WTOP is one of the marquee news-talk stations in the United States and was recently honored with three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards this week by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). 

For the New Series category, WTOP saw their National Security correspondent JJ Green’s COVID Conspiracy series was recognized for its coverage of a secret ploy by Russia to distribute lies and disinformation regarding COVID-19 and vaccines. 

“The journalists in our newsroom are dedicated, passionate individuals who want to make a difference in their communities,” Julia Ziegler, WTOP’s Director of News and Programming said in a press release obtained by Barrett News Media. “We are so honored to be recognized with three regional Edward R. Murrow awards.”

Meanwhile, in the Digital category, WTOP.com received a regional award for coverage of news events throughout 2021, including coronavirus, cicadas, and the scandal at D.C.’s crime lab. 

Finally, WTOP also received an honor in the Newscast category for coverage of the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. As a result, the radio station advances to the national round of the competition, competing against regional winners from across the country.

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and WSIU is marking the occasion with a documentary centered around the Korean War. The radio station announced that “Shrapnel Down: My Korean War Story” will be broadcast on the WSIU stations.

The documentary will air on Sunday, May 29 at 2 pm and on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30 at 9 pm. The film plans to feature never-before-seen war footage caught by Iowa native and veteran Bill Rector during his tour of duty during the Korean War. 

“There are so many impactful stories WSIU proudly shares, and those of our brave U.S. veterans certainly deserve special attention,” film producer/director Mark St. George said. 

“In Shrapnel Down, I hope viewers will discover a personal story that lurks behind the great veil of war; of the humanity that was ever-present beyond the shots fired. Shrapnel Down is a documentary about war – true – but told through the camera lens of one extraordinary sailor who shares his story, documenting his experiences of war, friendship, and loss.”

Rector used an 8mm camera to document his war experiences, capturing this never-before-seen footage. In addition, the film contains an in-depth interview with Rector where he recounts vital moments such as the battles during the Blockade of Wonsan, the most prolonged battle in modern naval history, and the Court of Neptune ritual.

“The film is a time capsule that we are opening with viewers for the very first time,” St. George said. “The documentary features original, 8mm war footage that has, until now, been locked away. Shrapnel Down breaks the seal on this time capsule, and we’re happy to share it with viewers.”

Salem Media Group is signing newly graduated Harvard University student Julie Hartman to a deal. As part of this agreement, she will work with the company’s Podcast and Radio Networks and the Salem News Channel.

“I am honored that Salem Radio Network has entrusted me with this responsibility,” Hartman said, per Radio Ink. “Finding Dennis Prager’s work and getting to know him has illuminated my life’s vocation. 

“Because of him, I’ve been able to collaborate with many other remarkably talented people at Salem. My generation needs courageous, independent, truth-telling voices. My goal is to be among the best of them.”

Hartman appeared as a frequent guest on “The Dennis Prager Radio Show,” illustrating how college students are brainwashed with liberal ideologies in colleges across the country, including Harvard. 

During her time as a guest, she caught the eye of and hired her as a substitute host on the show, later doing a weekly podcast called “Dennis and Julie.”

“Julie represents a new generation of young media professionals, and we are adding some to the Salem platform, proving that even at Harvard you can come out a conservative if you keep your wits about you,” Phil Boyce, SVP of Spoken Word, said. 

“Her story is compelling and even riveting and will probably be a book and a movie someday.”