| ABC Action News/WFTS has won a prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Award for continuing coverage of unexplained fires in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. ABC Action News/WFTS was the only Tampa Bay area television station recognized regionally and nationally this year. The more than two-year investigation uncovered the cause of these fires and exposed how the automakers had received early warnings of the fire hazard from a worker at its corporate headquarters. The I-Team reports led Kia and Hyundai to issue recalls and prompted federal regulators to open inquiries. The project was led by I-Team Reporter Jackie Callaway, photographer Matt McGlashen and investigative producer Erin Smith. Link to Watch: Up in Flames: Investigating the Cause of Kia and Hyundai fires The RTDNA National Edward R. Murrow Awards have been issued since 1971. Award recipients “demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Murrow set as a standard for the profession of electronic journalism,” according to the organization. “The Murrow Awards are among the most respected honors in journalism. This investigation shows the importance of quality journalism and the far-reaching impact it can have,” said general manager Nick Nicholson. “Our news team works hard every day to deliver stories with depth, that create discussion and make a difference in the lives of our viewers,” said news director Sarah Moore. “We’re proud to be nationally recognized for this commitment to our communities.” Earlier this year, ABC Action News also won a Regional Murrow Award in the News Series category. I-Team Reporter Katie LaGrone and photographer Matthew Apthorp received the honor for a years long investigation into Florida’s controversial teacher exams. Their reports prompted major policy changes in the way the state’s teachers are certified. About WFTS/ABC Action NewsWFTS-TV is the primary ABC network affiliate for the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Sarasota television market, programming a strong schedule of news, sports and entertainment. WFTS/ABC Action News was the first broadcast station newscast in the Tampa Bay area to broadcast in high definition. ABC Action News has been named the Associated Press’ Best Overall News Operation for past three years. ABC Action News leads the way providing local news and weather coverage on-air, on the web and on mobile phones. WFTS-TV is a Scripps Media station. For additional information, visit the WFTS-TV website at www.abcactionnews.com. About ScrippsThe E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of local and national media brands. With 36 television stations, Scripps is one of the nation’s largest independent TV station owners. Scripps runs a collection of national journalism and content businesses, including Newsy, the next-generation national news network; podcast industry leader Stitcher; the fast-growing national broadcast networks Bounce, Grit, Escape and Laff; and Triton, the global leader in digital audio technology and measurement services. Scripps produces original programming including “Pickler & Ben,” runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”# # # |