Strong Beat Reporting Highlights Third-Quarter Awards of Excellence
Aggressive and well-told beat reporting, important watchdog work, strong video story telling, and compelling narrative writing were hallmarks of the third-quarter Awards of Excellence.
A total of 45 newspapers were recognized for their strong work. In Division I, Indianapolis and Phoenix led the way with four citations each. Burlington’s four awards topped Division II. And Elmira, Guam, Jackson, TN, and Lafayette, LA, each won three awards, topping Division III.
Judges for the third quarter were: Rick Green, Vice President and Editor, The Des Moines Register; Cherrill Crosby, Senior Director, Information Center, The Arizona Republic at Phoenix; Cindy McCurry-Ross, Senior Managing Editor, The News-Press at Fort Myers; Mike Shearer, Executive Editor, MNCO and The Advocate at Newark; and Knight Stivender, Senior Editor/Digital, The Tennessean at Nashville.
Design Studios enrich visual journalism
For the first time, there are two winning entries that each recognize an Information Center and a Design Studio.
With all five Design Studios up and running – and in three cases serving multiple client newspapers – the impact of the collaboration between the studios and Information Centers became clear this quarter. Brevard’s smashing coverage of the end of the shuttle program began with strategic discussions involving Brevard Information Center editors and the Nashville Design Studio staff. It continued with collaborative planning, back-and-forth exchanges of ideas and concepts, and resulted in a bold and striking series of products. And a moving photo essay in Jackson,TN, emerged from the collaborative work of a Jackson photographer and a Nashville designer.
Hallmarks of good work
The judges identified several common traits among the best entries:
- Think big but focus narrowly. Lansing examined the nationwide epidemic of childhood obesity by focusing on one boy with a richly told narrative that personalized a broad crisis. Readers were shown the big picture and were able to see the context and impact through a narrow and compelling focus.
- Planning identifies the best story-telling approaches. Indianapolis provided a gripping chronology of a state fair stage collapse by running a short Page One billboard that set the scene and referred readers to a moving narrative inside. No narrator’s voice was needed for that inside piece, and that allowed the story to move the reader without interruption. The approach succeeded thanks to a strong plan by editors, reporters and others.
- Make digital a part of the planning process. The best digital journalism goes beyond using photo galleries or video to decorate a print story posted online. Rather, strong digital journalism emerges from story planning that addresses all platforms. Fort Myers used video to tell its Sept. 11th anniversary story digitally – video with a beginning, middle and an end that focused on individuals. Profiles ended with a message and each used consistent lighting and a consistent music bed. The digital package stood on its own, apart from the newspaper’s print coverage.
Watchdog Journalism
Division I
First Place
The Tennessean at Nashville
Nate Rau, reporter, and Wally Roche, investigations editor
For exposing a lack of oversight and regulation at drug rehabilitation centers in Tennessee.
Judges said: “Reporter Nate Rau and investigations editor Wally Roche discovered at least two people had died at a state-supported drug and alcohol treatment facility where state officials had no effective means to assess risks to patients. While revealing myriad problems at that center – the state’s largest — they uncovered a lack of oversight and regulations of like centers statewide. The result: Tennessee froze placement of children in state care in the facilities and began an investigation of the center that was the subject of the project.”
Finalists
FLORIDA TODAY at Brevard
Jim Waymer, environment reporter
For exposing chemical waste left behind after a half century by NASA rocket and shuttle launches.
Judges said: “Reporter Jim Waymer obtained NASA and U.S. Air Force records to quantify the amount and location of chemical waste created by a half century of rocket and space launches. He showed the impact to a protected wildlife refuge and reported previously undisclosed $1 billion cost to clean up contaminants, some of which cause birth defects and cancer.”
The Arizona Republic at Phoenix
Craig Harris, reporter; Pat Flannery, editor
For a seven-part investigation into the Bowl Championship Series games.
Judges said:Judges said: “Reporter Craig Harris and editor Pat Flannery obtained tax returns, financial data and public records from numerous public universities to show how big money influences college football’s biggest bowl games; how little the bowls devote to charities despite their non-profit status; how many schools actually lose money to play in bowl games; and the antitrust and legal issues that could prove to be the undoing of the BCS. A comprehensive web presentation included documents obtained through records requests.”
The Des Moines Register
Clark Kauffman, investigative reporter
For scrutinizing safety issues in the egg industry.
Judges said: “A year after more than 1,000 Americans got sick from salmonella-contaminated eggs, Clark Kauffman showed that the government failed to follow up on its promises of more rigorous inspection of egg production. Among his findings: ongoing unsanitary conditions at egg farms; lack of accountability and oversight; and lack of reporting of problems.”
Reno Gazette-Journal
Martha Bellisle, reporter
For holding the government accountable in the wake of a fatal Amtrak accident.
Judges said: “Reporter Martha Bellisle found a lapse in communication and reporting of accidents between state and federal agencies that, if improved, could have reduced the odds of collisions at intersections. She also discovered that Amtrak keeps inaccurate passenger manifests and likely couldn’t account for who would be on a train at any given time – something experts said could make the rail system an easy target for terrorists.”
