KMUW’s Carla Eckels is among the winners of the American Cancer Society High Plains Division’s annual media awards program for excellence in cancer journalism.

Eckels received the radio feature award for her story “Smoking Ban in Wichita.”

Eckels, who has been with KMUW Wichita Public Radio for 12 years, said she was “very honored and privileged to represent public radio with a format that allows in-depth stories to be told.”

Her story covered the many sides of the city council’s decision on whether to make Wichita tobacco free.

The Media Awards officially recognize journalists in the Society’s High Plains Division (Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas) for excellent work in covering cancer-related stories.

“Through these stories, the public have learned more about cancer research, treatment, early detection, how to get help, and what it feels like to be a cancer survivor,” said Mary Coyne, co-chair of the Division Communications Committee.

This year, 15 winners were selected by a team of 31 judges. Judges were recruited from media outlets and public relations agencies to carefully rate the entries for accuracy, originality and effectiveness.

“Our judges painstakingly selected the very best efforts by journalists who entered the competition,” said Coyne. “Our award winners can be proud that their work represents the most outstanding print and broadcast cancer stories throughout our division.”

Submissions included news and feature stories from radio, television, newspaper and magazine journalists. The 15 winners were recognized this year at a special ceremony in Dallas.