EDWARD R. MURROW AWARDS
OVERALL EXCELLENCE
WKYT News
Running Time | 59:56
2020 was an unprecedented year.
With the March 6 announcement of the first COVID-19 case in Kentucky, life made a sudden and dramatic change.
The virus outbreak that started on the other side of the world was now impacting everyday life in the Bluegrass State and how we covered the news.
Excelling in coverage.
While it’s important to excel every day, some moments in time stand out.
From the moment Kentucky registered its first confirmed case of COVID-19 to a summer surge in cases, WKYT focused on the pandemic’s impact on the state and its citizens.
In addition to unprecedented daily coverage, WKYT produced multiple community conversation specials that strived to answer people’s questions in real time and spotlight how the pandemic is changing life in Kentucky.
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.
Throughout the year, innovative evening newscast called “Breaking Down The News” gives in-depth coverage of the day’s big stories and opportunity for a live town hall to discuss issues impacting Kentuckians.
Tackling a political divide.
In a year marked by divisiveness in Washington and Kentucky’s state capital, politics took center stage. In addition coverage of issues most important to each generation of Kentuckians and the long-running weekly public affair program “Kentucky Newsmakers,” WKYT hosted “The Kentucky Debate” between Sen. Mitch McConnell and his opponent.
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.