TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Jordan Flaherty Award

KDFW-TV, Dallas

TAPB-Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Award

KXAN-TV, Austin

Overall Excellence-TV

KHOU-TV, Houston

Overall Excellence-Radio

KUT-FM, Austin

TV I:

Commentary-Editorial

First Place
This segment gave me chills.
KVUE-TV, Austin
How brave to speak your truth in a part of the
Ashley Goudeau country that is deeply conservative.
"The Last Word"

Second Place Very interesting and engaging. Loved the

KENS-TV, San Antonio commentary on mental health. Tea cup at the
Evan Closky end was sassy.
"The Closky Commentaries"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Feature (Light)

First Place Beautiful story. Outstanding use of audio, pacing

KHOU-TV, Houston and lighting.
Erik Darelius
"A Guitar Maker"

Second Place Great editing and shooting/ framing, use of

KEYE-TV, Austin humor.
Walt Maciborski and Mario Pena
"Game On"

Investigative Report

First Place
KHOU-TV, Houston
Jeremy Rogalski and John Gibson
"Recycling in Houston"
This started as a simple Earth Day single story and
the tenacity and follow-up led to a far larger issue
that exposed multiple problems in a city
department. In a tight race it was a tough call but
this story affected the entire market and had a lot
of follow up and documentary evidence. A great
job.

Second Place The confrontation off the top the story was
WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth effective and helped to show that this was a
Mark Smith and Tanya Eiserer larger, more intricate piece. It was a strong and
"Dirty Deeds" solid piece of investigative journalism.

Photojournalism-Station

First Place
KHOU-TV, Houston

Second Place
KPRC-TV, Houston
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Photojournalism-Individual

First Place
KHOU-TV, Houston
Kyle Porter
"Fotógrafo Americano"

Second Place
KENS-TV, San Antonio
Michael Humphries
"A Mi Manera"

Sports Story

First Place
WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth
Jonah Javad and Brandon Mowry
"Unmasked: The Pancho Billa Story"
The camera work was the most creative in the
competition. The storyline and script writing was
there. The visual elements kept the viewer
hanging on.

Second Place Great camera work. Inspirational story -

WOAI-TV, San Antonio appreciate the elements of the game of football
John Elizondo intertwined with battling cancer. Good script
"Answering the Bell: writing.
Bryce Wisdom Story"

Documentary/Magazine or Special

First Place
A powerful unflinching look at sexual abuse,
KHOU-TV, Houston abuse of power and lack of accountability within
"Unforgivable" the Roman Catholic Church. Excellent work.

Second Place An excellent tell, the writing, video and sound

KVUE-TV, Austin took me by the hand and walked me through this
Tony Plohetski and Brian Bell murder-mystery. Well done.
"Stopping the Austin Bomber"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Series

First Place
WOAI-TV, San Antonio
Ariana Lubelli
"Baby Born Without Skin"

Second Place
KHOU-TV, Houston
"Silent Cries"

Specialty or Beat Reporting

First Place
Important work, incredible presentation. This
KPRC-TV, Houston
reporter does a great job and has such courage
"Political Reporting from holding the powerful accountable.
City Hall to the Feds"

Second Place This reporter has a knack for getting people to

KVUE-TV, Austin open up. Incredible perspective on a very
Molly Oak important subject.
"Struggle on the Streets"

Reporter

First Place He shot his work as well, with nice variety in

WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth shots. Strong writing, selection of soundbites and
Kevin Reece
overall touching storytelling.

Second Place Clear delivery, no gimmicks, straightforward and

KVUE-TV, Austin to the point.
Terri Gruca
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

General Assignment

First Place A wonderful story told with beautiful nat sound

KXAS-TV, Fort Worth and great character development. I'm going to
Kristopher Gutierrez
show this one off in our afternoon meeting!
"Boots For Warriors"

Second Place
KVUE-TV, Austin
Tony Plohetski and Brian Bell
"A Life of Shame"

Sportscast

First Place
KEYE-TV, Austin
Jeff Barker and Anthony Geronimo
"Remembering Longhorn Legend
Cedric Benson"

Second Place
WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth
Jonah Javad
"Ezekiel Elliott's Contract Holdout:
Day 28"

Continuing Coverage

First Place Attention-grabbing, focused, well shot and

KPRC-TV, Houston edited.
Robert Arnold and Bill Carruthers
"Border Crisis"

Second Place Informative. Holds interest from start to finish.

