Nashville, Tennessee – News 19 anchor Lauren Layton has been awarded an Emmy Award for her reporting on the nonprofit organization, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. The award, presented at the Midsouth Emmy Awards on , recognizes Layton’s work in the category of News Feature – Serious Feature (Single Report).
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep provides remembrance photography for families experiencing the loss of a baby. Layton’s report highlighted the organization’s work and the comfort it brings to grieving parents. The story’s impact resonated with the judges, leading to the prestigious recognition.
The Emmy win marks a significant achievement for Layton and News 19. The station also received nominations for its weather coverage, with chief meteorologist Danielle Dozier and meteorologist Ben Smith both recognized for their work. While Dozier and Smith were not ultimately awarded, their nominations underscore the station’s commitment to quality journalism across multiple platforms.
Beyond the Emmy, Layton has also received accolades for her coverage of hard news events. She was recently honored with two ABBY awards for her reporting on the first nitrogen hypoxia execution in the United States and for her feature story, again on Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. The ABBY awards recognize excellence in broadcasting and journalism, further cementing Layton’s reputation as a versatile and impactful journalist.
The use of nitrogen hypoxia as an execution method, a relatively new development in capital punishment, has drawn considerable scrutiny and debate in the United States. Layton’s reporting on this sensitive topic likely involved navigating complex legal and ethical considerations, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the procedure and its implications. The execution took place in , according to reporting related to the ABBY award.
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep was founded in and has since provided its services to thousands of families. The organization’s mission addresses a deeply sensitive and often overlooked aspect of grief – the desire for tangible memories of a child lost too soon. Remembrance photography offers families a way to honor their babies and preserve their memory, providing a source of comfort during a profoundly difficult time.
The Midsouth Emmy Awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in television journalism and programming within a designated region. The awards are judged by a panel of industry professionals, ensuring a high standard of excellence. Winning an Emmy is a testament to the dedication, skill, and journalistic integrity of the recipient.
Layton’s success reflects a broader trend in journalism towards in-depth, impactful storytelling that focuses on human interest and social issues. While breaking news and political coverage remain essential, audiences are increasingly drawn to stories that explore the complexities of the human experience and shed light on important social causes. Her work with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep exemplifies this trend, demonstrating the power of journalism to raise awareness, foster empathy, and inspire positive change.
The recognition received by News 19 extends beyond individual awards. The station’s nominations in weathercasting highlight the importance of accurate and reliable meteorological reporting, particularly in a region prone to severe weather events. Dozier and Smith’s work likely involved providing timely and informative updates to viewers, helping them prepare for and respond to potentially dangerous conditions.
The intersection of grief, remembrance, and journalistic storytelling is a powerful one. Layton’s Emmy-winning report serves as a reminder of the importance of compassionate and sensitive reporting on difficult topics. By giving voice to the stories of grieving families and highlighting the work of organizations like Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she has made a meaningful contribution to public understanding and awareness.
The story’s impact was noted on social media, with a post on Facebook by Ben Smith of WHNT congratulating Layton on her Emmy win. The post garnered significant engagement, demonstrating the story’s resonance with viewers and the wider community.
As journalism continues to evolve in the digital age, the ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level remains paramount. Layton’s success underscores the enduring value of compelling storytelling and the importance of journalists who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Her work serves as an example for aspiring journalists and a reminder of the power of media to inform, inspire, and heal.
