SPJ News

SPJ strongly condemns Oklahoma Dept. of Ed. for denying journalists access to news conference

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Nadia Gordon, SPJ Communications Coordinator, ngordon@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists strongly condemns the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s decision to deny KFOR-TV journalists access to a news conference with State Superintendent Ryan Walters in Oklahoma City.

“This is actually the third time it’s happened in less than a month,” said one of the journalists, Dylan Brown, who was denied access to the August 22 news conference along with KFOR photographer Kevin Josefy. “My news director has worked in the Oklahoma City market for 33 years, and she says she’s never experienced anything like this.”

When asked by SPJ for comment on his denial of access to the KFOR journalists, Isett said in email, “Our office works with hundreds of journalists across the state and around the country to keep the public informed about the success Oklahoma students are seeing under Superintendent Walters. We will not work with tabloids who consistently editorialize and report false information rather than inform the public.”

SPJ National President Ashanti-Blaize Hopkins noted that, “It is not in Dan Isett’s power to choose whether a news outlet is ‘legitimate’ or not. This is a blatant violation of press freedom by a government agency. By denying these journalists access to the news conference, he illegally prevented them from carrying out their duty to inform the public.”

The SPJ Code of Ethics states that journalists “have a special obligation to serve as watchdogs over public affairs and government,” and that they should “seek to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the open, and that public records are open to all.”

SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation.

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$175M California journalism agreement sparks debate on industry impact and inclusivity

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists calls on California decisionmakers to ensure that yesterday’s groundbreaking agreement between California lawmakers and Google to provide new funding for news outlets serves as a genuine step forward in reversing our nation’s alarming decline in newsroom employment.

The first-in-the-nation partnership will provide $175 million for local journalism across California and will fund an AI research program. News outlets report that the deal departs significantly from legislation promoted by both news publishers and media employee unions earlier in the year.

“It is concerning that journalists appeared to lose their seat at the table as this initiative was negotiated,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “At the very least journalists should be deeply involved in how this plan will be rolled out, as it could potentially impact their livelihoods.”

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) led the effort and said, “this partnership represents a cross-sector commitment to supporting a free and vibrant press.” California news publishers will be beneficiaries of a News Transformation Fund, which will be administered by University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism.

The Media Guild of the West and the Pacific Media Workers Guild denounced the agreement, citing the omission of support for journalist-run news cooperatives, among other concerns.

“As other states study this effort for lessons on how to bolster local journalism, I hope California leaders will set an example that both centers and honors the input of working professionals who fight tirelessly to keep the public informed,” Blaize-Hopkins said.

SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation.

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SPJ celebrates the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich

Thu, 1 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT

Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Nadia Gordon, SPJ Communications Coordinator, ngordon@hq.spj.org

The Society of Professional Journalists celebrates the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was falsely accused by Russian authorities of spying and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He was the first foreign correspondent charged with espionage in Russia since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the year he was born.

Moscow also released Radio Free Europe/Radio liberty reporter Alsu Kurmasheva, who was wrongly accused of spreading false information about the Russian government and sentenced to 6 ½ years in prison after a secret trial.

The journalists’ release is part of the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War. Gershkovich and more than a dozen others jailed by the Kremlin were exchanged for Russians held in the U.S. and Europe.

“Evan Gershkovich was imprisoned for over a year, and while we are grateful to hear news of his release, he should have never been arrested in the first place. SPJ continues to condemn the unjust imprisonment of journalists around the world who are simply doing their jobs serving as the eyes and ears of the people,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “SPJ calls on governments internationally to recognize that it is not a crime for journalists to seek the truth and report it.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, just before noon EDT today at an airport in Turkey’s capital, Ankara Gershkovich and other Americans left a Russian aircraft and were then transported to an aircraft lounge on a Turkish plane.

SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation.

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SPJ strongly condemns sentencing of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists strongly condemns the conviction and 16-year sentence of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich imposed by a Russian court. Gershkovich was convicted Friday of espionage after a speedy, closed-door trial that has been deemed a sham by the U.S. government. The trial began on June 26 and took place over only three hearings.

“Evan Gershkovich in no way, shape, or form received any semblance of a fair and free trial. This conviction and 16-year sentence are unjust, shameful and sets a dangerous precedent for journalists working abroad. Journalism is not a crime, and Evan was simply doing his job as a journalist,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “SPJ calls on the U.S. government to do everything in its power to bring him home safely.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, Russian authorities have produced no public evidence to support their allegations, and the Russian government has shown interest in swapping Gershkovich for Russians being held in the West.

SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation.

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SPJ Stands With Hong Kong Press Freedom Advocate Selina Cheng After Firing

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT

Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Nadia Gordon, SPJ Communications Coordinator, ngordon@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists stands with Selina Cheng, the new chair of Hong Kong's leading media professional group who was fired from the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. Cheng, who covers automobile and energy sectors for the Journal, was elected chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association June 22 and assumed the position July 1.

“The firing of Cheng sends a chilling message to all those attempting to resist encroachments on press freedom in Hong Kong. This move is especially unfortunate at a time when press freedom advocates in the United States and elsewhere are fighting to help Cheng's fellow WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich withstand his unjust imprisonment in Russia and regain his freedom,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins.

In a press briefing, Cheng said a senior editor told her that her job was eliminated due to restructuring. However, Cheng says she believes she lost her job due to her refusal to withdraw from the election for the leadership post after a supervisor's request. She said she was also told that her role with the HKJA would be “incompatible” with her employment at the Wall Street Journal.

According to the Guardian, a spokesperson for Dow Jones, the WSJ’s parent company, said: “While we can confirm that we made some personnel changes today, we don’t comment on specific individuals. The Wall Street Journal has been and continues to be a fierce and vocal advocate for press freedom in Hong Kong and around the world.”

