IPR's Points North podcast has been recognized by the Radio Television Digital News Association with a national Edward R. Murrow Award.
The episode detailing Anishinaabemowin instructor Kenny Pheasant's life mission to get more people speaking the Great Lakes’ original language, has been honored in the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category. It was produced by Points North host and executive producer Dan Wanschura.
Pheasant didn't know it then, but he first became a teacher as a 14 year-old, working behind a grocery store meat counter on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. He taught Anishinaabemowin to English-speaking customers who came in the store to place orders. Since then, Pheasant has been relentless in teaching Anishinaabemowin, which is now an endangered Indigenous language. It’s spoken by few and is continuously threatened, but when it’s spoken, a unique worldview is retained.
Since 2017, Interlochen Public Radio has won 17 Regional Murrow Awards. It's believed this is the first National Murrow Award ever won by the station.
"As far as I know, this is the first National Murrow Award IPR has won," said IPR executive director Peter Payette. "It is testimony to the relentless efforts of the Points North team to find and tell exceptional stories. They have created a unique podcast and this award is well deserved."
The Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious journalism awards. Since 1971, the Radio Television Digital News Association has used these awards to recognize news organizations that demonstrate the excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.
The awards are presented to small and large radio, television, and digital outlets in 14 regions. IPR's Points North podcast had four regional-winning entries in 2024, which were judged nationally against honorees in the small market category from those 14 geographic areas.
You can listen to Points North on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.