Innovation, Results Highlight Fourth-Quarter Awards of Excellence
Aggressive watchdog reporting and comprehensive community leadership efforts highlighted the fourth-quarter Awards of Excellence. Many of those packages brought results – changes in leadership, new fiscal or management approaches, and a murder arrest.
Other entries highlighted the human spirit seen when communities come together and when an individual faces death with dignity.
A total of 42 Information Centers were recognized for their outstanding work. In Division I, Detroit led the way with five awards. Burlington had the most citations in Division II with four. Monroe led Division III with three.
Judges for the fourth quarter were: Bennie Ivory, executive editor at Louisville; Bob Gabordi, executive editor at Tallahassee; Kathy Spurlock, executive editor at Monroe; Lisa Nellessen-Lara, executive editor at Muncie; and Julia Thompson, digital editor at Des Moines.
Creative approaches a hallmark of several strong efforts
The judges were impressed by the creative approaches taken by a number of newsrooms. For example:
Des Moines anchored its coverage of a Republican presidential debate with a real-time “second screen” experience on its Web site. Users could watch the debate online and chat with political experts and featured bloggers at the same time.
Nashville launched Brainstorm Nashville, an ongoing community brainstorming site where residents can identify problems, propose solutions, rate the options, and connect with others to offer assistance.
Poughkeepsie merged children’s scary Halloween stories – read by the kids themselves – with a music bed and graphic elements to create an engaging Halloween destination.
St. Cloud considered the interests and media habits of its Seasoned Sages audience persona when it covered a fire at an historic mill. Video, photos and specific kinds of text were used to provide platform-perfect breaking news coverage for those audience members.
Two areas for growth
The judges also urged editors to use more digital storytelling approaches. While there were strong videos, interactives and games in a number of entries, too many submissions lacked those elements.
In particular, the judges lamented the lack of digital components in some beat coverage, watchdog and community leadership entries. While most Information Centers have made good progress, the judges noted a number of missed opportunities, especially in beat reporting submissions.
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Special Citation
Staff
Des Moines’ coverage of the political campaigns leading up to the Iowa Caucus merits a special mention. The newspaper’s overall coverage did not fall into an Awards of Excellence category. It included beat reporting, in-depth enterprise, narrative writing, and photos, videos and interactives.
The newspaper was recognized in the breaking news category for its innovative approach to real-time audience engagement. But the broader coverage, provided for weeks, spanned many categories. The newspaper’s sophisticated reporting and artful storytelling led all news outlets in coverage of this national story. At the same time, the Register focused on the interests and needs of Iowans, often told through residents’ voices.
Watchdog Journalism
Division I
First Place
The Courier-Journal at Louisville
Jim Bruggers, reporter
For reporting that prompted a scathing state audit of the $100 million Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District and led to a shakeup in the agency.
Judges said: “Jim Bruggers’ relentless, detail-rich reporting led to a searing, 115-page report by the state auditor that resulted in the removal of the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District’s executive director and three board members. Bruggers’ work also triggered additional local and federal investigations into potential wrongdoing.”
Finalists
Detroit Free Press
Suzette Hackney, staff writer, and staff
For an examination of the devastating toll of murder on Detroit.
Judges said: “Suzette Hackney embedded herself in homicide units and neighborhoods to examine the toll of homicide in Detroit, where more people were killed between January 2003 and November 2011 than had died among U.S. forces in 10 years of fighting in Afghanistan. The Free Press’ effort, which included a print series and a documentary video, brought community leaders, victims and victims’ families together to seek solutions.”
The News Journal at Wilmington
Cris Barrish, senior reporter
For an in-depth examination of Delaware’s prescription drug-abuse problems.
Judges said: “Cris Barrish spent four months interviewing hundreds of medical regulators, police, counselors, abusers and victims as he examined the depth of prescription drug abuse in Delaware. His stories showed that far more people die from abuse of painkillers and anti-anxiety medications than from cocaine and heroin combined.”
The Arizona Republic at Phoenix
Craig Harris, senior reporter
For an in-depth report on lucrative pay-out policies for Arizona public employees.