Watchdog Journalism
Division II
First Place
Poughkeepsie Journal
Mary Beth Pfeiffer, projects writer
For a chilling depiction of how developmentally disabled patients are treated at local residential centers.
Judges said: “Mary Beth Pfeiffer pieced together a narrative that showed a clear pattern of abuse, neglect and whitewashing of problems. By cultivating sources inside and outside the center, she portrayed in detail five questionable deaths of patients. Her work prompted the state to outline systematic change.”
Finalists
Montgomery Advertiser
Mary Sell Manning, reporter
For reports on the local government’s relationship with the Chamber of Commerce.
Judges said: “Mary Sell Manning revealed that the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce receives nearly half its funding from the city, despite the absence of a contract outlining what the city will get for its support. Her reporting added good context from around the state.”
Springfield News-Leader
Didi Tang, higher education reporter
For reports on problems with Missouri State University’s China Executive MBA program.
Judges said: “Didi Tang took what could have been a topic of interest to a narrow audience and broadened it by explaining the ramifications to the university as a whole and the local business community. As a result, university officials have promised to make changes to salvage the program’s reputation.”
The Times at Shreveport
Mary Nash-Wood, education reporter; Icess Fernandez, higher education reporter
For reports on travel expenses by the local school board.
Judges said: “Mary Nash-Wood and Icess Fernandez dissected the Caddo Parish School Board’s travel budget and presented it as a searchable database. Their subsequent reporting put the spending into a broader context and made it easier for the community to decide for itself the appropriateness of the school board’s travel spending.”
Green Bay Press-Gazette
Scott Williams, reporter
For revealing costs associated with “warehousing” sex offenders who can’t find a place to live after they’ve served their jail terms.
Judges said: “Scott Williams revealed a Catch 22: Local statutes limit where sex offenders can live, so they often are ‘warehoused’ in local jails at a continued expense to taxpayers. He outlined a complicated problem by mixing the right details gleaned from public records with powerful, emotional quotes from those affected.”
Watchdog Journalism
Division III
First Place
The Daily Advertiser at Lafayette, La.
Matt Sigur, reporter
For a deep dive into the state restaurant association’s cozy relationship with inspectors.
Judges said: “The best watchdog work gets results and that’s what Matt Sigur’s reporting did. After Sigur’s persistent questioning of the state Department of Health and Hospitals about why it had failed to deliver a restaurant inspection web site first promised in 2005, the site was finally launched just four days before publication of the story.”
Finalists
The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun
Dan Morris, public service editor; Aaron Hardin, photographer; Steve Coffman, executive editor
For a cross-platform exploration of sentencing problems in Tennessee, where it is common for criminals to serve less than 30 percent of their sentences.
Judges said: “A state legislator is starting to promote sentencing reform following reports by Morris and his colleagues on the human impact of releasing criminals from jail early. A video interview with the state’s attorney general and an emotional slide show about a homicide victim’s family told the complete story to online audiences.”
Pacific Daily News at Guam
Brett Kelman and Arvin Temkar, reporters
For an investigation after a premature baby died when an ambulance broke down en route to tend to her teen mother.
Judges said: “Good follow-through by the paper in getting the 911 tape that revealed that a second ambulance hadn’t been dispatched until 20 minutes after the first broke down.”
Oshkosh Northwestern
Adam Rodewald, education reporter
For a report on how the school board and administrators discussed in private an important option for tackling a shortage of classroom space.
Judges said: “Had it not been for Rodewald’s report, citizens would not have known that the school board had quietly and illegally ruled out the possibility of renovating and expanding a school. The board had the discussion in a closed session that was not properly noticed.”
Times Herald at Port Huron
Angela Mullins, city editor
For an analysis of school district salaries that sought to determine whether schools pay too much for administration.
Judges said: “Angela Mullins skipped the he-said-she-said and went straight to the data to inform readers about how efficiently their tax money was being spent on school administration.”
Beat Reporting
Division I
First Place
Detroit Free Press
Tina Lam, staff writer
For an ambitious six-day series that revealed the deadly Asian carp’s potential effect on the $7 billion fishing industry in the Great Lakes.
Judges said: “This was exemplary work. Reporter Tina Lam took readers on a 2,600-mile reporting journey, stretching from Detroit and the Great Lakes down the Mississippi, the Deep South and Shanghai, China. Sophisticated but not excessively scientific reporting — in print and through digital multimedia efforts — allowed readers to better understand the environmental and economic dangers of this invasive species.”
Finalists
The Journal News at Westchester
Joseph Spector, Albany bureau chief
For revelatory watchdog reporting on state agencies and bureaucratic decisions that have had a significant impact on taxpayers.
Judges said: “Albany Bureau Chief Joseph Spector knows that the best statehouse beat reporting finds the intersection of government in readers’ lives. Among his successes was a piece examining the ramifications of a new property-tax cap on New York residents (including a ‘Tax Pain’ online calculator that allows individuals to figure their new rates).”
The Des Moines Register
Donnelle Eller and Adam Belz, reporters
For examining the new economic realities confronting Iowa, its consumers and local businesses in the wake of the recession.
