WMFE wins three statewide awards from the Florida chapter of the Society for Professional Journalism
August 31, 2022 ORLANDO — Central Florida public radio station 90.7 WMFE won three awards from the Florida chapter of the Society for Professional Journalism (SPJ) for its work in 2021. These awards honor the best work produced by journalists throughout the state. Stations compete against others who work in the same medium.
In the category of Light Feature Reporting, WMFE’s Nicole Darden Creston won first place for her story about two families who get into the holiday spirit. “Lighting up the neighborhood: Two Orlando families make their street a winter wonderland.”
Darden Creston also won third place in the category of Government and Politics reporting for an interview with Robert Costa about the book he released in 2021. “Robert Costa delves into the aftermath of the January 6th Insurrection in ‘Peril.’”
In the category of Best Use of Sound, UCF Senior Journalism Instructor, Rick Brunson, won first place for a story that he produced about the important role crossing guards and the dangers for pedestrians in in. This story this region was produced as part of WMFE’s ongoing partnership with the Nicholson School of Communication and Media where we air stories produced by UCF students and staff highlighting people of Central Florida. “‘Angels in the Crosswalk’ work in America’s most dangerous city for pedestrians.”
You can find a complete list of SPJ winners here.
About WMFE
WMFE is a locally owned and operated nonprofit public media organization providing Central Florida with unbiased journalism and fact-based content that empower the community to better understand and participate in our diverse and complex world. 90.7 WMFE News is metro Orlando’s primary provider of NPR programming, offered alongside distinctive local content. WMFE strives to be part of the solution to critical societal problems including misinformation, division, and the nation’s declining journalism infrastructure.
About Journalism Florida
The Society of Professional Journalists is a national organization dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty.
SPJ Florida does this by:
• Upgrading the journalistic profession wherever possible throughout Florida.
• Assisting Florida high schools in strengthening their journalism classes and courses.
• Cooperating with and assisting colleges and universities in developing strong journalism schools and departments.
• Growing a scholarship fund.
• Encouraging diversity among journalists and developing a profession that is representative of the public it serves.
• Informing and educating the public on issues concerning freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and speaking out on such issues.
• Encouraging freedom of information and preserving and protecting public access to its government.
• Supporting journalists fighting to maintain the First Amendment, the public’s access to government, and the public’s right to know.
• Supporting and encouraging professional development and continuing education of journalists. Visit spjflorida.com/ for more information.
