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The Infinite Mind's Hurricane Katrina Coverage Wins
Prestigious 2006 National Headliner Award

The Infinite Mind Honored with ABC News and CBS News for Best Disaster Reporting
Ninth National Headliner Award for The Infinite Mind and Producer Bill Lichtenstein

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The Infinite Mind's coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has received a 2006 National Headliner Award. The Infinite Mind was the first national broadcast to cover, and explore in-depth, the mental health impact of the disaster through a series of special reports, ongoing reporting, and a special web site set up to offer support, resources and ongoing information.

“In the Wake of the Storm,” aired on September 7, 2005, and looked at the physical and mental trauma that accompanied the storm’s destruction, as well as the toll that the floods could be expected to have on the long-term psychological health of those worst hit. The program featured leading experts in the field and a live report on the mental health crisis from the floor of the Astrodome.

The second program, “The Road to Recovery,” continues the discussion of the mental health and social implications for Katrina’s survivors. Our continuing coverage examined the psychological needs of those directly impacted, as well as the traumatic impact of the storm and what it would take for the nation to heal.

In conjunction with the broadcasts, producers conducted a national, educational outreach effort in collaboration with the National Mental Health Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. As part of this innovative effort, The Infinite Mind helped to create grassroots partnerships between 1,500 local mental health advocacy groups and more than 750 public radio stations around the country, to facilitate local coverage and discussion of the issues highlighted in our broadcasts. This critical effort helped make mental health a part of the nation's recovery from this unprecedented disaster. A special web site set up to accompany this effort, www.lcmedia.typepad.com, allowed listeners to download free copies of the programs and obtain critical information. The site continues to be updated and has become a leading source of information regarding the mental health impact and recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

This is the second time in four years that The Infinite Mind has been honored for its national coverage of a major disaster alongside major news organizations.The Infinite Mind’s five-part series entitled “Mental Health in Troubled Times” was the first to identify and report on the traumatic and psychological impact of the September 11th attacks, and received a National Headliner Award along with CBS News and ABC News for "Best National Coverage of 9/11," as well as a Gracie Award from the American Women in Radio and Television. The Infinite Mind's programs in the wake of the terrorist attacks were called "a national lifeline" by the National Mental Health Association.

“We are so pleased to be recognized for our work covering the storm and its aftermath," said Bill Lichtenstein, senior executive producer of The Infinite Mind, and president of Lichtenstein Creative Media. "To receive these awards along with two network news divisions is an honor, but more importantly points out the importance that mental health has as part of disaster response, recovery and coverage."

The Infinite Mind, hosted by Dr. Peter Kramer with commentary by John Hockenberry, is public radio’s most honored and listened to health and science program. The national, weekly public radio series focuses on the scientific and social aspects of mental health, neuroscience, access to care, treatment advances and the mind/body connection. The Infinite Mind explores how the brain works, the biology behind why humans do the things they do, and the effects their actions have on society overall. 

The National Headliner Award was founded in 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City, making it one of the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic excellence. Since the first awards were presented in 1935, more than 1,600 Headliner medallions have been presented to outstanding photographers, writers, graphic artists, daily newspapers, news syndicates, radio and television stations, TV and radio networks and magazines. The 72nd Annual National Headliner Awards will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at the Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Other 2006 winners include: CNN, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, and ABC News 20/20.

The Infinite Mind is a production of Lichtenstein Creative Media, in association with WNYC/NY and The Fund for Independent Media.

Visit The Infinite Mind's Hurricane Katrina web site

Download an MP3 of The Infinite Mind's “In the Wake of the Storm” (free)

Download an MP3 of The Infinite Mind's “On the Road to Recovery ” (free)

Support The Infinite Mind's ongoing coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina!
Click here to make a non-profit tax-deductible donation on our secure web server.

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