WPT ‘Wisconsin Life’ Story Wins 2018 National Murrow Award

June 20, 2018 Jonna Mayberry Leave a Comment

Wisconsin Public Television’s Wisconsin Life story Jaxon’s Wish has been honored with a 2018 Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) National Edward R. Murrow Award. The RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious in broadcast and digital news.

Jaxon’s Wish shares how Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Brewers teamed up to make young Brewers fan Jaxon Louis’ wish come true by creating a Miller Park replica in Ithaca, Wisconsin: Jaxon’s Brew Crew Park. Louis was seven years old when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Today, Louis is cancer-free and gives back to his community by hosting weekend whiffle ball tournaments that raise money for Greater Richland Area Cancer Elimination (GRACE), a charity that funds cancer research and education while providing support for local cancer patients.

Jaxon’s Wish was honored with the “Sports Reporting” award in the 2018 RTDNA National Murrow Award’s “Small Market Television” category. According to RTDNA, “From more than 4,400 entries, these awards recognize 89 local and network radio, television and digital news organizations for 118 examples of outstanding journalism in 16 categories.”

“We are thrilled to see this particular story receive such prestigious recognition,” says Wisconsin Life Executive Producer Christine Sloan-Miller. “It is a story that really stood out and deeply touched our hearts. Our producers Trevor Keller and Ryan Ward were honored to have the Louis family allow us to share their journey and experience with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Having the opportunity to create and share stories like this is what makes our work so rewarding.”

RTDNA has been honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. The Murrow Awards are the embodiment of the values, principles and standards set forth by Edward R. Murrow, a journalism pioneer who set the standards for the highest quality of broadcast journalism. Murrow Award winning stories put public interest above all else, provide a catalyst for public discussion, and adhere to the RTDNA Code of Ethics.

The national awards will be presented October 22, 2018, at the RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City.

Wisconsin Life celebrates what makes Wisconsin unique through the diverse stories of its people. Wisconsin Life is a co-production of Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television.

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Alyssa Beno

I am the editor of Airwaves, our monthly program guide for members. When I’m not highlighting our incredible programs, I’m pedaling the countryside, hiking at a state park, making soy candles, thrift shopping or hanging out with my husband and miniature schnauzer.

Andrew Carlson

As a community engagement manager for PBS Wisconsin, I create lasting relationships with communities around the state, connecting folks through our programming, outreach, and events. Outside of work, I love hiking with my partner, traveling, making music, and meeting friends old and new.

Becky Marburger

As a member of our Marketing and Communications team, I help share PBS Wisconsin's story, including the content we produce and opportunities we provide. Outside the office, you'll likely find me with my nose in a book, outdoors or farming!

Erik Ernst

I'm the Communications Associate Director at PBS Wisconsin. When I'm not letting people know about all of the awesome work the station is doing around the state, you'll find me planning my family's next trip to somewhere fun, warm and likely connected to a Disney Park.

Ian Lewitz

I'm a PBS Wisconsin publicist and former production assistant for the Wisconsin Life project. I enjoy exploring Wisconsin's many lakes and spending the summer months camping around the state.

Inga Witscher

Inga Witscher is a passionate Wisconsin dairy farmer, cheesemaker and host of PBS Wisconsin’s Around the Farm Table.

Luke Zahm

Luke Zahm is a James Beard-nominated chef and owner of The Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, Wisconsin. He shares his passion for discovering the stories behind the food we eat as host of Wisconsin Foodie.

Marci Glaus

I am the education communications manager for PBS Wisconsin Education. When I am not raving about our outstanding education resources, you can find me dancing, reading, playing, and exploring with my two young children while trying to stay awake past nine o’clock.

Mike Devine

I’m a Public Relations Specialist for PBS Wisconsin who enjoys promoting the wide range of programming that we offer. When I’m not sharing the stories of PBS Wisconsin content, I enjoy going to concerts, watching movies, reading and traveling (Always open to recommendations for my next destination!).

Mark Riechers

Mark is a digital content editor for PBS Wisconsin. A photographer, radio producer and writer, he has experience telling stories from everything from a history of Milwaukee beer ads to processing death through game development.

Pete Schwaba

Pete Schwaba is a stand-up comedian, writer, director and host of "Director's Cut" on PBS Wisconsin. His writing and directing credits include “A Guy Thing” and “The Godfather of Green Bay.” Pete’s TV writing credits include “Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader?” as Jeff Foxworthy’s writer/producer and the sports comedy show “Sports Soup.” Pete is married with two children and splits time between Los Angeles and the Midwest.

Samantha Nash

I’m a project manager at PBS Wisconsin, and formerly an associate editor at WisContext. When I’m not scouring the state for fun music and arts content, I’m usually being forced to go on a hike by my demanding border collie or being forced to read on the couch by my demanding cats.

Sigrid Peterson

I'm a digital producer at PBS Wisconsin. I make our digital shenanigans compelling, friendly, and interactive so viewers can access great PBS programming over the air, on the web, on a boat, in a moat, in a box, with a fox. . . you catch my drift.

Tara Lovdahl

As a publicist for PBS Wisconsin, I love helping people learn about and engage with our wonderful programs. I also enjoy bicycling, baking, playing board games and watching movies (especially musicals).

Tawny Morrison

As the education communications specialist for PBS Wisconsin Education, I get to support teachers by sharing incredible education resources with them. In my free time I do a lot of teaching and learning of my own – with a pair of escrima sticks in my hands at a martial arts gym.