Judges said: “This two-day series revealed that taxpayers pay thousands of dollars per state employee each year to let them cash out unused sick leave and vacation time. The policies cost the state $28 million in 2010 alone. Harris’ stories spurred debate and a pledge by one politician to push for benefit reform.”
Watchdog Journalism
Division II
First Place
The Burlington Free Press
Mike Donoghue, reporter, and Aki Soga, opinion page editor
For reporting on Vermont’s lack of oversight in issuing and tracking search warrants.
Judges said: “Public officials and citizens would not have been aware of Vermont’s lack of oversight of the use of search warrants had it not been for Mike Donoghue’s investigation into what one state senator called ‘one of the most intrusive actions that the government can take.’ Donoghue’s reporting and a follow-up editorial led the state legislature to increase accountability of law enforcement agencies and courts.”
Finalists
Statesman Journal at Salem
Michael Rose and Tracy Loew, reporters
For “Engineered to Fail,” an investigation into a $34 million county office building and transit mall declared unsafe and nearly worthless because of structural problems.
Judges said: “Stories by Michael Rose and Tracy Loew exposed systemic issues of lax oversight of taxpayer-funded construction projects. The team explored solutions and ways to prevent similar problems. They helped to create an engaging digital presentation that encouraged readers to delve into the story and share their reactions. Photos, videos, documents and graphics further explained the issues that led to the $34 million failure.”
Pensacola News Journal
Jamie Page, reporter
For a report that examined behind-the-scenes lobbying and questionable behavior of officials who hired a marketing and promotions director for the Escambia County Equestrian Center.
Judges said: “Jamie Page spotted a possibly improper relationship involving public officials and started digging. The stories put the principal players’ feet to the fire and pressured them to redo a botched hiring process — and this time to do it right.”
Poughkeepsie Journal
Sarah Bradshaw, reporter
For reporting and data analysis that revealed a severe gender wage gap on the Dutchess County payroll.
Judges said: “Sarah Bradshaw and the Poughkeepsie Journal took a new approach to an often-examined topic. They let the data tell the story in text and in a dynamic graphic presentation and helped readers easily navigate through numerous statistics.”
Watchdog Journalism
Division III
First Place
Chillicothe Gazette
David Berman, reporter
For an investigation into public schools’ lack of compliance with a state mandate to report bullying cases.
Judges said: “Parents in Ohio have David Berman to thank for revealing that many schools were not keeping them informed of bullying incidents as the state of Ohio required. After the problem became public, schools changed their approaches.”
Finalists
The Daily Advertiser at Lafayette, La.
Claire Taylor and Nicholas Persac, reporters
For an investigation into embezzlement at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s parking office.
Judges said: “By combing public records, the two reporters pieced together six years’ worth of problems and showed that hundreds of thousands of dollars was missing. One university official announced his retirement two days after the first records request, and school officials adopted additional oversight after the report was published.”
The News-Star at Monroe
Barbara Leader, senior writer
For an in-depth report on school cafeterias’ repeat health inspection violations.
Judges said: “Barbara Leader used public health inspection data to find that many schools had critical violations. Schools and the health inspector quickly responded to correct issues brought up in the report, concerns that had not been addressed before being made public. Individual school reports were presented online so readers could analyze the problems themselves.”
Pacific Daily News at Guam
Brett Kelman, reporter
For the newspaper’s refusal to let the Guam Parole Board bar journalists from deliberations and for its efforts to educate readers on open-meeting laws.
Judges said: “As the Pacific Daily News challenged a closed parole board meeting, Brett Kelman took the board to task and provided valuable education on public meetings to Guam readers.”
Beat Reporting
Division I
First Place
Asbury Park Press
Michael L. Diamond, staff writer
For an investigative series on problems facing one of America’s most trusted brands, Johnson & Johnson.
Judges said: “Diamond’s skillful narrative wove thousands of pages of documents and court records into a compelling, inside look at a company that strayed from its core values. The report detailed how Johnson & Johnson took shortcuts that defrauded insurers, endangered consumers and forced numerous recalls of trusted brands.”