Judges said: “In ‘Iowa’s New Normal,’ reporters Adam Belz and Donnelle Eller employed insightful storytelling and deep data analysis to forecast the future of the state’s economy. Online chats with readers and experts, statewide databases of economic data and well-layered presentations made this entry very accessible to readers.”
The Indianapolis Star
Alex Campbell, reporter
For a report on an Indiana state legislator who first lied but then confessed to an encounter with a young man who posted on Craigslist, “I need a sugga daddy.”
Judges said: “Alex Campbell’s thorough reporting led the 64-year-old legislator to admit he met the 18-year-old, exchanged numerous emails and then gave him $80, an iPad and a cell phone to keep him quiet. Hinkle was stripped of legislative committees assignments and said he would not seek re-election.”
Marine Corps Times, Gannett Government Services
Dan Lamothe, staff writer
For stories that examined how failed oversight led to a firefight inside an Afghan detention center at a prominent Marines base in Helmand Province, and combat hazing involving U.S. Marines.
Judges said: “Dan Lamothe provided great storytelling built around public records and difficult but informative interviews of central sources.”
Beat Reporting
Division II
First Place
The Burlington Free Press
Sam Hemingway, reporter
For a provocative four-day series that revealed Vermont’s struggles, and in some cases outright inability, to control the illegal consumption of opiate-based pain relievers.
Judges said: “Reporter Sam Hemingway’s four-day series did a masterful job of identifying the immediate and long-term impact on Vermont residents, anti-drug government agencies, drug-treatment courts and rehab clinics. This story went beyond statistics. Hemingway shared evocative stories to paint a grim portrait of a state struggling with the treatment of drug abuse.”
Finalists
St. Cloud Times
Mick Hatten, St. Cloud State University hockey reporter; David Unze, universities/courts reporter; Dave Aeikens, K-12 education reporter
For coverage of St. Cloud State University’s decision to join a new conference for its hockey program and a look at the effects on the community and the college.
Judges said: “This was collaborative beat reporting at its best, linking hockey beat reporter Mick Hatten and news reporters David Unze and Dave Aeikens. They showed the importance of pending changes in hockey conference alignments around the country. They also delivered quick-hit enterprise on the heels of the decision to jump conferences.”
Poughkeepsie Journal
Mary Beth Pfeiffer, projects reporter
For an analysis of compensation of New York state employees that revealed that state troopers are the highest paid group in the executive branch.
Judges said: “At a time of reductions in salaries and benefits for most state workers, the Poughkeepsie Journal’s Mary Beth Pfeiffer made a startling discovery: The highest paid department on average was, by far, the New York State Police. That typical $112,537 compensation eclipsed state legislators’ salary by 20 percent and university professors by 10 percent.”
Montgomery Advertiser
Brian Lyman, reporter
For coverage of legislation aimed at illegal immigration in Alabama.
Judges said: “Brian Lyman blanketed the Alabama Legislature’s passage of the nation’s toughest illegal immigrant law, focusing not only on the controversial legislation and its constitutionality, but also the effect it will likely have on undocumented residents, legal residents who befriend them, and the companies that might employ the undocumented. Lyman went beyond legislative maneuvering and offered evocative looks at the measure’s effect on people.”
Argus Leader at Sioux Falls
Cody Winchester, outdoors and environment reporter
For environmental reporting that revealed behind-the-scenes posturing, lobbying and warnings that preceded massive flooding along the Missouri River.
Judges said: “Cody Winchester pored through thousands of pages of emails and other public documents to reveal that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was warned by multiple sources early in 2011 that major flooding was likely on the Missouri River. But slow-moving bureaucrats failed to act quickly enough to release water from upstream reservoirs. This is a solid example of a beat reporter using the federal FOIA law to obtain thousands of pertinent pages of data and then explain decisions made by government officials on a high-profile local story.”
Beat Reporting
Division III
First Place
The Sheboygan Press
Eric Litke and Dan Benson, reporters
For breaking news coverage of an alcoholic mayor’s relapse and follow-ups on the political fallout.
Judges said: “Reporters Eric Litke and Dan Benson didn’t allow Sheboygan’s mayor to spin the news with their thorough first-day reporting on what really happened inside a bar. They tracked down witnesses and a police report of a scuffle involving the mayor, then followed up with strong coverage of other city leaders who sought ways to force the mayor from office.”
Finalists
The Daily Journal at Vineland
Joseph P. Smith, reporter
For breaking the story of a politician who sent racy photos to his Internet mistress and his subsequent resignation.
Judges said: “Joseph P. Smith’s reaction to the scandalous story was quick and led to in-depth coverage the next two days of the politician’s resignation and richly detailed political bickering. Smith completed his work with an insightful profile of the blogger behind the political downfall.”
The Advocate at Newark
Jessie Balmert, reporter
For a collection of enterprise stories, coverage of a complicated trial and a watchdog report questioning the necessity of a police chase that led to a teen’s death.
Judges said: “Reporter Jessie Balmert showed strong initiative by exploring why local prosecutors don’t seek life terms for rape cases and by developing a watchdog story that addressed questions about what happened during a police chase that ended in a fatal crash.”
