Ocean City, MD — WMDT Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek took the coveted Best Meteorologist crown from this year’s Chesapeake AP Broadcasters
Association banquet.
“The Delmarva Peninsula can be a tricky place to predict the weather, but I’ve been at this a long time,” says Wirdzek. “It’s truly an honor to win Best Meteorologist and to know our communities trust WMDT for accurate, honest forecasting.”
Here’s what the judges had to say about Wirdzek’s snowy broadcast this past winter: “Rich Wirdzek identified the urgent threat right off the bat, then had a great transition to visual aids showing the snow and spotter reports. He is very conversational and relaxed in front of the camera…”
Main Anchor Han Cechini and Chief Photographer Mike Lawrence took top honors in the Outstanding Serious Feature category, winning first place for their “Family Desperate for Answers” segment.
The judges found the piece to be “very engaging” and thoughtfully told,” adding “the use of B-roll to help tie everything together and keep the viewer engaged was an excellent touch; certainly, a clear choice as an outstanding piece.”
Reporter Chris Brunk and Photographer Kolby Redden nabbed a 2nd place win in the Outstanding Spot News Reporting category for their coverage, titled “Powerful Storm Hits Ocean City.” And Meteorologist Jake Grant, along with Kolby Redden, won 2nd place for their Outstanding News Series piece titled “Discover Delmarva.”
For more information contact Joe Carmean, News Director, joe_carmean@wmdt.com.
Pictured: Chris Brunk, Jake Grant, Rich Wirdzek, Sarah Ash, Mike Lawrence, Han Cechini, Kolby Redden
