KCUR’s Frank Morris and the station bring home top honors

Journalistic excellence recognized by Kansas City Press Club

The Kansas City Press Club , local affiliate of the Society of Professional Journalists, honored UMKC National Public Radio affiliate KCUR 89.3FM and its news director, Frank Morris, with 2012 Heart of America awards. These annual awards recognize the area’s best journalists, newspapers, radio and television stations in western Missouri and eastern Kansas.

Morris was named Journalist of the Year for investigative reporting on U.S. farm policy and its potential link to obesity; and his coverage of the Joplin tornado, written with Dan Verbeck, was chosen for breaking news. As news director of KCUR since 1999, Morris frequently contributes to local radio and NPR’s national news programs. He was nominated by his colleagues, with the final decision made by a panel of outside judges.

KCUR’s Station of the Year honor was decided by tallying reportage awards in individual categories. Recognized stories covered such topics as local foods, the closing of the world’s last Kodachrome film developer and a Kentucky Derby winner from Kansas. Altogether, the station received 15 awards.

The Society of Professional Journalists and the Kansas City Press Club are made up of broadcast, print and online journalists, journalism educators and students.

About the University of Missouri-Kansas City

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.


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