9News wins two Cronkite awards

[Colorado Media Newsroom]

From The Denver Post:



9News was honored with two Walter Cronkite Awards today for its excellence in TV political journalism.

The “Fact Check” feature conducted through the political season was cited as exemplary.

The awards, given biennially since 2000, recognize compelling storytelling, accuracy and service to citizens during election season. Specifically, KUSA’s fact-checking of political advertising and Brandon Rittiman and Kyle Clark’s season-long debate moderating were recognized. The jury said “KUSA continues to produce the best fact checking segments on local TV” and “Rittiman’s presentation is exemplary: “He doesn’t rush through complicated material,” the jury said, “he gives viewers time to absorb the images, the text and his findings.”

Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania, said, “KUSA’s commitment to fact checking is unrivaled.” The station produced 55 fact-checking segments in 2014.

“KUSA made the commitment to deeper political analysis over the last 10 years. 9NEWS
introduced Truth Tests, hosted innumerable debates, and produced specialized content including ‘voice of the voter’ segments and a panel discussion featuring 12 undecided voters as just a part of that commitment. Kyle and Brandon worked long hours to produce this expansive and important content,” said Patti Dennis, Gannett vice president and former news director of 9NEWS.

The awards were announced by by the Norman Lear Center at the University of Southern California’s
Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Along with KUSA, Austin’s KXAN was honored in the large-market station category.


More...