Commonwealth Journal Repeats Top Broadcaster’s Program Award

By Leigh DuPuy

Commonwealth Journal, the weekly public affairs program produced by WUMB Radio and the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities, has won first place for public service programming from the Associated Press of Massachusetts and Rhode Island for the second year.

“It’s very difficult to win two years back to back,” says Pat Monteith, general manager of WUMB Radio, “particularly with two different hosts.” Neely, the well-known author of the Blanche White mystery series, replaced Elizabeth Sherman as host in February 2001 when Sherman resigned to pursue other projects. “I am glad to be able to preserve the show’s high standards,” Neely says.

Not only was the program evaluated with a different host, but by a different set of judges. Each year a group of broadcasters from another area in the country will judge programs from outside their regions. Judges in Chicago evaluated Commonwealth Journal from a submission CD that featured Neely and guests speaking on two show topics, “Changing Lives Through Literature” and “Shakespeare Behind Bars.”

Commonwealth Journal features segments with scholars, writers, cultural workers, and public officials examining current issues of particular interest to Massachusetts listeners. Programs range from topics such as the history of the Customs House in Boston, new welfare regulations, and MCAS testing. “Part of the mission is to give voice to organization and individuals who are worth hearing, ”explains Lisa Hickler, the program’s assistant producer who books guests for the program. Dave Palmater agrees; as production engineer he has listened to more than 100 interviews for the show and has the challenging task of editing the program into two concise 15-minute pieces.

WUMB staffers received their award during a ceremony held on April 20 at the Newton Marriott. The event was held in conjunction with the Radio and Television News Directors Annual Conference.

Commonwealth Journal is produced with support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Listeners can tune in for provocative and insightful interviews every Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on 91.9 FM in Boston, as well as on 22 public radio stations across Massachusetts.

Image: From left to right: WUMB’s Pat Monteith, Dave Palmater, Barbara Neely, and Lisa Hickler celebrate the first place award in the studio where Commonwealth Journal is taped. (Photo by Harry Brett)

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