2 Webbys for Minnesota: 'Speaking of Faith' and 'Chocolate Rain'

Star Tribune

Last update: May 6, 2008 - 11:41 AM

Minnesotans came away today with two Webbys, the annual awards for Web sites and other online achievements that have been hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times.

"Speaking of Faith," the Minnesota-made public radio show, today won its second Webby in the Religion and Spirituality category.

The show is produced by St. Paul-based American Public Media and can be heard on Minnesota Public Radio (91.1 FM) twice a day on Sundays. Its website is www.speakingoffaith.org.

With Krista Tippett as its on-air host, the nationally syndicated "Speaking of Faith" analyzes a wide range of ways that religion impacts everyday life and culture in the United States and around the world.

In 2005, "Speaking of Faith" was the first public radio program to win a Webby.

Winning in "People's Voice" online balloting for best viral video was "Chocolate Rain." This YouTube sensation, by University of Minnesota graduate student Adam Bahner - a k a Tay Zonday, he of the Darth Vader voice and the Urkel looks - has received more than 21 million views to date.

The catchy song (see the video at www.startribune.com/a4247) has spawned countless parodies.

The award to "Speaking of Faith" was voted on by members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, who also select the nominees for both awards in every category. The People's Voice award is voted on through online balloting among those nominees.

The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites.

For more about the Webbys, including today's winners, visit www.webbyawards.com.

--Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482