The Silver Circle was established to recognize individuals who have devoted a quarter of a century or more to the television industry, and who also have made a significant contribution to broadcasting. Last year, the Heartland Chapter honored former 9NEWS President and General Manager Roger Ogden.  Other 9NEWS Silver Circle honorees have included former anchor Ed Sardella and another former general manager Al Flanagan.

Paula Woodward joined 9NEWS in 1977, and quickly gained a reputation as a strong investigative reporter.  During her career she’s lead to many memorable investigations which lead to the arrest of 16 Internet predators during the first-ever multi-agency sting in Denver, the reform of workers compensation statues, improved city employee performance, dismissal of fire and police chiefs in Federal Heights for misconduct, exposing state legislators for ignoring their own laws, and continuing coverage of the Jon Benet Ramsey case.  Her outstanding work has been recognized with a national Edward R., Murrow Award, a national Emmy award, and 24 regional Emmy awards.

Mark Koebrich joined 9NEWS in 1981, starting in the Southern Bureau in Colorado Springs.  It wasn’t long before he was behind the anchor desk though.  Later that year, he helped to launch 9NEWS 6 a.m. with former 9NEWS anchor Bertha Lynn.  Since then he’s appeared on “USA Today—The Television Show” as a national correspondent, a co-host of “Good Afternoon Colorado” and a Discovery Channel show called” Start to Finish.”   Now he anchors Four O’clock at 9NEWS and will soon be on the new 9NEWS newscast at 9 p.m. on My20.  Koebrich has been honored as both a reporter and anchor with 9 regional Emmy awards.

Please join us in congratulating Paula Woodward and Mark Koebrich, the 2006 inductees into the Heartland Emmy Silver Circle.