KXAN-TV, Austin Relatable.
"Mothers Erased"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Digital

First Place Did not have the same exact website design as
KXAN-TV, Austin one or more other entries. No disturbing
Kate Winkle
sponsored content which is great. Impressive
Facebook following and engagement on posts.
Impressive APP ratings. Really enjoyed the
Instagram content.

Second Place Good website design, visually appealing. Good

KSAT-TV, San Antonio
content. Impressed by Facebook following and
engagement. Shows you know your audience.
LOVE the Instagram page. Lots of cute, and
informative content. Reporters seem engaging.
You guys have a strong following.

Deadline Editing

First Place
WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth
Greg T. Johnson
"Improvements and Progress"

Second Place
KHOU-TV, Houston
Chris Carr
"Food, Community and Candy.
Man, I Love This Job."
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Feature Editing-General News

First Place Editing is amazing. This is so seamless. It takes

KHOU-TV, Houston the stories to another level.
Kyle Porter
"A Splice of Life"

Second Place This story is amazing. It makes such good use of

WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth interviews and nat sound. The editing builds up
Greg T. Johnson the emotion. Amazing.
"This is Holy Ground"

Online/Special Content

First Place
KHOU-TV, Houston
"Unforgivable"

Second Place
KXAN-TV, Austin
"A History of Mass Violence:
A Catalyst Project"

Sports Anchor or Anchor Team

First Place Anchor is easy to watch, relatable.

WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth
Jonah Javad

Second Place High energy! Great graphic treatment.

KHOU-TV, Houston
Jason Bristol
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Sports Special

First Place
KHOU-TV, Houston
Daniel Gotera and Mike Orta
"North Shore Mustangs"

Second Place
KEYE-TV, Austin
"A Spoonful of Sugar:
2019 Texas-Georgia Sugar Bowl"

Weathercast

First Place
Teaching moment to start, followed by a
KVUE-TV, Austin thorough analysis of what Austin can expect as a
Albert Ramon cold front rambles through.

Second Place A conversational way to inform viewers about the

KXAN-TV, Austin impending weather threat.
David Yeomans
"First Warning Weather"

Morning Newscast

First Place
KEYE-TV, Austin
Jordan Early, Kevin Allen and
Melanie Barden
"Death of Heidi Broussard"

Second Place
KHOU-TV, Houston
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Daytime Newscast

First Place LIVE shot of the scaffolding collapse,

KABB-TV, San Antonio interchanging with drone footage. The
Jennifer Luna
interaction between the reporter and the
anchors was excellent. Live desk set up is cool.
Content was diverse, and stayed focused on what
people cared about at the time, which was
weather.

Second Place Talented anchor. Very confident and engaging

KXAN-TV, Austin with viewers. LIVE dash cam for weather is cool.
"KXAN News at Noon"

News Anchor or Anchor Team

First Place Strong live presence. Appreciated anchor's

KXAS-TV, Fort Worth demonstrated desire to be an active presence in
Kristopher Gutierrez
the field. Nice variety in montage.

Spot Coverage-Station

First Place
After watching the whole entry I realized all the
KPRC-TV, Houston hard work that went into covering such a wide
"Imelda's Wrath" area during an emergency situation. Kudos to all
involved in production of this event. The 84 year-
old woman rescued on her birthday was surely
compelling to watch.

Second Place Great coverage during and after the storm. Pure
KHOU-TV, Houston mayhem captured live on TV. Kudos to all
"Imelda Flooding" involved in the production of this live event.
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Spot Story-Individual

First Place This tornado aftermath story was so well shot.

KVUE-TV, Austin And the nats captured with each person gave you
Hank Cavagnaro
a real understanding of their fear and panic
"Fayette County Tornado" during and after the calamity. The techniques in
this story make it stand out from every other
entry.
Second Place
KHOU-TV, Houston
Brett Buffington
"Good Samaritans"

Feature (Serious)

First Place
WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth
Tiffany Liou
"Freeze Frames of Elena Shoemaker"

Second Place
Spectrum News-TV, Austin
Robbie Vaughn and Stef Manisero
"Diego's Wish"

Newscast

First Place
Incredible team coverage with informative and
KPRC-TV, Houston
active live shots. Strong elements eliciting an
Erica Young undeniable response of empathy, especially with
"Imelda & Widespread Flooding" the interview of the couple who were flooded out
a second time.

