If there’s one thing that the local media is good at, it’s scaring the living bejeezus out of folks. And unlike zombies, which are pretty doggone frightening in their own right, journalists seem to do it on purpose. Of course, not every reporter wants to make you wet your pants. Most really are trying to help us out. They let us know when the weather’s going to be bad. They tell us who won last night’s game. They bring a smile to our faces with their corny on-screen banter. Admit it. You love the local media as much as zombies love brains.
Biggest News Story of 2007
Sofa Super Store Fire
June 18, 2007
Likely Charleston’s biggest story of the decade, the deaths of nine firemen is reshaping how the city — and the nation — looks at battling fires.
Best Local TV Anchor
Warren Peper
WCBD, Channel 2
www.wcbd.com
With Channel 4’s long-running winner Nina “The Soss” Sossamon off camera, the veteran sports-guy-turned-anchor takes the lead.
Best Local
Investigative Reporter
Harve Jacobs
WCSC, Live 5 News
www.live5news.com
It’s a seventh win for Jacobs, known for his “Most Wanted” segments and investigative reporting.
Best Local TV
Weather Forecaster
Rob Fowler
WCBD, Channel 2
www.wcbd.com
He may have lost the floppy mustache, but Fowler holds on to this title for a ninth win.
Best Local
TV Sports Anchor
Brendan Clark
WCBD, Channel 2
www.wcbd.com
A third win for Clark proves he’s made himself comfortable in Peper’s old roosting spot as Charleston’s Best Sports Anchor.
Best Local TV Station
WCBD, Channel 2
Missing a sweep this year by one category (damn you, Harve!), WCBD wins best station for the 11th year.
Best Newspaper Columnist
Ken Burger
The Post and Courier
Burger hasn’t just provided readers with entertaining sports coverage, he’s also been chronicling his own fight with cancer.
Best City Paper Cover Story
“Buzzkill: Cops crack down at the Edge of America”
Stratton Lawrence’s piece about overzealous law enforcement on the beaches of Folly Beach struck a chord with readers who knew too well what he was talking about.
Best Radio Station
The Bridge, 105.5 FM
The collapse of longtime winner 96Wave left a hole that The Bridge was happy to fill with “quality rock” and “true variety.”
Best Talk/News Radio Station
1250 WTMA
Who can compete with Richard Todd, the City Paper‘s own Southern Avenger, and Rocky D, along with Neil Boortz, Sean Hannity, and Bill O’Reilly? Conservative porn at its finest.
Best Local Radio Show
Two Girls and a Guy
95SX
www.95sx.com
Same girls, same award, different guy. Steve’s left ’em, but Brooke and Tanya have carried on with a fill in, Just Plain Mike, and now with the new regular “guy,” Special Ed. Pop on, folks. Pop on.
Best Local Radio Personality
Potter
The Critic’s temporary exit from the dial opened this category up for Potter and his “No Panties Wednesday.”
Best Local Talk Show Host
Ryan Nelson
Lowcountry Live, WCIV Channel 4
www.wciv.com
After wrestling the host award from radio personalities for the first time last year, Nelson keeps it up with her showcase of Charleston events and personalities.
Best Local TV Commercial
Gerald’s Tires & Brakes
The grease monkeys in the bright orange building are proud of those commercials for good reason, and it has paid off yet again. It’s a great day at Gerald’s!
Best Local Website
www.charleston.net
The Post and Courier‘s news portal, now with a spiffy new design, takes the cake again. We’re not bitter … really.
Best Local Internet Blog
www.ccpblogs.com
Charleston City Paper
Finally, our efforts pay off. We may have an audience of only 1,000 or so, but 10 of them voted for us and that was enough to win. We’ll take ’em where we can get them.
Best Local YouTube Video
“Skateboarder vs. Cop”
A Charleston police officer pushes a local skateboarder over a bush at Waterfront Park and into infamy, thanks to this viral video hit.
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