Finalists
Army Times
Sean D. Naylor, senior staff writer
For the Times’ revealing story about the government’s secret war against terrorists in the Horn of Africa.
Judges said: “Sean Naylor’s deep sourcing and extensive knowledge of his beat allowed him to piece together a compelling account of terrorist activity in the area and the U.S. government’s not-always-successful efforts at quashing al-Qaida.”
Detroit Free Press
Robin Erb and Kristi Tanner, staff writers
For a three-day examination of Michigan’s nursing homes that went beyond inspection reports and revealed the impact of day-to-day neglect.
Judges said: “The reporters provided close-up reporting on actions that resulted in patient deaths, broader looks at systemic problems across the state, and analysis of state and federal policy issues. Their dramatic reporting was complemented by databases and maps that allowed readers to judge the performance of nursing homes for themselves.”
The Arizona Republic at Phoenix
Anne Ryman and Pat Kossan, education reporters
For a multi-platform series investigating the pros and cons of K-12 online education.
Judges said: “‘The Race to Online’ series was provocative, rich and balanced. Good storytelling and deep data online helped the audience understand the issues as parents, taxpayers and citizens.”
Beat Reporting
Division II
First Place
Springfield News-Leader
Jess Rollins, staff reporter
For a series of stories that documented ineptitude and inaction in the investigation of a soldier’s murder.
Judges said: “Rollins showed that a small-town sheriff’s office and the state Highway Patrol botched their initial investigation into the beating death of an Afghan War veteran. Rollins showed that the two agencies failed to collaborate effectively and made errors at the crime scene. The coverage prompted further review of the case and resulted in murder charges being filed.
Finalists
Tallahassee Democrat
Associate Editor Jim Lamar, associate editor
For G*High, a series that delved inside the season of a local high school football team and told stories of humanity, sorrow and triumph.
Judges said: “The writer set out to document what was expected to be a special high school football season. Along the way, he found three boys abandoned by their parents and coached by the leader of their orphanage; a boy being raised by his dad after his mom had died of cancer; and an assistant coach who had volunteered for two separate tours of duty in the Middle East after Sept. 11, 2001. Powerfully written, this series inspired an entire community.”
Great Falls Tribune
Karl Pucket, natural resources and county reporter
For a selection of work about the use of public lands and natural resources.
Judges said: “The reporter provided a wide range of in-depth reporting and conversational writing. Stories included an investigation into problems associated with the extraction of natural gas and oil through a controversial process called fracking.
Poughkeepsie Journal
Mary Beth Pfeiffer, projects reporter
For an updated database report on the state’s prison population.
Judges said: “Mary Beth Pfeiffer showed that the state’s prison population defied national trends by decreasing. She documented progress made during the 10 years since she first researched the issue and explained reasons for the improvement. A searchable online database helped her audience understand the numbers.”
Beat Reporting
Division III
First Place
MNCO (Multimedia Network of Central Ohio)
Jessica Alaimo and Russ Zimmer, enterprise reporters
For a series that examined the proposed repeal of Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s collective bargaining overhaul.
Judges said: “This 10-part series explained the most complicated details of a 300-page law in a point-by-point analysis that everyday residents could navigate and understand. Alaimo and Zimmer compared the current law with the proposed changes and offered pros and cons from stakeholders on each side. Topping the package was a series of videos in which legal experts dug into the specifics.”
Finalists
Home News Tribune at East Brunswick
Keith Sargeant, sports reporter
For thorough, up-to-the-minute coverage across platforms of the Rutgers football season, including previews, analysis, breaking news, and feature coverage.
Judges said: “Sargeant’s in-depth coverage of the players, coaches and national attention on the Rutgers football team provided readers a complete picture of a college team that serves as an anchor for the community. Sargeant provided video, social media, audio, live chats and print coverage that rivaled coverage from much larger staffs.”
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Emily Schettler and Josh O’Leary, reporters
For an in-depth look at how one community’s deep economic development resources hurt residents in a less affluent neighboring community.
Judges said: “Emily Schettler and Josh O’Leary not only put the numbers and politics into perspective; they showed the impact of lost business on a struggling community in dramatic and evocative fashion.”
