{"id":459908,"date":"2018-03-21T15:48:24","date_gmt":"2018-03-21T20:48:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/\/?page_id=459908"},"modified":"2025-05-15T13:04:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T18:04:08","slug":"awards","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wisconsinwatch.org\/awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Awards and honors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since 2011, Wisconsin Watch has received accolades that includes first-place national awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, INN and LION, a national award for collaborations with college students from The Associated Press Media Editors, two Golden Gavel Awards from the State Bar of Wisconsin, acceptance of its first documentary, Los Lecheros (Dairy Farmers) to screenings at a film festivals nationwide, a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Los Lecheros, and 112 awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Watch also has received three finalist citations in the student category from the Investigative Reporters and Editors Awards, and recognition from the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters and Dane County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browse the list below for a full accounting of honors earned by Wisconsin Watch, and links to the award-winning work. You can also read about the impact of our work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Wisconsin Watch staff accepted 12 awards at the Milwaukee Press Club Gridiron Awards Dinner on May 6, 2022. From left are Membership Director Emily Neinfeldt, fellow Tanka Dhakal, Executive Director Andy Hall, intern Zhen Wang, Managing Editor Dee J. Hall and investigative reporter Mario Koran.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Wisconsin Watch journalists receive state and national recognition<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Phoebe Petrovic, Rachel Hale, Bennet Goldstein, Joe Timmerman, and Addie Costello are among the winners of writing and photography contests. Read about the honors here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2024<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Wisconsin Watch collaborations win Milwaukee Press Club awards<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Watch reporters and collaborators won four top prizes and three other awards in the Milwaukee Press Club\u2019s Excellence in Journalism Awards. Read the list of award winners here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council: <\/a>Media Openness Award, or Mopee<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For Jacob Resneck’s police coverage in 2023. His reporting broke the news<\/a> that a Wisconsin police department was using the crime victim privacy constitutional amendment known as Marsy’s Law to shield the identities of police who shot a suspect. He also reported<\/a> on a Grand Chute police cadet who was fired after reporting being sexually assaulted by two other police cadets.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Society for Environmental Journalists: Honorable mention for Outstanding Feature Story, Small<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For Bennet Goldstein’s stories: Queering the family farm: Despite obstacles, LGBTQ farmers find fertile ground in Midwest<\/a> and Listening to LGBTQ farmers helped me reconsider my place in the heartland<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t

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Wisconsin Watch wins Global Citizen Award from Dane County United Nations Association\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Dane County chapter of the United Nations Association (UNA) has named Wisconsin Watch the winner of its 2023 Global Citizen Award.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

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Wisconsin Watch wins national award for investigation of Milwaukee Tool supply chain\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t

Wisconsin Watch reporter Zhen Wang\u2019s investigation into Milwaukee Tool\u2019s labor practices won top honors Wednesday in the national 2023 Nonprofit News Awards.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

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Outstanding Coverage Award<\/strong> from the Local Independent Online News awards<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For our False Choice series<\/a>, which revealed that taxpayer-funded private \u201cvoucher\u201d schools are allowed to expel students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who have disabilities. Reported by Phoebe Petrovic and Mario Koran.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Accountability Award<\/strong> from the Local Independent Online News awards<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For a three-part series<\/a> exploring the roots of racial and gender-related backlash that gripped the small town of Kiel, Wisconsin, which led the community to rally around an embattled superintendent and to the resignation of two extremist school board members. Reported by Mario Koran.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Finalist: Best Collaboration from the Local Independent Online News awards<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For our series about sexual harassment in the Sheboygan Police Department<\/a>, reported by Phoebe Petrovic \/ Wisconsin Watch and Maya Hilty \/ Sheboygan Press.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Excellence in Journalism Awards, Excellence in Newswriting, Non-Daily Award<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Queering the family farm: Despite obstacles, LGBTQ farmers find fertile ground in Midwest<\/a> reported by Bennet Goldstein.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Finalist: <\/a>Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), Best Investigative Journalism Award, Medium Division<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Chinese prisoners: We were forced to make Milwaukee Tool gloves for cents each day<\/a>, reported by Zhen Wang.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Open<\/figure>
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Finalist: Evident Change \u2014 2023 Media for a Just Society, podcast category<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Phoebe Petrovic, Dee Hall, and Nina Earnest were honored for their work on Open and Shut, created by Wisconsin Watch <\/em>and Wisconsin Public Radio<\/em>. Evident Change envisions a just society in which people are safe and supported in their communities and treated with dignity by the systems that serve them.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t