SPJ believes advocating for press freedom around the world is crucial to ensure that truth is reported, and ethical journalism thrives. We believe journalists are some of the most influential advocates for the field, and that includes Cheng and her work in Hong Kong.

SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation.

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Announcing the 2023 Sigma Delta Chi Awards, MOEy and Corbin Gwaltney winners

Tue, 9 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Lou Harry, SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards, lharry@hq.spj.org
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists is proud to recognize recipients of the 2023 Sigma Delta Chi Awards, honoring outstanding professional journalism produced last year.

Winners were announced tonight during a virtual awards ceremony hosted by SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. The video is archived on the SPJ YouTube channel.

More than 100 established veteran journalists, who served as SDX Awards judges, selected 71 official winners from over 1,200 entries. Dozens of local and national news organizations from print, TV, radio and online received SDX Awards, including The Marshall Project, Detroit Free Press, Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg, Deseret News, Wyoming Public Media, NBC News and many more.

Sigma Delta Chi Awards categories include breaking news, documentaries, editorials, photography and more. This year, the investigative, features and podcast categories were expanded.

In addition to the professional SDX Awards, the announcement also celebrated student journalism. SPJ Foundation Vice President Evelyn Hsu announced the winner of the MOEy, the top student award. The MOEy Best in Show award recognizes the best student journalism in the country and is given to the top entry among national Mark of Excellence award winners.

This year’s MOEy award goes to the NYCity News Service team at the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at City University of New York for “South Bronx businesses battle back.” The judges said, “This project harnesses the power of hyperlocal journalism. Kudos to the NYCity News Service team for stepping off campus and immersing themselves in the South Bronx community with engaging stories of post-pandemic successes and struggles. The video vignettes profiling local shop and restaurant owners highlight the rich diversity of this corner of New York City. Each piece in the three-part series is strengthened with data, graphics and embedded links that provide further context for the reader. Outstanding teamwork, impactful storytelling.”

The winners of the Corbin Gwaltney Awards for Best All-Around Student Newspapers were also announced by The Chronicle of Higher Education Senior Editor Sarah Brown.

The award is named after Corbin Gwaltney, founder of The Chronicle of Higher Education. He was a media innovator who built the Chronicle to be the most respected publication in higher education. There is one award in the large division (10,000+ students) and one in the small division (1-9,999 students). Each winner receives a $5,000 prize, provided by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

This year, the winner in the small school division is the staff of The Pendulum from Elon University. Judges said, “The Elon Pendulum does an excellent job with a strong local news section that includes government and enterprise efforts.” The winner in the large school division is the staff of Indiana Daily Student from Indiana University. “Indiana Daily Student … reads like a professionally produced community newspaper,” said a judge. “They produce enterprise work that’s relevant to the university and the community.”

Blaize-Hopkins closed the presentation by saying, “As you have seen and heard, there’s a lot of great work being done by journalists. On behalf of the Society of Professional Journalists and the many volunteer judges for the SDX and Mark of Excellence awards programs, congratulations to every one of these winners, as well as so many others whose work made the judge’s decisions so difficult.”

All SDX winners are listed and have their work displayed on the SPJ website. Select SDX winners will be featured in the fall issue of Quill, the magazine of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Sigma Delta Chi was created as a student organization in 1909 and eventually grew to become SPJ, the longest-serving and most broad-journalism organization in the United States. SPJ continues to honor its history by retaining the original Greek letters in the awards presented.

SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation.

The SPJ Foundation is a public foundation dedicated to ensuring that those who carry on the tradition of a free press are prepared for the challenge. The SPJ Foundation supports educational and professional needs of journalists and journalism students. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Give to the SPJ Foundation.

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SPJ Board Postpones National Public and Member Awards Until 2025

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists Board of Directors today voted to postpone awarding public and member honors as well as national chapter awards for 2024.

“We look forward to being back to an in-person convention next year so that honorees can be properly recognized,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “All the award-winners deserve to be recognized in person, have a chance to address the membership and express their excitement for being honored.”

A communication will be sent to all who made nominations for the 2024 awards, expressing SPJ’s regret and encouraging them to consider re-nominating in 2025.

The awards affected are:
• Distinguished Teaching in Journalism
• Ethics in Journalism
• Fellows of the Society
• Historic Sites in Journalism
• Sunshine Award
• Howard S. Dubin Outstanding Pro Member
• David L. Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser
• Julie Galvan Outstanding Graduate in Journalism
• Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment
• Wells Memorial Key
• Outstanding Professional and Campus Chapter

The Board voted to suspend the 2024 national convention during the 2023 Las Vegas convention in September, due to budgetary considerations. SPJ, the College Media Association and Associated Collegiate Press plan to host a joint conference once again in Washington, D.C., in October 2025. The three groups held a successful joint MediaFest22 convention in October 2022.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

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SPJ urges Mississippi Supreme Court to overturn lower court order that threatens journalists’ First Amendment rights

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists urges the Mississippi Supreme Court to overturn a lower court order against Mississippi Today that threatens the First Amendment rights of journalists and Mississippians.

“SPJ is proud to stand up for journalists and journalism against those who try to silence them,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “We urge the Mississippi Supreme Court to issue a ruling that, for the first time, expressly recognizes Mississippi journalists' right to protect their sources of information and their unpublished newsgathering materials.”

In July 2023, former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant sued for defamation, in part over since-retracted remarks from its CEO, Mary Margaret White. Later, editor-in-chief Adam Ganucheau and reporter Anna Wolfe were added as defendants. Mississippi Today declined to turn over confidential information, including sources, citing “reporter’s privilege.” However, last month, a lower court issued an order stating that Mississippi’s appellate courts have never recognized reporter’s privilege, so the newsroom was given a deadline to turn over any information that related to confidential sources. Mississippi Today has appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

“In a state with such little government accountability, Mississippians routinely learn about the actions of their public officials only because of journalism like ours. If this court order is upheld, every Mississippian would stand to lose a fuller understanding of how some leaders truly operate when their doors are closed and they think no one is watching,” says Ganucheau in an editor’s note on its website.