Star-Gazette at Elmira
G. Jeffrey Aaron, reporter
For developing an important new beat focused on the burgeoning Marcellus Shale gas industry and related issues in New York.
Judges said: “Reporter G. Jeffrey Aaron consistently provided his readers with detailed stories on the growing debate over regulating Marcelllus Shale gas drilling in the region. He authoritatively detailed the struggle between environmental and tourism concerns against the desire for economic development and new jobs.”
The News Leader at Staunton
Megan Williams, staff writer
For strong, aggressive coverage of the management side of the education beat.
Judges said: “Megan Williams discovered the school district gave raises to 13 teachers when their pay was frozen. She also followed up on the arrest of a former school employee by reporting on how the district had failed to implement 2009 audit recommendations.”
Breaking News
Division I
First Place
The Indianapolis Star
David Lindquist and Robert King, reporters, and Matt Kryger, photographer
For on-the-spot coverage when a violent gust of wind – at 9:44 on a Saturday night – toppled a stage rigging at the state fair, injuring and killing spectators.
Judges said: “Rapid-fire tweets, Facebook and online posts kept readers updated as the news developed, and strong storytelling by David Lindquist and Robert King plus top-notch spot-news photography by Matt Kryger set this coverage apart.”
Finalists
The Journal News at Westchester
Staff
For minute-by-minute coverage of Hurricane Irene, whose wind and rain caused flooding and forced evacuations.
Judges said: “Lohud.com’s 30-hour Cover It Live marathon proved to be an excellent way to cover the storm, capture user-generated reports and interact with readers. The staff also used Twitter, Facebook, and living streaming to keep readers updated or link them back to the CoverItLive feed.”
FLORIDA TODAY at Brevard
Staff
For coverage of the last space shuttle launch and the people who came to view history as it happened.
Judges said: “FLORIDA TODAY’s space team provided blogs, live broadcasts, stories written from a position of expertise, and well-written and well-designed newspaper coverage that can be tucked away. The coverage was urgent and immediate, interactive and reader friendly, sweeping and deep. ”
Reno Gazette-Journal
Staff
For a crush of breaking news: a shooting spree at a local IHOP restaurant and a deadly crash at the National Championship Air Races.
Judges said: “The Reno staff made excellent use of available tools and reader-generated content for its digital and print coverage — online updates; headlines crafted to maximize SEO; crowd sourcing to aggressively aggregate and display spectators’ and sources’ photos, videos and tweets; and social media to report and interact with readers locally and across the country.”
The News Journal at Wilmington
Staff
For coverage of the approach and aftermath of Hurricane Irene.
Judges said: “Wilmington’s videos – 25 in all posted during weekend coverage of the storm – were impressively clean and well edited. They ran the spectrum from preparation, evacuation and shelters to the storm footage to damaged property, flooded roads and relieved residents.”
Breaking News
Division II
First Place
The Burlington Free Press
Staff
For statewide coverage of unexpected flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.
Judges said: “The staff of The Burlington Free Press more than rose to the occasion when Irene dumped 8.3 inches of rain on Vermont, causing violent flooding and extensive damage to roads and communities, some of which were inaccessible to reporters assigned to visit every corner of the state. For online, the staff produced constant updates beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing overnight and well into Monday night. In print, stories did more than tell people what happened. Reporters and a columnist explained why Vermont got so much rain and why it would take weeks or longer to recover.”
Finalists
Press & Sun-Bulletin at Binghamton
Staff
For covering the floods of 2011 with live video (from an iPhone using the Qik application) and commentary on rising waters, photo galleries and extensive print coverage.
Judges said: “PressConnects.com not only informed readers about rapidly rising flood waters, it showed them the scope of the breaking story with a day-long live video that featured commentary from employees about what they were seeing. Online readers corresponded with the video team via Twitter to ask questions and request that a camera be pointed toward a particular bridge. The eight pages of print coverage that followed featured a strong Page One design, with a prominent promotion for continuing coverage online.”
Poughkeepsie Journal
Staff
For executing a solid plan to cover Hurricane Irene’s arrival in New York with live video reports, Twitter reports from readers and constant updates.
Judges said: “The online coverage included traditional updates and content plus live video interviews with the utility company, a live traffic camera and posting of video content to Facebook. The bold design of the print editions featured strong photography and impact headlines that drew readers into a complete report on flooding and damage.”
Montgomery Advertiser
Sebastian Kitchen and Brian Lyman, reporters
For thorough coverage of the verdict in a high-profile federal corruption trial involving nine people, including state politicians.
Judges said: “The Montgomery Advertiser’s staff handled a complicated verdict with immediate reporting via Twitter on 120 different charges involving nine people. For print the next day, a summary of the outcome for each defendant appeared next to each person’s picture so readers could easily digest the verdicts.”
The Post-Crescent at Appleton
Staff
For covering storms that knocked out power to thousands of people for days.
Judges said: “The staff of The Post-Crescent didn’t let a lack of electricity in the office stop them from covering a significant summer storm that knocked out power to thousands of people. While a temporary Information Center was set up at the printing plant, readers didn’t have to wait for online coverage, including updates, raw videos and photo galleries.”