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Wisconsin Watch takes six golds, four other honors in annual Milwaukee Press Club contest\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t

Wisconsin Watch won awards for 10 stories or series Friday in the Milwaukee Press Club\u2019s Excellence in Wisconsin Journalism competition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

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Open and Shut podcast by Wisconsin Watch and WPR wins Murrow honors<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t

Open and Shut, the Wisconsin Watch\/WPR investigative podcast about the power of prosecutors, has won regional honors from the Edward R. Murrow Awards. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

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Wisconsin Watch\u2019s Coburn Dukehart honored by UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t

Coburn Dukehart, an associate director at Wisconsin Watch, has won a Distinguished Service Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communications.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

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Wisconsin Watch reporter Phoebe Petrovic, producer Nina Earnest are national Livingston Awards finalists<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t

Wisconsin Watch reporter Phoebe Petrovic and freelance podcast producer Nina Earnest are finalists for the 2023 Livingston Awards honoring early-career journalists.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

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INN Awards<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finalist: Insight Award for Visual Journalism \u2014 Large Division<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something has to be done’: Living along Madison’s Starkweather Creek, one of Wisconsin’s most polluted waterways<\/a> by Isaac Wasserman, Jim Malewitz and Coburn Dukehart<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LION Awards<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finalist: Collaboration of the Year \u2014 Medium \/ Large Revenue Tier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Watch<\/a> and Wisconsin Public Radio<\/a> for Open and Shut<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Watch and Wisconsin Public Radio launched the Open and Shut<\/a> podcast, a project inspired by reporting spanning 20 years focused on the power of prosecutors and how the misuse of that power can reap tragic consequences. The podcast took more than 25 people from multiple organizations to create, and became one of the most popular podcasts in Apple\u2019s Government section the week it was launched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finalist: Community Engagement Award<\/strong>\u2014 Medium \/ Large Revenue Tier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Watch<\/a> and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service<\/a> for News414<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a joint effort with Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, Wisconsin Watch created News414<\/a>, a project filling information and accountability gaps to meet the needs of traditionally underserved Milwaukee residents in Black-and brown-majority neighborhoods. News414 covers topics including housing, food access, public health, substance use and voting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local Media Association Digital Innovation Awards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Third Place for \u201cBest Digital News Project<\/a>\u201d for Flawed Forensics<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Report for America Local News Awards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First place: Phoebe Petrovic, Wisconsin Public Radio\/Wisconsin Watch<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cArson Trial of Dale Chu\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club \u2014 six gold, four silver and three bronze awards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Watch wins six golds, six other honors, in 2021 Milwaukee Press Club awards<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2021<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Third Coast \/ Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition<\/a> – finalist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Impact category <\/strong>\u2014 Wisconsin Watch and WPR for \u2018I cried for days\u2019: Wisconsin blocks pandemic payments for federal disability aid recipients<\/a>, reported by Bram Sable-Smith<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local that Works Contest<\/a> – finalist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For News414<\/a> \u2014 a collaboration between Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service (NNS), Wisconsin Watch and Outlier Media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LION Awards<\/a> – finalists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Community Engagement and Service Award<\/strong> \u2014 Wisconsin Watch<\/a> and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service<\/a> for the collaborative project, News414<\/a>, which delivers critical information about issues like rental assistance, COVID-19 and domestic violence to Milwaukee subscribers via text message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Coverage of Protests and Movements<\/strong> \u2014 Wisconsin Watch<\/a> for its protestor-focused coverage of the protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eppy Awards – finalists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Best collaborative investigative\/enterprise reporting (fewer than 1 million unique visitors)<\/strong> \u2014 Wisconsin Watch and TMJ4 News for \u201cThousands await jobless aid as Wisconsin leaders blame each other<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best collaborative college\/university & professional website<\/strong> \u2014 Wisconsin Watch and UW-Madison School of Journalism & Mass Communication for \u201cColor of Money<\/a>\u201d series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INN awards <\/strong>\u2014 honorable mention<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Journalism partnership of the year<\/strong> \u2014 Wisconsin Watch and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service for News 414<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The award honors a news-oriented project or ongoing partnership that exemplifies the culture of sharing and cooperation in nonprofit news and expands the impact of its journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism<\/a> \u2014 collaborator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

