Press Releases

witf honored with six Edward R. Murrow 2013 Regional Awards

2013-04-18T19:30:49Z

From left to right, Scott Detrow, Joe Ulrich, Tim Lambert, Craig Layne, Megan Lello, Scott LaMar, Mary Wilson

For the third consecutive year, witf has been honored with six Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). The awards acknowledge work of the highest quality produced by radio, television and online news organizations around the world. RTDNA groups witf in a region that includes all of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. witf competed against all radio stations in markets 51 and smaller in the three state region.

From the aftermath of the Sandusky case to the impact of natural gas drilling to honoring Dick Winters, witf’s Multimedia News Department work has been recognized, once again, as among the best in broadcast and digital journalism.

“As the media landscape continues to shift, witf remains committed to providing the best public service to our audience. It’s a tremendous honor to have our reporters’ efforts recognized by RTDNA on this scale,” witf’s Multimedia News Director Tim Lambert said.

Among the categories and stories recognized are:

Audio Feature Reporting category: Living Simply, Arts and Culture story, reporting by Joe Ulrich
Audio Continuing Coverage category: The Aftershocks of the Jerry Sandusky Case, team reporting by Craig Layne, Megan Lello, Mary Wilson, Scott LaMar and Scott Detrow on the aftermath of the Sandusky case. The team is recognized for its second straight year in continuing coverage of this story.
Audio Sports Reporting category: for a continuing coverage story about Penn State – Aftershocks eight months after Sandusky, reporting by Tim Lambert.
Audio Writing category: Hang Tough: Dick Winters in Normandy, reporting by Tim Lambert.
Audio Investigative Reporting – StateImpact Pennsylvania Perilous Pathways, and
Audio News Series – StateImpact Pennsylvania: Impact of PA Natural Gas Boom (The two StateImpact Pennsylvania stories were reported by Scott Detrow, currently Sacramento Bureau Chief for KQED in California. StateImpact Pennsylvania is a major collaboration among witf, NPR and WHYY in Philadelphia to cover energy issues.)

“From providing context to issues as complicated as the Sandusky case and the impact of natural gas drilling to telling the stories of a couple living off the grid and an effort to honor American hero, we work every day to live up to the ideals and responsibilities of the highest quality of journalism. I couldn’t be more proud of witf’s team,” Lambert said.

"Congratulations to the entire 89.5 team and to our News Director Tim Lambert - Tim leads by example every single day.I’m honored to work alongside this dedicated group of journalists every single day. witf is a trusted media organization because of our on-going dedication, hard work and creativity. Great job to the news team and we appreciate the support and teamwork from everyone at witf," said witf's Senior Vice President & Chief Content Officer Cara Williams Fry.

Winners of the RTDNA regional awards are automatically entered in the national Edward R. Murrow Awards competition, which will be judged during the summer. National awards will be presented at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City on October 14.

About witf:

From 2006-2013, witf has been honored with 30 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards by the Radio Television Digital News Association -- the most of any media organization in central Pennsylvania.

In the last three years, witf has garnered 18 regional Murrows – among the tops not only in its region, but also the country in Markets 51 and smaller. Additionally, witf has been awarded six National RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards since 2007.

witf has been honored:

The last five years in the Audio News Series category
The last three years in the Audio Sports Reporting category, Audio Feature (four of last five) and Audio Continuing Coverage categories
The last two years in the Audio Writing

witf is a valued source of educational, inspiring and creative content for adults and children in every community in Central Pennsylvania. witf’s programs and services reach nearly two million citizens in 19 counties throughout the region. witf is comprised of public broadcasting stations witf TV, witf 89.5 & 93.3, witf.org and many educational services as well as regional magazine Central PA (published by The Patriot-News in an association with witf). The organization also includes the news networks RadioPA and Pennsylvania Public Radio, as well as Media Solutions and Top Flight Media.

About RTDNA:
RTDNA has been honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. Murrow’s pursuit of excellence in journalism embodies the spirit of the awards that carry his name. Murrow Award recipients demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Edward R. Murrow set as a standard for the profession of electronic journalism.

Insider Newsletter - May/June 2013

2013-04-17T17:17:47Z

This is the May/June 2013 issue of witf's donor newsletter, witf Insider. The witf Insider publishes 6 times a year.

Right click on the images below to see the full pages.

