On Nov. 15 at a ceremony held in Princeton, WBGO was presented with eight Excellence in Journalism Awards from the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists (NJ-SPJ). Among the programs honored were “The Black Church: WBGO Panel Discussion,” “WBGO Journal,” and “SportsJam.”
The contest, which is judged by a panel from out-of-state, received more than 160 entries. “The goal for this contest is to highlight the best in journalism within New Jersey, and the best journalism about the Garden State,” said P. Kenneth Burns, NJ-SPJ president and co-chair of this year’s contest. “I am proud that our contest highlighted great journalists and provided a platform for outlets to compete against each other in a professional, friendly competition.” For a complete list of the winners, visit NJ-SPJ’s website.
WBGO’s News and Sports Director Doug Doyle was on hand to accept the awards in seven categories, including Best Podcast, Best Arts and Entertainment Coverage, Best Public Affairs Program, Best Sports Feature, Best Breaking News Coverage and others. "We are thrilled our special ‘The Black Church’ panel discussion was recognized by the NJ-SPJ,” said Doyle. “It was an amazing grant-funded show that featured a terrific discussion about the connection between church and music. The first-place awards for the WBGO Journal and SportsJam are also extremely satisfying because of the continuing commitment to excellence with those shows."
Here is the complete list of the awards WBGO received from the NJ-SPJ:
First Place Awards
Best Arts and Entertainment Coverage - First Place - WBGO
"The Black Church: WBGO Panel Discussion" - Host Doug Doyle
Best Public Affairs Program (TV/Radio) - First Place - WBGO
"WBGO Journal" - Reporters Doug Doyle, Alexandra Hill, Joe Hernandez and Harlan Jacobson
Best Podcast - First Place - WBGO
"SportsJam with Doug Doyle" - Host and Producer Doug Doyle
Best Sports Feature - First Place - WBGO
"Ken Burns Documentary Muhammad Ali" - Reporter Doug Doyle
Second Place Awards
Best Arts and Entertainment Coverage - Second Place - WBGO
"Tony Award and Daytime Emmy Award winner Lillias White explores the life, struggles and music of Sarah Vaughan" - Reporter Doug Doyle
Best Breaking News Coverage - Second Place - WBGO
"Jazz Legend Chick Corea Dies" - Reporters Doug Doyle and Nate Chinen
Best COVID Coverage - Second Place - WBGO
"Newark to Create Housing Out of Shipping Containers amid Pandemic" - Reporter Alexandra Hill
Best Continuing Coverage - Second Place - WBGO
"Jack Ciattarelli nearly upsets Phil Murphy in NJ Governor's Race" - Reporters Doug Doyle and P. Kenneth Burns
