: “Watching this documentary, it was obvious the team put a tremendous amount of time and sweat in covering the subject matter. Nicely shot, well-produced and engaging.”

• Best Investigative Reporting: WKRG-TV 5, Bill Riales, Randy Lowe, Gary Arnold, Shawn Kirkpatrick
The judges said: “Bill Riales, Randy Lowe, Gary Arnold and Shawn Kirkpatrick gave us well-told, well documented and thorough coverage told in a compelling manner. Alabama’s largest correctional facility should be held accountable.”

• Best Spot News Story: ABC 33/40, Staff
The judge said: “Showed immediacy, thoroughness in on-the-scene, live, coverage of breaking severe weather effects.”

• Best Feature Story: ABC 33/40, Stephanie Brooks
The judges said: “Curbside Prophet” “Story told in compelling manner without narration. Nice use of nat sound/music. Story gave a real sense of the man’s energy. Most would have thought there were not enough visuals to make the story work because it’s just a guy on the side of the read, but Stephanie Brooks made the Curbside Prophet sing.”

• Best Sports Story: FOX 6, WBRC-TV, Rick Karle, Jac Kaufman
The judges said: “A compelling story about the tragic story of Sherman Williams. Everything flowed smoothly and the story was very moving to know what happened to such a great talent. I like how the story was split into two parts to make sure we heard every aspect of how he got to the Cowboys and his decline from glory.”

• Best Sports Feature: FOX 6 WBRC-TV, Rick Karle, Jac Kaufman
The judges said: “Unbelievable! I realize Rick Karle has won a myriad of awards but I want to let him know his “Field of Dreams” story captivated me and moved me to tears. It was without question the best story in the group with great video wonderful editing, and the music from the movie “Field of Dreams” was the icing on the cake. This was one of the most inspiring and meaningful stories I have ever watched.”

• Best Sports Program: WPMI-NBC 15, Pat Greenwood, Brian Couleran, Ron Johnson, Leon Petite
The judges said: “I was grabbed immediately from the open and I really enjoyed the number of highlights. The show looked very busy and there was only one thing that bothered me. The locater supers on the football games gave the school’s mascots. Trojans vs. Lions: I think it would be better to see the school’s names instead of the mascot. Besides that very minor issue I thought WPMI did a great job!”

• Best Extraordinary Coverage of a Planned Event: ABC 33/40, Jud Hulon, Christopher Sign, Kevyn Stewart, John Gleason, Kelvin Carthon, David Polk, Roy Roberson, Ike Pigott, Chris Osborne, Nigel Walyn, Keisa Sharpe, Damian Veazey, Monroe Walton, Teresa Tolson, Angie Humphries, Wyatt Caruthers, Victor Thompson, Dennis Tugman
The judges said: “While the event was scheduled, what made this coverage exceptional was the station’s special efforts to provide unique visuals on the story while never sacrificing the emotional human elements. Outstanding!”

• Victor Irving Best Staff Photography: FOX 6 WBRC-TV, Fox6 Photography Team
The judges said: “Every station had great video but WBRC carried the entries with the most consistency. Alabama has many talented photographers and WBRC leads the way. Evident in the work is the pride of the WBRC staff has for the quality of video that is offered to their viewers. The shot selection was great, audio clean, and plenty of natural sound opportunities. The fire video was nothing less than stellar. Congratulations to the WBRC staff on their achievement.”

• Best Reporter: WPMI-TV, Mike Rush
The judges said: “Enterprise reporting. Great visual storytelling. Moving the story beyond the great visuals. Multiple story elements. Taking one story to officials for further investigation.”

• Stan Tarilton Best Photographer: FOX6 WBRC-TV, John Rockett
The judges said: “Enjoyed the softball story, brought the viewer into the piece. … Audio weaved in and out nicely in all his stories. Salvation Army singers keep the viewer watching until the end.”

• Best News Anchor: FOX 10 News WALA, Anissa Centers
The judges said: “Good, confident delivery, nice interaction. Felt she was talking to me and not a camera”

• Best Weather Anchor: WKRG-TV, Alan Sealls
The judges said: “The best tape we viewed because of strong traditional news weather presentation plus a variety of interesting and important special coverage.”

• Best Sports Anchor: FOX 6 WBRC-TV, Mike Dubberly
The judges said: “Very creative and energetic. Witty without being slaptick. Mike is fun, credible and easy to watch. Great job!”

• Best Specialized Reporter: WALA FOX 10, Rob Lehocky
The judges said: “It took guts to include a nat sound piece in a “reporter” category, but it worked very well. You easily forget there is no track. The peewee football packages are what local sports should be. They appeal to everyone not just the sports fan. The writing is all of Rob’s pieces is exceptional. He’s a great storyteller.”

MOST OUTSTANDING NEWS OPERATION

• Radio, Class AA: WOOF
The judges said: “Continues a long tradition of keeping the community informed. A small staff that does a ‘big’ job, and does it well.”

• Radio, Class A: WZZK
The judges said: “Live coverage of storm made it very real for the listener, powerful use of sound in the Judge Moore decision. Witness accounts and on-scene sound of breaking news make good stories great.”

• Television, Class AAA: WVUA
The judges said: “The entry best showed an all-around commitment to covering local news, weather and sports. The station clearly makes the best of its limited resources and takes advantage of its university community.”

• Television Class AA: WAFF TV
The judges said: “The entry showed an all-around commitment to covering local news, weather and sports and a strong commitment to the community. News anchors and reporters are strong and thorough.”

• Television Class A: ABC 33/40
The judges said: “Nice job of showing news organization as a whole. Team coverage of several stories proved reporters are well versed, and are comfortable ad libbing. Coverage goes beyond just newscasts with debates on possible tax hike, and live coverage of coach scandal. Covers all aspects of news from government to sports to weather.”

AP News Cooperation Awards

• Radio: WERC
• Radio: WTDR
• Television: WKRG
• Television: WSFA
• Television: ABC 33/40

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