Breaking News
Division III
First Place
Star-Gazette at Elmira
Staff
For flood coverage in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Lee.
Judges said: “The robust online report included photo galleries, videos, cancellations, road closures, a real-time view of the Susquehanna River and a flood-stage chart, and shelters information and evacuation tips. Print coverage included a warning that the river was expected to peak that day along with stunning photos.”
Finalists
Pacific Daily News at Guam
Staff
For coverage of flash floods in many parts of Guam, stranding many for hours.
Judges said: “The Pacific Daily News staff pushed out more than a dozen text alerts to cell phone subscribers during a flash flood. The alerts were the primary source of information to those stuck in traffic or at home waiting for the flooding to ease. The staff also used social media, posted videos and photos and updated the breaking news story frequently.”
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Patrick J. Riepe, online news editor; MacKenzie Elmer, photographer
For coverage of an early morning fire in downtown Iowa City.
Judges said: “The Press-Citizen got a several hour jump on an early morning fire of an historic building in downtown Iowa City, thanks to photo stringer MacKenzie Elmer, who alerted the newsroom and then took pictures as online news editor Patrick Riepe wrote a story. The staff had a full online presentation along with social media promotion up before the sun rose.”
Stevens Point Journal
Staff
For coverage of a late night thunderstorm and high winds that caused an extensive power outage.
Judges said: “Though the power was temporarily knocked out in the Stevens Point Journal newsroom, staffers provided text alerts following the storm, Web updates, photos and videos, and social media updates. Print coverage told the stories of displaced residents and of businesses struggling to open.”
Community Leadership
Division I
First Place
The Courier-Journal at Louisville
Pat Howington and Laura Ungar, reporters
For coverage of a proposed hospital merger and the reality of what that big business deal meant – the loss of choice by patients for reproductive health services due to the business involvement of the Catholic Church.
Judges said: “The Courier-Journal’s work on this critical community topic alerted the public to numerous issues and potential problems with the complex merger, including patient rights to choose their procedures and care at the end of their lives. The newspaper’s editorial board took this strong reporting a step further by clearly stating it was wrong for any religious group to dictate care in a public hospital and calling for a review of the deal.”
Finalists
The Arizona Republic at Phoenix
Staff
For a multi-day series on Arizona’s longtime romance with guns.
Judges said: “The series covered multiple angles, including the history of guns in the state, the political environment before and after the tragic January shootings in Tucson, why residents want gun freedom, and the booming business of guns in Arizona. An editorial weighed the community’s respect for gun rights with the need to provide more respect for potential victims.”
Democrat and Chronicle at Rochester
Staff writer Gary Craig, videographer Shawn Dowd and Web developer Kyle Omphroy and editorial staff
For coverage of why records of the deadly 1971 Attica prison riots remain sealed by the state of New York.
Judges said: “This was not your typical anniversary story. Not only did the newspaper look back at a tragic event, it shed light on why the state of New York continues to keep records under seal when they could finally resolve unanswered questions. The strong coverage was supplemented by an editorial demanding action by state leaders.”
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Ray Cooklis and Krista Ramsey, opinion staff
For its continuing “Building a Better Council” editorial page campaign.
Judges said: “The Enquirer’s commitment to proactive change for Cincinnati City Council included hosting a community forum for 24 local leaders on how to best reform the City Council, which many in the community see as “dysfunctional.” The newspaper published two extensive Sunday Forum reports on the meeting. Two editorials further explored extending council terms from two to four years and called on council to put that idea before voters.”
The Tennessean at Nashville
Bob Smietana and Brandon Gee, reporters
For staff stories and community commentary that explored the area’s continuing challenges in understanding Islam.
Judges said: “The newspaper dedicated significant resources to an important topic that could easily be missed in a local community, including enterprise and in-depth trial coverage. Not only did a reporter expose the propaganda of one anti-Muslim organization, the newspaper published commentary from all perspectives and Sept. 11 anniversary stories on the struggle some Christians have faced in understanding Islam.”
Community Leadership
Division II
First Place
Argus Leader at Sioux Falls
Terry Vandrovec, reporter
For an examination of whether parents, coaches and young athletes are psychologically prepared to deal with the pressure of performing well in sports.
Judges said: “Reporter Terry Vandrovec took the community on a three-day exploration of the physical and psychological demands on young athletes, pressure that can overwhelm them without parents or coaches recognizing the signs, how mental preparation is paramount, and the increasing demands on Division 1 athletes. Vandrovec provided tips and advice, hosted a live chat and a video with a psychology professor.”
Finalists
St. Cloud Times
Staff
For a year-long commitment to educating the community about nutrition, fitness and stress management.
Judges said: “Using all its platforms – print, digital and social media – the staff of the St. Cloud Times has showcased each month a new step to wellness, offering expertise in the community and realistic options to wellness, even for those with chronic health issues. The Times also hosted a noncompetitive “Get Fit Walk” at a local park, where many of the 350 participants said the project is providing them with new information and encouragement.”
