The Radio Television Digital News Association recently announced its winners for 2017 and among them are two IBA member stations. WBND in South Bend won for Excellence in Video in the Small Market Television category. “Video is television’s advantage. Video allows us to take people inside stories and to places where they don’t normally get to go,” said General Manger Aaron Ramey. “It’s the opening for a viewer’s emotional connection to our stories. It’s video, paired with words and sound that continue to make television the most powerful medium.” Just one week after WTIU won two regional Emmy’s for its cultural affairs program The Weekly Special, WFIU/WTIU in Bloomington won an RTDNA for Excellence in Social Media in the Small Market category. “The whole newsroom carries the ball on social media but we also have a lead digital producer, Becca Costello, who keeps things moving. Listeners and viewers following a story from us know they can keep up with the latest on a number of platforms,” said Perry Metz, executive director of IU Radio and TV Service. “Winning in this new category is especially important for a growing newsroom, especially if we are to persuade younger people that public media are crucial outlets for local and state news.” The winning stations will receive their awards during The RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala in New York City in October. |