TMJ4 News<\/a>, in collaboration with Wisconsin Watch, was honored with a 2021 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism for the months-long investigation \u201cUnemployment System Collapse<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The TMJ4 I-Team collaborated with Wisconsin Watch’s Bram Sable-Smith to obtain open records, documents, and data used in the series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The series told the stories of Wisconsinites struggling with the state’s dangerously outdated unemployment system and held the government\u2019s feet to the fire, helping citizens collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in unemployment back pay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The jury commended the station\u2019s \u201cgreat storytelling and selfless tenacity\u201d as \u201ca great example of journalism as a public service.\u201d
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Regional Edward R. Murrow Award<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Watch and WPR\u2019s reporter Bram Sable-Smith was honored for Best Investigative Reporting in the large market radio category in Region Four  \u2014 which covers Wisconsin, North and South Dakota and Minnesota \u2014 for Costly Care<\/a>, an audio series that exposed the practice of hospitals suing patients for past-due bills during the pandemic. 

WPR\u2019s COVID-19 obituary series also won for Best News Series. Among the installments was Sable-Smith\u2019s audio story, Duane Bark \u2014 beloved educator and football coach who painted daughter\u2019s nails, dies of COVID-19 at 61<\/a>, which was also published by Wisconsin Watch, as were all the obituaries<\/a> in the series. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Association of Health Care Journalists<\/a> \u2014 First place in the Health Policy (small) division<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lives on Hold<\/a>; Bram Sable-Smith, Wisconsin Watch and Wisconsin Public Radio<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club \u2014 12 awards: three gold, six silver and three bronze<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Watch\u2019s coverage of racial justice, unemployment and pandemic win top Milwaukee Press Club honors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Society of Professional Journalists\u2019 Region 6 Mark of Excellence awards \u2014 finalist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Student reporter Kayla Huynh was a finalist in the SPJ Region 6 contest for her story
Wisconsin erected barriers to college voters. The pandemic added more.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Webby Awards nomination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Metcalfe Park: Black Vote Rising<\/a> \u2014 produced by 371 Productions in partnership with Wisconsin Watch \u2014nominated in the Documentary: Shortform<\/a> category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2020<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Watch earns 11 awards, including 4 gold, for 2019 coverage<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best local news or feature website (Gold)
WisconsinWatch.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best public service story or series (Gold)
Beyond Bail<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best multi-story coverage of a single feature topic or event (Gold)
Massive Wisconsin solar proposal splits farmers and clean energy fans<\/a>
Proposal for 24 wind turbines whips up controversy in rural Wisconsin<\/a>
Solar flare-up: Utility blocks Iowa firm from harnessing the sun in Milwaukee<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best hard feature story (Gold)
While millions are spent to fight the opioid epidemic, a meth crisis quietly grows in Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best consumer story or series (Silver)
Catholics run one-third of Wisconsin hospitals, putting many reproductive procedures off-limits<\/a>
Catholic hospitals often only choice for women of color in Milwaukee<\/a>
When Catholic hospitals merge, reproductive services can change<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best illustration or cartoon (Silver)
Fainting and freezing in the fields: Alleged labor trafficking victim tells of mistreatment in Wisconsin and Georgia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best investigative story or series (Silver)
Property owners near Foxconn say they were misled. Now their homes are gone.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best use of multi-platform reporting (Silver)
Fainting and freezing in the fields: Alleged labor trafficking victim tells of mistreatment in Wisconsin and Georgia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best feature photograph (Bronze)<\/p>\n\n\n

