WVIA News has been recognized with six Professional Keystone Media Awards by the Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association for its 2025 journalism efforts.
The honors include a back-to-back first-place victory in beat reporting for Sarah Hofius Hall, alongside accolades in categories like politics and government reporting, feature stories, lifestyle and entertainment reporting, and feature videos.
The annual awards, held by the Harrisburg-based Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association, aim to commend journalism that offers “relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers and audiences, and faithfully fulfills its First Amendment rights/responsibilities.”
Award recipients include:
● Sarah Hofius Hall — First Place, Sports Beat Reporting, Beyond the Scoreboard
● Borys Krawczeniuk — Honorable mention, News Beat Reporting, politics and gov’t
● Lydia McFarlane — Honorable mention, Feature Story, Clarks Summit memory cafe
● Haley O’Brien — 2nd place, lifestyle & entertainment beat, 1st & 2nd for features videos
“When we made the commitment to expand local journalism, we did so because we believed our communities deserved trusted, in-depth reporting that informs, connects, and serves the public. We never imagined our newsroom would achieve so much in such a short time,” WVIA President & CEO Carla McCabe said.
“These awards are a reflection of the dedication of our journalists and the power of public media to tell the stories that matter to the communities we serve,” McCabe added.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 8 at the Keystone Media Awards Luncheon in Harrisburg.
Sarah Hofius Hall — First Place, Sports Beat Reporting, ‘Beyond the Scoreboard’
WVIA News launched the “Beyond the Scoreboard” sports beat in 2025, allowing Hall to explore stories that delve deeper than typical game coverage. Her reporting included spending time with a blind football coach and showcasing the achievements of special needs baseball players. Her storytelling also included the inspiring journey of a 58-year-old college football player.
WVIA News highlighted her work as fostering unity: “In a polarizing world, sports bring people together. Sarah’s reporting helped accomplish that.”
WVIA News Managing Editor Faith Golay praised Hall’s dedication: “Her sports stories are fine examples of her ability to connect on and off the field and ‘Beyond the Scoreboard.'” Hall, who joined WVIA News in 2024, won a first-place award for education beat reporting last year.
Borys Krawczeniuk — Honorable mention, News Beat Reporting, politics and government
Seasoned political journalist Borys Krawczeniuk received recognition in the politics and government beat. His work covered issues like property tax reassessment, a county commissioner’s resignation, a congressman’s finances, and the passing of a former mayor.
Notable submissions for his recognition included stories such as:
● Q&A on Lackawanna County’s reassessment
● McGloin’s potential resignation
● Replacement of a county commissioner
● Tax reassessment queries
● A congressman’s investment plans
● A veteran’s perspective on war and patriotism
Krawczeniuk, a veteran reporter, came on board at WVIA News in 2024.
Lydia McFarlane — Honorable mention, Feature Story, Clarks Summit memory cafe
Healthcare journalist Lydia McFarlane earned recognition for her feature on The Gathering Place’s Memory Cafe in Clarks Summit. This initiative supports individuals with memory loss and their caregivers. McFarlane’s work emphasized the growing importance of such programs in Pennsylvania, home to over three million older adults.
McFarlane, who joined the team in 2024, specializes in health-related topics, including insurance, policy, and community impact.
Haley O’Brien — 2nd place, lifestyle & entertainment beat, 1st & 2nd for features videos
Haley O’Brien, now with WITF in Harrisburg, was recognized for her contributions:
● 2nd place, lifestyle & entertainment beat — Way’s Garden history; Pocono Organics microgreens; The Garden of Giving; Sensory garden at Lackawanna Blind Association; Back Mountain gardens tour.
● 1st place, features videos — Sensory garden.
● 2nd place, features videos — Waymart holiday display on HGTV.
“Borys, Lydia, and Haley each brought the voices of our communities to life in the stories showcased for this year’s awards,” Golay said. “We are so proud of the impact their work has had as part of the WVIA News Team,” she added.
