David Schechter

The Alfred duPont-Columbia University Award, considered broadcasting’s Pulitzer Prize, has been awarded to WFAA's David Schechter and Chance Horner for their adventure-reporting series Verify Road Trip.

In the winning, hour-long episode Schechter brings a viewer -- skeptical about climate change -- on a major reporting trip. They travel together across Texas to interview leading scientists and then to Alaska to witness melting glaciers for themselves.

The guest/reporter sees what… Show more

The Alfred duPont-Columbia University Award, considered broadcasting’s Pulitzer Prize, has been awarded to WFAA's David Schechter and Chance Horner for their adventure-reporting series Verify Road Trip.

In the winning, hour-long episode Schechter brings a viewer -- skeptical about climate change -- on a major reporting trip. They travel together across Texas to interview leading scientists and then to Alaska to witness melting glaciers for themselves.

The guest/reporter sees what Schechter sees, asks his own questions and reaches his own conclusions.

“Our commitment to our audience and commitment to the truth have never been stronger or more important, and we are incredibly proud of Verify Road Trip because it is quite literally at the intersection of both,” said Brad Ramsey, president and general manager of WFAA.

The duPont Silver Baton, dedicated to upholding the highest in journalism standards, is awarded by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, which also awards the Pulitzer Prize.

“We like to say truth is an adventure. That means letting our audience see the lengths we’ll go to get the story, to find the truth. And how rewarding the process is,” Schechter said.

The episode is directed, shot and edited by Horner who led a crew that included WFAA photojournalists Martin DoPorto and Bradley Blackburn.

"We have a lot of fun making these stories. When it comes to climate change, we wanted the viewer to have fun along the way too so they might be more open to learning something about one of the most important stories of our time," Horner said.

14 winners were announced at Tuesday evening’s ceremony. In addition to WFAA they included: PBS, Radiolab, NBC News, Netflix and VICE. Show less