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Marigeli Roman lies down with her son Adriel, 2, and husband, Erick Gamboa, while watching a movie in their Milwaukee home on February 8, 2019. Erick Gamboa spent six months in immigration detention which was a major hardship on the family. Says Roman: It moves your world in so many ways: emotionally, mentally, physically, financially. Credit:<\/span> Coburn Dukehart \/ Wisconsin Watch<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best long hard feature story (Bronze)
Fainting And Freezing In The Fields: Alleged Labor Trafficking Victim Tells Of Mistreatment In Wisconsin, Georgia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best explanatory story or series (Bronze)
Catholic Clergy Abuse<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Watch wins eight golds in 2019 Milwaukee Press Club contest<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Investigative Story or Series (Gold)
Countering Concussions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Investigative Story or Series \u2014 Online (Gold)
Wisconsin doubles GPS monitoring despite five years of malfunctions, unnecessary jailings<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Public Service Story or Series (Gold)
How hackers could attack Wisconsin\u2019s elections and what state officials are doing about it<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Public Service Story or Series \u2014 Online (Gold)
Wisconsin to force parents to work for FoodShare, despite doubts about effectiveness<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Consumer Story or Series (Gold)
Some people repeatedly win the Wisconsin Lottery. Do they play fair?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Explanatory Story or Series \u2014 Online (Gold)
Long-time judge: Some \u2018independent\u2019 doctors routinely rule against injured workers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Use of Multi-Platform Reporting (Gold)
Former DNR employee: Staff pressured to OK Kohler golf course on rare Wisconsin wetlands and state park<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Business Story or Series \u2014 Online (Gold)
Asian restaurants and Chicago employment agencies accused of exploiting Latino workers in Midwest<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Documentary (Silver)
Los Lecheros, Dairy Farmers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Photo Essay or Series (Silver)
Photo essay: Wisconsin\u2019s frenetic lame duck session<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Explanatory Story or Series \u2014 Online (Silver)
CWD spreads on deer and elk farms as Wisconsin\u2019s control efforts stumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best News Photograph (Silver)<\/p>\n\n\n

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During the public hearing on the lame-duck bills Dec. 3, at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, members of the public bang on the doors and chant to be let into the hearing room. Police secured the doors, trying to control the crowd. This photo won an award from the Milwaukee Press Club for Best News Photograph. Credit:<\/span> Emily Hamer \/ Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best Long Hard Feature Story \u2014 Audio (Silver)
What Hiring Independent Medical Examiners Means For Injured Workers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Short Hard Feature Story \u2014 Audio (Bronze)
CWD Spreads On Deer And Elk Farms As Wisconsin\u2019s Control Efforts Stumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Feature Photograph (Bronze)<\/p>\n\n\n

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Eve Clark, 10, is nuzzled by a calf during feeding time at Vision-Aire Farms. Also pictured is her cousin, Addison Grade, 7. Eve, along with her siblings and cousins, regularly take care of the animals and other chores around the farm. This photo won an award from the Milwaukee Press Club for Best Feature Photograph. Credit:<\/span> Coburn Dukehart \/ Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Center also contributed to Madison Magazine\u2019s silver award winning story in the public service category: Facing the truth behind the statistics of sexual assault<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2018<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The State Bar of Wisconsin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Golden Gavel Award
Flawed FBI Analysis Leads to Wrongful Conviction<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Award of Commendation
Wisconsin\/US Used Flawed Hair Evidence to Convict Innocent People<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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The case against Richard Beranek, 58, is among 13 in Wisconsin which the FBI acknowledges it used flawed microscopic hair comparison. The Center’s coverage of the FBI’s flawed techniques won it a Golden Gavel award from the State Bar of Wisconsin. Credit:<\/span> Coburn Dukehart \/ Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, Wisconsin Public Radio honored with 14 awards<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Public Service Story or Series (Gold)
Wisconsin misses chances to cut risk of lead exposure in drinking water<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Explanatory Story or Series (Gold)
State of Change: Water, Food And The Future Of Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Investigative Story or Series (Gold)
Flawed Forensics<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Investigative Report \u2014 Audio (Gold)
Wisconsin, US Used Flawed Hair Evidence To Convict Innocent People<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Long Hard Feature Story \u2014 Audio (Gold)
Controversial Proud Boys Embrace ‘Western Values,’ Reject Feminism And Political Correctness<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Series Reporting \u2014 Audio (Silver)
Under Trump, Wisconsin Dairies Struggle To Keep Immigrant Workers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Use of Multi-Platform Reporting (Silver)
Wisconsin inmates report despair, little counseling in solitary confinement that can stretch on for years<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Some of the harshest treatment in solitary is reserved for inmates who want to kill themselves. Confined in a cell with a bed made of a concrete and steel slab with a thin rubber mat, the prisoner wears only a a paper security gown or a quilted security smock. This image won a silver award for Best Illustration and also appeared as part of Center’s coverage on solitary confinement which won silver for Best Use of Multi-Platform Reporting. Credit:<\/span> Emily Shullaw for the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best Coverage of a Single News Topic of Event Including Breaking News (Silver)
Fecal microbes found in 60 percent of sampled wells, raising concerns about dairy manure, septic waste<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Multi-Story Coverage of a Single Feature Topic or Event (Silver)
Documenting Hate<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Investigative Story or Series \u2014 Online (Silver)
DNA tests in Wisconsin murder raise questions amid alleged evidence tampering<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Feature Photograph (Silver)
Undocumented on the Dairy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Guillermo Ramos vaccinates dairy cows in the freestall barn of a dairy farm in northern Buffalo County, Wis. on March 8, 2017. The 40-year-old, Mexican-born farm manager has worked on the farm for almost 20 years. This photo won a silver award for Best Feature Photograph and appeared as part of State of Change, which won gold for Best Explanatory Story or Series. Credit:<\/span> Coburn Dukehart \/ Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best News Photograph (Silver)
Scott Walker’s Wink<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Gov. Scott Walker is seen at the State of the State address on Jan. 10. This photo won a silver award for Best News Photograph, and was published as part of Broken Whistle, which won gold for Best Public Service Story or Series. Credit:<\/span> Coburn Dukehart \/ Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best Illustration or Cartoon (Silver)
Stuck in Solitary<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Public Service Story or Series \u2013 Online (Bronze)
Broken Whistle<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accolades for Los Lecheros<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>
Los Lecheros (Dairy Farmers) was co-produced by Wisconsin Watch and Twelve Letter Films.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n

