THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 2, 1997 TAG: 9702020106
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE STONE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 86 lines
Writers, photographers and broadcasters were honored Saturday for their work by Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals at the organization's eighth annual Echoes of Excellence awards.
The ceremony at Norfolk State University's L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center was emceed by Charles Pugh of WAVY-TV and Bonita Billingsley of WVEC-TV, who stood in for ailing WVEC anchor Barbara Ciara.
The winners in print media and broadcasting were chosen for work that touched and, sometimes, shaped the lives of African Americans in Hampton Roads.
This year's award winners:
General news, the Daily Press, A.J. Plunkett, for ``A mother's care can't stop bullet''
News feature, the Daily Press family & community team, for ``Busing loses favor nationwide.''
Continuing news coverage, Judi Tull, the Daily Press, for ``Surry County 911.''
News series, the Daily Press staff, for ``African Americans in Newport News history.''
Photojournalism feature, Bill Tiernan, The Virginian-Pilot, for ``Chris Smith: fighting sickle cell.''
Sports, Dave Johnson, the Daily Press, for ``Hopelessly devoted to hoops.''
Photojournalism (general news), Pamela Miller, the Daily Press, for ``Bullets silence dispute.''
Photojournalism (sports), Bill Tiernan, The Virginian-Pilot, for ``Lawrence Johnson - vaulting ambition.''
Investigative reporting, Matthew Paust and Bob Evans, the Daily Press, for ``Judicial impunity.''
Commentary, Jim Spencer, the Daily Press, for ``Beneath hype, Farrakhan speaks truth.''
Feature, Mike Knepler, The Virginian-Pilot, for ``City youngsters savor the outdoor life.''
Radio
News Talk Show, Bill Thomas, WNIS-AM, for ``The best of Bill Thomas.''
Live interview, Jay Wright, WOWI-FM, for ``Waiting to exhale: An inspirational interview with Terry McMillan.''
Television
General news, Byron K. Burney, WVEC, for ``Stand for the children.''
News Talk Show, Eric A. Harrell, Sandra Parker and Greg Brauer, WVEC, for ``Dialogue: Sickle cell anemia: Fact & fiction.''
News Feature, Dale Gauding and Morgan Page, WTKR, for ``Locust Bottom reunion.''
Television Documentary, Barbara Ciara and Doug Sesny, WVEC, for ``Operation: Haiti.''
News series, Bonita Billingsley and Byron K. Burney, WVEC, for ``Navy diver.''
Sports, Brian K. Smith, WVEC, for ``Joe Smith & his mom.''
Photojournalism (general news), Bill Quinn, WTKR, for ``Blanca Garcia funeral.''
Photojournalism (feature), Tony T. Church, WVEC, for ``New day at summer school.''
Feature, Kurt Williams and Steve Landreth, WTKR, for ``Black Jews.''
Student awards
Print commentary, Diori J. Thomas, Hampton University, for ``Are athletes up to playing the lead role?''
Print news feature, Khalilah Stewart, Hampton University, for ``Former congresswoman and orator dies.''
Print feature, Kisha DeSandies, Hampton University, for ``Alumna proves conservatism is not a white thing.''
Radio feature, Ali J. Cater, Norfolk State University, for ``The Samaritan house.''
Print general news, Kia Morgan Allen, Norfolk State University, for ``Million Man March: Women react differently.''
Television feature, Jennifer Shea Bowers, Hampton University, for ``Alanna's anemia.''
Television documentary, Dale Murray, Norfolk State University, for ``Rainbow Reflections: An American journeys to South Africa.''
Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals, a nonprofit network with more than 70 members, provides scholarships to minority college students in media-related fields, supports students interested in media careers, provides professional insight into media coverage, and helps media professionals advance their careers.
Proceeds from Saturday's events will benefit the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals Scholarship Fund.