PORTLAND – Maine Public Radio was honored with nine awards by the Maine Associated Press Broadcasters Association during its annual awards ceremony held recently in South Portland.

The contest was open to all Associated Press member radio and television stations licensed in Maine for pieces produced during the year 2002.

Entries were judged by a jury of Associated Broadcasters in Montana.

Several Maine Public Radio staff members who regularly contribute pieces to Maine Things Considered, Midday and the Morning Edition won first place awards.

The list of awards given to Maine Public Radio is as follows:

Continuous coverage

First place: Jeanne Baron, Lewiston Somalis; third place: Charlotte Renner, Priest Abuse Scandal.

Public affairs

First place: Susan Chisholm, Series on Trash; second place: Charlotte Renner, RX Bus Trip; third place: Susan Chisholm, Port Clyde.

Enterprise

First place: Charlotte Renner, Casino; third place: Naomi Schalit, Ironite.

Medical reporting

Third place: Susan Chisholm, Methadone/Heroin.

Feature

Second place: Susan Chisholm, Moxie Festival.