CLEVELAND — The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has recognized WKYC Studios with two 2023 Gracie Awards, spotlighting women in media and recognizing those who have made "inspirational contributions to the industry."
Our weekday morning anchor Danielle Wiggins received the On-Air Talent (TV-Local) award. Wiggins found herself part of the story in 2022 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced her health journey with grace, strength, and the will to make a difference. WKYC’s “Do It for Danielle” campaign helped shine a light on health disparities and lack of access to screenings for women with breast cancer and raised funds for cancer research and a local cancer wellness center.
Also honored was 3News' 'Sunday GO!' with the award for News Magazine (TV-Local). Anchored by an all-female team of journalists, including Isabel Lawrence, Brianna Dahlquist, meteorologist Payton Domschke, supervising producer Jessica Miller, producers Megan Gallagher and Rachel Gross, and a countless team of talented photographers and editors, “Sunday GO!” is a special weekly newsmagazine that features long-form storytelling across platforms.
The wins by WKYC Studios were two of three overall that were won by TEGNA stations. Our sister station WXIA in Atlanta captured the Documentary (TV-Local) Award for "A Different Cry," a three-part investigation into the rising suicide rates among Black youth in America.
“We are very proud of our exceptional journalists who produce and share stories that fundamentally impact lives and advance the truth in the communities we serve,” said Lynn Beall, EVP and COO, media operations, TEGNA. “We congratulate all of the Gracie Award winners who are making a positive change with their powerful storytelling.”
Also, WKYC Studios received an Honorable Mention in the Investigative Feature (TV-Local) category for “Cedar Point: Shattered Summer Dreams,” an investigative series with reporter Marisa Saenz. The feature was done in partnership with TEGNA stations WTOL in Toledo and WBNS in Columbus, looking at sexual assault reports filed by women working at the park.
The local and student winners of the 48th Annual Gracie Awards were celebrated on June 20 with a luncheon to be held in Cipriani, New York.
Congratulations to all of this year's winners!