News Release

July 27, 2006

Boise State Radio Journalist Wins National News Award
Elizabeth Wynne Johnson honored for story of Idaho National Guardsman

BOISE — Boise State Radio’s Elizabeth Wynne Johnson has been honored by Public Radio News Directors Inc. Johnson received first prize in the Soft Feature Category (Division A-Major Market) for a feature story on an Idaho National Guard member returning from duty in Iraq and readjusting to life with his family while recovering from injuries sustained in battle. The award was presented on Saturday at the PRNDI Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles.

Elizabeth Wynne Johnson Click to Enlarge

“Soldier to Citizen” chronicles the struggles of 46-year-old Lewiston resident Kenneth Parham. Specialist Parham served with the 116^th Brigade and was injured by an Iraqi IED in April 2005. The story, first aired in November 2005, was edited by Seattle-based Northwest News Network’s Cathy Duchamp.

 “Elizabeth's extraordinary work reflects Boise State Radio’s commitment to providing listeners in Southwestern Idaho and all of the Pacific Northwest with the very best in regional news coverage,” said John Hess, Boise State Radio general manager. “All of us here at Boise State Radio congratulate Elizabeth on receiving this award.”

Johnson has been a news reporter for Boise State Radio since 2004. Her work is regularly heard throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Seattle and Portland. In addition, she is a frequent contributor to National Public Radio. She has won numerous state and regional awards for her work in Idaho and was recognized in 2005 with a second place award from PRNDI in the same category. Johnson’s education includes an undergraduate degree from Wellesley College and a master’s degree in documentary film and video production from Stanford University. 

Public Radio News Directors Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the professional development of public radio journalists. The Northwest News Network is a collaboration of public radio stations throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Boise State Radio.

In addition to this national recognition, Boise State Radio’s news department has this year been awarded with 13 Idaho Press Club Awards, eight regional (Pacific Northwest) Society of Professional Journalist Awards, and three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television News Directors Association.

Information on the Boise State Radio network, including KBSU-Arts and Cultural Programming, Idaho Jazz Station and NPR News 91, is available at http://radio.boisestate.edu.

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Contacts: John Hess, General Manager, Boise State Radio, (208) 426-1984, johnhess@boisestate.edu; Jim East, Associate General Manager, Network Programming, (208) 947-5659, jeast@boisestate.edu

Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Communications, (208) 426-3275, kraven@boisestate.edu

Boise State University is the largest institution of higher education in Idaho with about 18,600 students and 2,200 faculty and staff. More than 190 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and technical degrees are offered within eight colleges. A metropolitan university located in the capital city, Boise State is committed to life-enhancing research, teaching excellence and public service.

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Last reviewed on Wednesday, January 03, 2007