BOSTON — Eleven investigative teams from Cox Media Group's sister stations and KFF Health News, as well as other investigative teams, will be joining Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein School of Media and Politics at the annual Goldsmith Awards Ceremony. Recipient of the 2024 Goldsmith Award from the Center for Public Policy.
This award recognizes journalism that examines the workings of government: how it works, why it fails, and how we can solve its problems.
CMG Broadcasting and KFF Health News were honored for their joint report titled “Overpayment Abuse.”
11 Investigation reveals that the Social Security Administration overpays vulnerable Americans billions of dollars each year and demands refunds years later, even though it was the government's fault. became.
>> Local families say they still owe thousands in Social Security overpayments
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award because it reflects CMG's commitment to local news and investigative reporting,” said Marian Pittman, president of content at CMG. . “The team's relentless efforts to uncover the truth behind complex government policies and their implementation have led to tangible change within SSA and directly to the millions of people affected by overpayments. It will bring benefits.”
According to research by KFF Health News and sister station CMG Bureau, more than 2 million people are overpaid each year, and authorities often have to reduce or stop monthly checks to collect on debts. It turns out that there are many.
In total, more than 100 stories were broadcast in 2023, depending on the development of the situation.
Our report led to Congressional hearings and increased scrutiny.
The award comes just days after the new head of the Social Security Administration testified before Congress on major policy changes aimed at reducing overpayments and limiting clawbacks that have left so many people in dire economic hardship. Awarded two weeks later.
Click here for comprehensive coverage of the SSA story and click here for other important field and investigative reports that have protected thousands of consumers.
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