WWL Radio was honored with two 2023 regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, including awards for digital coverage of the New Orleans Saints and best podcast, according to a Thursday announcement from the Radio Television Digital News Association.
Best Digital
“Sean Payton Steps Down as Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints” received the regional award for Best Digital coverage in large market radio.
WWL Radio – the flagship station of the Saints – explored reports that longtime New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton will be stepping away from the football franchise after 16 years. Coverage included an emotional news conference where Payton said goodbye to the team.
Best Podcast
After years as a TV journalist, Thanh Truong joined the WWL radio team last summer. His show, “The Thanh Report” was named best podcast in a large media market.
In particular, “The Thanh Report” was honored for an episode about the murder of a priest that shattered the quiet city of Covington.
“Following the gruesome murder of a Louisiana priest and his close friend, the church which he used to lead is left in a state of shock and sadness,” said WWL. “This podcast episode takes the listener to the day the priest is laid to rest. It paints an intimate portrait of the priest through the many lives he touched, including a woman who was close to her own death and received spiritual help from the priest.”
Truong takes an in-depth and intimate approach look at stories in the New Orleans area. Already, the show’s episodes have covered a wide range of topics, including how the small town of Jean Lafitte has carried on after destruction caused by Hurricane Ida, immigrant stories, The Today Show’s visit to the Crescent City, changes to the Easter parade and more.
“Regional Murrow Awards are presented to small and large radio, television and digital outlets based on 14 geographic regions,” said the RDTNA. “Regional winners are automatically considered for a National award. Network competitors are judged at the national level.”