Cases such as this continue to serve as a reminder of why journalists need a federal shield law. Reporter’s privilege is a First Amendment right that is recognized by 40 states. In January, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the PRESS Act, which would shield journalists from having to disclose their sources except under limited circumstances. SPJ continues to urge the Senate to follow suit and pass the legislation quickly. Those who agree that the PRESS Act should be passed can call, write or message their senators, encouraging them to vote in favor of this important legislation.

“We will always fight for the First Amendment and those who seek truth and report it,” Blaize-Hopkins said. “Without journalists, citizens are kept in the dark, giving those in power no accountability and freedom to abuse that power.”

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

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SPJ urges swift action by Senate panel on federal shield law to protect journalists

Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Nadia Gordon, SPJ Communications Coordinator, ngordon@hq@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists  joins more than 120 other signatories, including journalism organizations, First Amendment advocacy groups, attorneys and law professors, urging leaders of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize action on long-stalled legislation creating a federal shield law to protect journalist-source confidentiality.

The letter urges U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham, respectively the judiciary committee’s chair and ranking member, to schedule a markup of the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act, S.2074).The PRESS Act is a bipartisan federal shield law that would protect journalist-source confidentiality, subject to common-sense exceptions, such as cases involving terrorism, other serious emergencies, or journalists suspected of crimes. In January, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the legislation.

“Federal legislation shielding journalists from compelled disclosure of their sources is long overdue,” said SPJ National President, Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “SPJ urges the Judiciary Committee to act on this urgently needed legislation without delay.”

It is imperative that the PRESS Act be signed into law, considering court decisions against journalists such as Catherine Herridge, who was held in contempt of court for refusing to divulge her sources for reporting for Fox News about an online school’s alleged ties to the Chinese military.

The bill includes “a broad definition of ‘covered journalist’ that includes anyone who regularly gathers and reports news. This recognizes the evolving nature of the profession and affords the same protections to freelance journalists and independent outlets that are enjoyed by the likes of the Wall Street Journal and Fox News,” the letter states.

Additionally, the PRESS Act would prevent future executive branch officials from targeting journalists and their sources. “Subject to a few sensible exceptions, the bill would prohibit most subpoenas of reporters’ phone and email records, a tactic used by Democratic and Republican administrations to attempt to uncover reporters’ sources. It would also protect local journalists who report on matters unrelated to politics,” the letter states.

Similar shield bills passed in the House in 2007 and 2022, but none were as strong as the PRESS Act.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

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SPJ calls for action by journalists against gag rules after key legal win

Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Kathryn Foxhall, SPJ Freedom of Information Advocate, 202-417-4572, kfoxhall@verizon.net
Kimberly Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, 317-920-4785, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists is issuing a call to action for journalists to fight government restrictions on employee speech rights following what is believed to be the first time a journalist has won a legal settlement against gag rules on workers in public agencies.

The settlement came in a suit brought by investigative reporter Brittany Hailer against the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh for its rules prohibiting employees from speaking to the press or posting information on social media. After rounds of negotiations with Hailer’s attorneys, the county agreed in April that its employees and contractors “have constitutional rights to speak on matters of public concern when acting as private citizens and not purporting to represent the view of the [Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections].”

Now, in a call to action, SPJ is urging journalists to consider similar legal action; use the case for discussions and editorials opposing such speech restrictions; and educate the public about the dangers of such censorship.

“This settlement is of historic importance,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “Gag rules are being adopted in all kinds of federal, state and local agencies, from congressional offices to schools and police departments. The settlement shows journalists that they can fight these widespread restrictions -- and why they should.”

SPJ is calling on journalists to review SPJ’s Gagged America resource collection and move vigorously against employee speech restrictions. We encourage news outlets and journalism organizations to:

-Use the Allegheny County settlement as inspiration for legal action against constraints on journalists’ speaking with employees, including mandates that reporters go through public information officers.

-Use the settlement’s statements on First Amendment rights to oppose such gag orders in contacts with officials and in editorials.

-Research and report on speech controls in particular states, localities or institutions.

-Educate journalists, officials and others on the history and the impact of such censorship.

-Join forces with other news organizations, advocacy groups, journalism schools, and press associations to demand answers from public officials and mount legal challenges.

-Push for open access to people, along with pushing for open access to documents, to help ensure the documents are fully understood.

-Call on organizations of public relations professionals to oppose restrictive practices, which serve to hide critical information.

SPJ’s resources on gag rules include a legal analysis and road map for action by journalists authored by Frank LoMonte, then head of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information and a current member of SPJ Foundation Board of Directors. The 2019 analysis states that “media plaintiffs should be able to establish that their interests have been injured, whether directly or indirectly, to sustain a First Amendment challenge to government restraints on employees’ speech to the media.”

The Allegheny County settlement says policies, “may not regulate the employee when they speak on matters of public concern as private citizens on their own time, provided they are not in uniform and do not otherwise create the impression they are speaking in an official capacity….”

Such restrictions have been found to be unconstitutional in past cases brought by employees or their unions.
 
The Yale Law School Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press represented Hailer in the case. She was director of the Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism when the suit was filed and is now with the Marshall Project.
 
SPJ helped engender the case by writing about the issue to the Yale clinic and others and has made numerous public statements since.

Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ’s president, said, “After years of opposing these dangerous information restrictions, SPJ and other journalists are deeply grateful to Hailer and her attorneys for this outstanding work.”