The News-Star at Monroe
Matt Vines and Jerit Roser, sports reporters
For coverage of the unprecedented state championship run of three high school football teams in one parish.
Judges said: “Jerit Roser and Matt Vines’ deadline coverage of three state championships over a two-day period illustrated a deep understanding of the teams and their importance to their communities. The reporters provided pre- and post-game coverage in print, online and through social media. And they followed up with a keepsake section for the community.”
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Breaking News
Division I
First Place
Reno Gazette-Journal
Staff
For dramatic and insightful multi-platform coverage of wildfires in Reno.
Judges said: “The Reno Gazette-Journal used all tools at its disposal to quickly get out the news of a wildfire that was threatening more than 4,000 homes and forcing the evacuation of 9,000 residents. The night copy desk found out about the fires around midnight and posted the first updates on RGJ.com, Facebook and Twitter. Text alerts were sent to breaking news subscribers. Editors solicited photos and videos from readers through Facebook and Twitter and those images, combined with those from staff, were used to build galleries that greeted readers when they woke that morning to a blanket of smoke hanging over the city. RGJ.com topped 6.4 million page views, the highest single-day number in the history of the site. Print readers were greeted with a striking front page and four pages of photos and sidebars.”
Finalists
The Des Moines Register
Staff
For live coverage of a nationally televised Republican debate.
Judges said: “The Register provided real-time coverage of the most-watched Republican debate before the Iowa caucuses. The Register created a ‘second-screen’ experience that allowed Iowans to watch the debate online while joining in a live chat with Iowa political experts and featured bloggers. The newspaper promoted a Twitter hashtag to its readers and live Tweets rolled in to complement the rest of the coverage. The next day’s paper carried deep coverage.”
Democrat and Chronicle at Rochester
Staff
For coverage of a house fire that became a murder scene.
Judges said: “The newspaper made excellent use of all platforms when a house fire broke out in a nearby suburb. Overnight editor Chad Roberts went to the scene and immediately posted text and photos. Nine posts were filed between 1:55 a.m. and 2:39 a.m., including three photos Roberts shot with his iPhone. He was the first to accurately report that two people were confirmed dead, and later a third. Reporters and photographers continued to update the story online and in social media, including news that a 15-year-old son was arraigned on charges that he set the fire that killed his father and two brothers and injured two others.”
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Staff
For coverage of the death and funeral of billionaire investor Carl Lindner.
Judges said: “The Enquirer staff provided continuous coverage of the death of Carl Lindner, one of the biggest business and philanthropic figures in the city’s history. The staff posted an obituary, photo gallery and timeline on Cincinnati.com within moments of receiving word of Lindner’s death. The staff produced three pages of keep-sake coverage in the next day’s newspaper. When the family announced that instead of a traditional funeral it would hold a parade through the community, a writer or photographer was assigned to each of the 24 parade route locations that represented key points in Linder’s life. Each staffer wrote vignettes or shot photos and video.”
Breaking News
Division II
First Place
The Burlington Free Press
Staff
For coverage of a shooting death and police response at an Occupy encampment at City Hall Park.
Judges said: “Staffers broke the news via Twitter and Twitterpic within minutes of the shots being fired, literally running two blocks from their building, and moving quickly to post text and video to the Web site. By the next morning, the print lead story focused on the impact of the event and moved quickly to place events into context, including how the shooting changed the relationship between protesters and authorities, how tensions were now much higher, and how the mayor intervened to bring calm.”
Finalists
Tallahassee Democrat
Staff
For coverage of the hazing-related death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion.
Judges said: “The staff used Tweets from contacts to break the news that Champion had been beaten, confirming with law enforcement the news that his death on a band bus was being investigated as a hazing incident. Coverage included live video updates from an emergency Board of Trustee meeting, breaking news Tweets and text updates on both the newspaper website and its Rattlernews.com Facebook page. This was a national story and the Democrat staff led the reporting. “
Argus Leader at Sioux Falls
Staff
For rapid and comprehensive news coverage of an afternoon crash of a small plane near the Sioux Fall Airport.
