WPM Reporters Win Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards

Three Wyoming Public Media (WPM) reporters were awarded four regional Edward R. Murrow Awards honoring outstanding achievement in broadcast and digital journalism.

Melodie Edwards won the “Best Hard News” award for her story called “Health Officials Grapple for an Accurate Picture of Opioid Drug Abuse in Wyoming.” It’s a story about how the dangers of opioid addiction may be overlooked in the state.

Cooper McKim won the “Best Feature” category for his story called “The Arts: A Lasting Legacy of Matthew Shepard.” It’s the story of the three-part oratorio called “Considering Matthew Shepard.”

McKim also won the “Excellence in Sound” award for his sound-rich story on the aquatic stonefly and how its existence is being threatened by climate change.

Maggie Mullen won the “Best Sports Reporting” award in her capacity as a Mountain West News Bureau reporter for her story called “Do Politics Go With Football? 50 Years Ago, Wyoming’s Black 14 Said Yes.”

“All three reporters show a strong commitment to storytelling, journalism and excellence,” WPM News Director Bob Beck says. “Over the years, our reporters have now won 18 regional Murrow awards, which is an amazing feat.”

WPM competes in Region 3, which includes commercial and noncommercial stations in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. The stories will now advance to the national competition. National award winners will be announced in June.

“University of Wyoming base funds, coupled with strong listener and donor support, have taken WPM reporting resources to a competitive level with major broadcasters,” WPM General Manager Christina Kuzmych says. “It’s a proud testament to a strong partnership.”