Second Place Great use of viewer interaction to answer their

KHOU-TV, Houston biggest concerns. Challenging choice to dedicate
Molly Baker and Kena Moore entire newscast to different angles of fire, but
executed well and paid off. Enjoyed the use of
green screen to break down EPA response.
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

TV II:

Feature (Light)

First Place
KWTX-TV, Waco
Rissa Shaw
"A Fair to Remember"

Second Place
KCEN-TV, Temple
Cole Johnson
"An Unlikely Friendship:
Man and Water Snake"

Investigative Report

First Place A solid story, something that is expected to be

KTXS-TV, Abilene uncovered and brought to light in investigative
John Rupolo and Jamie Burch
reporting. All the elements were there.
"Conflict of interest?"

Second Place This took time and patience to cover -- way to

KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi stick to it and present all the facts in a convincing
Jessica Savage and Michael Salazar manner.
"CCISD Changes Location for New
High School After KRIS-TV
Investigation Reveals Safety
Concerns"

Photojournalism-Individual

First Place
I really appreciate the double parking and your
KTXS-TV, Abilene characters. Compelling stories and good
Nick Bradshaw shooting/editing. 2 thumbs up!

Second Place Really good pacing and compelling content. Love

KJTV-TV, Lubbock the nats. Great job!
Andrew Wood
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Sports Story

First Place
KCEN-TV, Temple
Kurtis Quillin
"Inside the Walls: More
Than a Basketball Game"

Second Place
KCEN-TV, Temple
Kurtis Quillin
"Country Night Lights:
Rockdale's Rickman Records
Hits On and Off the Field"

Documentary/Magazine or Special

First Place
Very good storytelling and balanced reporting.
KWTX-TV, Waco The writing drew me into the story.
Tara Mergener and Tyler Bowman
"Battle on Our Border Special"

Second Place This piece was well put together. It's great to
KMID-TV, Midland/KPEJ-TV, Odessa connect viewers with a different country
Monica Quintero and David Wagner experiencing similar issues.
"Beyond Borders - A Trip Abroad"

Series

First Place
KWTX-TV, Waco
Tara Mergener and Clint Webb
"Battle on Our Border: Behind the
Scenes at America's Busiest Illegal
Entry Point"
Wow, just a compelling series from start to finish
that tells this story in a much different way than
what we have seen from the networks. Telling
this story from the perspective of the people
most impacted. Simply outstanding in a field of
incredible submissions in this category.

Second Place Really, the epitome of what good investigative

KFDM-TV, Beaumont journalism can do in giving voice to the voiceless.
Angel San Juan and Justin DeYoung As heartbreaking as the first piece was, the
"Help I'm Hurting" follow-up gave so much hope. Very well-done!
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Specialty or Beat Reporting

First Place
KVIA-TV, El Paso
Mauricio Casillas
"The Border"

Second Place
KLTV-TV, Tyler-Longview
Lane Luckie
"Power of Prayer"

Reporter

First Place
You can tell the reporter is very passionate about
KIII-TV, Corpus Christi what he does. He's very energetic and easy to
Bill Churchwell follow. The interactive stand ups held me
"From Land to Sea"
captivated the entire time. The active shooter
package was very moving. I also thoroughly
enjoyed the storytelling in the cow package. The
reporter reminds me of Joe Little. Extremely
talented. A step above every other applicant I
watched.

Second Place Tara is very talented. The documentary on sex

KWTX-TV, Waco trafficking held my attention the whole time. I
Tara Mergener was impressed that the reporter was able to get
"A Year at the Southern Border" the illegal immigrants and border control on
camera. Very captivating stories. I also believe
the reporter has a very strong on air presence.
Overall incredible product, very talented.
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

General Assignment

First Place
KVIA-TV, El Paso
Saul Saenz and Daniel Fuentes
"Walmart Reopening
Triggers Dark Past"

Second Place
KWTX-TV, Waco
John Carroll and Bill Gowdy
"Little Church on the Hill"

Sportscast

First Place
KCEN-TV, Temple
Kurtis Quillin

Second Place
KCEN-TV, Temple
Nick Canizales

Continuing Coverage

First Place
KBMT-TV, Beaumont
"Tropical Storm Imelda"

