Fourth Estate Awards presented during national convention
The final day of The American Legion National Convention in New Orleans included time to recognize outstanding efforts in journalism with the awarding of the Legion’s Fourth Estate Award. Two awards were presented: broadcast and print.
In the broadcast category, it was a second win for Minneapolis NBC affiliate KARE 11 for its series “Broken Promises.” The news team investigated the high rate of denials veterans received while applying for benefits after being examined by one particular neurologist at the VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wis. The Department of Veterans Affairs ultimately terminated the doctor and recalled 649 veterans for new neurological testing and potentially decades of backdated benefits.
KARE previously won in the broadcast category in 2018.
“It’s an incredible honor to stand up before you today for the second time in my career,” KARE 11 investigative reporter A.J. Lagoe said upon accepting the award. “Investigative journalism is more than just uncovering facts. It’s about giving a voice to the voiceless, seeking justice for those who’ve been robbed and holding the powerful accountable.
“’Broken Promises’ was a story that, at its heart, was about giving a voice to and seeking justice for people, veterans, who had been ignored, turned away, failed by the very system that promised to care for them.”
The Louisville (Ky.) Courier Journal was the winner in the print category for its series, “Safer Sidelines.” Last year, football fans were horrified when Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin’s heart stopped beating during a nationally televised game. While his life was saved because of the rapid emergency response, too often these tragedies occur at high schools and other fields of play which are unprepared.
The Courier Journal’s series provided an in-depth look at sudden death in youth sports and the struggle to assure every athlete has a fighting chance when the worst happens.
“When A.J. says that investigative journalism is a voice for the voiceless, it truly is,” lead reporter Stephanie Kuzydym said. “These are athletes that are no longer with us. And the truth is, this is still happening today. What you saw highlighted (in the series) is not just a problem in Kentucky. It’s a nationwide problem.”
American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer presented both awards. Prior to doing so, he noted, “The American Legion Fourth Estate Award is difficult to earn. It is a testament to the demanding nature of the competition – and the quality of entries. Not only do the reports have to be informative and entertaining, they also have to provide a tangible benefit to society.”