KPBS Receives Award for Filner Coverage

The Norman Lear Center at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism recently announced that KPBS will receive a 2015 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism in the public station category.

The KPBS news team was recognized for their extraordinary coverage on the 2013 Bob Filner scandal. This is the second Cronkite Award for the San Diego public media station.

The Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism has been given biennially since 2000 and recognizes compelling storytelling, accuracy and service to citizens during election season. KPBS broke the story of former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner’s harassment of women and continued its coverage as the story unfolded nationally. The six victims who made the allegations against Filner spoke exclusively to KPBS, trusting the outlet not to sensationalize their accounts.

“KPBS took control of the story and was the go-to source for reporting on it. They did a great job of getting access to the key players, utilizing different formats to showcase information and keep audience interest,” the Cronkite Awards Jury said.

“KPBS is not a large market, big budget, public station with a sizable news staff,” said Suzanne Marmion, director of news and editorial strategy “But we take our commitment to news seriously. Our small team worked relentlessly to break and advance this story and to hold an elected leader accountable.”

The media station has also been recognized by the San Diego Society of Professional Journalists, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association and the San Diego Press Club for their coverage on the scandal.

“I am so proud of the KPBS news team. It was truly a group effort and everyone should share in the accolades,” said Tom Karlo, KPBS General Manager. “This award further confirms our commitment to be the most trusted news organization in San Diego.”

Representatives from KPBS will receive the award on May 15 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

About the award

Compelling storytelling, accuracy and service to citizens in election coverage were recognized by the 2015 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism. The awards, given biennially since 2000, are named for the distinguished journalist and longtime CBS anchor.

The award encourages and showcases journalistic excellence in political coverage, particularly innovative, issue-focused coverage that informs viewers about their electoral choices and recognizes coverage that helps viewers understand who the candidates are, what the issues are, and how the electoral choices will affect their lives.