by Jason Salas, KUAM News Wednesday, March 23, 2005 Subscribe to Jason's newsfeed   E-mail this article Printable version KUAM Toolbar Web Widgets Get RSS headlines

KUAM was recognized twice for outstanding achievement in electronic journalism by the Radio-Television News Directors Association. For the second year in a row, KUAM's work shined, winning the coveted Edward R. Murrow Award for the Outstanding Documentary and Outstanding News Web Site categories.

Nearly 3,000 entries from more than 250 stations nationwide were considered, with KUAM competing against stations serving similar-sized markets in Hawaii, California, and Nevada. The RTNDA is the world's largest professional organization devoted exclusively to electronic journalism, representing local and network news executives in broadcasting, cable and other electronic media in more than thirty countries.

This is the second year Guam has won the prestigious Murrow Award, with KUAM having won Best Feature in 2004 for Sabrina Salas Matanane's special production "War Reparations for Guam." Both exhibits will now represent the region in the national competition.

OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY
Mindy Fothergill's "Finding My Roots" documentary was the most popular of our "Personal Journey" specials last year. Born in Seoul and then adopted by the Fothergills of Hawaii at age three, she chronicled her brave trek back to Korea to meet her biological mother for the first time in twenty-one years.

Fothergill, KUAM's senior investigative reporter, wrote and produced the series herself. She said, "I'm extremely humbled winning this award. I had no idea my story would impact so many lives on Guam and around the world. The journey was incredibly emotional and I continue to receive lots of feedback about how my experience has helped other adoptees find the courage to contact their own birth-families, and has given people the strength to reach out and adopt children of their own."

Also recognized for their contributions on Fothergill's series were KUAM senior videographer Carlito Rozanski, who accompanied Fothergill on her trip, and single-handedly shot and edited the documentary; and KUAM creative director Jamil Justice, who worked on the series' post-production elements. This is the second Murrow Award for Rozanski and Justice, as both shared the 2004 award.

OUTSTANDING NEWS WEB SITE
KUAM.COM continues to be Guam's most popular online destination, combining up-to-the-minute news, information, multimedia, and community services over a variety of formats and platforms. Personally as KUAM's chief web architect, this means a lot to me. Its very flattering anytime you're recognized for your work, especially by your peers, who know the ins-and-outs of the business. Industry leaders recognize the innovations we've pioneered with search, multimedia, and multi-platform content delivery. This is a major accomplishment for Guam broadcasting and Guam web work on a large stage.