UA’s Alabama Public Radio Wins National Diversity Award

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama-housed Alabama Public Radio has been named a 2014 Unity Award winner by the Radio Television Digital News Association.

APR won the national award in the small market radio category for its entry “Remembering 1963,” detailing events during the era’s civil rights struggle.

“I’m so proud of the team,” said Pat Duggins, APR news director. “Our civil rights coverage was the result of hard work and inspiration, with everyone contributing ideas and working the extra hours needed to do it justice. The other members of the newsroom and I are very grateful for this generous recognition from our industry.”

The Radio Television Digital News Association, or RTDNA, developed the award with UNITY: Journalists for Diversity, as part of a shared commitment to achieving diversity in the newsroom through developing news content and editorial staffs that reflect the changing face of America. An award was given in seven different categories for 2014, with one winner per category.

“Alabama Public Radio’s civil rights coverage was part of The University of Alabama’s year-long series of activities and events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stand in the Schoolhouse Door,” said Elizabeth Brock, director of the Center for Public Television and Radio at UA. We are honored that APR’s part in ‘Through the Doors’ was recognized by RTDNA and colleagues throughout the country.

“All that we do,” Brock said, “is made possible by the generosity of our listeners and the University.”

The awards will be presented at the 2014 RTDNA Awards Dinner and Show, Oct. 6 in New York City.