Kathryn Foxhall, a point person for SPJ on the issue, said, “Information control is one of the most abusive, deadliest forces in human history. This case serves as a model for other journalists to move against this kind of insidious censorship, which far too often goes unchallenged.”
 
SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

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Resources:
- A Society of Professional Journalists resolution on “allowing federal employees to freely talk with the press” notes that “journalists’ obligation to do all they can to seek the full truth includes fighting against barriers to understanding the full truth and reporting those barriers to the public.”
-SPJ has sponsored seven surveys showing the restrictions are pervasive in federal, state and local government, education, science organizations, police departments, etc.
-Glen Nowak, a former CDC head of media relations and a longtime communications employee, has said that since the 1980s the restrictions on CDC staff have grown tighter with each presidential administration; every contact with a reporter is controlled by the higher political levels; and that this system “works” for officials in terms of suppressing information.
- A recent article in FAIR.org and an earlier one in Columbia Journalism Review examine the gag rules.
-The New England Chapter of SPJ sponsored a Zoom program on the Allegheny suit, moderated by First Amendment attorney Frank LoMonte, who has written a  legal pathway for such actions. 
-A Maryland, Delaware, and District of Columbia Press Association podcast episode features the lawsuit by journalist Brittany Hailer and one of her lawyers, RCFP attorney Paula Knudsen Burke. 
-Among many communications over the years, 25 journalism and other groups wrote to the Biden Administration’s Office of Science and Technology Policy asking for the elimination of such restrictions in the federal government. 
-Journalism groups’ FOI officers told  the New York Times, “The press should not be taking the risk of assuming that what we get is all there is when so many people are silenced. We should be openly fighting these controls.” The longer version of the letter is here. 
-A review of recent actions is in the PR Office Censorship blog.

SPJ Foundation awards over $45,000 in grants to seven initiatives and journalism programs

Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT
Hagit Limor, SPJ Foundation President, hilmormedia@gmail.com
Nadia Gordon, SPJ Communications Coordinator, ngordon@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — Seven journalism organizations and not-for-profits will receive more than $45,000 from the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation as part of its 2024 grant cycle.

SPJ Foundation grants are being awarded to Louis E. Ingelhart First Amendment Program, Trust Kit: How To Build Trust As A Freelancer program, LGBTQ+ Newsroom Outreach Program, Indigenous Journalists Association Indigenous Media Initiative, the Spark Training Program, Summer High School Journalism Institute and the ReNews Project for initiatives and programs that align with the Society’s Mission.

“The SPJ Foundation is dedicated to protecting freedom of speech and the press, emphasizing our mission to help advocate for an open government,” said SPJ Foundation President Hagit Limor. “We are pleased to support these initiatives that focus on fostering diversity and encouraging excellence for both student and professional journalists.”

The College Media Association and the Student Press Law Center’s Louis E. Ingelhart First Amendment Program is named to honor Ingelhart, a journalism professor who dedicated much of his life to studying, writing and teaching the First Amendment. He was a tireless champion for scholastic journalism, nationwide. This award is given annually to professional journalists, institutions or advisers who have made extraordinary, long-term contributions in support of the First Amendment.

The Trust Kit: How To Build Trust As A Freelancer from Trusting News is another addition to its step-by-step guide for journalists and educators ready to demonstrate credibility and actively earn trust. Guides include: engagement; ethics and fairness; how news works; topics and platforms; and newsroom culture.

The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists’ LGBTQ+ Newsroom Outreach Program is a project that seeks to educate newsroom leaders with LGJA and to discuss LGBTQ coverage issues. Meetings have already launched in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Colorado.

The Indigenous Journalists Association Indigenous Media Initiative (formerly the Red Press Initiative) educates on the value of an Indigenous free press to the well-being of Indigenous people, communities and nations. The initiative also teaches contextual reporting about Indigenous people and issues necessary to overcome the biases and stereotypes portrayed in the media.

Wildfire Media’s Spark Training Program helps individuals, teams and journalists raise funds for documentary and civic advocacy projects through education and mentoring. The program is online and offers interactive classes with downloaded learning materials that explore proposal writing, fundraising strategies and successful pitch approaches, in addition to one-on-one mentoring with award-winning journalists and funding experts. The program also offers free or partial scholarships through its scholarship fund to Spark Cohorts based on funding availability.

The 2024 SPJ Region 1 Northeast Summer High School Journalism Institute at Emerson College in Boston is a program for students that offers workshops, touring the campus and telling stories related to their landscape and environment that will be edited and critiqued by peers. At the end of the experience, students will have published links to their work. The faculty and volunteer trainers are SPJ leaders from across the northeast who have been planning and coordinating the event for the last year.

The ReNews Project is a program directed by SPJ Board of Directors member Wesley Wright and is also funded by SPJ Region 3 and the SPJ Florida Pro Chapter. The ReNews Project is a collaboration between press organizations and media companies that seeks to restart or revive dormant student newspapers at Historically Black Colleges and Hispanic Serving Institutions by removing barriers that stand between students and their desire to do good journalism. The ReNews Project visits campus newsrooms to meet interested students and train them, followed by virtual advising for the rest of the school year. Student staff at newsrooms the Project assists are offered perks including free SPJ memberships, waived entry fees to its Mark of Excellence contest and registration fees for its annual convention for the first year and more.

SPJ Foundation grants primarily support SPJ and provide support to organizations and causes that further the Society’s mission. Grant requests are first reviewed by the Foundation Grants and Awards Committee. Its recommendations are then sent to the SPJ Foundation Board of Directors for review and selection.

View previous recipients.

The Society of Professional Journalists Foundation is a public foundation dedicated to ensuring that those who carry on the tradition of a free press are prepared for the challenge. The SPJ Foundation supports educational and professional needs of journalists and journalism students. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Give to the SPJ Foundation.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

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SPJ announces 2023 Mark of Excellence National Winners

Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Lou Harry, SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards, lharry@spj.org
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to announce national winners of the 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards, recognizing collegiate work published or broadcast in 2023. This year, 67 students and staffs from 37 universities across the United States are receiving national honors.

