Washington, D.C. WTOP and Federal News Radio were honored last night by the D.C. Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists at their annual Dateline Awards dinner.
The biggest honor of the night was given to WTOP long-time traffic reporter Bob Marbourg, who was one of four inducted into the D.C. SPJ Hall of Fame.
The criterion for membership in the Hall of Fame is strong journalism over at least 25 years in Washington. Marbourg has been guiding Washington drivers through rush hours for 35 years.
WTOP Senior News Director Mike McMearty says, “Bob has long been recognized as one of the voices of wisdom, not just in the traffic center, but in the newsroom. It’s gratifying to see him recognized by such an august group for his years of hard work and devotion ensuring Washingtonians get to and from work safely and efficiently every day.”
In addition to Marbourg, others honored into the Hall were Washington Post “Miss Manners” columnist Judith Martin, NBC News Chief Pentagon Correspondent Jim Miklaszewski and Mother Jones Washington Bureau Chief David Corn.
WTOP also picked up two Dateline Awards for excellence in journalism – Chris Core won in the editorial category, and the station won for breaking news coverage of the Gaithersburg Plane Crash.
WTOP sister station Federal News Radio Journalist Jack Moore was also recognized last night, winning a Dateline Award in the Investigative Reporting category for his special report, Questioning Clearances. That piece can be read and heard at FederalNewsRadio.com.
Hubbard Radio D.C. Senior Vice President and General Manager Joel 0xley says, “It’s wonderful to see the hard work of our talented journalists recognized by such a respected organization. And Bob Marbourg has been a hall of famer for years in our eyes and in the eyes of Washington commuters – nobody deserves a Hall of Fame induction more.”
