Journalism Student Wins National Reporting Award for WUKY Story

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 2, 2012) — University of Kentucky journalism senior Cassidy Herrington received a 2011 Mark of Excellence Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Herrington was named the national winner in the Radio In-Depth Reporting competition for her story about Kentucky agriculture's dependence on migrant labor, which aired on WUKY in November.

"We're delighted that SPJ recognized Cassidy's excellent work with this award," said Beth Barnes, director of the UK School of Journalism and Telecommunications. "We know how good our journalism students are, but it's always nice to get outside validation. Cassidy's win in radio reporting highlights the increasing ability of our students to work across storytelling platforms. Cassidy's a print-emphasis student who won a national award for radio reporting."

The Mark of Excellence Awards recognize collegiate journalists' work published or broadcast during the preceding year. This year, student journalists submitted more than 4,000 entries.

Judges chose one national winner in each category and two national finalists. Winners and finalists were previously recognized in one of 12 regional competitions. Each first-place regional winner advanced to the national competition.

After graduation, Herrington will be going to work for WBEZ-FM, the leading public radio station in Chicago, as a reporter on the arts and culture desk. 

"We are thrilled that Cassidy’s hard work has paid off and doubly proud that she will now take that experience to one of the best public stations in the country," said Alan Lytle, WUKY news director.

MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Hautala, (859) 323-2396; keith.hautala@uky.edu