National contenders were previously recognized as first-place winners in one of the SPJ’s 12 regional competitions. The results of those competitions can be found in the April-May 2024 SPJ News archive. Each first-place regional winner advanced to the national competition.

The national-only categories this year are Collaborative Journalism, Editorial Cartooning and Sports Videography.

These awards honor the best in student journalism. As such, judges were directed to choose only those entries which they felt were outstanding work worthy of a national honor.

School divisions are based on student enrollment, which includes both graduate and undergraduate enrollment. Schools with more than 10,000 students are designated as large schools.

National winners will advance to the contest for the MOEy Best in Show, SPJ’s top prize.

The MOEy and two Corbin Gwaltney Awards for Best All-Around Student Newspaper, will be announced during the Sigma Delta Chi awards ceremony happening in June. This virtual event may be viewed on the SPJ YouTube channel.

The 2023 Mark of Excellence national winners are:

Print/Online

Breaking News Reporting (Large)
Students react with anger, activism after Palestinian student shot in Vermont — by Staff, The Brown Daily Herald, Brown University

Breaking News Reporting (Small)
Rutgers week long strike marks historic win for union workers — by Julia Meriney, Ruby Voge, Jessica Romero Silver, The College VOICE, Mercer County Community College

General News Reporting (Large)
Tessier-Lavigne research investigation and reporting on retractions — by Theo Baker, The Stanford Daily, Stanford University

General News Reporting (Small)
“One of the worst nights of my life” — by Gabi Morando, The Butler Collegian, Butler University

In-Depth Reporting (Large)
The long return — by Staff, Montana Native News Project/Missoulian, University of Montana

In-Depth Reporting (Small)
Alamance-Burlington schools grapple with financial strain after summer mold crisis — by Sophie Rosenthal, Elon News Network, Elon University

Feature Writing (Large)
Miami ... merged — by Lily Wahl, Taylor Stumbaugh, The Miami Student, Miami University

Feature Writing (Small)
One and only RandyLand — by Mackenzie Phillips, Off the Bluff Magazine, Duquesne University

Sports Writing (Large)
Ryland Zaborowski doesn’t let autism stop him from crushing baseballs — by Jack Schmelzinger, The Miami Student, Miami University

Sports Writing (Small)
“When I play soccer, I feel 100% completely Talia” — by Caleb Denorme, The Butler Collegian, Butler University

Editorial/Opinion Writing
Editorials — by Editorial board, The Harvard Crimson, Harvard College

General Column Writing
The green transition, Housing scarcity, Campaign finance — by Chance Phillips, The Crimson White, University of Alabama

Sports Column Writing
SportsMonday — by Nicholas Stoll, Paul Nasr, Connor Earegood, The Michigan Daily, University of Michigan

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Large)
Indiana Daily Student — by Staff, Indiana Daily Student, Indiana University

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Small)
Elon Pendulum — by Staff, The Pendulum, Elon University

Best Single-Issue Student Magazine
Scienceline KIDS — by Staff, Scienceline, New York University

Best Ongoing Student Magazine
El Espejo magazine — by Staff, El Espejo, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Best Affiliated Website
The Post — by Staff, The Post, Ohio University

Best Independent Online Student Publication
Infodemic — by Staff, Infodemic, Syracuse University

Art/Graphics/Multimedia

Breaking News Photography
Bill banning gender-affirming care for Utah minors passes — by Xiangyao “Axe” Tang, The Daily Utah Chronicle, University of Utah

General News Photography
Community remembers Arlington police officer’s life, impact — by Christine Vo, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

Feature Photography
The most eloquent prayer — by Ava Rosvold, Byline Magazine, University of Montana

Photo Essay/Slideshow
Always dancing — by Clare Grant, Elon News Network, Elon University

Illustration
Navigating student finances — by Star Neil, The Signpost, Weber State University

Photo Illustration
Warning signs of abusive relationships & where to go for help — by Fern Barber, Beaver's Digest, Oregon State University

Sports Photography
Roundup bull rider — by Ava Rosvold, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, University of Montana

Editorial Cartooning
Editorial cartoons — by Teddie Bernard, F Newsmagazine, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Best Use of Multimedia
Down to ride — by Thomas Denome, Elon News Network, Elon University

News Videography
Crowded waters: Invasive European frog-bit threatens Green Bay wildlife — by Seeger Gray, Green Bay Press-Gazette, Northwestern University

Feature Videography
Focus on the Everglades: Behind the scenes — by Finn Wilson, UMTV, University of Miami

Sports Videography
Kayaking instructor spreads love of NYC waterways — by Naoufal Enhari, NYCity News Service, City University of New York

Data Visualization
Working it out: Which gym has less traffic? — by Junwon Choi, Jessica Nguyen, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles

Audio

Radio News Reporting
‘Let’s not lose our humanity at this time’ — by Anna Colletto, KBIA, University of Missouri School of Journalism

Radio Feature
Texas archeologists team up with Indigenous communities in Paint Rock excavation — by Sheridan Wood, KACU, Abilene Christian University

Radio In-Depth Reporting
Transgender Floridians weather the political storm around their rights — by Siena Duncan, WUFT News, University of Florida

Radio Sports Reporting
Playing for something bigger — by Jordan Leonard, WAER, Syracuse University

Best All-Around Radio Newscast
Carolina Connection — by Staff, Carolina Connection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Podcast (Narrative)
Breaking the Bank: Unpacking Gen Z’s financial insecurity — by Grace Pagel, Media Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Podcast (Conversational)
'We're human beings': Homeless Chapel Hill residents ask for kindness, respect — by William Christensen, Carolina Connection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Broadcast

