And the Peabody Award Goes to … OPB!

Oregon Public Broadcasting’s series Hard Times is one of the winners of the 69th Annual Peabody Awards it was announced today. The awarding committee praised the series for its "smart, compassionate radio coverage of the impact of the financial crisis on ordinary folks." The University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication named the 36 winners, chosen by the Peabody board, today.

The oldest prize in broadcasting and international in scope, The Peabody Award is considered among the most prestigious in electronic media and recognizes excellence and meritorious work by radio and television stations, networks, Web casters, producing organizations and individuals.

“OPB is focused on telling the important stories of Oregon and its people. The Peabody is a great honor and is recognition of our commitment to explore the diversity of experiences in our communities," said Steve Bass, president and CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting. "A tremendous amount of dedication, investigation and collaboration went into developing a series that put a real face on the economic crisis in Oregon."

Over the course of 2009, OPB followed a dozen Oregonians as they weathered economic challenges. The reports focused on how they were surviving and how their experiences -- some lost jobs, some lost health insurance, some lost their homes -- had changed them. Musicians sharing their versions of Stephen Foster's "Hard Times Come Again No More" were joined with radio features and online conversations to connect Oregonians in this time of challenge.

OPB found some of its participants through the Public Insight Network®, a partnership between OPB and American Public Media that helps us connect with more than 3,000 people who share their experiences and expertise with OPB.

The complete archive of the "Hard Times" series is available at news.opb.org/hardtimes.

OPB has won the Peabody twice in the past; in 1972 for "Conversations with Will Shakespeare and Certain of his Friends," and in 1942 for the war-time exposé, "Our Hidden Enemy, Venereal Disease." Last year, OPB received a DuPont Award for "The Silent Invasion: An Oregon Field Guide Special."

Diane Sawyer, the award-winning anchor of ABC's "World News," will host the awards ceremony on May 17 in New York City.

Oregon Public Broadcasting Wins National Gracie Award

Oregon Public Broadcasting's engaging radio and online program THINK OUT LOUD has won a prestigious national Gracie Award® for "Outstanding Talk Show – News" for its program, "Paying for Family Leave." The program, which aired last April, explored a bill being debated in the Oregon legislature that would have required employers to pay into an insurance fund that would provide paid leave for workers caring for a newborn or a sick relative.

"When we launched THINK OUT LOUD in January 2008, we wanted to become the respected destination for individuals in our local communities to engage in discussions and explore issues, ideas and culture that make the Northwest such a vibrant place," said Sarah Rothenfluch, executive producer. " 'Paying for Family Leave' stimulated a passionate on-air and online discussion that gave voice on this important subject to many individuals. This award affirms the importance of what we're doing and how we're doing it, and we are so very gratified to join the elite Gracie honorees."

The show is hosted by award-winning journalist Emily Harris. David Miller, a veteran radio producer, is the online host.

Find this show and explore any of the programs archives at opb.org/thinkoutloud.

The Gracie Awards® recognize exemplary programming created for women, by women and about women in all facets of electronic media and is presented annually by the American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT). Each year, the Gracies® attract the best and the brightest in radio, television, cable and Web-based media. The Gracie® winners will be presented their awards on May 25 at a ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. For more information, go to www.thegracies.org.