Radio
2009 Casey Medals
Winner: "Growing Up in the System," WNYC Radio Rookies
These first person stories personalize the foster care system and the challenges facing the children within. Each reporter is a teen who has been, as they say, ‘in the system.’ The writing, narration and production are emblematic of superb radio journalism. To give voice to these teen reporters is to give voice to the thousands of other kids who find themselves in that very same system: aging out, finding a home, or finding a place in the world.
Runner-Up: "Harlem Renaissance," This American Life
Entrenched poverty is a complicated, nuanced issue, and some reporting on it tends to be one-dimensional. Not this story. This is an excellent report of one man’s impact on the children involved with the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York. The reporter expertly mixes science and storytelling without avoiding thorny issues. It’s no wonder that many who heard or learned of the report wanted to know how they might replicate the program.
Runner-Up: "The Foster Care Revolution," WJCT, Inc.
This story provides solutions and highlights what works in the foster care system, as opposed to only reporting on what’s broken. The writing is strong and the voices from the subjects are candid.
Honorable Mention: "Addolfo Davis’ Story," WBEZ-FM/Chicago Public Radio
Addolfo Davis had barely turned 14 when violence and gang involvement landed him in prison for life with no chance of parole. Davis was no angel, but WBEZ’s reporting illustrates how one person can get swept up in a state’s legal system.
2008 Casey Medals
Winner: "Wanted: Parents," American RadioWorks
Adopting an infant is a common story, while finding a home for teenagers living in foster homes is more difficult to tell. We follow siblings Chris and Amanda as they meet with prospective parents before ending up in a new home. A fascinating portrait of teens in the foster care system, faced with aging out, questions of whether they are adoptable and whether they want to be. A painfully real story of the ups and downs of finding love, family and permanence.
Runner-Up: "Put to the Test," American Public Media and North Carolina Public Radio – WUNC
This valuable, balanced story explores the ongoing impact of the No Child Left Behind Act by following two students with poor grades as they become targets for teachers and administrators seeking to comply with the law.
Honorable Mention: "The Invisible: Children Without Homes," XM Satellite Radio/The Bob Edwards Show
A story touching many aspects of homelessness, including honest facts about homeless kids hustling and selling drugs to survive, and how homeless young people are disproportionately gay.
Honorable Mention: "Grief Camp Helps Children Cope With War Losses," NPR
In this breathtaking report, we hear from children who lost fathers in the war; a powerful reminder that for every war death, an equally high toll is taken on the homefront.
2007 Casey Medals
Winner: "Chicago Matters: Valuing Education," Chicago Public Radio
This yearlong project provides a powerful public service, accomplished with depth, breadth and creativity. The series takes a broad look at education but drills into issues and individual stories that relate to policy and practice, covering a spectrum of the community. In addition to the radio presentations, the production team convened community outreach meetings, developed a mentorship program for rookie reporters and launched an interactive Web site – complete with blogs, essays and student artwork. (The above link is to Chicago Public Radio’s 2006 Web site, which has since been redesigned. Please visit the current site.)
Runner-Up: "Disabling Diplomas," WNYC Radio/New York
A set of excellent, rigorous and beautifully told stories about special education capture the intersection of education, policy and family.
Honorable Mention: "The Language of Learning," KQED Public Radio
This six-part series about immigrant students learning English in the California public school system is deeply informative, well written and beautifully produced.
Honorable Mention: "Generation Next," NPR
The series about the country's 42 million 16- to 25-year-olds is rich and moving – and ultimately, uplifting and hopeful.
about this award
The Casey Medals for Meritorious Journalism recognize exemplary reporting on children and families in the U.S. More than 4,500 journalists have competed for Casey Medals since 1994.