WTSP, the Tegna station in Tampa, Fla., has won a 2019 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for its series on zombie campaigns.
The investigative piece, in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Times, exposed loopholes in federal campaign laws that allow politicians to use leftover campaign funds, after they’ve left office, for personal use.
“Local investigative reporters play a vital role in communities. They hold the powerful accountable and act in the community’s interest to enact change,” said Lynn Beall, COO of media operations at Tegna. “Congratulations to WTSP and their partners at the Tampa Bay Times on this well-deserved honor.”
The teams analyzed more than 1 million records detailing spending of U.S. lawmakers and federal candidates. The reports forced the Federal Election Commission to change its review process of campaign spending.