Great Falls Tribune
Kimball Bennion and Kristen Cates, reporters; Gary Moseman,editor
For a three-day series on recent child-abuse deaths in the Great Falls area and how possible changes in laws could lessen future incidents.
Judges said: “Reporters Kristen Cates and Kimball Bennion scrutinized current laws and the operation of the state’s Child and Family Services Division in the wake of a series of high-profile child death and abuse cases. The series concluded with experts advocating for an overhaul of laws that currently prevent intervention until a report of suspected abuse has been made.”
Pensacola News Journal
Staff
For a series making the case for strengthening and redeveloping neighborhoods by razing, rebuilding or selling empty buildings in Pensacola.
Judges said: “Louis Cooper, Jamie Page, Troy Moon, and Travis Griggs honed in on six empty buildings in Pensacola, some in such bad condition they would be too expensive to rebuild, and others that need an owner. Online coverage including videos that took users to the buildings to understand their history and place in Pensacola.”
Springfield News-Leader
Staff
For several stories that exposed plans by the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department to grow its staff by a minimum of 23 percent.
Judges said: “The staff of the Springfield-News Leader revealed a plan to secretly increase the size of the Parks Department staff and sneak through a tax increase. The News-Leader exposed the plans, reported on the overall parks budget, and turned to the public for its reaction. Result: The plans were scrapped and the parks director announced plans to leave.”
Community Leadership
Division III
First Place
The Daily Advertiser at Lafayette, La.
Staff
For a survey of educators, parents and community leaders and the subsequent coverage that helped the community prioritize the issues it wants its next school superintendent to tackle.
Judges said: “After the school superintendent announced his plan to retire, the Daily Advertiser took the lead to help the community focus on the most important challenges the next superintendent would need to handle. It surveyed stakeholders, analyzed and compared results and reported enterprise pieces on key issues, such as charter schools and bad teachers.”
Finalists
The Ithaca Journal
Chris Kocher, Viewpoints editor
For Ithaca’s seven weeks of Q and A’s with mayoral candidates.
Judges said: “For seven weeks, Ithaca turned its Wednesday Viewpoints page over to Q and As with its mayoral candidates, helping readers get ready to vote in the upcoming election. The presentation was clean and accessible.”
Pacific Daily News at Guam
Duane M. George, community editor
For its Sunday editorial pages, infused with community input, about how Guam fails to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Judges said: “Editors met with stakeholders and other citizens in a roundtable discussion — called the Sunday Forum — about ADA issues and then juxtaposed its editorial with letters to the editor and guest columns about the hot-button topic. Collectively, the newspaper’s position and the community voices sent a strong message.”
Outstanding Writing
Division I
First Place
The News-Press at Fort Myers
Janine Zeitlin, reporter
For Janine Zeitlin’s compassionate love story about a marriage shaken by a tragic car accident.
Judges said: “Zeitlin’s storytelling was outstanding. She and photographer Kinfay Moroti took us from the beginning of this courtship, layering it with details both lovely and sad, to illustrate a passionate story that – while highly personal – was one to which all can all relate. They told the story in two distinct formats; both the digital and print versions were exquisite and each stands alone.”
Finalists
The Arizona Republic at Phoenix
Karina Bland, reporter
For the emotional story of Roxanna Green, whose 9-year-old daughter was killed in the Tucson shootings.
Judges said: “Details set this narrative apart, from the moment-by-moment details as Roxanna realized her daughter has been killed to the descriptions of her girlfriends’ acts of kindness during the months of grieving that followed. Bland’s listening skills were as evident as her writing ability.”
Detroit Free Press
Joe Swickard, staff writer
For a moody, intriguing narrative about Detroit banker David Widlak’s mysterious death.
Judges said: “Joe Swickard’s piece wove together high society, high finance and reams of questions. It was a tightly-crafted, well-focused mystery that put what might well be a private matter into the context of the city’s social scene and financial community.”
The Des Moines Register
Reid Forgrave, reporter
For the highly personal story of one man’s conflict between homosexuality and fundamentalist Christianity.
Judges said: “Reid Forgrave and the Register were brave to approach this issue with such a personal story. Sidebars about local faith groups’ take on the issue offered valuable context to the subject’s story. A breakout on the front page put the story into a community context.”
The Indianapolis Star
Alex Campbell, reporter
For the tick-tock accounting of how seven strangers worked together to save a little girl from a deadly stage collapse.
Judges said: “Alex Campbell used extensive interviews with several victims, heroes and ancillary bystanders, footage from iPhones and television video, and details from official reports to stitch together this riveting story. Solid, savvy reporting supported a dramatic narrative.”
Outstanding Writing
Division II
First Place
Lansing State Journal
Louise Knott Ahern, reporter
For an expertly crafted story on a 17-year-old boy’s growing weight and his resulting life challenges.
Judges said: “Louise Knott Ahern put her readers into the mindset of a young man as he coped with his rising weight. The cornerstone of the article was Ahern’s skill at addressing the teen’s coming of age and his first realizations that he was overweight. Readers walked away with a strong understanding of the teen and his positive outlook on life, set against the context of a national epidemic.”
Finalists
Journal & Courier at Lafayette, Ind.