Television Breaking News Reporting
Tustin hangar fire — by Alexandra Coenjaerts, Tess Martinelli, Sophy Acosta, Gavin Nguyen, Chapman News, Chapman University

Television General News Reporting
Purple for Mackinzie — by Ophelie Jacobson, WUFT News, University of Florida

Television Feature Reporting
A woman's journey from addict to caregiver — by Bella Zafer, Cassis Tingley, DU Media, University of Denver

Television In-Depth Reporting
Food insecurity — by Metia Carroll, Haylee Kennedy, Erin Rogers, Ella Wales, LSU Tiger TV, Louisiana State University

Television Sports Reporting
The Anthony Robles story — by Noelle Blumel, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

Best All-Around Television Newscast
UATV — by Staff, UATV News, University of Arkansas

Best All-Around Television News Magazine
Carolina Week — by Staff, Carolina Week, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

All Platforms

Arts/Entertainment/Fashion Journalism
Behind the curtains: Theatre production sparks outrage and community disapproval — by Kloe Witt, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans

Campus Reporting
Wrongful death lawsuit, dining contracts, etc. — by Sean Scott, The Miami Student, Miami University

Collaborative Journalism
America after Roe — by Staff, Carnegie-Knight News21, Arizona State University and other schools

Cultural Criticism
Wahidi's what's happening — by Safa Wahidi, The Emory Wheel, Emory University

Food/Restaurant Journalism
Momos as a form of resistance — by Sajina Shrestha, AudioFiles, City University of New York

Investigative Reporting
Dead Wrong — by Staff, NYCity News Service, City University of New York

Regional Political Reporting
Texas' DEI reporting — by Drew Shaw, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

Retail/Small Business Journalism
South Bronx businesses battle back — by Staff, NYCity News Service, City University of New York

Science/Environment/Climate Reporting
Assets to axes: How Harvard’s land investments inspired fear in Brazil’s Cerrado — by Sazi T. Bongwe, Jade Lozada, The Harvard Crimson, Harvard College

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

-END-

SPJ condemns arrest of freelance reporter at UCLA and demands charges be dropped

Mon, 6 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Caroline Hendrie, SPJ Executive Director, chendrie@hq.spj.org
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists condemns today’s arrest of freelance journalist Sean Beckner-Carmitchel at the University of California, Los Angeles and demands that authorities immediately drop a criminal charge against him.

Beckner-Carmitchel was arrested Monday morning while recording video as police detained dozens of UCLA protesters in a parking structure. Beckner-Carmitchel faces a charge of misdemeanor conspiracy to commit a crime.

“This unwarranted arrest flagrantly violates Sean’s First Amendment right to film police and protesters on public property,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “It was to curb exactly this sort of over-reaction by law enforcement officials that a coalition of journalism organizations, media unions and First Amendment advocacy groups pushed successfully for California’s Senate Bill 98, which Governor Newsom signed into law two years ago.”

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

-END-

SPJ-led coalition demands Texas authorities drop charges against photojournalist Carlos Sanchez

Wed, 1 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Caroline Hendrie, SPJ Executive Director, chendrie@hq.spj.org
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists has assembled a coalition of 43 signatories, including journalism organizations, First Amendment advocacy groups and media unions, all calling on the Texas Department of Public Safety to abandon its misguided pursuit of criminal charges against photojournalist Carlos Sanchez, who was arrested while covering protests at the University of Texas at Austin.

“We, organizations that collectively represent and advocate on behalf of thousands of journalists, strongly urge the county attorney to decline prosecution of these charges and denounce authorities’ handling and escalation of the underlying incident. In addition to preventing a journalist from reporting the news as it was happening, their actions exert a chilling effect on reporters covering protests and law enforcement’s response to them, both during and beyond the current wave of campus demonstrations,” the statement says.

The statement is also being sent to the Travis County Attorney, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

-END-

Region 8 Mark of Excellence Awards 2023 winners announced

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Lou Harry, SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards, lharry@spj.org
Nadia Gordon, SPJ Communications Coordinator, ngordon@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes the best collegiate journalism in Region 8 with 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards winners.

SPJ’s Region 8 comprises Oklahoma and Texas. First-place winners will compete at the national level among other MOE winners from the 12 SPJ regions.

National winners will be notified in the late spring.

MOE Awards entries are judged by professionals with at least three years of journalism experience. Judges were directed to choose entries they felt were among the best in student journalism. If no entry rose to the level of excellence, no award was given. Any category not listed has no winner.

School divisions are based on student enrollment, including both graduate and undergraduate: Large schools have at least 10,000 students and small schools have 9,999 or fewer students.

The list below details all Region 8 winners. If you have any questions regarding the MOE Awards, contact SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards Lou Harry by email.

This list reflects the spelling and titles submitted in the award entries.

Print/Online

Breaking News Reporting (Large)
Winner: One student killed, another injured at high school — by Drew Shaw, Christine Vo, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Swatting incident — by Staff, OU Daily, University of Oklahoma

Breaking News Reporting (Small)
Winner: Student reports aggravated assault in overflow housing — by Xochilt Garcia, Ashley Khamtrashyan, The Mesquite, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Finalist: New college named for Onsteads through $25 million gift — by Jaylynn Ward, The Optimist, Abilene Christian University
Finalist: Baylor caught cheating, Tamusa Chess team awarded first place — by Matthew "Moose" Lopez, The Mesquite, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

General News Reporting (Large)
Winner: Triumph over torture — by Fatimah Azeem, Andre Averion, The Mercury, University of Texas at Dallas
Finalist: First day of testimony centers on sexual assault scandal, Title IX policies — by Jenna Fitzgerald, The Baylor Lariat, Baylor University
Finalist: First day of testimony centers on sexual assault scandal, Title IX policies — by Jenna Fitzgerald, The Baylor Lariat, Baylor University

