WGNO-TV ABC26 News was given three honors by the Louisiana Associated Press during a luncheon on Saturday, June 7, in Baton Rouge.

"ABC26 News at 10:00 PM" won 'Best Newscast' in Louisiana. Producer Ian Kramar was honored with the award for the newscast which aired on November 15, 2007.

"The Best Newscast included some incredible examples of passionate reporting on deep, multifaceted stories, drawing viewers in with new twists and original angles to keep them interested, and tight headlines off the top to grab everyone's attention," Kramar says.

He was surprised at the reaction he received from his peers at the awards ceremony. "A judge commented, 'great lead story, great story selection.' It was a very classic broadcast with the focus falling on a lot of popular elements – from the massive flames of a house fire, investigating public corruption and tracking crimes, to health-related stories on quitting smoking and one woman's dramatic battle against cancer, who also happens to be the wife of a New Orleans Saint," Kramar says.

Members of the ABC26 News Team also received individual honors.

News anchor Liz Reyes, along with videographer Eric Zurcher, were awarded second place for 'In-Depth Series', about challenges facing the N.O.P.D.'s undercover Crime Abatement Team – known on the streets as the "Jump-Out Boys".

"I'm very happy for the recognition for our series," Reyes says. "Zurcher and I spent hours with them on the streets. He did an outstanding job capturing the unit in the field. It brings attention to the hard work of that elite N.O.P.D. unit."

Also, ABC26 News North Shore reporter Meredith Mendez was honored with third place for 'Reporter of the Year'. "There are so many talented reporters across the state of Louisiana, and I am honored to be chosen as a Reporter of the Year," Mendez says.

She is also grateful stories about the North Shore are being recognized across the state. "In this past year, we (ABC26) have focused our efforts on the North Shore, and it's rewarding to know our hard work is paying off," Mendez says. "I enjoy bringing all of our viewers the stories from the 'other side of the lake' on a daily basis."

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the entire staff of ABC26 has faced many challenges, including rebuilding a new studio and office space in the Galleria building in Metairie, completed in 2007, after being set up in temporary locations for two years. They accept these honors with great humility and pledge to continue the same level of excellence in journalism.

"Given all the staff has been through since Katrina, it is great to be recognized by our peers with the awards," Reyes says.