Marie Cusick to join witf as StateImpact Pennsylvania Reporter

2013-02-13T18:20:13Z

Marie Cusick

witf is pleased to announce that as of February 20, Marie Cusick will join the organization as its Multimedia StateImpact Pennsylvania reporter. Marie has spent nearly two years covering technology, the economy, politics and Marcellus Shale drilling for the Innovation Trail in Albany, New York at WMHT. Her reports have been aired throughout New York and nationally on All Things Considered, Morning Edition and Weekend Edition.

Cusick grew up in Lancaster and is a graduate of Manheim Township High School and Lebanon Valley College. Prior to moving to New York, she worked as a general assignment reporter with Blue Ridge News 11 in Ephrata.

She replaces Scott Detrow, who recently relocated to San Francisco to work as the Sacramento Bureau Chief for public radio station KQED.

About StateImpact Pennsylvania
StateImpact Pennsylvania is a collaboration of witf, Harrisburg, and WHYY, Philadelphia. Through an award-winning website and regular radio features, a reporter from each station covers the economic and environmental impact of the state’s energy sector, especially Marcellus Shale gas boom. Recently witf, along with WHYY (Philadelphia) and NPR, received its first-ever Silver Baton from duPont-Columbia for Excellence in Multimedia Reporting on Natural Gas Drilling.

Slideshow: witf receives Silver Baton at duPont Awards ceremony

2013-01-24T19:21:41Z

On January 22, 2013 at Columbia University’s Low Library, the Silver Baton was awarded to witf/Harrisburg, WHYY/Philadelphia and NPR for their joint reporting project called StateImpact Pennsylvania.

The duPonts are the Pulitzers of broadcasting and digital journalism (also awarded by Columbia University). The winning stories are selected for the “strength of their reporting, storytelling and impact in the public interest.”

The award citation notes that StateImpact Pennsylvania “showed the significant impact of natural gas drilling on Pennsylvania residents, and is an important model for reporting on local issues. Reporters Susan Phillips (WHYY) and Scott Detrow (witf) covered the public policy, fiscal and environmental impact of the state’s booming energy economy, with a focus on Marcellus Shale drilling.”

Below are photos from the award ceremony at Columbia University’s Low Library.

Stream duPont Awards live and watch witf receive first-ever Silver Baton

2013-01-22T12:23:17Z

witf is a proud recipient of one of the nation’s most prestigious awards for broadcast reporting, the duPont-Columbia Silver Baton. The duPonts are the Pulitzers of broadcasting and digital journalism (also awarded by Columbia University). The winning stories are selected for the “strength of their reporting, storytelling and impact in the public interest.”

The Silver Baton was awarded to witf/Harrisburg, WHYY/Philadelphia and NPR for their joint reporting project called StateImpact Pennsylvania. The citation notes that StateImpact Pennsylvania “showed the significant impact of natural gas drilling on Pennsylvania residents, and is an important model for reporting on local issues. Reporters Susan Phillips (WHYY) and Scott Detrow (witf) covered the public policy, fiscal and environmental impact of the state’s booming energy economy, with a focus on Marcellus Shale drilling.”

The award will be presented at Columbia University’s Low Library on January 22, 2013 at 8 p.m. at an event hosted by Amanpour and Byron Pitts, chief national correspondent for the CBS Evening News. Representatives from witf and StateImpact PA will be present at the event to receive the award.

Watch the award being presented to our team in a live stream of the award ceremony below.

You can also join in the conversation about the award by using the hashtag #duPont2013 on Twitter.

Insider Newsletter - January/February 2013

2013-01-18T21:45:41Z

This is the January/February 2013 issue of witf's donor newsletter, witf Insider. The witf Insider publishes 6 times a year.

Right click on the images below to see the full pages.

witf receives its first-ever Silver Baton from duPont-Columbia for Excellence in Multimedia Reporting on Natural Gas Drilling

2012-12-19T15:43:11Z

witf, central Pennsylvania’s Public Media Center, has received one of the nation’s most prestigious awards for broadcast reporting, the duPont-Columbia Silver Baton. The award was announced by CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour at the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards Center today. The award will be presented at Columbia University’s Low Library on January 22, 2013 at an event hosted by Amanpour and Byron Pitts, chief national correspondent for the CBS Evening News. The duPonts are the Pulitzers of broadcasting and digital journalism (also awarded by Columbia University). The winning stories are selected for the “strength of their reporting, storytelling and impact in the public interest.”

The Silver Baton, the first in witf’s history, is the third major national award for witf in 2012. The central Pennsylvania Public Media Center also received two Edward R. Murrow Awards from RTDNA (Radio-Television Digital News Association) for reporting on cancer in the Facing Cancer Together project and for a “Hope and Handball” feature on witf 89.5. “It’s been an extraordinary year for witf’s journalists and, by extension, for our listeners, viewers and readers,” said Kathleen Pavelko, witf’s President and CEO. “I could not be prouder of our entire team in earning these recognitions, unique in witf’s history.”

