2015 Atlantic Journalism Awards Finalists
Attachments
| Slug/Label | Well Arsenic |
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| Date Aired or Published | Jan. 25, 2015 |
| Media outlet where first aired or published: | The Telegram |
| Name of Program: | |
| If co-produced, list partner: | |
| Location: | St. John's/ New World Island |
| List awards, grants: | |
| Running time (TV/Radio): | |
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Short explanation of the story and how it developed: While working on an earlier story, looking at a report on water quality in western Newfoundland, it was suggested the reporter take a closer look at water quality as it relates to private wells, particularly in rural areas outside of municipalities. Further inquiry led to the discovery of a meeting in relation to poor well water quality on New World Island, some 418 kilometres from The Telegram's offices. Ashley pitched traveling to the area to investigate, finding a story with relevance to people living throughout the province. Personal stories were supplemented with further extensive research of public records and conversations with businesses, water quality experts in the public and private sphere, and political representatives — all showing the need to draw attention to the subject of drinking water quality. The piece also sparked further investigations, revealing challenges in another part of the island already identified, but not reported. |
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Resources of the newsroom (money and time) available to complete the story: The paper covered related travel and document search costs. |
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