The David Kaplan Award 2008

In the overwhelming chaos that surrounds a natural disaster, the reporting and resourcefulness of ABC News correspondents Stephanie Sy and Neal Karlinsky had to deal first with the physical obstacles to this breaking news story in a remote region of Sichuan province. Then their determination — and the ABC network's commitment — gave viewers a comprehensive understanding of the tremendous physical, emotional and political impact of the earthquake. Their sensitivity was evident throughout in dealing with the grief of families who lost children. So too was the impressive doggedness Sy and Karlinsky displayed in pursuing the story day after day, making it relevant to their audience while revealing, layer by layer, the massive scale of the disaster. At the same time, they also explained how the Chinese government's reaction signaled a new attitude both domestically and toward the international community.