STATION OF THE YEAR
WKYT
Running Time | 39:50
2021 and 2022 were once again unprecedented years.
As the virus outbreak that started on the other side of the world continued to impact everyday life in the Bluegrass State even as a vaccine became widely available, Kentuckians faced new challenges.
Severe weather left its mark on Kentucky devastating communities. In December, five tornadoes hit Kentucky including one with an extraordinarily long path of about 200 miles.
In addition to its investigative work, WKYT’s Bridging the Great Health Divide took an in-depth look at the disparities in health care that still exist between the state’s rural areas and the rest of the country.
Helping the community.
Serving and building a better community in many neighborhoods across Kentucky marks the six decades of WKYT in the Lexington market.
Each year, WKYT helps raise millions of dollars for the community and spotlights efforts ranging from bringing awareness to the causes of cancer to why its important for a thriving arts community.
Partnering with The Mission of Hope, WKYT helped to bring hope to our less fortunate neighbors in Appalachia each Christmas through a major donation effort.
Throughout its 41-year history with The Children’s Charity of the Bluegrass, WKYT helped to raise nearly $15 million to support charity in central Kentucky.
Bridging a health divide.
WKYT is committed to investigating the significant gap that exists between the health outcomes of people living in one region versus those living in another.
Bridging the Great Health Divide uses the power of journalism—primarily local journalism—to expose the health gaps that exist between the Appalachian regions and the rest of nation.
Excelling in coverage.
While it’s important to excel every day, some moments in time stand out.
Thousands of Kentucky families are hurting from the pain of addiction.
It’s a struggle that does not discriminate. Often hidden by shame and guilt, WKYT shined shining a light on the drug epidemic in Addiction in the Bluegrass: A Community Conversation.
Investigating important issues.
In addition to regular news coverage and quarterly 30-minute specials created by its investigative team, WKYT spotlighted a wide array of issues and concerns impacting Kentuckians.
Leading in digital content.
WKYT took major steps to broaden its digital coverage, as the station brought viewers a more in-depth look at stories with interactive charts and graphics to help readers better understand a story.