The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism and Twelve Letter Films<\/a> produced a documentary, \u201cLos Lecheros\u201d (Dairy Farmers)<\/a>, which explores rising tensions over undocumented dairy workers since the election of President Trump. The film was screened<\/a> at more than 30 film festivals and online showing, broadcast by a variety national news outlets, and was exhibited at libraries and community centers across Wisconsin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The film also won recognition from the following two organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radio Television Digital News Association<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Regional Edward R. Murrow Award
Los Lecheros (Dairy Farmers) documentary in collaboration<\/a><\/a> <\/a>with Twelve Letter Films<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

IDA documentary awards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Feature film short list
<\/a>Los Lecheros (Dairy Farmers) <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

2017<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Society of Professional Journalists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism wins top national award for drinking water <\/a>project<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top investigative story among small independent news sites
<\/a><\/a>Failure at the Faucet<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism receives Conservation in Action Award for investigation of risks to state\u2019s drinking water<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conservation in Action Award
<\/a><\/a><\/a>Failure at the Faucet<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Jacob Reeves, pictured at home in Stoughton, was diagnosed in 2014 with juvenile dermatomyositis \u2014 a rare disease that his mother Dawn attributes to the high level of atrazine found in their well water. Jacob’s story was featured in the Failure in the Faucet series which won awards from the Society for Professional Journalists, The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters and the Milwaukee Press Club. Credit:<\/span> Coburn Dukehart \/ Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism wins three golds, other honors from Milwaukee Press Club<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best investigative story or series (Gold)
Failure at the Faucet<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best investigative story or series – Online (Gold)
Costs of widely prescribed drugs jumped up to 5,241 percent in recent years, joint investigation shows<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best investigative report – Audio (Gold)
No Relief From Wisconsin\u2019s 565-Percent Payday Loan Interest Under New Rules<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the summer of 2015, Sandra Goodwin was sued by a debt buyer she had never heard of. The stories she was featured in won Best Investigative Story or Series, Best Investigative Audio Report and Best Use of Multi-Platform Reporting. Credit:<\/span> Coburn Dukehart \/ Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best Investigative Report \u2014 Audio (Silver)
\u2022 Lead Contamination Remains Major Issue In Wisconsin’s Drinking Water<\/a>
\u2022 Despite Danger, Lead Often Comes Out Of Wisconsin Taps Undetected<\/a>
\u2022 Wisconsin Launches Effort To Replace Aging Lead Pipes To Safeguard Drinking Water<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Multi-Story Coverage of a Single Feature Topic or Event (Silver)
Focus on traumatic childhood helps victims heal and succeed<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best use of multimedia (Silver)
Critics: State\u2019s plan to save bees provides little protection from pesticides<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best public service story or series (Bronze)
\u2022 Strong public support, pleas from grieving family fail to move Wisconsin on gun background checks<\/a>
\u2022 Background checks, dealer licensing requirements in Wisconsin explained<\/a>
\u2022 Instructor: Background checks OK but do not keep weapons from criminals<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Use of Multi-Platform Reporting (Bronze)
\u2022 Controversial debt buyers get a break under new Wisconsin law<\/a>
\u2022 Controversial Debt Buyers Get A Break Under New Wisconsin Law (audio version)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

