The 2024 Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters Awards were celebrated on April 5 at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. This prestigious event recognized outstanding news and sports reports from the previous year. A total of 611 entries from 34 different news organizations in Virginia and West Virginia competed for honors.
Mark Spain, a veteran anchor with WSET-TV in Lynchburg, Va., was posthumously awarded The Associated Press Robert Gallimore Distinguished Service Award. Spain passed away last December at 64 after battling pancreatic cancer. Additionally, Randy Yohe from West Virginia Public Broadcasting received the West Virginia Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his 37-year career starting at WSAZ-TV.
In support of future talents, the VAPB granted two scholarships worth $2000 each to media and broadcast journalism majors: Claudia Di Lima from West Virginia University and Morgan Norris from Hampton University. The VAPB is comprised of local members of The Associated Press, a cooperative representing numerous newspapers and broadcasters nationwide.
This year’s contest winners included various categories across TV and radio. In the Combined Division, WVPB-FM in Charleston, WV won Best Podcast-Audio with “Us & Them: The Geography of Abortion,” while WVNS-TV in Beckley-Bluefield-Lewisburg, WV was recognized for “Crime in the Coalfields.”
For TV in large markets, WCHS-TV in Charleston, WV, and WSET-TV in Lynchburg, VA secured top spots for Best Spot News, with remarkable coverage on events such as “April Flooding” and “Virginia Tornadoes,” respectively. Meanwhile, the award for Best Continuing News went to WCHS-TV for “The Tragic Case of Kyneddi Miller,” followed by WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, VA for “Clay Corner Inn.”
The Outstanding Sports Operation of the Virginias award was bestowed upon WRIC-TV in Richmond, VA, with WSLS-TV in Roanoke, VA as the runner-up. The Best Documentary or In-Depth Reporting was led by WVEC-TV in Norfolk, VA for “Roots Recovered — Reclaiming Our Names,” complemented by WDBJ-TV’s “Silent No More.”
WTVR-TV in Richmond, VA swept several categories, including Best Light Feature and Best Serious Feature, showcasing stories like “Nostalgia at Your Fingertips” and “Son of D-Day Hero Honors WWII Veterans.” Notably, Pat Simon from WOWK-TV in Charleston, WV, excelled in specialty reporting.
For Small Market TV, WCYB-TV in Bristol, VA, captivated audiences with “Helene Hits,” while outstanding documentaries like “Strikes and Solidarity in Southwest Virginia” enriched the judging panel. In radio categories, WVPB-FM and WHRO-FM displayed exemplary investigative journalism and play-by-play sports narratives.
The best web presence was showcased by WTVR-TV in Richmond, VA, while experiential stories like “Don’t Fear the Finger! A Journey Through Prostate Cancer” by WTKR/WGNT-TV in Norfolk, VA, underscored journalism’s impact on public service.
In other categories, standout anchors and reporters were highlighted as pivotal voices for their respective communities, with top honors going to professionals like Spencer Adkins from WOWK-TV in Charleston, WV and Steve Fundaro from WAVY-TV in Hampton Roads, VA.
Through these awards, both seasoned and upcoming broadcasters are continually supported and championed, emphasizing the role of impactful journalism and storytelling across the region. Each winner and nominee contributes significantly toward shaping the media landscape in Virginia and West Virginia.