Second Place
KBMT-TV, Beaumont
"TPC Plant Explosion"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Digital

First Place
KTXS-TV, Abilene
Jamie Burch

Second Place
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi
Tim Griffin

Deadline Editing

First Place This was great as a deadline piece. All-around

KBTX-TV, Bryan-College Station well done. Keep it up.
Tennyson Guthrie
"Picking up the Pieces after Tornado"

Second Place I can imagine how much work it took to get this
KCEN-TV, Temple done on a deadline, and I can appreciate that.
Cole Johnson Good work getting all of those graphics together
"Breaking Down the Jenna Scott in an interesting and concise manner.
and Michael Swearingin Case"

Feature Editing-General News

First Place
KWTX-TV, Waco
Rissa Shaw
"Wheelchair Touchdown"

Second Place
KCEN-TV, Temple
Cole Johnson
"Chick-fil-A on Easter Sunday"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Online/Special Content

First Place The pieces are compelling and well told. Great
KXXV-TV, Waco coverage on an event that most people have
Sylvia Villarreal and Taylor Corbett
forgotten.
"Aggie Bonfire Tragedy
20 Years Later"

Second Place Good interview. A very well done piece.

KCEN-TV, Temple
Rex Hollingsworth and Bary Roy
"In His Own Words - LTG
Paul E. Funk II Interview"

Sports Anchor or Anchor Team

First Place
KCEN-TV, Temple
Kurtis Quillin

Second Place
KIII-TV, Corpus Christi
Travis Green

Sports Special

First Place
KJTV-TV, Lubbock
"Football Friday"

Second Place
KCEN-TV, Temple
Nick Canizales and Kurtis Quillin
"Battle of the Bell"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Weathercast

First Place
KWTX-TV, Waco
Brady Taylor
"Live Coverage from
Franklin, TX Tornado"

Second Place
KTLM-TV, McAllen
"La Autoridad En El Tiempo En 3D"

Morning Newscast

First Place
We get straight to breaking news and bring in a
KWTX-TV, Waco reporter live from the scene. The anchors have
good chemistry. The cadence and inflection of
each anchor individually is on point. The
broadcast flows.

Second Place The broadcast is very similar to the one awarded

KWTX-TV, Waco first - straight to breaking news and toss to
anchor in the field. She does a good job laying out
the timeline of the events and bringing in the
"now".

Daytime Newscast

First Place
Great energy. She does a fabulous job carrying
KBTX-TV, Bryan-College Station
the audience, staying on script and interviewing
the guests. Transitions seamlessly.

Second Place Friendly, inviting and professional. Graphics are

KBTX-TV, Bryan-College Station professional and flow seamlessly. Scripts are well
written.
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

News Anchor or Anchor Team

First Place Blake's use of video monitors during breaking

KLTV-TV, Tyler-Longview news (train crash) is not only unique, but also
Blake Holland
effective in walking viewers through a crash. His
follow-up coverage addresses previous questions
left open-ended the night before. He's extremely
demonstrative and manages to find details in his
stories that will resonate with viewers. For
example, he points out a cross left hanging on a
wall after a disaster. Typically this is a minor
detail often overlooked, but recognized how
engaging showing it would be to a viewer.

Second Place
KFDM-TV, Beaumont
Tiffany Murphy

Spot Coverage-Station

First Place
KOSA-TV, Midland-Odessa
"Odessa Mass Shooting"

Second Place
KWTX-TV, Waco
"Odessa Shootings Come
Home to Central Texas"

Spot Story-Individual
First Place
KVIA-TV, El Paso
Madeline Ottilie and David Avila
"Crosses at the Walmart Memorial"
Second Place
KFDM-TV, Beaumont
Angel San Juan and Justin DeYoung
"Interstate 10 Rescues"
Feature (Serious)
First Place
KWTX-TV, Waco
Tara Mergener and Clint Webb
"Battle on Our Border:
Do We Need a Wall?"
Second Place
KGBT-TV, Harlingen
"What Happened to El Gallito?"
TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS
2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments
Really well done story. Quick edits to keep a good
pace to the story, and it was still easy to follow.
Reporter found a good character at the scene to
use as the centerpiece for a well-told story. Good
standup for the reporter at the end that added
new information in a clear, concise and
appropriately somber tone. Audio matched video
well.
Really well done overall. [The story] included a lot
of engaging elements that really put me at the
scene, especially shots on the back of boats
moving across the water. I can tell the reporter
really did his due diligence speaking with a lot of
people. He was able to find several little stories
rather than just focusing on the flooding itself. He
really touched on the human aspect of this
weather event, making it feel more personal.
Incredible access and storytelling to share what's
happening at the border. Great use of sound and
video to set the scene.
A straight forward approach to a complicated
cold case. The use of sound, pictures, and maps
helped tell a more complete story.
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Newscast