2016<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The State Bar of Wisconsin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

WCIJ takes top honors in State Bar of Wisconsin\u2019s Golden Gavel Awards<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Gavel Award
Cruel and Unusual?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Waupan<\/a>
Inmates can spend years, even decades, in a cell like this one at Waupun Correctional Institution under so-called administrative confinement. This image was part of the Center’s award-winning series Cruel and Unusual? Credit:<\/span> Wisconsin Department of Corrections<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

WCIJ wins six gold, two bronze awards for journalistic excellence<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best investigative story or series (Gold)
Failure at the Faucet<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best public service story or series (Gold)
Precious Lives<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
This gif was one of twelve included in the Center’s animated guide to Wisconsin’s frac sand industry. The Center’s frac sand coverage received an award for Best Use of Multimedia – Online from the Milwaukee Press Club.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best use of multimedia – Online (Gold)
Sand tells the story of the frac sand rush<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best business story or series (Gold)
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp: What went wrong?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best investigative report – Audio (Gold)
Nitrates Polluting 1 In 5 Private Wells in Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best series reporting – Audio (Gold)
Precious Lives <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best coverage of a single news topic or event including breaking news (Bronze)
Peeking Behind the Bars: Solitary confinement in Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best public service story or series (Bronze)
Gov. Walker’s stealth government<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

2015<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Center takes home seven awards, including best website design, from Milwaukee Press Club<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best multi-story coverage of a single topic or event (Gold)
Kewaunee County’s<\/a><\/a> <\/a>water woes<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best business story or series (Gold)
Frac-sand boom creates promise, problems for Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best use of multimedia (Gold)
Murky Waters – Madison’s quest for clean lakes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
A experimental boom surrounded Madison’s B.B. Clarke beach in 2010 to keep out algae, though it ended up being closed June 24 for high E. coli levels. This photo was part of the award winning series Murky Waters. Credit:<\/span> Mike DeVries \/ The Capital Times<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best website design (Gold)
WisconsinWatch.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best investigative story or series (Silver)
Cruel and Unusual?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best investigative story or series (Bronze)
Confidential informants on college campuses<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best public service story or series (Bronze)
Controversial monkey experiment planned at UW-Madison<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

2014<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club honors Center with eight awards<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best public service story (Gold)
State passes up disabled aid despite backlogs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best multi-story coverage of a single feature topic or event (Gold)
Water Watch Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
The boat launch at Long Lake, near Plainfield, no longer reaches the water. In Wisconsin’s Central Sands, some lakes and streams have lowered or dried up in recent years as the number of high-capacity wells has mushroomed, largely for irrigation. This photo was part of the award winning series Water Watch Wisconsin. Credit:<\/span> Kate Golden \/ Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best reporting of an ongoing news story – Audio (Gold)
Project: Wisconsin’s sand rush<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best background, analytical or interpretive story (Gold)
Supreme Court justices tend to favor attorney donors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best use of multimedia (Gold)
Water Watch Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best documentary, investigative or public affairs story or series – Audio (Gold)
State passes up disabled aid despite backlogs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best background, analytical or interpretive story (Silver)
In some choice schools, disabilities are liability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best investigative story or series (Bronze)
Lost signal, disconnected lives<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