Judges said: “A photographer was on the scene, offering live reports before police arrived. The staff used breaking news text alerts, Twitter and Facebook to update the story, along with citizen-submitted video and a fire department video of the scene.”
St. Cloud Times
Staff
For fast-paced reaction to a fire at the iconic Swany White flour mill.
Judges said: “The staff not only provided first-rate coverage, but understood how its Seasoned-Sages audience persona would want to receive the story and worked to provide platform-perfect information, targeting video, photo, and different kinds of text on digital platforms and in print.”
Breaking News
Division III
First Place
Zanesville Times Recorder
Staff
For expansive and exclusive coverage of the suicide of exotic animal farm owner Terry Thompson, who turned his animals loose before he killed himself.
Judges said: “The Zanesville staff used all available tools — Facebook, Twitter, CoverItLive, video, photos and extensive updates — as the news of this tragedy unfolded. With the help of Marcie Baetcke, director of SEO and alternative media for Gannett Digital, the Times Recorder’s coverage of the broadly reported events stayed atop Google News. This is a great example of leading coverage of an international story while serving the needs of the local community as the hunt for the animals spread across the countryside.”
Finalists
The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun
Jordan Buie and Lauren Foreman, reporters; Aaron Hardin, photographer
For comprehensive coverage of a murder, carjacking and shooting that occurred in three separate locations.
Judges said: “Extensive digital coverage with texts, online and social media engaged The Jackson Sun’s audience. The staff adopted a digital-first approach and positioned the next-day print edition as second-cycle coverage, focusing on reaction and emotion.”
Staunton News-Leader
Hubert Grim, sports editor
For exclusive coverage of the retirement of a legendary local basketball coach.
Judges said: “Staunton owned this story: Hubert Grim, who covered Coach Paul Hatcher for more than 30 years, broke the news online and expanded it in-depth for the next print edition.”
Mansfield News Journal
Jami Kinton, reporter
For aggressive Christmas night coverage of a nightclub shooting.
Judges said: “A series of tweets from Jami Kinton in the wee hours of Dec. 26 broke this story and kept it updated digitally during the first few hours. Web traffic responded with 14,200 page views as the story was updated online on the holiday Monday.”
Community Leadership
Division I
First Place
Detroit Free Press
Staff
For organizing and leading a community effort to promote adult literacy in a Detroit.
Judges said: “The Detroit Free Press joined forces with Wayne State University, media partners and a range of community leaders to form a non-profit organization called Reading Works. Reading Works vetted and formed a network of nine literacy agencies that are working together and sharing best practices for the first time in an effort to improve adult literacy.”
Finalists
The Courier-Journal at Louisville
R. G. Dunlop and Laura Ungar, reporters; Kylene Lloyd and Scott Utterback, photographers
For “Prescription for Tragedy,” which chronicled the toll that prescription drug abuse is taking on one of the country’s poorest states.
Judges said: “The Courier-Journal used the power of print and digital to provide a hard-hitting look at prescription drug abuse in Kentucky. The newspaper revealed that an explosion of Florida pain clinics has turned a 1,000-mile stretch of Interstate 75 into a pain-pill pipeline, and then focused the spotlight on the state licensure board’s permissiveness toward rogue pain clinic doctors.”
Asbury Park Press
Shannon Mullen, staff writer, and Paul D’Ambrosio, regional editor – investigations
For an in-depth look at a teen suicide cluster in New Jersey.
Judges said: “The Asbury Park Press took a candid but sensitive look at nine teen suicides over a period of three years. Six were students from the same high school and all of them killed themselves by walking in front of trains. In that same time period, at least 19 other students were rescued by police before they could commit suicide on the tracks. The newspaper held a moderated forum after publication to raise awareness and empower parents and others to spot warning signs.”
The Tennessean at Nashville
Staff
For Brainstorm Nashville, a collaboration with partners and the community to solve problems.
Judges said: “The Tennessean built a digital community forum that encourages residents to collaboratively identify problems and suggest solutions. Residents interact in digital space to pinpoint concerns and collectively flush out possible approaches. The first effort tackled is obesity, and assistance linking people with solutions already is under way.”