Dorothy Schneider, reporter
For a profile of a high school swimmer who nearly died from a cardiac arrest in the pool.
Judges said: “Dorothy Schneider’s story captured all of the angles of a near tragedy by securing interviews from every key party, including the emergency room doctor who first cared for the teen. She weaved together a strong narrative of what happened in the pool with vivid details that put the reader at the scene. The package benefitted from a short introduction that allowed the narrative to develop at its own pace. ”
The Burlington Free Press
Staff
For a staff-wide effort in recounting the sights, sounds and tragedy of Tropical Storm Irene, days after it ripped across Vermont.
Judges said: “A compelling online narrative — complete with video, photos and harrowing details — and a ‘tick-tock’ storytelling effort in print gave readers a comprehensive view of the devastation of Irene. A very sophisticated storytelling effort.”
Pensacola News Journal
Troy Moon, staff writer
For the heartbreaking story of a 14-year-old son who killed his father seven years after his brother committed suicide, and how a community pleaded for leniency in his case.
Judges said: “Troy Moon asked one question: Why did Warren Williams, a decidedly average eighth-grader, kill his father? Moon examined the tragedy in this narrative that examined how a brother’s tragic suicide seven years earlier may have been a factor in Warren’s criminal act. To bolster his storytelling efforts, Moon smartly obtained through a public records request 57 letters sent to the State Attorney’s Office from family members, friends, teachers and ministers requesting leniency for the boy.”
Tallahassee Democrat
Rebeccah Cantley, managing editor
For poignant storytelling about two families: four parents, an accused killer son, a dead daughter and a concept called “restorative justice”.
Judges said: “This was an incredibly touching story focused on two families — the parents of a daughter shot and killed by her fiancée, the son of the second family. The murder was brutal but the families embarked on a journey to heal after the tragedy. ”
Outstanding Writing
Division III
First Place
Daily World at Opelousas
Tina Macias, reporter
For the account of a woman who survived a sexual assault nearly two decades ago.
Judges said: “Macias’ story was powerful because she allowed assault victim Judy St. Amand to tell her story from beginning to end, bringing the reader along to hear a deeply personal tale of survival, strength and healing.”
Finalists
The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun
Brandon Shields, sports editor
For a story about the recovery for a high school football player whose neck was broken during his freshman season.
Judges said: “Brandon Shields began his story by allowing Drake Damesworth to tell the gruesome details of the moment his facemask got caught on the ground, his neck buckled and he realized he couldn’t feel much of anything. Shields then took readers on the journey of surgeries and a seemingly miraculous recovery and return to high school, using anecdotes that showed Drake’s determination and character.”
The News-Messenger at Fremont
Matthew Horn, sports reporter
For a story about the making of a movie about the 2005 Gibsonburg baseball team that won the state championship.
Judges said: “Matthew Horn retold the 2005 Gibsonburg, Ohio, high school baseball team’s season, which was as improbable as the fact that a movie was now being made about it.”
The Daily Advertiser at Lafayette, La.
Brandon Kane, reporter
For reporting about the mystery of two young brothers who died at home one month and four days apart.
Judges said: “Brandon Kane began his story by taking readers inside the Mayfield home where a father was doing what no parent wants to do: writing the obituary for his 5-year-old son. Kane earned the trust of family members who openly shared their grief and hunger for answers.”
The Ithaca Journal
Bruce Estes, managing editor/general manager
For a column to parents bringing their children to college in Ithaca.
Judges said: “Bruce Estes wrote a sobering letter to parents dropping their kids off at campuses about two dangers in Ithaca: students drowning in gorges and death from alcohol poisoning. Estes encouraged parents to have conversations with their kids about both so they return home safely.”
Visual Journalism
Division I
First Place
The Indianapolis Star
Matt Kryger, photographer
For breaking news photos at the state fair stage collapse.
Judges said: “Matt Kryger’s images were shot from myriad angles, showing a wide range of motion and emotion. His documentary photography captured the chaos and drama immediately after collapse, showing fans fleeing and first responders tending to the wounded. ”
Finalists
The Courier-Journal at Louisville
Her Scene staff
For the fall fashion shoot in this quarter’s edition of Her Scene magazine.
Judges said: “The ‘Her Scene’ staff nailed it — from photography and design to interactive media and audience engagement. The images and layout were elegant and artful and made wise use of local spaces to bring the national trends home. A behind-the-scenes live stream of the photo shoot was a clever, interactive way to bring the magazine to life.”
FLORIDA TODAY at Brevard and the Nashville Design Studio
Staff
For images, design and overall packaging of print and digital commemorations of the final shuttle launch.
Judges said: “The overall integration of many different types of content (historic and new images, video, social media streams, text, graphic elements) was handled in a sophisticated, easy-to-digest, commemorative fashion — for both print and digital.”
The Arizona Republic at Phoenix
David Wallace, photojournalist
For a series of thoughtful, restrained multimedia vignettes of locals involved in the Sept. 11 attacks.
Judges said: “It was clear that digital was the originating platform here. The multimedia pieces were tremendously moving, setting the Arizona Republic apart from other media outlets that went with a similar approach to the 9/11 anniversary. The overall design of the web package was as well-done as the videos themselves.”