First Place Great example of team coverage, visual and

KGBT-TV, Harlingen urgent. Wonderful job.
"Rio Grande Valley Flood"

Second Place Very well produced, kept the viewer's attention.

KBMT-TV, Beaumont Great example of a way to showcase a big story.

Radio I:

Commentary-Editorial

First Place
Great commentary that kept me interested
KUT-FM, Austin throughout. Fantastic delivery.
David Brown
"Remembering JFK"

Second Place A great story on what is a very big topic at the

KERA-FM, Dallas moment.
Lee Cullum
"Placido Domingo's Sexual
Harassment Allegations"

Spot News by a Reporter

First Place
Comprehensive reports on an important breaking
WBAP-AM/FM, Dallas story with excellent use of sound.
Clayton Neville
"El Paso Shooting"

Second Place Reporter displayed up-to-the-second knowledge

KUT-FM, Austin of this breaking story and resourcefulness under
Michael Marks difficult circumstances.
"Tropical Storm Imelda"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Spot Coverage-Station

First Place The urgency and emotion blasts through the

KRLD-AM, Dallas
"Dallas Federal Courthouse Shooting"
radio. Great word painting ("hiding in closets").
Reminding people that reporters are racing to the
scene is always a vital (but sometimes forgotten)
element of breaking news. KRLD didn't
disappoint. There was plenty of useful info such
as the lockdown at the neighboring campus.

Second Place Lots of great information and warnings for

WBAP-AM/FM, Dallas listeners. The pinpointed location was repeated
"North Dallas Tornado often as were the safety recommendations. The
Breaking News" reporter’s live shots helped add urgency.

Use of Actuality-Production

First Place
This story is a wonderful example of the power of
KERA-FM, Dallas
radio. Great use of natural sound to set the
Miguel Perez scene. Reporters' vivid, descriptive writing
"At The State Fair of Texas, Home painted a clear picture of the fair and the food.
Cooks Vie for Coveted 'Best In Show'
This was a fun story to hear.
Ribbon"

Second Place This story is succinctly written with good

KUT-FM, Austin soundbite selection. Reporter used the writing
Matt Largey and natural sound extremely well to create vivid
"Lifeguard Whistles" images of the lifeguards and their whistles.
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

General Assignment

First Place A timely topic told in an amazing, first-person

KERA-FM, Dallas narrative that is compelling and worthy of first
Christopher Connelly
place.
"How Trauma And Homelessness
Are Linked"

Second Place The great lead-in, and compelling story-telling

KERA-FM, Dallas lures the listener right into this neighborhood.
Bill Zeeble Great enterprise story.
"Little Egypt,' A Nearly-Lost
Freedmen's Town in Dallas,
Resurfaces Thanks To
College's Digging"

Sports Story or Sports Series

First Place A moving tribute to what may be a waning

KUT-FM, Austin tradition, nicely garnished with natural sound.
Alexandra Hart
"An East Texas Marching Band
Upholds A Tradition - Maybe
For The Last Time"

Second Place A sound-rich chronicle of a sport that draws on

KUT-FM, Austin the tradition of Mexcian bullfighting and takes it
Kristen Cabrera to a different level.
"On The Border, A Family Of
Matadors Tends The Bloodless
Bullfighting Tradition"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Continuing Coverage

First Place
KRLD-AM, Dallas
"October Tornado Hits Dallas"

Second Place
KUT-FM, Austin
Claire McInerny
"AISD School Closures"

Digital

First Place
KERA displays comprehensive use of all platforms
KERA-FM, Dallas
in an informative and user-friendly way.

Second Place KTSA effectively localized its digital presence and

KTSA-AM/FM, San Antonio showcased its programming in very effective
ways.