Community Leadership
Division II
First Place
Argus Leader at Sioux Falls
John Hult, reporter
When the public demanded stronger penalties for drinking and driving, arrests and costs skyrocketed. This six-day, multi-platform series examined the issue through the stories of 61 offenders.
Judges said: “By examining thousands of pages of records detailing the disposition of 61 cases, John Hult, discovered holes in the criminal justice system and uncovered gaps in resources. The series expanded the public’s understanding of the issue and detailed the challenges ahead.”
Finalists
Press & Sun-Bulletin at Binghamton
Staff
For “Protecting our Children,” a strong enterprise report produced after the Penn State and Syracuse sex scandals.
Judges said: “This package used the news peg of nearby sex scandals to explore the issue of child sex abuse and to arm parents with information on ways to recognize the signs and protect their children. Bold design and compelling commentary brought the audience into the conversation.”
The Burlington Free Press
Staff
For providing opportunities for Burlington residents to engage in a watershed mayoral election campaign.
Judges said: “The staff recognized a key moment in a community’s timeline and helped citizens conduct important conversations on multiple platforms. This was an excellent example of using print, updates, video, Facebook and Twitter to lead a community debate based on facts presented through in-depth coverage.”
Pensacola News Journal
Katie McFarland, reporter
For reporting that uncovered alleged sexual misconduct by the chief public defender and his key assistant and that forced the resignation of the top official.
Judges said: McFarland revealed that authorities had quietly investigated allegations that the two lawyers sought sexual favors in exchange for effective representation. None of the investigations resulted in criminal charges or disciplinary action. But the newspaper’s reporting, an editorial, and public outrage expressed by residents in print and on line led to the resignation.
Community Leadership
Division III
First Place
Newark Advocate
Seth Roy and Lois Whyde, staff reporters
For consistent coverage of efforts to open natural areas of Licking County’s Black Hand Gorge.
Judges said: “Newark reporters’ coverage of the debate over Black Hand Gorge drew attention to a key issue. The newspaper served as the rallying point for both proponents and opponents, digging into complicated historical records to find answers that both sides used in finding what appears to be compromise on balancing the use of private and public areas of the gorge.”
Finalists
Star-Gazette at Elmira
Ray Finger, staff writer
For a two-day package that helped parents recognize the signs of sexual abuse in their children.
Judges said: “This tips-driven package pinpointed simple, easy to understand red flags to help parents recognize signs of child abuse. The coverage offered ideas to prevent abuse and suggested ways to help abused children move forward. Most important, it put the issue in front of readers, helping them recognize a problem in their community.”
Battle Creek Examiner
Justin Hinkley, reporter
For “Whole Child, Whole Community,” a series that shed light on community efforts to improve educational opportunities for students.
Judges said: “Justin Hinkley found ways to get residents to speak frankly about their concerns, bringing a human dimension to a policy issue. Hinkley found captivating students, educators and community members to make clear the areas in which Battle Creek schools are succeeding or are in need of improvement. His work focused on the community’s responsibility to raise successful students, not just improve the educational system.”
Outstanding Writing
Division I
First Place
The Arizona Republic at Phoenix
John Faherty, senior reporter
For a detailed story about the senior year in high school of three teenage boys living on their own as illegal immigrants.
Judges said: “This is powerful writing that comes from a year of following every step of life for these three young men who lived in a trailer without parents and were forced to navigate Arizona’s tough new immigration laws. The story was told seamlessly, as if the reporter wasn’t there, and it read as a real-life drama unfolding on a movie screen. Faherty captured surprises, fears, and a celebration of life unfolding over a year. This is journalism at its best.”
Finalists
Detroit Free Press
Jeff Seidel, staff writer
For “Michigan’s Homeless Students,” a report on the impact of the foreclosure crisis.
Judges said: “This was a case of a writer taking a hard statistic and finding the humanity surrounding it. Seidel explored the human drama of the real lives of a 14-year-old student and his mom, strangers to the social service network, who suddenly found themselves without a place to live. The report includes an online database report that provides statistical documentation without getting in the way of powerful storytelling.”
