Contact 5 Investigators honored by the Florida Associated Press

WPTV NewsChannel 5's Contact 5 Investigators won a Florida Associated Press Award and were finalists in two more categories at the Florida Associated Press awards banquet held on April 21 ^st in Orlando. The 2012 Florida Associated Press Awards are awarded by the Florida Associated Press Broadcasters Board to stations that have shown excellence in journalism.

Contact 5 Investigator, Katie LaGrone won an award for Individual Achievement for her compilation of work as part of the NewsChannel 5 investigative unit.

In addition, Katie LaGrone and photojournalist, Jim Sitton, were finalists in the category of Hard News for a Contact 5 Investigation on Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs).  Katie LaGrone and photojournalist, Gary Russ, also received a finalist nod in the category of Investigative for a report on repeat drunk drivers.

Since December, this is the third major award WPTV's Contact 5 Investigators have won.  Contact 5 Investigator Katie LaGrone and Contact 5 photojournalist, Jim Sitton, recently won a regional Edward R. Murrow award for Investigative Reporting: Hard News for their story on keyless cars.

In December, Katie LaGrone and Jim Sitton were also presented with (3) Emmy awards for multiple Contact 5 Investigations.

“Our entire news operation’s focus is to bring our viewers the best journalism and the best website for that journalism. I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements,” said WPTV NewsChannel 5 Vice President & General Manager Steve Wasserman. “We thank the Florida Associated Press for this recognition.”