By Lani Hansen, Senior Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma– Members of Mvskoke Media staff received awards for their talents in separate areas of the media from the Society of Professional Journalists.
The Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists Professional Chapter supports working journalists across the state, according to OKSPJ website. Due to COVID-19 the annual awards banquet was moved online this year.
To win an award, staff members submitted their best work from 2019 to be reviewed and judged. This year the department was recognized with two first-place awards, two second-place and one third-place award.
Radio Specialist Gary Fife won two awards. First place for Mvskoke Radio, ‘Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’ and third place Mvskoke Radio in diversity coverage for his show ‘National Issues and Cultural Funds’.
Senior Reporter Lani Hansen won first place in diversity coverage for her article ‘Native American Day celebrated throughout the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’.
Managing Editor Rita Courtwright won second place in election coverage (online) for her article ‘Del Beaver Wins Race for Second Chief’.
Multi-media Specialists Jerrad Moore and Reporter Angel Ellis won second place in television diversity coverage for their presentation on Mvskoke Vision ‘Christmas at Ryal Schools’.
Fife who won two awards said, “I’m proud of our Mvskoke Media staff and the achievements through a stressful time. It shows that our people can produce quality journalism that can compete.”
