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NEA Communications 202-822-7200

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 1998

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Education Association (NEA) will honor 17 radio and television programs on June 30 with its Annual "Awards for the Advancement of Learning through Broadcasting."

An awards dinner will be held at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, the headquarters hotel for the Association's Annual Meeting, which runs July 1-6 in New Orleans.

"We all recognize the pervasive power and influence of television and radio in our society today," said NEA President Bob Chase. "The Association wants to publicly acknowledge those who are using the media creatively to teach and inform, as well as entertain, both adults and children."

Network and local television winners are listed below. The radio award winners follow.

Network Winners

General Programming (for adults)

• Erase the Hate Campaign/It Just Takes One. This continuing series of thought-provoking programs on race relations and hatred in America includes solutions for change. USA Networks.
• Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery. This film is another beautiful work from Ken Burns. Florentine Films and WETA, Washington, DC.

General Program (for children)

• Newton's Apple. This is the 15th year of this popular hands-on science show. Twin Cities Public Television, St. Paul, MN.

News Segments

• Heroin: The New High School High. This show was produced by Turning Point, ABC News.

Reports on Education

• A Class of Their Own. This story about single-sex classrooms in Iowa aired nationally. Boddy Media Group/Iowa Public Television.

Public Service Announcements

• "Take a Minute" Campaign. These PSAs about social issues include calls to action to improve women's lives. Lifetime Television and Lucky Duck Productions.

Public Affairs Programming

• Class of 2000. CBS News followed a group of adolescents from Joppatown, Maryland for four years and learned a lot about today's youth culture. CBS News.

Local Television

General Programming (adults)

• Frame After Frame -- Images of Herman Leonard. This piece chronicles the work of Herman Leonard, an amazing jazz photographer. Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

General Programming (children)

• Wonderwise. This piece includes five videotapes featuring women scientists who are making a difference. Nebraska Educational Telecommunications, University of Nebraska State Museum.

News Segments

• Failing the Fitness Test. This local news segment demonstrates the need for physical education in schools. WMC-TV, Memphis, TN.

Reports on Education

• Brainwaves. This magazine-style show features education issues and tips for teachers. South Carolina Educational Television.

Public Service Announcements

• "It's An Honor." This 60-second spot features General Norman Schwartzkopf on responding appropriately to the National Anthem. Boston University Communications, Inc., WABU-TV 68, Boston, MA.

Public Affairs Programming

• Freedom's Edge. This story, about Delaware's African-American history, was distributed to every high school in the state. WHYY-TV 12, Wilmington, DE.

Radio Network

Public Affairs

• A Question of Color: Four Examinations of Race in America. This entry looks at race relations in America, both from a historic and contemporary perspective. Westwood One, NBC Radio/Mutual News.

Radio Local

General Programming (adult)

• For Kid's Sake. This show identifies important children's issues and offers tips on promoting action on their behalf. 89.3 WCAL, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.

News Segments

• Sentence Commuted? Not in Pennsylvania. This piece looks at the state's debate about prison sentences. WHYY Radio, Philadelphia, PA.

Public Affairs

• The KMRS Spotlight on Schools. KMRS Radio, Morris, MN.

Programs honored by NEA will receive a statuette symbolizing the lamp of learning. The award-winning programs all aired between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1997.

This is the 19th year the Association is honoring local and network broadcasters for creating and airing programs of educational significance.