PROVIDENCE – For the fifth year in a row, WPRI-TV Channel 12 and its “Eyewitness News” have been named News Station of the Year by the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Associated Press Broadcasters.

The award – presented April 4 at the annual Associated Press Awards dinner in Marlborough, Mass. – is given each year to the top TV or radio member of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Associated Press. Judging is based on station quality and consistent contributions to the AP news report.

WPRI also took first-place honors in three other categories: Television News Web Site of the Year, for its WPRI.com; Best Sports Program, for its “Red Sox Pennant Push”; and a first place in Feature Videography, for “Whiffleball.”

“It’s a tremendous honor to be named News Station of the Year for the fifth consecutive year,” Joe Abouzeid, news director for WPRI and sister station WNAC, said in a statement last night. “While we’re proud to be recognized by our peers, this award demonstrates the dedication and commitment of the men and women of Eyewitness News to bring viewers the best coverage of local news.”

WPRI-TV Channel 12 is owned and operated by Providence-based LIN TV Corp. (NYSE: TVL); its sister station WNAC is owned by Super Towers and operated by LIN Television. WPRI also programs the 24-hour local Pinpoint Weather Station, operating on digital TV and on COX Communications in Rhode Island. For more information, visit www.WPRI.com or www.linTV.com.