Out of the Blocks, from WYPR & PRX, has been honored with the Radio Television Digital News Association’s 2018 National Edward R. Murrow Award for its achievements in electronic journalism. The program won the award in the News Documentary category for its episode, “2100 Edmonson,” which presents an in-depth audio portrait of daily life on one city block in West Baltimore.
The episode focuses on the 2100 block of Edmondson Avenue – its residents and their stories. In the program, producers Aaron Henkin and Wendel Patrick portray several locals, including a diner manager, a former Nigerian soccer star who operates an auto repair shop, a tire repairman who’s trying to beat a 30-year heroin addiction, and many others.
“Out of the Blocks is documentary leap of faith. It's a simple, democratic answer to the question, 'Whose stories get told?' This award is affirmation that not only does everyone have a story to share, but that those stories are worth listening to,” said Henkin.
The Edward R. Murrow Award recognizes those who demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Murrow set as a standard for the profession of electronic journalism.
“The RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious in broadcast and digital news with entrants coming from very large broadcasting companies with huge resources. WYPR competed against the best in the country, making it that much more of an honor to be recognized,” said WYPR General Manager Tony Brandon.
Out of the Blocks was part of Project Catapult, a podcast development program run by PRX.
“Aaron and Wendel listen carefully to their fellow residents and weave music and context into their stories, making this show a unique and well-deserved Murrow winner,” said John Barth, Chief Content Officer at PRX.
The award-winning episode can be found at www.wypr.org/post/2100-
Out of the Blocks is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The Cohen Opportunity Fund, The Hoffberger Foundation and The MuseWeb Foundation.
WYPR is a National Public Radio station serving Baltimore, the state of Maryland, and beyond. WYPR was founded in 2002 by local community members. It is an independent licensee with a diverse Board of Directors consisting of Maryland residents. In addition to airing national and international radio features, WYPR excels in local programming including its news, public affairs, and cultural programs. WYPR is located at 88.1 FM on the radio dial and at 2216 N. Charles Street in Baltimore. As a listener-supported radio station, all contributions to the station are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information, visit www.wypr.org or call 410-235-1660.
