Voice of America editor Faith Lapidus and Honolulu-based reporter Heidi Chang were recognized at the annual awards dinner of the Society of Professional Journalists, Hawaii Chapter, on June 30 in Honolulu. The pair won first place in the features category for their radio report “‘Moana’ Making Waves Around Globe,” which focuses on the Disney animated movie inspired by the folklore of the Pacific Islands.
The judges commented the two VOA reporters for their “superlative use of sound and editing.” However, this was not the only award the two received. They were also honored with a finalist award in the General News/Enterprise Reporting category for their story “Ancient Hawaiian Farmers Offer Lessons in Sustainability” highlighting last year’s World Conservation Congress in Hawaii.
“I worked closely with Heidi in crafting these stories, but her enthusiasm for the subjects, and all things Hawaiian, really made the reports sing,” said Lapidus of her collaboration with Chang.
