1985 Citations

The Blizzard of '84, KFGO, Fargo, ND

The KFGO radio staff met the challenge of an unexpected weekend snowstorm, later named eastern North Dakota's worst blizzard in 40 years, with round-the-clock, open-phone-line coverage, providing essential information from law enforcement agencies and the National Weather Service, life-saving survival tips to stranded motorists and news of the safety of family and friends to those at home.

The Phone Mess, WCBS, New York, NY

This 10-part series of reports demystifying the divestiture of AT&T, a corporate break-up that has affected us all, is distinguished by the clarity and humor with which vast amounts of information are eloquently delivered.

Emergency Call for Help, KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX

These first exclusive reports of the mishandling of a Dallas citizen's call for an ambulance that might have saved his mother's life if his plea had been answered quickly reminded the nation that an emergency medical service call should always be treated as an emergency.

Elevator Rip-Off, Pamela Zekman and WBBM-TV, Chicago, IL

Leading the WBBM investigative unit, Ms. Zekman has once again uncovered systemic corruption, this year by exposing the "loafing" and "payroll cheating" of elevator repair crews and supervisors supposedly working in Chicago Housing Authority buildings where lives have been lost as a result of negligence and monies misspent for 10 years. The reports forced an overall revision of maintenance management.

I -Team, WBZ-TV, Boston, MA

Whether documenting Statehouse shenanigans or the plight of homeless Salvadorans, the WBZ investigative unit informs with intelligence and warmth and sparks corrective action.

Outstanding Metropolitan Reporting, Gabe Pressman, WNBC-TV, New York, NY

Recognized in New York's broadcast journalism community as the "reporter's reporter," Mr. Presman in his more than 30 years as a television newsman has compiled a peerless record of investigative reporting in politics and social issues. His reports, such as this year's "Asylum in the Streets," continue to sensitize viewers through incisive, informative accounts of city life.

Patterns of Practice, WCAX-TV, Burlington, VT

The complicated and hard-to-visualize story of a national problem -- rising medical-care costs -- was given an impressive and interesting local treatment through extensive research and concise writing.

First Camera: Leader LaRouche, NBC News

This portrait of Lyndon H. LaRouche Jr. -- the far left-winger turned right-winger -- gives new insight into the political force that one man can wield. Through its well-written, thoroughly researched reporting, it stands out as one of the year's best newsmagazine segments.