General News Reporting (Small)
Winner: Zoo Day celebrates partnership with A&M-San Antonio, deadline for zoo internships Dec. 1 — by Beatriz Pizarro, The Mesquite, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Finalist: Title IX hands out multitools with pocket knives as part of 'swag' merch at resource fair — by Ashley Khamtrashyan, Xochilt Garcia, Ally Gonzales, The Mesquite, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

In-Depth Reporting (Large)
Winner: Value of a college degree — by Karoline Leonard, OU Daily, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: SMU archives reveal painful past — by Emma McRae, The Daily Campus, Southern Methodist University
Finalist: Joyless: Amusement park liquidation underway, owner recalls past — by Reece Nations, The Hub@TTU, Texas Tech

Feature Writing (Large)
Winner: A way of life': A walk through Mission Arlington’s humble history, major impact — by Isaac Appelt, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Remembering the Cookie Queen — by Karoline Leonard, OU Daily, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: The Sun God: Behind the man, myth, legend — by Brianna Chavez, The University Star, Texas State University

Feature Writing (Small)
Winner: Communication lecturer shines light on mental health awareness, meditation — by Natalie Tristan, The Mesquite, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Finalist: How tough are ya? — by Dylan Villalon, El Espejo, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Sports Writing (Large)
Winner: Born to ride — by Jonathan Perriello, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Trick plays, T’Vondre Sweat lead Texas to Big 12 Title over Oklahoma State — by Lindsey Plotkin, The Daily Texan, University of Texas at Austin
Finalist: World Series fuels excitement — by Isaac Appelt, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

Sports Writing (Small)
Winner: Football earns nearly $1 million in contract guarantees from 2023 season — by Will Dalton, The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

Editorial/Opinion Writing
Winner: Editorials — by Staff, The University Star, Texas State University
Finalist: Editorials — by Dang Le, Chris Huddleston, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

General Column Writing
Winner: The Shorthorn's column portfolio — by Ronaldo Bolaños, Deekota Diaz, Sam Salabit, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Statues, singers and a political cliff — by George Schroeder, Sarah Gallaher, Emma Weidmann, The Baylor Lariat, Baylor University
Finalist: Opinion columns — by Diya Contractor, Trinitonian, Trinity University

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Large)
Winner: The Daily Texan — by Staff, The Daily Texan, University of Texas at Austin
Finalist: The Mercury — by Staff, The Mercury, University of Texas at Dallas
Finalist: The Collegian — by Staff, The Collegian, Tarrant County College

Best Ongoing Student Magazine
Winner: El Espejo magazine — by Staff, El Espejo, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Finalist: SMU Look — by Staff, SMU Look, Southern Methodist University

Best Affiliated Web Site
Winner: OUDaily.com — by Jillian Taylor, Colton Sulley, Karoline Leonard, OU Daily, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: The University Star Online — by Staff, The University Star, Texas State University
Finalist: The Collegian website — by Staff, The Collegian, Tarrant County College

Best Independent Online Student Publication
Winner: The Hub@TTU — by Staff, The Hub@TTU, Texas Tech University

Art/Graphics/Multimedia

Breaking News Photography
Winner: Protestors disrupt student government — by Joel Solis, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: UTA Police arrest suspect for criminal trespass — by Christine Vo, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: San Marcos under flash flood warning — by Kobe Arriaga, The University Star, Texas State University

General News Photography
Winner: Community remembers Arlington police officer’s life, impact — by Christine Vo, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: TCC student leaders take Austin — by Alex Hoben, The Collegian, Tarrant County College
Finalist: Chess team’s historic run ends in the finals — by Tim Danger Ramos, The Mesquite, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Feature Photography
Winner: Powwow uplifts Native American culture — by Ronaldo Bolaños, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Sing Song senior act — by Daniel Curd, The Optimist, Abilene Christian University
Finalist: Indian Culture Association hosted the Holi Festival of Color — by Daniel Curd, The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

Photo Essay/Slideshow
Winner: 2023 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: Texas State vs. Rice University — by Kobe Arriaga, The University Star, Texas State University
Finalist: Goin' Band embarks on Macy's Day Parade — by Jacob Lujan, Marianna Souriall, The Daily Toreador/dailytoreador.com, Texas Tech University
Finalist: Preserving paradise in pictures — by Ronaldo Bolaños, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

Illustration
Winner: Asian cinema — by Claudia Humphrey, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Hispanic Heritage Month — by Cristina Del Coro Trio, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Hands on horticulture — by Markus Meneses, The Collegian, Tarrant County College

Photo Illustration
Winner: Beauty industry — by Kelsey Wells, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

Sports Photography
Winner: Texas State upends Baylor — by Ken Prabhakar, The Baylor Lariat, Baylor University
Finalist: Disbelief and relief — by Ronaldo Bolaños, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Saints send the Jags home; OLLU showers A&M-San Antonio with home runs — by Tim Danger Ramos, The Mesquite, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Best Use of Multimedia
Winner: Texas State upends Baylor — by Michael Haag, George Schroeder, Ken Prabhakar, The Baylor Lariat, Baylor University
Finalist: Miss Juneteenth — by Christine Vo, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Trump launches 2024 campaign in Waco — by Caitlyn Meisner, Luke Lattanzi, Ken Prabhakar, Jessica Rajkumar, The Baylor Lariat, Baylor University

Feature Videography
Winner: Valley brush strokes — by Camilo Diaz, Jr., VocesdelaComunidad.com, University of North Texas

Audio

Radio News Reporting
Winner: Council approves new library policy — by Athena Triantopoulos, KACU, Abilene Christian University

