FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 1, 2008
Contact: Bobbie Fisher, Chief Communications Officer, 757.889.9107

WHRO HONORED BY VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS
Television and Radio Documentaries Receive Top Awards

Norfolk: WHRO was honored by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters at its 71st Annual Summer Conference, held on June 27th in Virginia Beach.

WHRO TV received the Best Television Documentary award for Kingdom by the Sea: Fortress Monroe, a production of WHRO’s Center for Regional Citizenship.  Kingdom by the Sea explored the history, reviews the debate and considered the future of Fort Monroe as the U.S. Army plans to vacate by 2011.  A state appointed Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority or FADA has been authorized to decide, but a passionate community debate has continued.  WHRO’s film considered whether the site should become Hampton Roads’ hottest new urban village, a green business park, a retreat for veterans, or a National Park.  Kelly Jackson, Director of the Center for Regional Citizenship served as Executive Producer, with Amy Broad of Rock Eagle Communications producing.

WHRV 89.5FM received the honor for Best Radio Documentary for WWII: Hampton Roads Heroes, produced and created by Michelle Gabriele-Harrell with Al Sykes as chief audio engineer/sound design.  Hampton Roads Heroes captured the experiences of local veterans, including Colonel Edward Shames whose unit was featured in the HBO mini-series, Band of Brothers. Also interviewed was Sam Ring of Newport News, who enlisted in WWII because his father was a POW.  He ended up helping his father, who had endured the Bataan Death March in the Philippines.  The program wrapped with 17 year old Jason Hickman talking about his Grandfather, a WWII.
“These programs illustrate the ongoing strength of the military presence in Hampton Roads,” said Bert Schmidt, WHRO Chief Executive Officer.  “We’re especially proud to have received recognition for work that reflects that strength.”