The Silver Baton-winning reports were heard on public radio stations across Pennsylvania and on a dedicated web site featuring multimedia, data-driven stories. The StateImpact Pennsylvania reports revealed previously unreported aspects of a new gas drilling law, including a provision that would require health professionals to sign confidentiality agreements in order to get access to chemical exposure information and developments in the state’s efforts to establish a natural gas impact fee.

"It's a tremendous honor and we're proud to see the hard work of Scott, Susan and the entire StateImpact Pennsylvania team recognized on a national level,” said Tim Lambert, witf’s Multimedia News Director and StateImpact Pennsylvania project manager. “In less than two years, StateImpact Pennsylvania has established itself as a go-to resource for people following the state's energy boom. This type of data-driven, multimedia approach is unique to our region and sets a journalistic standard that witf strives to reach in all of our work."

Scott Detrow, witf’s reporter/producer/photographer, said “I'm honored by this award. But it wouldn't have happened without the resources--and more importantly the time--that witf, WHYY and NPR gave Susan and me to report on these important stories that are changing Pennsylvania's landscape.”

The journalistic team recognized with the award included: Susan Phillips (WHYY) and Scott Detrow (witf), as reporters, producers, photographers; Chris Satullo (WHYY), Vikki Valentine (NPR) and Ken Rudin (NPR), as editors; Tim Lambert (witf), StateImpact Pennsylvania’s project manager/editor; Chris Amico, Danny DeBelius, Elise Hu, Matt Stiles, NPR StateImpact data/web team and Lynette Clemetson (NPR), StateImpact Director.

About the du-Post-Columbia University Awards
The Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards Center, which administers the The Alfred I. Dupont-Columbia University Awards, is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in journalism by Honoring the best in broadcast and digital reporting, informing the public about the contributions news organizations and journalists make to their communities and to the world, supporting journalism education and innovation, and cultivating a collective spirit for the profession.

Every year about a dozen news stories are honored by the 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. Winners receive a silver baton, or a gold baton for truly outstanding reporting, which is inscribed with the famous observation about the power of television by the late Edward R. Murrow in his address to the Radio and Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958: "This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box."

witf combats hunger with partners Salvation Army and Wegmans

2012-11-14T15:15:14Z

witf listeners and supporters stepped up to the plate on Thursday, November 8 when asked to make a pledge to combat hunger in Central Pa. As they have done for the past two years, Wegmans agreed to donate one pound of food to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank for every dollar pledged to witf. Last year the Food Bank received 10 tons of food and an additional $5,000 thanks to generous gifts made by witf radio donors. This year, witf set a goal to raise $20,000 and that goal was met and surpassed in under three hours.

Highlights:

24,000 pounds of food delivered to
the Central Pa Food Bank
25 food baskets assembled for the
Salvation Army
$24,000+ raised

Every year more than 50 million Americans struggle to put food on the table. More than 17 million children experience food insecurity, which leads to difficulty focusing at school and many other social challenges. The partnership between Wegmans, witf, and the Central Pa Food Bank has provided approximately 270,000 meals in the past two years alone.

To further combat hunger in our region, witf staff members offered to assemble food baskets for the Salvation Army to ensure that local families were able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal this holiday. The baskets included all of the necessary items needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal, from stuffing and cranberry sauce to ingredients for holiday pies. witf employees donated the items and volunteered to assemble the baskets, load them onto the truck and deliver them to the local Salvation Army. Additionally, from November 15 through January 4, witf will compete to raise money through the Christmas Red Kettle Campaign to benefit The Salvation Army Harrisburg.

“We are honored to participate in activities that allow us to give back to our community and to make a difference for our neighbors this holiday season,” said Kathleen Pavelko, witf’s President and CEO. “As a non-profit ourselves, we are committed to supporting our mission of making our community a better place.”

Watch the food being delivered to Central Pa. Food Bank below.

witf's Craig Layne, witf's Mark Duncan, Central Pa. Food Bank's Executive Director Joe Arthur, witf's Kerry Wevodau, and witf's Fred Vigeant visit Central Pa. Food Bank to drop off the food.

witf 89.5's Fall Fundraising Drive Exceeds Goal

2012-10-26T17:19:06Z

$137,000 Contributed for Quality Radio and New Format: NPR News and All Things Regional

Donors to the fall fundraising campaign for witf 89.5 & 93.3 contributed more than $137,000 for the news and information programming last week. The overwhelming response of listeners helped witf surpass a fundraising goal of $131,000. The contributions support witf 89.5’s coverage of regional and state issues and NPR programming such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

The success comes after a major format change to a news and information service. In June 2012, witf focused its daytime FM programing from classical music to news and information programs from NPR and Public Radio International (PRI), including The Diane Rehm Show, Here and Now, and the Story.

