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Best-Dressed Set for a TV Newscast

Channel 4

When Channel 4 decided to modernize its decor last year, the station boldly rejected the more-is-more mentality that makes so many newscasts today look like incomprehensibly busy computer screens. In the place of such TV cliches, designers introduced clean, crisp visuals and a backdrop that evokes not the Denver skyline, but the Colorado sky. Obviously, Channel 4's got the blues -- yet its rising ratings show that viewers are hardly unhappy with the results.

Best-Dressed Set for a TV Newscast

Channel 4

When Channel 4 decided to modernize its decor last year, the station boldly rejected the more-is-more mentality that makes so many newscasts today look like incomprehensibly busy computer screens. In the place of such TV cliches, designers introduced clean, crisp visuals and a backdrop that evokes not the Denver skyline, but the Colorado sky. Obviously, Channel 4's got the blues -- yet its rising ratings show that viewers are hardly unhappy with the results.

Best Career Switch for a TV Reporter

Julie Hayden

As a radio correspondent and then a reporter for Channel 7, Julie Hayden covered some of the town's biggest stories, from the JonBenét Ramsey murder to the Columbine killings, and she did so with professionalism and aplomb. But after years of pumping sources for information, she finally turned in her press card for pumps and pearls -- and a job as a Mary Kay saleswoman. Keep your powder dry, Julie.

Best Career Switch for a TV Reporter

Julie Hayden

As a radio correspondent and then a reporter for Channel 7, Julie Hayden covered some of the town's biggest stories, from the JonBenét Ramsey murder to the Columbine killings, and she did so with professionalism and aplomb. But after years of pumping sources for information, she finally turned in her press card for pumps and pearls -- and a job as a Mary Kay saleswoman. Keep your powder dry, Julie.

Best TV Newscast -- Morning

Channel 9

On many days, news is secondary to shenanigans on Channel 9's ultra-popular morning news block. On an early March broadcast, for example, a gaggle of NFL mascots turned Kathy Sabine's weather forecast and Drew Soicher's sports segment into a complete shambles. Such absurdity would be highly questionable at other times of the day, but as the sun rises, having a quintet as likable as Sabine, Soicher, Gary Shapiro, Kyle Dyer and Gregg Moss on hand helps viewers get up and get going, too.

Best TV Newscast -- Morning

Channel 9

On many days, news is secondary to shenanigans on Channel 9's ultra-popular morning news block. On an early March broadcast, for example, a gaggle of NFL mascots turned Kathy Sabine's weather forecast and Drew Soicher's sports segment into a complete shambles. Such absurdity would be highly questionable at other times of the day, but as the sun rises, having a quintet as likable as Sabine, Soicher, Gary Shapiro, Kyle Dyer and Gregg Moss on hand helps viewers get up and get going, too.

Best TV Newscast -- Night

Channel 4

Since the arrival of new general manager Walt DeHaven, Channel 4 has exhibited more vitality and ambition than at any time in recent memory, and the quality of its 10 p.m. offering has climbed as a result. Anchor Jim Benemann, hijacked from Channel 9, has proven to be a key addition, and the chemistry he exhibits with partner Molly Hughes is tangible without seeming either self-conscious or over the top. As a bonus, the program's large and impressive team can be counted upon to provide the most comprehensive wrap-up of the day's news.

Best TV Newscast -- Night

Channel 4

Since the arrival of new general manager Walt DeHaven, Channel 4 has exhibited more vitality and ambition than at any time in recent memory, and the quality of its 10 p.m. offering has climbed as a result. Anchor Jim Benemann, hijacked from Channel 9, has proven to be a key addition, and the chemistry he exhibits with partner Molly Hughes is tangible without seeming either self-conscious or over the top. As a bonus, the program's large and impressive team can be counted upon to provide the most comprehensive wrap-up of the day's news.

Best TV Investigative Reporter

Brian Maass, Channel 4

All too often, investigative reports on local TV stations are frivolous attention-getters more focused on attracting viewers during ratings periods than doing anything of substance. Maass's work is an exception to this rule. He regularly comes up with stories that are as solid as they are intriguing -- we'd love to know his police sources -- and he presents them in a just-the-facts manner that won't make those with an aversion to tabloid TV feel like showering once the report's over.

Best TV Investigative Reporter

Brian Maass, Channel 4

All too often, investigative reports on local TV stations are frivolous attention-getters more focused on attracting viewers during ratings periods than doing anything of substance. Maass's work is an exception to this rule. He regularly comes up with stories that are as solid as they are intriguing -- we'd love to know his police sources -- and he presents them in a just-the-facts manner that won't make those with an aversion to tabloid TV feel like showering once the report's over.

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