The 2020 ASCE Excellence in Journalism Award
Scott LaMar, Host and Executive Producer of the daily
Smart Talk
news and public affairs program on WITF-FM in Harrisburg, Pa, was named the recipient of the 2020 ASCE Excellence in Journalism Award during the annual
Outstanding Projects And Leaders Gala (OPAL),
March 13, in Washington, DC.
Read more on ASCE News
Award Criteria
In 1994, ASCE established the Excellence in Journalism Award to honor newspaper journalists for outstanding articles that enhance public understanding of the role and impact of civil engineering in designing solutions for clean water, transportation, the environment, and other public works projects. In 2006, the award was expanded to include journalists and producers from English-language, general-interest regional and national newspapers, radio and television stations, magazines, and electronic and Web-based news outlets.
The news media wield tremendous impact on public opinion about civil engineers and civil-engineering-related issues. For example, news coverage can influence vital infrastructure legislation, licensing laws and building codes. Coverage also can affect talented young people's decisions to pursue careers in civil engineering.
Through this annual national award, ASCE hopes to encourage continued coverage of civil engineering and related issues as a means of engaging the public in civil engineering initiatives impacting their community.