Asbury Park Press
Shannon Mullen, staff writer
For a story that brought readers face-to-face with survivors coping with the deaths of teenage suicide victims.
Judges said: “The reporter invested time to get to know the families and teachers, as well to understand the connections among the people who died. One part of a broad examination of a teen suicide cluster, this individual story made clear the emotional toll created by the losses.”
Democrat and Chronicle at Rochester
Sean Dobbin, reporter
For a story about the relationships among people involved in a car crash.
Judges said: “The reporter introduces readers to people whose lives collided in a car crash. The story highlights a hero, a villain and an innocent who just wants to get on with her life as she had planned, but never will. This was beautifully told.”
Outstanding Writing
Division II
First Place
The Burlington Free Press
Candace Page, environmental reporter
For the compelling tale of one small community’s long-running battle against flooding — which came to a head in 2011 — and the community’s precarious future.
Judges said: “Candace Page’s ability to weave together the stories of multiple families, along with the strong narrative of the actual flooding, left the reader feeling as if he or she had personal ties to the tragedy and the decisions yet to come for this community.”
Finalists
St. Cloud Times
Amy Bowen, reporter
For the personal account of several rural Minnesota residents as they transition genders in the public spotlight.
Judges said: “Amy Bowen’s series on the transgender community in rural Minnesota looked behind the scenes at not only the reasons that drive such momentous decisions, but how they affect the patient, their families and friends. Readers were left with new understanding of a sensitive topic.”
Asheville Citizen-Times
John Boyle, reporter
For a multi-part series on efforts in an otherwise affluent area to help homeless veterans find their way back to stability.
Judges said: “John Boyle’s compelling stories about veterans struggling with addiction as well as the men, women and organizations working to help them provided insight into the unique world in which the homeless struggle. Doyle earned the trust of this sensitive population and that showed in the personal details he was able to share with readers.”
Tallahassee Democrat
Sharon Kant-Rauch, staff writer
For the first in a series of articles on a terminal cancer patient’s journey toward her end of life.
Judges said: “While other writers might have focused on the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies any end-of-life journey, Sharon Kant-Rauch instead focused on the remarkable spirit of a mother dying of cancer and her determination to live life fully to the end. This is a story of life, not death, and it leaves the reader eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.”
Outstanding Writing
Division III
First Place
Ithaca Journal
Alyson Martin, reporter
For the detailed account of the life and death of a Cornell University student in a gorge in Ithaca.
Judges said: “Alyson Martin artfully captured and recreated a drowning victim’s last moments, weaving together a heart-wrenching and suspenseful story of life and death. The pacing and details made the reader feel as if he or she was watching the drowning unfold, while the reporter seamlessly juxtaposed the victim’s happy life before that fateful day. This smartly crafted piece triggered a range of emotions.”
Finalists
Staunton News-Leader
Maria Longley, reporter
For a look at the growing challenge state mental hospitals face in dealing with patients found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Judges said: “This newsy and engaging report made clear a challenge that mental hospitals are facing. Longley addressed a systemic issue by subtly bringing readers into the life and daily activities of a person who embodies the situation.”
Zanesville Times Recorder
Hannah Sparling, reporter
For a detailed account of a pipeline explosion that destroyed three homes in Morgan County and its aftermath.
Judges said: “The imagery of Hannah Sparling’s story stoked readers’ emotions and the details she pieced together made the terror experienced by one family tangible for readers.”
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Josh O’Leary, reporter
For a compelling story about a local soldier who lost his legs in Afghanistan.
Judges said: “Because the soldier was recuperating in San Diego, the reporter conducted every interview for this story via telephone, which is a testament to his interviewing skills as well as to his writing and storytelling ability.”
Visual Journalism
Division I
First Place
Detroit Free Press
Romain Blanquart, videographer; Suzette Hackney, staff writer; and Kathy Kieliszewski, deputy director of photography and video
For a video documentary culminating a year-long project exploring the toll of homicide on Detroit.
