CINCINNATI -- The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honored WCPO with five 2017 Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Awards, the most of any Cincinnati news organization.
The awards ceremony was Saturday night at the Lawrenceburg Event Center.
WCPO anchor Tanya O'Rourke won an Emmy for her story "Don't Believe Everything You See," about a lifelike mask used to conceal a bank robber's identity. The mask was so deceptive a mother believed her son had committed the crimes, even though he wasn't involved.
WCPO anchor Craig McKee won an Emmy for his overall work as a news anchor.
WCPO assistant news director Sarah Zak won an Emmy for Special Achievement in Community Service for "Heroin In The Tri-State," showing how the opioid epidemic has impacted our area.
"These special honors are illustration and recognition of our continuous fight to improve our own work, to better serve everyone living in this great community," WCPO News Director Chip Mahaney said.
WCPO.com reporter Dan Monk was part of the team winning an Emmy for their coverage of problems at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. Their monthslong investigative reporting led to major changes in leadership there, and a former senior administrator now faces federal drug charges.
WCPO.com reporter/photojournalist Emily Maxwell won an Emmy for her coverage of toxic coal ash plaguing communities in North Carolina, and how it's a warning to people in Ohio.
"It's great to see our staff members honored for their fantastic journalism," WCPO.com Editor-in-Chief Mike Canan said. "I'm pleased the judges recognized not only the skill and storytelling of our team but also the commitment to making our community a better place."
