Religion Communicators Council honors secular print, online, broadcast work

NEW YORK,  -- Blood Done Sign My Name, Jeb Stuart's film about a little-known chapter in the American civil rights struggle, leads the list of 2010 Wilbur Awards winners.

The Religion Communicators Council is presenting 14 Wilbur Awards to secular media organizations April 9 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. In addition, Bob Abernethy, longtime host of PBS' Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, is to receive a special Wilbur Award for contributions to public discussion of faith topics.

Stuart, best known for his work on Die Hard and The Fugitive, adapted Tim Tyson's best-selling book into a gripping story—told through the eyes of Oxford, N.C., residents, both black and white. Judges noted that the film's story of how residents risked their lives for civil rights resonated with the Wilbur Award's purpose: to recognize "excellence in the presentation of religious issues, themes and values" in secular print and online journalism, book publishing, broadcasting, and motion pictures.

The council has presented Wilbur Awards annually since 1949. The award is named for the late Marvin C. Wilbur, a pioneer in religious public relations and longtime council leader.

Other 2010 Wilbur Awards (for 2009 work) go to:

Newspapers, feature story–"Young Muslims after 9/11," Peter Smith, The Courier Journal, Louisville, Ky.

Newspapers, series–"Faith in Motion," Mindy Rubenstein, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times.

Newspapers, column–"Sunday Reflections," Tracey O'Shaughnessy, Republican-American, Waterbury, Conn.

Newspapers, blogs–"Under God," David Waters, The Washington Post.

Magazines, article–"The Rise of the Godless," Paul Starobin, National Journal.

Magazines, columns–Lisa Miller, Newsweek.

Editorial Cartoons–John Sherffius, Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo.

Books–Have A Little Faith, Mitch Albom, Hyperion.

Television, local news–"Shepherd Me Oh God," Randy Biery, photography, and Fran Riley, reporter, KWQC-TV, Davenport, Iowa.

Television, national news–CBS Evening News:  Weekend Edition, "Peace on Earth," John Blackstone, correspondent;  Erin Lyall George, producer; and Patricia Shevlin, executive producer.

Television, national news magazine–Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, "Wintley Phipps," Kim Lawton, correspondent, Judy Reynolds, producer.

Television, documentary–"Science of the Soul," Associated Producers, Toronto, Canada, Simcha Jacobovici, writer/director.

Radio–"The Soundscapes of Faith," Laura Kwerel, writer/producer, Katie Davis, editor, Interfaith Voices, Brentwood, Md.

ABOUT THE RELIGION COMMUNICATORS COUNCIL: Founded in 1929, the Religion Communicators Council is the oldest public relations professional association in the United States. It has more than 500 members and 13 regional chapters. Members represent Baha'i, Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Jewish organizations and work in advertising, print and electronic communication, and public relations.

SOURCE Religion Communicators Council