The judges were impressed with the depth of the investigative work in "Safety at Issue: The 737" and the reportsuccess in ferreting out compelling evidence that undoubtedly contributed as much as anything else to safety improvements in the world's most popular aircraft. It was a story with global implications -- and a truly courageous work.

Ron Fournier won the 1997 print category for working past his midnight deadline, and checking sources to make get an exclusive on President Clinton's new cabinet choices for the second term. The judges recognized his unusal initiative and determination.

Mara Liason won the 1997 broadcast category. In addition to her spot news coverage of the 1996 election campaign, she found time to get away from the overworked "horse race" theme to deliver an insightful audio portrait of a small California town that President Clinton visited last October.

Todd Purdum was honored for his excellence in reporting and writing on President Clinton. The judges believe that he provided a unique and valuable insight into the paradoxes and ambiguities of the personality of our 42nd president -- in keeping with the spirit exemplified by Aldo Beckman.