Feature (Serious)

First Place
This is an amazing feature filled with heartfelt
KUHF-FM, Houston storytelling. The sound scenes almost help you
Laura Isensee see Sarah and her family live through an
"This Teen Nearly Died in a School
incredibly difficult year.
Shooting. Now She's Just Trying to
Live"

Second Place
KUHF-FM, Houston
Jen Rice
"How Texas Prevented Black Women
from Voting Decades After the
19th Amendment"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Feature (Light)

First Place Love the humor and the sheer amount of

KUT-FM, Austin background, research and interviews the reporter
Michael Marks
did to bring this piece to life. Loved the use of the
"Remembering Texas' Woodstock" archival footage as well. I felt like I was there!

Second Place Liked the description of how this installation

KERA-FM, Dallas works at the beginning of the piece. Great nat
Mallory Falk sound with the people on each side of the
"Interactive Art Installation Lets border, and great interviews to give the piece life.
Strangers Talk To Each Other I got emotional along with the woman in the
Across The Border" piece!

Online/Special Content

First Place
KUT-FM, Austin
Claire McInerny and
Stephanie Federico
"Held Back"

Second Place
KUT-FM, Austin
Wells Dunbar

News Anchor or Anchor Team

First Place
KLIF-AM/FM, Dallas
Dave Williams and Amy Chodroff

Second Place
KUT-FM, Austin
David Brown
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Reporter

First Place What an interesting use of sound. Great voicing.

KUT-FM, Austin Interesting character developments. The reporter
Mose Buchele
really nailed it on this submission.

Second Place Interesting angles and great sourcing. Impactful

KERA-FM, Dallas work covering an undeserved community.
Stella Chavez

Investigative Report

First Place A wonderful and thorough look at a topic that

KUT-FM, Austin isn't fun or easy to cover.
Nadia Hamdan
"The Provability Gap"

Documentary

First Place Excellent piece bursting with sound and creative

KUT-FM, Austin storytelling (having the kids intro the parts was a
Claire McInerny
small but effective flourish). Great use of sound
"Held Back" to give this story a sense of place instead of
feeling like a studio production. This reporter is
clearly deeply familiar with the subject matter.
The pacing was excellent and the arc of the story
was just right to highlight the problem and its
controversial solution. Standout moment: when
the student passed the 1000 words competition,
great drama.

Second Place An important story told with great breadth and

KUT-FM, Austin depth. Solid technique in building the foundation
Nadia Hamdan of the story on the survivor. Some key revelations
"The Provability Gap" about APD's record on solving sexual assaults
should demand an audience's attention.
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Series

First Place Great telling of a story few people would even

KUT-FM, Austin think of. Excellent use of nat sound and
Jill Ament
descriptive delivery to put the listener in middle
"West Texas Illegal Dumping Woes" of the narrative.

Second Place Good use of telling a story by profiling a case

KERA-FM, Dallas study. Emotion is used but not over-used, and a
Courtney Collins discerning listener doesn't come away feeling
"One Crisis Away: The Price of manipulated.
Prison, Part 2"

Specialty or Beat Reporting

First Place This is comprehensive coverage of one of the

KERA-FM, Dallas most important beats in our country. It's handled
Stella Chavez
evenly and thoroughly--each part delivering a
"Immigration Coverage" deeper understanding of the subject. One quote
from the story "this is a human issue not a
political issue"---and Chavez delivers several
personal stories taking us into the communities
and letting us hear from the people who are
living with the choices they've made. It's very
good reporting and fine storytelling.

Second Place Reporter did an exceptional job of putting a face

KERA-FM, Dallas on a subject that is so political. Great personal
Mallory Falk stories that gave us a deeper understanding of
"Border Coverage" the issue, the proposed solutions and the
courage of the people.

Sports Play-by-Play

First Place
WBAP-AM/FM, Dallas
Brian Estridge
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Best Local Talk Show

First Place Excellent job of tying this story together from

KUT-FM, Austin across the state with reporters on the ground and
"Texas Standard: Roundtable after El
top notch guests offering revelatory information.
Paso Shooting" Host does a great job of setting the agenda and
letting the guests fill in the details. A sharp intro
displaying the appropriate context and emotion.
Nice perspective from the ground in El Paso.

Second Place A solid opening and good pacing. The entry

KUT-FM, Austin features a quality round of guests, the host does
a good job of staying out of the way and keeping
the conversation tight.

