Hearst-Argyle Television STATION GROUP WINNER

In January 2000, The Hearst-Argyle Station Group committed 24 of its TV stations to more comprehensive election coverage. "Commitment 2000", began with the New Hampshire primaries. The stations committed to five minutes of candidate-centered coverage each of the 30 days before the general election. In Greenville, South Carolina, the state lottery was the focus, in Sacramento, California, it was an education proposition and in Vermont, the Governor's race. Hour-long and mini-debates, issue comparisons, candidate profiles, one-on one interviews and ad watch pieces were aired as part of the Hearst-Argyle effort. The judges commend Hearst-Argyle for setting an example with its extensive commitment early in the campaign season. The company gave candidates time to speak, giving viewers information to shape opinions and make decisions about the election. Watch a clip of the winning footage.