NetNews

North Country Public Radio (NCPR) took top honors in the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Awards Competition, announced June 7. The station, hosted at St. Lawrence, was honored with eight first-place awards, two special mentions and The Steve Flanders Grand Prize, given to one radio station that exemplifies the best traditions of journalistic initiative and dedication in providing a complete news service to the listening public. NCPR, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, was chosen for the AP's Grand Prize over all radio stations in New York, regardless of commercial or public status or market size.

The eight first-place awards were:
- First place awards for best regularly scheduled local news program: All Before Five (5/23 and 10/25), Jonathan Brown
- Best news special/documentary: The Endless Cycle of Migration, David Sommerstein
- Best news series: Farm to Farm, Family to Family, David Sommerstein
- Best continuing news coverage: Immigration Issues in the North Country, NCPR News Department
- Best enterprise reporting: Farm to Farm, Family to Family, David Sommerstein
- Best feature: A Tale of Two Zamboni Drivers, David Sommerstein
- Best sports coverage: A Tale of Two Zamboni Drivers, David Sommerstein

The two special mention awards were:
- Best spot news coverage: Fort Drum Awaits Word on Captive Soldiers, David Sommerstein
- Best enterprise reporting: Hydropower Comes at a Cost for the Cree, Brian Mann

For more information, a complete archive of the winning stories and the judges' comments go to the NCPR Web site, NCPR.org.

Posted: June 13, 2008