The Alabama Public Radio news team’s coverage of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay during the U.S. Civil War has been nominated for two national Edward R. Murrow Awards. APR was honored by the Radio Television Digital News Association for Best News Series for “Battle of Mobile Bay,” and Best Documentary for “Damn The Torpedoes.” Both efforts focused on the campaign between Union Admiral David Farragut and Confederate forces led by Admiral Franklin Buchanan, and Alabama's role in the Civil War in 1864. Historians say the Battle of Mobile Bay helped bring the Civil War to a close, and President Abraham Lincoln to win another term in office.
News director Pat Duggins told the story of the First Alabama Calvary, which supported the Union and served alongside General William Sherman. Pat also reported on news coverage of the Battle of Mobile Bay, which was one of the first news stories to make the “front page” of national newspapers. APR’s Stan Ingold reported on the Battle of Mobile Bay from the perspective of Admiral Buchanan, who lost the campaign. Stan also visited the site of the infamous Civil War prison Camp "Castle Morgan," near Alabama’s former state capitol of Cahaba. These regional awards are nominations for national honors to be announced later.