WTIP Ojibwe Language Program Wins Regional Edward R. Murrow Award; News Department Wins Three, Page One Journalism Awards
The WTIP program Anishinaabe Bizindamoo Makak has received a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The winning episode was produced in 2025 and features Nigigoonsiminikaaning elder Nancy Jones. The program is hosted by Erik Redix and produced by Staci Drouillard as a partnership between the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe and WTIP.
“Anishinaabe Bizindamoo Makak has been an important resource for the Grand Portage Band’s language revitalization efforts, as well as for Ojibwe language learners throughout the US and Canada. We have preserved conversations of first speakers of the Border Lakes dialect that future generations can refer to,” said Redix. “We have also done innovative work by documenting first speakers talking about more modern topics in the Ojibwe language, such as building a house. In addition, because we are a bi-lingual program, all listeners can enjoy our guests’ perspectives on Ojibwe history and culture.”
The RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most respected journalism awards in the world. Regional winners advance to the national round of the competition with National winners announced in August.
Additionally, the WTIP News Department received three, third-place awards at the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists’ Page One award dinner on June 16, 2026. The winning features were produced by Kalli Hawkins and were won in three different categories:
● Environmental News: Loons entangled in fishing tackle on two Gunflint Trail lakes highlight human impact
● Breaking News: Woman and dog rescued from partially submerged vehicle on Poplar Lake
● General News Reporting: After 50 years, printing of News Herald returns to Cook County with a new look
“These awards reflect the depth and diversity of stories across our region and WTIP’s commitment to reporting on the people, issues, and events that matter most to our community. I’m thankful for the opportunity to tell these stories and honored to see the work recognized,” said News Director Kalli Hawkins.
In April of 2026, the station also received 15 awards in the small-market media category at the 2026 Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association Eric Sevareid Awards, and was named Ampers 2026 Station of the Year.
Staci Drouillard June 22, 2026
