Community-Funded Journalism Wins Big: WABE Earns Three 2026 Atlanta Press Club Awards

ATLANTA – May 8, 2026 – WABE, Atlanta’s home for NPR and PBS and a 100% community-funded public media organization, earned three honors at this year’s Atlanta Press Club Awards of Excellence, recognizing the station’s commitment to rigorous local journalism, innovative civic tools and impactful digital storytelling.

WABE was recognized in the Radio Reporting category for Marisa Mecke’s story, “Data centers use a lot of water. Georgia counties and conservationists are looking for solutions.” The reporting examined the impact of data center development in Georgia, which is on the rise more than ever. The piece examined how local governments, utilities and conservationists are working to address water usage concerns.

WABE staff also won The News Innovation Award for our Gold Dome Tracker, a digital resource designed to help Georgians follow key legislation during the Georgia General Assembly session. The tool reflects WABE’s ongoing investment in accessible, public-service journalism that helps audiences better understand the decisions shaping their communities.

In the Video Short category, WABE’s Julien Virgin won for “Librarians May Be at Risk,” a short-form video story that brought attention to the challenges facing librarians and public institutions.

“We don’t do what we do for awards, but it is incredible to be recognized by your peers and the community for all the hard work put in by this team,” Alex Helmick, WABE Managing Editor. “These awards also mean a lot because they highlight the excellence of this news team across radio, online and social media.”

Presented annually, the Atlanta Press Club Awards of Excellence celebrate outstanding journalism across print, broadcast and digital media in Georgia.

WABE’s wins underscore the organization’s continued focus on local reporting that meets audiences where they are.

WABE is Metro Atlanta’s official NPR and PBS affiliate, and the region’s source for original, independent, news and local journalism. For 78 years, we have delivered fact-based, inclusive content that informs, inspires, reflects, and empowers the millions who call the Greater Atlanta area home. WABE is 100% independent, non-profit, and committed to amplifying diverse voices in Atlanta. Our programs, podcasts, and events make Atlanta’s stories accessible and relevant across various platforms for our broad audience. WABE original and national NPR/PBS content is available on WABE 90.1FM, WABE.org, WABE TV (PBS-30), WABE-HD channels, and streaming on the WABE Mobile App, Hulu + Live, YouTube TV, and other major platforms. Go to wabe.org for additional information.

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Tori Druilhet
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