2013<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Investigative Reporters and Editors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Center, UW-Madison journalism school share role in IRE honor<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finalist
Gaps persist in campus mental health services<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Center wins gold, silver and bronze Milwaukee Press Club awards for coverage of key state issues<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best photo essay or series (Gold)
Rural Slide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Storm clouds roll in on a rural farm off Highway 97 near Marshfield, Wis. on July 8, 2012. This photo was part of the award winning photo essay Rural Slide, which also won for Best Innovative Feature. Credit:<\/span> Lukas Keapproth \/ Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best innovative feature (Gold)
The Walker Calendar Files<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best innovative feature (Silver)
Brownfields<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best investigative story or series (Silver)
Service Stigma: Disabled or not, veterans face job challenges<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best multi-story coverage of a single feature topic or event (Silver)
Gaps persist in campus mental health services<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best public service feature story (Silver)
Green schemes make activists see red<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best innovative feature (Bronze)
Rural Slide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best news photograph (Bronze)
Walker Recall Kiss<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
A husband and wife share a kiss after Gov. Scott Walker is declared the winner at the Waukesha Expo Center in Waukesha, WI, June 5, 2012. Lukas Keapproth\/Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

2012<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Associated Press Media Editors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UW-Madison investigative reporting collaboration honored in APME award<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Center wins four awards, including top website, from Milwaukee Press Club<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best innovative feature (Gold)
Emissions data for seven coal-firedpower plant<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best background, analytical or interpretive story (Gold)
Security After 9\/11: 10 Years Later<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
A July 2009 fire at the Patrick Cudahy meatpacking plant blazed for days, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people and causing more than $200 million in damage. While many aspects of the response went well, significant problems also occurred, including failures to meet federal emergency response requirements. This photo was part of the award winning entry for Best background, analytical or interpretive story. Credit:<\/span> Courtesy of Kimberly Prellwitz<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best local news or feature website (Gold)
WisconsinWatch.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best coverage of a single news topic or event (Silver)
Walker emails<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

2011<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Investigative Reporters and Editors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finalist
Wisconsin milk board removes weight loss claims from website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Alliance on Mental Illness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

NAMI cites Center for coverage of mental illness<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Media Award for the Center’s extensive coverage of: perinatal depression among low-income mothers<\/a>, Wisconsin\u2019s high suicide rates<\/a>, and elevated suicide rates among Native Americans<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Press Club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Center receives five Milwaukee Press Club awards<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best coverage of a single news topic or event (Gold)
Dairyland Diversity series<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best innovative online feature (Gold)
The changing landscape of Wisconsin dairy farms<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Darlington, Wis., dairy owner James Winn says he relies on Latino immigrants to run his large farm. Hispanic workers are a crucial part of Wisconsin’s signature dairy industry. This photo was part of the award winning series Dairyland Diversity. Credit:<\/span> Jacob Kushner \/ Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Best investigative story or series (Gold)
\u2018Smart drug\u2019 abuse rising on campuses<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best public service or public education feature story (Silver)
For-profit college accused of operating illegally in Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best business story or series (Silver)
How a polluter gets stimulus money \u2014 and avoids environmental review<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Since 2011, Wisconsin Watch has received accolades that includes first-place national awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, INN and LION, a national award for collaborations with college students from The Associated Press Media Editors, two Golden Gavel Awards from the State Bar of Wisconsin, acceptance of its first documentary, Los Lecheros (Dairy Farmers) to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":370,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"single-feature.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"gigafact_has_fact_brief":false,"gigafact_remote_fact_brief_post_id":0,"gigafact_remote_sync_timestamp":"","gigafact_remote_sync_status":"","gigafact_remote_sync_response":"","gigafact_has_been_published":false,"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"newspack_content_restriction_is_exempt":false,"newspack_featured_image_position":"","newspack_hide_page_title":false,"newspack_show_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"coauthors":[3036],"class_list":["post-459908","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"fact_brief":null,"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/wisconsinwatch.org\/awards\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"WebPage","headline":"Awards and honors","url":"http:\/\/wisconsinwatch.org\/awards\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/wisconsinwatch.org\/awards\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":""},"articleSection":"News & Announcements","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Coburn Dukehart \/ Wisconsin Watch"}],"creator":["Coburn Dukehart \/ Wisconsin Watch"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Wisconsin Watch","logo":"https:\/\/wisconsinwatch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ww-logo-footer-1.png"},"keywords":[],"dateCreated":"2018-03-21T20:48:24Z","datePublished":"2018-03-21T20:48:24Z","dateModified":"2025-05-15T18:04:08Z"},"rendered":"