“We deeply appreciate the support we’ve received from listeners in the FM pledge drive,” said Kathleen Pavelko, witf’s President and CEO. “Listener contributions on Friday broke all records for funds raised on the final day of a drive and indicated strong support for the new NPR News and All Things Regional format.

Mark Duncan, Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer for witf, said “a number of the donors said they have listened before, but have never given, until now." While Duncan says it's too soon to gauge the impact the format change on fundraising overall, Duncan says “this could be an indication of things to come."

witf 89.5 and 93.3 can be heard in 19 counties across central Pennsylvania. The largest source of witf’s revenue is from local support: In FY12, 40% of the budget came from individual contributions, business support and program production. Federal funding represents 10% of the budget, with the remainder coming from endowment and earned revenues. There has been no state support for public broadcasting since 2010. In short, the public in public broadcasting is you!

Below is a thank you video to everyone who made a pledge during the drive.

Insider Newsletter - November/December 2012

2012-10-26T17:09:30Z

This is the November/December 2012 issue of witf's donor newsletter, witf Insider. The witf Insider publishes 6 times a year.

Right click on the images below to see the full pages.

Transforming Health: New effort continues witf's focus on care

2012-10-24T19:17:24Z

Since April 2011, witf has worked with three health systems in presenting a broad-based, multimedia exploration of cancer called “Facing Cancer Together.” With the support and counsel of nonprofits, PinnacleHealth, Well-Span Health and Lancaster General Health, Facing Cancer Together produced 419 media pieces, plus live events and social media posts.

Now witf and its Facing Cancer Together partners have agreed to continue the project with a new focus. Now called “Transforming Health,” the new effort will launch on Nov. 12 and be followed with a “Transforming Health” Community Forum on “Smart Talk TV” at 8 p.m. Nov. 15.

“Transforming Health” will be a broadbased, multimedia project. Our goal is to present the policy and personal choices Americans face as the nation’s health care system shifts direction toward one in which partnerships are established to manage overall well-being.

Help inform this new project:

What health topics concern you? Which ones would you like to know more about?

While the Affordable Care Act will be part of the focus, the project also will explore changes in how health care is organized and delivered. These changes are the result of a decade-long effort by health care professionals, insurers and policymakers to improve the health of individuals and communities. To do so, they have studied health care results data, created incentives for efficiency, placed penalties for hospital readmissions and sought better coordination of care.

“Transforming Health” will present a picture of a revolution as it is happening — as medical professionals grapple with the challenge to bring quality up and costs down while improving the experience of health care for patients and their families. You’ll find out what it means for a hospital or health system to become an “accountable care organization” and what your responsibilities will be as a citizen and a patient. And we’ll talk with elected city and county officials about how the right decisions on zoning, transportation and schools can improve health quality for every resident.

As we gear up to launch this new initiative, we'd like to hear from you about what health topics concern you or which ones you'd like to know more about. Please take a moment to fill out this short query. Your responses will help direct our coverage.

PBS KIDS educational programming tops September ratings with 6 highest-ranked kids shows for ages 2-5

2012-10-24T13:59:46Z

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

PBS KIDS today announced stellar ratings for the month of September 2012. PBS KIDS preschool programs took the top six spots for kids ages 2 to 5 according to Nielsen NPower national program ratings, the organization’s strongest ratings in ten years. CURIOUS GEORGE was number one for the ninth consecutive month. THOMAS & FRIENDS, THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!, SUPER WHY!, DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD and DINOSAUR TRAIN rounded out the top 6 honors of most viewed programming.

"September's strong ratings show that PBS KIDS programming is more valuable to America's families than ever with a growing number of children choosing PBS programs as their favorites,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children’s Media, PBS. "Moms* also showed their appreciation for our content by selecting five PBS shows in their top six series.”

Visit our TV schedule to find out when these shows air on witf.

Having premiered in September, DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD is the newest addition to the PBS KIDS lineup and has quickly proven to be a favorite with young children. In addition to ranking #5 among kids 2-5 last month, the series was PBS KIDS’ top program streamed online and on mobile. Focused on addressing the social and emotional needs of kids ages 2-4, the program continues the important legacy of Fred Rogers, one of early pioneers for free, educational public media for children.