Newscast

First Place The station had the story covered from all angles
KTSA-AM/FM, San Antonio and didn't forget about the rest of the day's
Dennis Foley
news. Solid delivery from the anchors and
reporters that gave a sense of urgency without
hyperbole.

Second Place Solid coverage. Great use of actualities and

KRLD-AM, Dallas outstanding pacing. An efficient newscast.
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Radio II:

Use of Actuality-Production

First Place
WTAW-AM, College Station
Bill Oliver
"Bush 41 Train"

General Assignment

First Place A well researched report on a topic of importance

KETR-FM, Commerce to the community.
Scott Morgan
"8 of 9 Rural Hospitals NE Texas
Operate in the Red"

Second Place An informative report with some history and a bit

WTAW-AM, College Station of humor.
Bill Oliver
"College Station Cemetery"

Continuing Coverage

First Place Good coverage of different sides. Nice use of

WTAW-AM, College Station soundbites.
Bill Oliver
"Speaker Fails to Unseat Local
Representatives"

Digital

First Place
Clean look. Easy access to stories. Good
KETR-FM, Commerce
navigation. Great use of social media networks.
Mark Haslett and Jerrod Knight

Second Place Easy navigation. Nice visual appeal. Good use of

KURV-AM, McAllen content & layout.
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Feature (Serious)

First Place Good story. Solid audio.

KETR-FM, Commerce
Jerrod Knight
"TAMUC's Answer to Food Insecurity
Among College Students"

Second Place Great audio. Interesting story.

WTAW-AM, College Station
Bill Oliver
"Bush 41 Train"

Feature (Light)

First Place Humorous and educational content. This judge

WTAW-AM, College Station LOL'd!
Scott DeLucia
"Roundabouts with the Mayor"

Second Place Unique content, humorous.

WTAW-AM, College Station
The Infomaniacs
"First Call"

Online/Special Content

First Place
Very well produced. Solid audio. Interesting story.
KETR-FM, Commerce Listened to entire series after first episode.
George Hale and Jerrod Knight
"Buried"

Second Place Good content.

KETR-FM, Commerce
Mark Haslett and Jerrod Knight
"Rockwall Group Helps Victims of
Trafficking, Raises Awareness"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Reporter

First Place Great voice and cadence.

WTAW-AM, College Station
Chelsea Reber

Second Place Solid audio. Good content.

WTAW-AM, College Station
Zach Taylor

Documentary

First Place This is an excellent example of long form

KETR-FM, Commerce investigative podcast, in the model of Serial and
George Hale and Jerrod Knight
S-town. Well researched, well written, well
"Buried" produced. A great tale well told.

Specialty or Beat Reporting

First Place Good range of topics. Great audio clips from

KETR-FM, Commerce interviewees.
Scott Morgan
"Local Economy"

Second Place Great voice. Good use of content and audio.

WTAW-AM, College Station
Bill Oliver
"Bryan Texas City Government"

Sports Anchor or Anchor Team

First Place
KETR-FM, Commerce
Jerrod Knight and Ryan Fulkerson
"The Big Friday Night
Scoreboard Program"
 TEXAS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS

2019 Winners and Judges’ Comments

Sports Play-by-Play

First Place A really good team of announcers!

KWED-AM, Seguin
Mike McBride and Ivy Meehan
"Navarro Football vs. Wimberley,
4A Division II Playoff"
Knowledgeable about the game and the teams,
and the play-by-play and color functions mesh
well together.

Second Place Good, solid color and play-by-play work by a

KETR-FM, Commerce team that obviously understands football and
Kevin Jefferies and knows the local players.
John Mark Dempsey
"Commerce Tigers vs
Lone Oak Buffaloes"

Best Local Talk Show

First Place
Impressive that you were in DC for such an
KURV-AM, McAllen important issue.
Sergio Sanchez
"Mother of Slain Border Patrol
Agent Speaks Out"

Second Place That the congressman would make his

WTAW-AM, College Station announcement on the radio says a lot for the
Scott DeLucia relevance of your station in your community.
"Congressman Not Running Nice that you got reaction to that as well.
for Re-Election"

Newscast

First Place Pleasant voice, clear and easy to understand.

WTAW-AM, College Station
Chelsea Reber

Second Place Good use of soundbites.

WTAW-AM, College Station
Bill Oliver