The Tennessean at Nashville
Sam Simpkins, photo/videographer
For a personal, behind-the-scenes look at how country star Jake Owen spends his free time.
Judges said: “Sam Simpkins talked his way into a country star’s personal life, getting beyond the tightly controlled access normally granted to media covering celebrities and the entertainment business. He shot photos and video of Jake Owen wake boarding and captured audio in a way that allowed him to tell an exclusive story beyond the still images.”
Visual Journalism
Division II
First Place
The Burlington Free Press
Emily McManamy, photographer
For a powerful breaking news photo of the rescue of a trapped swimmer pulled from turbulent waters.
Judges said: “Photographer Emily McManamy hustled in a breaking news situation to capture an intense moment where a swimmer, caught in the swirling waters of Huntington Gorge, fought for his life as a rescuer prepared to lift him to safety. McManamy effectively captured the emotions and peril of the situation and editors did the right thing: They played great art in an equally great manner on Page One.”
Finalists
St. Cloud Times
Bre McGee, photojournalist; Lisa Mueller, multimedia artist; David Unze, universities/courts reporter; Adam Hammer, online content producer
For visually engaging and informative storytelling of efforts to better understand Minnesota history by paddling in the northern Minnesota wilderness.
Judges said: “St. Cloud Times journalists David Unze and Bre McGee chronicled the ambitious efforts by three local university archaeologist researchers to search for artifacts from Paleo-Indians who lived in the region thousands of years ago. Trampling and paddling through untamed, remote wilderness of Minnesota, Unze and McGee spearheaded a staff effort to capture the area’s history and beauty through photos, multimedia work, info-graphics and engaging page design.”
Argus Leader at Sioux Falls
Elisha Page, photo coordinator; Dalton Walker, videographer; Joel Brown, video editor; Melissa Ballard, designer/copy editor
For comprehensive visual coverage on all platforms of the reopening of historic St. Joseph Cathedral, a 95-year-old icon in Sioux Falls.
Judges said: “The Sioux Falls community celebrated the reopening of the 95-year-old historic St. Joseph Cathedral after a two-year, $16.2 million restoration project. The Argus Leader recognized the great opportunity and delivered a visual bonanza that enabled readers to find the content as they wanted it: a double-truck display of the church’s delicately restored interior; a series of photographs taken throughout the course of the intricate restoration; historic and current photo galleries; and a behind-the-scenes video tour led by the diocesan bishop.”
Journal & Courier at Lafayette, Ind.
Dave Bangert, opinions editor; David Smith, night local editor; Thomas Maxfield, graphic artist; and Dorothy Schneider, reporter
For the ambitious “Hidden Treasures” project, which told readers of nearly 30 unique and iconic attractions that define Greater Lafayette.
Judges said: “A visually energetic and informative two-page ‘treasure map’ pinpointed Lafayette’s must-see attractions and icons. It offered an inviting “sense of place” that was bolstered online with a Google map in which users could check out more unique places and immediately get directions to sites they may want to visit.”
Pensacola News Journal
Staff
For comprehensive print and digital coverage of the famed Blue Angels air show.
Judges said: “Staffers captured the dangerous and sophisticated aerial maneuvers in a creative and comprehensive way. Instead of one long video, the staff produced and posted eight videos of the Blue Angels practices and show (generating nearly 9,500 views). A dozen photo galleries received more than 440,000 page views. This was a solid example of strong visual storytelling.”
Visual Journalism
Division III
First Place
The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun and the Nashville Design Studio
Katie Brake, photographer; Heather Shije, page designer
For a photo and multimedia essay about a 6-year-old girl thriving in her life despite battling sacral agenesis, a condition in which the lower back does not form.
Judges said: “Katie Brake spent many hours with Alissa Warren chronicling her everyday life from routine play to a special needs softball game and told the story through a print photo essay, a video and photo gallery. The work was top notch all around with excellent images that showed her strong connection with Alissa.”
Finalists
The Advocate at Newark
Matthew Berry, multimedia editor
For an informative graphic illustrating the complete details of a deadly police chase.
Judges said: “This is a great example of telling a story visually rather than through a lengthy story. Berry’s graphic allows readers to follow the sequence of events leading to the crash of the suspect’s car and allowed the main story to focus on questions surrounding police decisions that night.”
Star-Gazette at Elmira
Staff
For a strong breaking news effort to capture images from September flooding across New York.
Judges said: “Working for their own site and two other Gannett New York sites, Elmira’s photographers captured strong ground-level photos that showed the destructive power of heavy flooding. The Star-Gazette’s front page featured bold, high-quality images for three days. The staff also produced 15 galleries as part of a strong effort.”
Times Herald at Port Huron
Staff
For thorough print and digital coverage of Boat Week and the start of the annual Port Huron to Mackinac race.
Judges said: “Port Huron’s multimedia staff seemingly covered every angle of this annual event with extensive photos from the race, a video of the opening day and a focus on pictures from people attending the various race events. The highlight was an eye-catching double truck photo package.”