NBC 4 NEW YORK WINS FIRST-EVER ALFRED I. DUPONT AWARD, RECOGNIZING COVID-19 REPORTING AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Prestigious honor long recognized as broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize, also administered by Columbia University

NEW YORK, NY– (February 9, 2021) – NBC 4 New York / WNBC was honored with the prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for “The Epicenter of the Coronavirus Pandemic,” an extensive, six month collection of breaking news, feature, and memorial stories that captured the rapid evolution of the novel coronavirus from public health threat to full-blown health crisis in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Awarded this evening, this is the first time WNBC received the top broadcast news honor in its storied history.

“Covering the evolution of the coronavirus outbreak was one of the toughest challenges our newsroom had ever faced.  As our journalists came to work every day, they were personally coping with the effects of the virus on their families as well,” said Amy Morris, NBC 4 New York Vice President of News.  “Every member of our news team played a critical role. Our mission was to inform our viewers and along the way were also able to find some moments to share incredible stories of hope. It’s a story that continues to touch all of us deeply, which makes this duPont incredibly special to all of us at WNBC.”

The awards committee specifically recognized the station for having “created a 360 view in real time of the coronavirus pandemic, with courageous and thorough reporting on the virus’s explosion in New York City.” 4pm and 11 pm news anchor David Ushery, a member of the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame, accepted the prestigious “Silver Baton” on behalf of the station.

“Throughout the pandemic, WNBC viewers turned to local news in record numbers.  Our news team was there throughout it all, delivering vital – and at times, life-saving information,” said Eric Lerner, President and General Manager.  “This special recognition by Columbia University is fantastic. Our team earned it and deserves it.”

NBC 4 New York’s duPont-winning coverage took Tri-State viewers inside the major decisions that impacted our day-to-day lives, from school shutdowns, neighborhood lockdowns and restrictions on many small businesses, such as bars and restaurants. Investigative reporting brought to light the lack of PPE available for first responders and front-line workers, black-market attempts to profit amid the shortage and the burial delays faced by morgues and funeral homes. Community-focused features such as “Grateful 4 You” highlighted the unsung heroes in our communities, giving viewers hope during a difficult time.

Groundbreaking reporting also placed a spotlight on important trends and emerging concerns within the community, even ahead of the attention and action of health officials.  NBC 4 New York’s I-Team was the first to bring the rare, deadly condition in children called MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome) into the public eye, prior to the attention of health regulators and subsequently leading to government action.

This is the second major national honor awarded to NBC 4 New York’s news team in the past four months.  In October, the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) honored WNBC with a national Edward R. Murrow Award for top large market television newscast.

For more information on NBC 4 New York, visit NBCNewYork.com.

About NBC 4 New York / WNBC
NBC 4 New York / WNBC is the flagship station of the NBC Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal, serving the New York Tri-State area with an unparalleled commitment to broadcast excellence for more than 75 years.

The station features New York’s largest investigative reporting team, the I-Team and includes Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award-winning journalists who successfully track down the answers to the questions most important to viewers. Storm Team 4, the station’s trusted weather team, utilizes the most accurate and the most powerful weather technology available to keep Tri-State viewers informed and safe when severe weather strikes. This includes StormTracker 4, the only commercial high-frequency S-Band dual polarization fixed Doppler weather radar operating in the Northeast.

In addition to NBC 4 New York’s primary channel, other programming outlets include COZI TV, the station’s multicast channel, and out-of-home platforms, including TV screens in taxi cabs, elevators and aboard New York-New Jersey PATH trains. The station also delivers news and information across all platforms, including its dedicated website, mobile app and social media platforms.

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