WUGA, 91.7/97.9 FM public radio for the Athens area, recently received 11 awards for broadcasting excellence.
The radio station received six first place awards for outstanding radio reporting from the Georgia Associated Press Broadcasters Association while competing against all radio stations in Georgia outside the Atlanta market. The station received an additional five Gabby Awards from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters for excellence in programming during 2007.
Mary Kay Mitchell, WUGA news director, won eight awards, including five first place awards from the Georgia Associated Press Broadcasters Association: best anchor/reporter, best series reporting, best feature reporting, best use of sound and best specialized reporting. Mitchell also won two first place Gabby Awards for best news story and best feature reporting for a story on the Ellenton Health Clinic in Colquitt County, which partners with the UGA Cooperative Extension to provide health care for migrant farm workers. Mitchell also won a merit award for a November newscast about the opening of U.S. Congressman Paul Broun’s district office in Athens and a Health Awareness Day observance for UGA students.
Rebecca Bowen, former WUGA intern, was recognized for the best spot news story for her coverage of Women in Black, who have stood silent vigil in downtown Athens every Tuesday night since the Iraq War began.
WUGA won two Gabby merit awards for best radio non-news programs, including “It’s Friday!,” hosted by Robb Holmes, program director; and “Once in a Blue Moon,” produced by Abbie Thaxton, traffic manager.