Judges said: “This project was spectacular from the get-go. The staff earned the trust of murder victims’ families, community activists and law enforcement officers, which enabled them to offer readers a complete picture of the impact of a homicide on the individual and community level.”
Finalists
The Courier-Journal at Louisville
Staff
For an interactive timeline that described a pain-pill pipeline that is making it child’s play for Kentucky addicts to obtain deadly drugs.
Judges said: “Watchdog journalism was at the core of this interactive timeline, which wove video interviews of addicts, devastated families and activists into an easy-to-follow visual story that drove home just how easy it is to obtain prescription medication along Interstate 75.”
The Journal News at Westchester
Chris Brown, graphic journalist; Jill Mercadante, editor; Cathey O’Donnell, reporter and visuals staff
For an interactive map that offered a richly detailed look into deplorable conditions at some Westchester County schools .
Judges said: “This interactive map made it simple for readers to focus on the information they wanted — from the most basic to detailed examples. Users were able to compare schools within their own district and across the state, making it easy to put the work of their school officials into perspective.”
FLORIDA TODAY at Brevard
Staff
For an historical look at the NASA program’s Mars endeavors.
Judges said: “This detailed multimedia project offered extensive insight into the history of Mars exploration. It made use of NASA’s own photos and videos in a comprehensive look back at how the program has progressed. An interactive timeline broke the program into its simplest form, while a documentary and video interviews offered more technical information for NASA’s most intense fans.”
Visual Journalism
Division II
First Place
St. Cloud Times
Dave Schwarz, staff photographer
For “Hidden in the Heartland,” a sensitive and informative report about a group of transgender people living in the community.
Judges said: “Dave Schwarz’s photos and videos delivered not only the impact one would expect on this topic, but also brought a sense of humanity by showing the subjects in their daily environments and allowing them to tell their stories in their own voices.”
Finalists
Green Bay Press-Gannett
Corey Wilson, photo/videographer
For a selection of work.
Judges said: “Whether it’s behind the scenes doing locker-room interview video, a highlights film or action shots on the field, Corey Wilson’s ability to capture the essence of the moment is outstanding. This selection of work showcased his talent across visual platforms.”
Poughkeepsie Journal
Chris Gregory, designer; Irwin Goldberg, digital editor; Barbara Gallo Farrell, assistant local editor
For “Scary Stories,” a print and interactive digital Halloween contest.
Judges said: “The digital storytelling components of this contest, which include each winner reading his or her entry over a soundtrack of eerie music, make it stand out. Parents and children can have a lot of fun with this site.”
Great Falls Tribune
Kristen Inbody, features writer; Také Uda, assistant managing editor/design and graphics
For “Worldly Montana,” an interactive look at Montana towns with foreign names and their counterparts around the world.
Judges said: “Reporter Kristin Inbody and designer Take Uda took their audience around the world in Montana by using a fun, interactive online map and photo gallery. This was a charming idea, well-executed and well-researched.”
Visual Journalism
Division III
First Place
Coshocton Tribune
Julie Ames, staff photographer
For photo coverage of the funeral of a hometown military hero.
Judges said: “Photographer Julie Ames’ image of Chief Petty Officer Raymond Border’s fiancé touching his casket while on her knees was worth a million words. It powerfully captured the grief not only of his fiancé but an entire town as hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects to the first native of Coshocton to die on foreign soil since World War II.”
Finalists
The News-Star at Monroe
Ben Corda, staff photographer
For outstanding deadline coverage of three high school championship games in two days.
Judges said: “Photographer Ben Corda more than met the challenge of capturing the joy and excitement of three teams from the same parish winning state football championships for the first time in state history. Two games were played in one night and the third the following evening. He shot photos for Page One, online photo galleries, the print sports section and a special glossy commemorative magazine.”
The Daily Advertiser at Lafayette, La.
Brad Kemp, photographer
For a series of posters depicting local college football players.
Judges said: “The Advertiser celebrated the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s bowl appearance with a series of commemorative posters. Photographer Brad Kemp was meticulous in order to get the best image possible, shooting on several days at dusk to take advantage of the light.”