KARE, the Twin Cities NBC affiliate, led all local contenders when winners of regional Murrow Awards were announced Thursday.

KARE posted victories in six categories, including the most prestigious: overall excellence.

KMSP and KSTP also were cited.

On the radio side, WCCO-AM was honored for overall excellence, one of three categories they captured. MPR received four awards.

The Radio Television Digital News Association has been handing out these awards since 1971 as a way to recognize the very best in electronic journalism.

Local broadcasters compete with stations across the state, as well as South Dakota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Recepients of national Murrow Awards will be announced in June.