The Society of Professional Journalists honored KMUW reporter Deborah Shaar with the Sigma Delta Chi Award for her investigative work on the Federal Aviation Administration's attempt to change how weather is monitored at airports across the country, including in Wichita. The award recognizes excellence in journalism and is one of the top prizes given in the profession.
Deborah spent six months looking into proposed FAA legislation that would have shifted weather observation responsibilities from certified weather professionals on the ground to air traffic controllers. The potential move raised concerns with local leaders and some of Kansas' representatives in Congress.
Find links to all of the stories here:
- FAA Plan To Shift Weather Observations At Wichita Airport Raises Safety Concerns
- FAA Holds Private Meeting In Wichita On Airport Weather Observations
- Wichita's Mayor Appeals To FAA To Stop Airport Weather Plan
- Congressional Effort Underway To Prevent FAA Plan For Airport Weather Observations
- Kansas Congressmen Oppose Weather Monitoring Change At ICT
- US Senate Committee Approves FAA Mandate On Contract Weather Observers
- US House Approves Legislation Preserving Airport Weather Program Through FY 2017
Here, Deborah talks about her experience reporting and producing the series:
