KNXV-ABC15 honored with Sigma Delta Chi Award from Society of Professional Journalists

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PHOENIX, July 11, 2024 ~ The Society of Professional Journalists has recognized KNXV-ABC15, a local television station owned by The E.W. Scripps Company, for their exceptional journalism. The station was awarded the prestigious 2023 Sigma Delta Chi Award for their investigative reporting.

Chief Investigative Reporter Dave Biscobing and the ABC15 Investigators were specifically honored in the television investigative reporting (large market) category for their series "Too Unwell to Testify." This series exposed the mishandling of evidence by a top Phoenix homicide detective, Detective Jennifer DiPonzio, who is married to an assistant chief. Despite claiming to be too sick to testify, ABC15 obtained evidence that proved DiPonzio was working multiple jobs and traveling while the court believed she was unable to participate.

Biscobing stated that their investigation began with a simple story about DiPonzio's unavailability in March 2023 but quickly expanded as they uncovered a coordinated effort to conceal her troubling history. He also noted that while there is still more work to be done, the impact of their reporting has been significant.

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As a result of ABC15's reports, Phoenix police released thousands of pages of misconduct files related to DiPonzio and other homicide detectives. The Department of Justice conducted interviews as part of an ongoing investigation into patterns and practices. The Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board also opened an investigation and DiPonzio forfeited her police certification. Additionally, post-conviction appeals are citing ABC15's reports and the court has ruled that DiPonzio must now testify. A multi-day evidentiary hearing was also held where police officials were forced to answer questions about the withheld records and information about DiPonzio's past.

This investigative series has not only received national recognition with the Sigma Delta Chi Award but also won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award and is currently being considered for the national competition. This is the second consecutive year that Biscobing and the ABC15 Arizona team have received a Sigma Delta Chi Award. In 2022, their investigation "The Secrets They Keep" won in the public service in television journalism category.

The Sigma Delta Chi Awards have a long history, dating back to 1932 when the Society of Professional Journalists first honored six individuals for their contributions to journalism. This year's winners were selected from various categories covering print, radio, television, and online media. The awards recognize outstanding work published or broadcasted in 2023.

The winners were announced during a virtual presentation on Tuesday, July 9. For media inquiries, please contact Molly Miossi at The E.W. Scripps Company at 513-977-3713.
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