David Nazar Wins 2025 Golden Mike Award
Los Angeles, CA. (March 29, 2025) The Radio & Television News Association of Southern California has honored Los Angeles reporter David Nazar with the Golden Mike (Division B) for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism. Nazar was awarded “Best News Reporting” at the 75th Annual Golden Mike Awards Ceremony.
RTNA recognized Nazar for his PBS special report “The Future of LA Metro.” A comprehensive story of how the massive Los Angeles transportation system is being met with overwhelming safety and crime issues on their trains and buses. This, as Metro continues to carve out the best possible transportation future for Los Angeles and beyond. Nazar explained how LA Metro is dealing with everything from violent crimes and fair evasion to homelessness and lack of police presence, as many riders now fear for their safety. Despite these challenges, Metro is increasing ridership and continues construction of the buildout of their transportation project that spans all of LA County.
Nazar interviewed LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins and Metro Deputy Chief of System Security and Law Enforcement Robert Gummer. They talked about their plan to have a brand new Metro safety department and the new initiatives to reduce crime and homelessness to keep riders safe. Nazar also interviewed other LA Metro officials and Metro passengers.
“LA Metro has an ambitious goal of eventually becoming the leading transportation system in the world, and they are possibly going to get there over the next decade. As a news reporter, I greatly appreciate the fact that LA Metro officials answered my tough questions. They talked with me about the complicated crime and safety situations that worry many riders, as well as the new Metro projects designed to improve the lives of millions of Southern California residents who rely on the trains and buses as their lone source of transportation. So kudos to LA Metro for trying to find a solution to this crime problem. I am honored to receive this award that recognizes an issue that affects so many people,” Nazar said.
Here is a link to the award winning episode “The Future of LA Metro.”