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Tony Sandleben Honored With a 2023 Best of Indiana Journalism Award

WBOI's Staff Host/Reporter Tony Sandleben Accepts award for Best in Indiana Journalism
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WBOI reporter Tony Sandleben ranked in the Society of Professional Journalists "2023 Best in Indiana Journalism Awards" for his work with Adam Yahya Rayes on the UAW strikes and their impact.

Host and reporter Tony Sandleben has been awarded third place in “Best of Indiana Journalism”, continuing radio coverage category for his work with Adam Yahya Rayes on the UAW strikes and their impact.

Indiana Public Broadcasting submitted Sandleben’s and Rayes’ coverage of the 2023 nationwide UAW strike to the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), Indiana professional chapter for consideration. The results were announced at an awards ceremony in April where Sandleben accepted the award. (photo attached).  

  • Continuing radio coverage of 2023’s nationwide United Auto Workers (UAW) strike provided concise and consistent information gathering and reporting for UAW leaders and GM communications representatives, clarifying strike strategy. 
  • Reported strike perspectives from current and retired union leaders & workers in Assembly Fort Wayne, one of GM’s largest plants.  
  • Coverage of the Kokomo, Indiana UAW rally & informational events leading up to the strike, the weeks-long strike and eleventh hour negotiations, where no deal was initially reached but  eventually concluded. 

Sandleben said “I’m grateful to be considered for this award and happy to be part of award-winning journalistic work for the first time since brain surgery in 2018.”

To learn more about Sandleben’s recent award from SPJ, click here.

Chad, a native of Northeast Indiana, brings a wealth of experience in event coordination and arts marketing to the team. With a strong passion for public radio and its diverse perspectives, he is dedicated to building community and connections through his role at WBOI.

His strategic thinking and innovative event planning and marketing strategies are invaluable assets that will help WBOI expand its audience and enhance listener engagement. Apart from his work at WBOI, Chad enjoys spending time with animals, tending his garden, and camping & hiking.