WBUR's Martha Bebinger wins 2024 Gracie Award

Bebinger is recognized for her reporting on addiction and home-based supervised consumption with the story of one mother and daughter.

Reporter Martha Bebinger has been recognized for her reporting on efforts parents are taking to keep their children and others alive amid the worsening opioid crisis with a 2024 Gracie Award.

The story, "'I ain't found it yet.' No line this mother won't cross to save her addicted daughter," was the result of a collaboration between NPR and WBUR and won for News Feature in the Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial category. The story, which aired on NPR's Morning Edition nationally in December 2023, follows one mother as she monitors illegal drug use at home, first to save her daughter from fatally overdosing, and later others in her community who are addicted to opioids. Bebinger is a veteran health reporter at WBUR who has covered addiction for over a decade.

Bebinger spoke with Renae, her daughter Brooke and others that Renae monitors for their safety at her home. It's an underground version of what are known as supervised consumption sites — clinics with trained staff where people are allowed to use drugs, a practice endorsed by The American Medical Association. In the piece, Bebinger explains, "some lawmakers, police and prosecutors pushed to ban these sites, saying they increase violence and property crimes, although studies show this has not occurred at the two sites in the U.S. Opponents also argue that people with an addiction should be sent to treatment, not a place that enables drug use. Renae says people will use, safe space or not."

"This is a story that urgently needed to be told. Martha wanted to show the lengths to which parents like Renae will go to keep their children alive amid a merciless drug epidemic — but who often do so in the shadows due to fear or shame," said WBUR Executive Editor for News Dan Mauzy. "Martha pursued this story for years. Now, thanks to her extraordinary reporting and to Renae, who was willing to share her story, parents and loved ones know they are not alone."

The annual Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media and entertainment, as well as outstanding team leadership and individual achievement. Named in honor of late comedian and businesswoman Gracie Allen, The Gracies have formed a community of leaders, visionaries and legends in media and entertainment since 1975.