WGN-TV Wins National Awards from MDA
WGN-TV has been honored in the Muscular Dystrophy AssociationÂ’s 25th Annual Broadcast Journalism Awards. The awards recognize television programming that increases public understanding of the neuromuscular diseases targeted by MDA and awareness of the AssociationÂ’s programs.
CHICAGO, IL (PRWEB) June 10, 2004
WGN-TV has been honored in the Muscular Dystrophy AssociationÂ’s 25th Annual Broadcast Journalism Awards. The awards recognize television programming that increases public understanding of the neuromuscular diseases targeted by MDA and awareness of the AssociationÂ’s programs.
WGN received a Gold Award in the Telethon Promo category for two entries titled “A Pledge is a Promise” and “Cubs Game,” produced by Steve Novak and Bob Vorwald, respectively. The station also won a Silver Award in the Public Affairs category for “Adelente” and a Bronze Award in the Telethon Live Interviews category for “Mokena Elementary School,” both produced by Novak.
WGN has been part of MDA’s national “Love Network” for 25 years. Some 200 “Love Network” stations broadcast the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, and many feature MDA-related programming throughout the year.
“An important part of MDA’s mission is keeping the public informed about the vital programs that help people with neuromuscular diseases,” MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. “We’re very grateful to the talented broadcast team at WGN for helping us reach viewers and supporters in Chicago area homes.”
WGNÂ’s awards were among 38 winners selected from 382 entries in this yearÂ’s nationwide competition.
MDA is a voluntary health agency – a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than one million Americans. Since its founding in 1950, MDA has provided comprehensive medical services to tens of thousands of people with neuromuscular diseases at more than 200 hospital-affiliated clinics across the country. Right here in the Chicagoland area, more than 3,500 families receive top-notch medical care at one of five MDA supported clinics or MDA/ALS centers every year. MDA also sponsors research in 43 neuromuscular disorders, including nine forms of muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), myasthenia gravis, spinal muscular atrophy, and others.
The 2004 MDA Telethon will be seen Sept. 5-6 on WGN in Chicagoland and on Superstation WGN on cable. To volunteer or to become a Telethon sponsor, contact Susan Schrank at (630) 960-1500.
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