WATD Awarded in Seven Categories by the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association
The 2021 Sound Bites Awards, held by the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association was conducted over a virtual format this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now in its tenth year, the Sound Bites Awards received 228 award entries. https://www.massbroadcasters.org/winners
WATD’s John Shea won First Place in the Recurring Segment category for Radio for his program, Almost Famous: Live From The Tiny Stage. Check out his submission featuring Lainey Dionne, Ryan Montbleau and Alissa Musto: CLICK HERE
He also received a Merit Award in the #WeAreBroadcasters category for Almost Famous Shines A Spotlight on the Local Music Community. Listen to award winning submission, CLICK HERE
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WATD anchors Christine James and Dan McCready won First Place in the Spot News Category for their coverage of a Stolen Rockland Police Cruiser.
https://959watd.com/blog/2021/03/man-with-brockton-ties-identified-as-suspect-shot-following-chase/
This story began with an investigation into a convenience store robbery in Rockland. It resulted in a police cruiser being stolen and a pursuit through multiple towns, with two police officers injured. The vehicle was cornered multiple times, resulting in road closures and suspension of public transit. A standoff took place in Quincy, and the suspect was shot and killed by police after he attempted to leave the cruiser while holding a patrol rifle. This story includes live updates, a live report from the scene, comments from local officials, and witnesses who saw the incident unfold.
Listen to their coverage, CLICK HERE
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WATD reporter Lenny Rowe won First Place in the radio Critical Coverage Category for a story on the Norwell Fire Department’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic.
The Norwell Fire Department organized drive-thru COVID-19 vaccine clinics for residents at its Central Fire Station. WATD’s Lenny Rowe toured the clinic on March 4, 2021, and spoke with Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Jeff Simpson. Simpson expressed frustration with the state’s vaccination rollout, feeling that his department was being left on the sidelines.
Listen to the story, CLICK HERE
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WATD reporter Lenny Rowe won First Place in the Excellence in Sound Category for his coverage of an East Bridgewater Veteran who beat cancer and COVID-19.
A ceremony was held in East Bridgewater after a 95-year-old Marine veteran survived a bout with COVID-19. Longtime resident Jim Ingargiola has experienced tough battles throughout his life. The World War II veteran was stationed in Guam and Iwo Jima in 1945. He’s beaten lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Lenny Rowe spoke with Ingargiola, who even sang Frank Sinatra’s “Let Me Try Again.”
Listen to the story, CLICK HERE
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WATD’s Brendan Connelly received a Merit Award in the radio Sports Feature category for Middleboro’s Field of Dreams.
For two straight decades, Bill Lawrence proudly served as head coach of Middleboro High School’s baseball team. During his tenure, which featured 327 career victories, Lawrence became an icon within the community, as he helped guide the Sachems to two state titles.
Lawrence passed away far too young at the age of 53, following a battle with adrenal cancer in 2020. In May of 2021, hundreds descended upon Pierce Playground in Middleboro to dedicate a baseball field in his memory, ensuring that his accomplishments will never be forgotten.
Listen to the story, CLICK HERE
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WATD received a Merit Award in the PSA Category for Giving Back On Giving Tuesday.
Listen to the PSA, CLICK HERE
