MDC awards 2018 statewide outreach partnership award to Fox 2 & KPLR-11 in St. Louis

The two sister TV stations have been essential communication partners in conveying conservation information to the public for an entire decade.

MARYLAND HTS., Mo. – Communication, public outreach, and education have always been a top priority for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Conserving fish, forest and wildlife resources requires public appreciation and support. Each year, MDC’s Outreach and Education Division recognizes one external partner in Missouri for their significant contributions to conservation outreach that benefit the community, MDC, and Missouri citizens.

The Fox 2 KTVI and KPLR-11 television stations in St. Louis were selected to receive the statewide 2018 Outreach and Education External Partnership Award by MDC for their outstanding public service efforts and exemplary support of conservation for the last 10 years.

The sister stations are owned by Tribune Broadcasting and serve a large and diverse viewing audience in the St. Louis Metro Area, which consists of approximately 250 million people. Both stations operate at a joint facility in Maryland Heights.

Since April of 2009, KPLR-11, and more recently Fox 2, have hosted the weekly Conservation Connection interview segment each Wednesday during the midday newscast. Additionally, the news team regularly welcomes conservation staff on their highly-rated morning newscasts and 9 a.m. show to let the public know about MDC events, important issues in conservation, and other ways to discover nature. Fox 2 and KPLR-11 have been offering this resource as a free public service for 10 years.

“Partnerships for us are critical because we can’t do conservation work without them,” said MDC Outreach and Education Chief Shawn Gruber. “And great partnerships like this one are important in helping MDC fulfill its public communications mission.”  

Gruber presented the award live on air last week during the April 3 Conservation Connection. The segment also marked Conservation Connection’s 10^th anniversary.

“MDC appreciates the efforts of Fox 2 and KPLR-11. These two stations undoubtedly help Missourians better understand and appreciate the value of nature. We thank them for their long-standing support and partnership!” Gruber said.

The Conservation Connection TV segment can be seen each Wednesday during the 11 a.m. newscast on Fox 2 in St. Louis.

MDC Outreach and Education Chief Shawn Gruber (right) presents Fox 2/KPLR-11 Midday News Producer Peggy Dierssen with the 2018 MDC Statewide Outreach and Education External Partnership Award. The two TV stations have been providing exemplary communications and outreach support to MDC for 10 years.