LEWISTON — The Maine Association of Broadcasters announced the recipients of the 2014 MAB News and Creative Awards at the MAB convention in Portland on Sept. 28, honoring the best of Maine broadcasting.

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network received nine awards across a wide range of specialties in the Radio and Television categories.

Each year, the Maine Association of Broadcasters honors “the best of the best” work from member stations based on the judging results from broadcast associations in other states. The 2014 awards reflect work completed between June 2013 and May 2014.

MPBN’s “Maine Things Considered” weekday afternoon news program won Best Locally Produced Radio Program.

Deputy News Director Susan Sharon received first place in the Radio Enterprise Category for a story about the overuse of anti-anxiety medications known as benzodiazepines. Sharon also garnered two additional awards: a second place in the Radio Enterprise Category for a story about allegations of excessive force in the Maine State Prison, and second place in the Radio Sports Feature Category for a profile of Olympic snowboarder Seth Wescott.

Journalist Jennifer Rooks was awarded first place for MPBN’s documentary on post-traumatic stress disorder for returning Maine soldiers, “A Matter of Duty,” in the Television Public Affairs Category.

News reporter Tom Porter received first place in the Spot News Category for his report on the University of Southern Maine president’s change in direction regarding faculty cuts at the institution.

News reporter Patty Wight was awarded first place in the Radio Public Affairs Category for her multipart series “Mental Blocks.” Wight also won first place in the Radio Sports Feature Category for her Olympic biathlon athlete profile.

News reporter and MPBN’s Weekend Edition host Jennifer Mitchell won first place in the Radio Feature Category for her story titled “A Day in the Life of a Gravedigger.”

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