News Channel Nebraska earns awards at Nebraska Broadcasters Association convention

LINCOLN — News Channel Nebraska was among the most awarded media groups at Wednesday’s Pinnacle Awards banquet at the Nebraska Broadcasters Association convention.

NCN’s Tri-Cities team won the gold award for Best Multimedia Journalism for its coverage of the Bert’s Pharmacy fire in downtown Hastings. Reporters provided live coverage of the overnight blaze via social media, provided updates in the following days on KHAS radio, and visited with the pharmacy owner about the property’s future in a TV news story.

Additionally, NCN received four silver awards and one bronze award. The honors ranged from court coverage, to sports play-by-play, to fundraising efforts.

“I am thrilled to see our journalists honored for their outstanding work," CEO Andy Ruback said. "Our staff strives every day to deliver critical information to Nebraskans. It’s a proud day for our team.”

News Channel Nebraska’s Spanish-language partners at Telemundo Nebraska also garnered recognition at the event. The fellow Flood Communications outlet received three awards, including the prestigious gold award for Best Spot News Reporting.

News Channel Nebraska Pinnacle Award-Winners:

Gold - Best Multimedia Journalism - Brad Beahm, Michael Shively (KHAS) - Fire Destroys Bert’s Pharmacy

Silver - Best On The Scene Sports Reporting - Eric McKay (NCN TV) - Per Angusta Ad Augusta (State Basketball sideline report)

Silver - Best Sports Play-by-Play - Jake Bartecki (KWBE) - Beatrice vs. GINW Basketball

Silver - Best Multimedia Journalism - Michael Shively (NCN TV, KUTT) - Jury Convicts Jake Gonzalez

Silver - Best Radio Spot News Reporting - Michael Shively (KUTT) - Jury Finds Jake Gonzalez Guilty

Bronze - Service to Children - Caelan Debban (KUSO) - St. Jude Radiothon, Marissa Meyer Interview

Telemundo Nebraska Pinnacle Award-Winners:

Gold - Best TV Spot News Reporting - Estudiante resulta acuchillada tras pelea en preparatoria del sur de Omaha

Silver - Best Radio Station Originated Community Project - Radio Lobo - Conexion A La Comunidad Show

Bronze - Best Use of Multimedia Journalism - Comienza mandato de mascarillas en escuelas publicas Papillion-La Vista