2006 Awards of Special Merit

Douglas Fischer | Elizabeth Kolbert | John Sherman & Beau Kershaw

Douglas Fischer

“A Body's Burden: Our Chemical Legacy”
Oakland Tribune

Grantham Prize Jury Comments on A Body's Burden

Douglas Fisher and the Oakland Tribune take science reporting to a new level by applying scientific method in an original investigation of the presence of toxic chemicals in a local family.

Working with scientists who supervised lab tests, and following academic protocols for protecting human subjects, the newspaper made the issue local, accessible, and compelling. The results meet both journalistic and academic standards with the strong newspaper series followed by acceptance in a peer-reviewed journal, Environmental Health Perspectives. “A Body’s Burden: Our Chemical Legacy” makes the issue of environmental contaminants personal and urgent.

Elizabeth Kolbert

“The Climate of Man”
The New Yorker

Grantham Prize Jury Comments on The Climate of Man

Elizabeth Kolbert turns issues of climate change into a compelling narrative, imbued with passion that never becomes strident. This New Yorker series is a landmark in the literature of climate change, covering the science in simple language and making clear the enormity of the stakes for humanity.

From ancient history to current political battles over how to curb greenhouse emissions, she presents the evidence with unforced authority. She spends time with the people of the Arctic who are already being affected, and visits the Netherlands where precautions against rising sea levels are under way. She introduces readers to political leaders, to many of the key scientists who have placed the issue at the top of the environmental agenda for the 21st century, and to those who question the prevailing view. For its thoroughness, elegance and persuasiveness, “The Climate of Man” is a triumph of environmental journalism.

John Sherman and Beau Kershaw

“Dirty Secret.”
WBAL-TV, Baltimore, MD

Grantham Prize Jury Comments on Dirty Secret

WBAL’s “Dirty Secret” is good, dogged broadcast journalism.

Reporter John Sherman not only brought to light years of illegal dumping by a waste processing plant, and the state of Maryland’s knowledge of that pollution, he pushed for answers as neighbors of the plant discovered their well water was contaminated. He confronted uncooperative state officials and dug through myriad documents in his efforts, which helped prompt federal intervention and the closure of the facility.

Great photography by Beau Kershaw and a fast-paced editing style keep the series of reports interesting and compelling, even to people not personally affected by the dumping. Other local broadcasters, as well as national media, should follow WBAL’s lead and give their employees the time and resources to produce outstanding TV environmental journalism that makes a difference.