Winner of 15 Edward R. Murrow Awards for Journalistic Excellence Winner of 3 Society of Professional Journalists Awards including Best Sports Reporting Winner of the Associated Press Television & Radio Award for Best Special Programming
2017 APTRA Award - Best Special Programming America Divided In 2017, I set out to examine why Americans had become so partisan. The previous year's election of President Donald Trump divided the country to a degree not seen in decades, if not centuries. But was he a cause or a symptom? I spoke with political analysts, pollsters, psychologists and historians to find out. The program, America Divided, was honored by the Associated Press Television and Radio Association for Best Special Programming.
2017 Edward R. Murrow Award - Overall Excellence KOMO News KOMO News in Seattle won the 2017 Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence. Jeff Pohjola served as a field reporter for the station, and much of his work was included in the winning entry, including a feature on "Exploding Head Syndrome."
2015 Edward R. Murrow Award - Overall Excellence NewsRadio 610 KONA Under the leadership of News Director Jeff Pohjola, KONA-AM earned the much-coveted Overall Excellence award from the RTDNA. It was just one of five wins for the station in 2015, which included Best Newscast, Best Writing and Best News Documentary. This audio file contains samples of all elements of the station's news coverage.
2015 Edward R. Murrow Award - Best Writing "Election 2014 Analysis" The 2014 Elections in Washington State were some of the most interesting in recent memory. The 4th Congressional District Race was especially entertaining after a long-time congressman decided to retire. Jeff Pohjola provided political analysis for the station's website.
2015 Edward R. Murrow Award - Best Newscast "The Afternoon Report" For the second time in three years, KONA's flagship news broadcast won the Murrow Award for best newscast. This broadcast,
from August 12th, 2014, features breaking news of a severe thunderstorm,
live reports from scenes of damage, interviews with local authorities,
as well as a separate developing story about a triple-homicide. Ed Dawson and Jeff Pohjola anchor for KONA-AM/Tri-Cities, WA.
2015 Edward R. Murrow Award - Best News Documentary "Breathing Poison" The KONA News Staff looked at the issues, complaints, and alleged coverups surrounding worker exposure to toxic vapors at Hanford's tank farms. Jeff Pohjola served as writer and executive producer for this program.
2014 Society of Professional Journalists Award - Best Special Report "Breathing Poison" The KONA News Staff looked at the issues, complaints, and alleged coverups surrounding worker exposure to toxic vapors at Hanford's tank farms. Jeff Pohjola served as writer and executive producer for this program.
2014 Edward R. Murrow Award - Best News Documentary "Hanford: A Legacy Of Labor" October of 2014 marked the 70th Anniversary of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. From the Manhattan Project to the production of nuclear weapons during the Cold War and the current mission to clean up the site, Hanford has become the driving economic force in Southeast Washington State. Jeff Pohjola wrote and produced an hour-long documentary on the site for KONA-AM/Tri-Cities, WA.
2014 Edward R. Murrow Award - Best Breaking News Coverage "Downtown Pasco Standoff" On Wednesday, May 1st, 2013 a man attempted to rob a Bank of The West branch in downtown Pasco. KONA provided live coverage of the ensuing standoff - with a reporter inside the police perimeter. Jeff Pohjola anchors for KONA-AM/Tri-Cities, WA.
2013 Edward R. Murrow Award - Best Newscast "RNC 2012" In 2012, the KONA news department focused its efforts on the 2012 Presidential Election, including coverage of the nominating conventions in Tampa and Charlotte. Each day, the afternoon newscast was broadcast live from the convention hall. Jeff Pohjola anchors from Tampa for KONA-AM/Tri-Cities, WA.
2009 Edward R. Murrow Award - Continuing Coverage "Boeing Machinists On Strike" Tensions rose throughout 2008 as Boeing and its Machinist's Union tried reach an agreement. It culminated in a vote to strike, which was set aside for several days by union leadership. Jeff Pohjola reports from union headquarters for KIRO-FM/Seattle.
2009 Edward R. Murrow Award - Spot News "Downtown Seattle Shootout" On Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 a man robbed a bank in West Seattle and led police on a chase that ended with a shootout downtown. Jeff Pohjola reports from the scene for KIRO-FM/Seattle.
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2008 National Edward R. Murrow Award - Best Newscast "The Big Story @ 6" In 2007, KIRO-AM won the National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast. Jeff Pohjola served as a reporter for this daily news program.
2007 Society Of Professional Journalists Award - Spot News "Tacoma Foundry Explosion" On Saturday, October 6, 2007 in Tacoma, WA a propane leak at a foundry created large explosion, killing one and injuring three. Jeff Pohjola anchors live coverage for KIRO-AM/Seattle.