Dinosaur Train

In addition to on-air content, PBS KIDS continues to play a leadership role in the development of educational digital content for kids. TIME Magazine recently named PBSKIDS.org one of the “50 Best Websites 2012.” And with 22 mobile apps currently available, PBS KIDS consistently earns accolades for its quality digital resources. Most recently, the free PBS KIDS Video App was included on Babble.com’s list of 50 Best Apps for Parents 2012 and TIME.com included the SUPER WHY! app in its Top 25 iPad Apps for Kids roundup in September.

As high ratings, online and mobile content usage demonstrate, PBS KIDS is increasingly serving children wherever they live, learn, and play – on TV, online, through mobile devices, and in the classroom.

*PBS KIDS was number one among moms ages 18-49 with children under the age of 3 in September 2012. CURIOUS GEORGE, SUPER WHY! and DINOSAUR TRAIN took the top three slots; THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!, THOMAS & FRIENDS and SESAME STREET rounded out slots five, six and seven.

Ratings source: Program Ratings are Live+7 AA 8/27/2012 – 9/30/2012; Nielsen NPower

State Ethics Commission issues penalty against witf for failing to file timely expense report

2012-10-18T17:13:01Z

(Harrisburg) -- The State Ethics Commission has issued a $3,920 penalty against witf for failing to file a timely expense report for the fourth quarter of 2011.

The issuance of the Ethics Commission report indicates the case related to witf is now closed and resolved.

The violation was caused by an oversight -- a failure to file a report on time regarding lobbying activities on state funding.

witf President Kathleen Pavelko was responsible for filing the reports. "I believed that all reports had been filed promptly, but the complexities of the website procedures led me to an incorrect conclusion," she says. "I apologize for my error. "

"We have paid the fine associated with the violation. witf no longer has a lobbyist working on its behalf," she adds

Photos and videos: 2012 Edward R. Murrow Awards dinner

2012-10-10T15:32:22Z

The Radio Television Digital News Directors Association (RTNDA) recently honored witf with two national Edward R. Murrow awards at a dinner in New York City. witf received awards for Best Audio News Series for Facing Cancer Together and for Best Sports Reporting for Hope in Handball.

Watch Tim Lambert accepting the award for Best Sports Reporting for Hope in Handball below.

Watch Tim Lambert accepting the award for Best Audio News Series for Facing Cancer Together below.

Below are photos from the award dinner:

PBS Statement Regarding October 3 Presidential Debate

2012-10-04T18:00:14Z

We are very disappointed that PBS became a political target in the Presidential debate last night. Governor Romney does not understand the value the American people place on public broadcasting and the outstanding return on investment the system delivers to our nation. We think it is important to set the record straight and let the facts speak for themselves.

The federal investment in public broadcasting equals about one one-hundredth of one percent of the federal budget. Elimination of funding would have virtually no impact on the nation’s debt. Yet the loss to the American public would be devastating.

A national survey by the bipartisan research firms of Hart Research and American Viewpoint in 2011 in found that over two-thirds of American voters (69%) oppose proposals to eliminate government funding of public broadcasting, with Americans across the political spectrum against such a cut.

As a stated supporter of education, Governor Romney should be a champion of public broadcasting, yet he is willing to wipe out services that reach the vast majority of Americans, including underserved audiences, such as children who cannot attend preschool and citizens living in rural areas.

For more than 40 years Big Bird has embodied the public broadcasting mission – harnessing the power of media for the good of every citizen, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. Our system serves as a universally accessible resource for education, history, science, arts and civil discourse.

Over the course of a year, 91% of all U.S. television households tune into their local PBS station. In fact, our service is watched by 81% of all children between the ages of 2-8.

Each day, the American public receives an enduring and daily return on investment that is heard, seen, read and experienced in public broadcasting broadcasts, apps, podcasts, and online – all for the cost of about $1.35 per person per year.

Earlier in 2012, a Harris Interactive poll confirmed that Americans consider PBS the most trusted public institution and the second most valuable use of public funds, behind only national defense, for the 9th consecutive year.

A key thing to remember is that public television and radio stations are locally owned and community focused and they are experts in working efficiently to make limited resources produce results. In fact, for every $1.00 of federal funding invested, they raise an additional $6.00 on their own – a highly effective public-private partnership.

Numerous studies -- including one requested by Congress earlier this year -- have stated categorically that while the federal investment in public broadcasting is relatively modest, the absence of this critical seed money would cripple the system and bring its services to an end.