Radio Feature
Winner: Texas archeologists team up with Indigenous communities in Paint Rock excavation — by Sheridan Wood, KACU, Abilene Christian University
Finalist: Two 81-year-old best friends have begun their expedition around the world — by Paige Taylor, KACU, Abilene Christian University

Radio In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Texas adolescents need more access to mental healthcare — by Sammantha Gutierrez, KACU, Abilene Christian University
Finalist: West Texas landowners can get federal money to clear invasive plants to fight drought — by Sheridan Wood, KACU, Abilene Christian University

Podcast (Conversational)
Winner: The Pony Pod — by Katie Bergelin, The Daily Campus, Southern Methodist University

Broadcast

Television General News Reporting
Winner: Boxed-In: Improving storm shelters — by Carson Sanders, Gaylord In-depth, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: Language barrier-storm warnings for Spanish speakers — by Kevin Palomino, Gaylord In-depth, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: The College Tour premiere — by Khalaya Coleman, LUTV News, Lamar University

Television Feature Reporting
Winner: Parents keep child's memory alive ten years after school tornado — by Sydney Price, Gaylord In-depth, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: Milk Mondays — by Claire Goodyear, Lariat TV News, Baylor University
Finalist: Recognizing greatness — by Taylor Justice, LUTV News and Media Online, Lamar University

Television Sports Reporting
Winner: Crypto's final frontier — by Austin Hedgecoth, DCTV, University of North Texas

Television Sports Reporting
Winner: The dark side of sports betting — by Alex Weister, DCTV, University of North Texas
Finalist: Texas State upends Baylor — by George Schroeder, Lariat TV News, Baylor University

Best All-Around Television News Magazine
Winner: Hell in the Heartland: 10 Years — by Staff, Gaylord In-depth, University of Oklahoma

All Platform

Arts/Entertainment/Fashion Journalism
Winner: Fashion goals — by Bo Rubenstein, SMU Look, Southern Methodist University
Finalist: Students focus on a different kind of paperwork with Crafty Jaguars and ACM — by Bryan Lopez, The Mesquite, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Finalist: Mural sparks public arts' conversation — by Jonathan Perriello, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

Campus Reporting
Winner: Campus reporting from The Daily Texan — by Samantha Greyson, The Daily Texan, University of Texas at Austin
Finalist: Renaming Woolf Hall — by José Romero, Franceska ‘Wolf’ Isaly, Jonathan Perriello, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Campus shuts down, employees step up — by Dang Le, Mandy Huynh, Jonathan Perriello, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

Cultural Criticism
Winner: Columns — by Dang Le, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

Food/Restaurant Journalism
Winner: From Scratch — by Jonathan Perriello, Leo Rosas, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

Investigative Reporting
Winner: Thinking Theta? Think again. — by Ellis Rold, The Daily Campus, Southern Methodist University
Finalist: Vice president solicited gifts — by Dang Le, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

Regional Political Reporting
Winner: Texas' DEI reporting — by Drew Shaw, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Finalist: Voters’ guide: Propositions 1-14 — by Mesquite Contributing Writers, Jemareon Moore, The Mesquite, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Retail/Small Business Journalism
Winner: Egg prices doubled — by Jonathan Perriello, The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

-END-

Region 12 Mark of Excellence Awards 2023 winners announced

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Lou Harry, SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards, lharry@spj.org
Nadia Gordon, SPJ Communications Coordinator, ngordon@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes the best collegiate journalism in Region 12 with 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards winners.

SPJ’s Region 12 comprises Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. First-place winners will compete at the national level among other MOE winners from the 12 SPJ regions.

National winners will be notified in the late spring.

MOE Awards entries are judged by professionals with at least three years of journalism experience. Judges were directed to choose entries they felt were among the best in student journalism. If no entry rose to the level of excellence, no award was given. Any category not listed has no winner.

School divisions are based on student enrollment, including both graduate and undergraduate: Large schools have at least 10,000 students and small schools have 9,999 or fewer students.

The list below details all Region 12 winners. If you have any questions regarding the MOE Awards, contact SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards Lou Harry by email.

This list reflects the spelling and titles submitted in the award entries.

Print/Online

Breaking News Reporting (Large)
Winner: Breaking: Seven dead after Covenant School shooting in Green Hills — by Aaditi Lele, Katherine Oung, Rachael Perrotta, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University

Breaking News Reporting (Small)
Winner: Pro-Palestine protest met with opposition — by Eloise Pickering, Maria DiFelice, The Maroon Online, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: Saturday's McNeese vs. Northwestern State homecoming game canceled — by Kelsea Ernst, The Poke Press, McNeese State University
Finalist: Former governor announces presidential run — by Delaney Reaves, Gillian Bunting, NWACC Eagle View blogsite, Northwest Arkansas Community College

General News Reporting (Large)
Winner: Voter turnout in Georgia and Louisiana — by Staff, LA Illuminator, Louisiana State University
Finalist: Mississippi State students from Amory reflect on tornado's devastation — by Pam Dankins, Daily Journal, Mississippi State University

General News Reporting (Small)
Winner: Gil named McNeese's first Rhodes Scholar finalist — by Kelsea Ernst, The Poke Press, McNeese State University
Finalist: Loyola’s only Black English professor says his dismissal feels targeted — by Macie Batson, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: Loyola program works to overturn wrongful convictions — by Ava Acharya, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans

In-Depth Reporting (Large)
Winner: Tennessee gun laws: What you need to know — by Katherine Oung, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University
Finalist: Community crushed by LGBTQ+ censorship — by Erica Wilson, Hill magazine, University of Arkansas
Finalist: The fatal shooting of Milton X Scott — by Myracle Lewis, Amelia Gabor, Birdie O'Connell, Verite News, Louisiana State University

Feature Writing (Large)
Winner: ‘Elevate the people on the ground’: Dining employee reflects on Vanderbilt experience — by Brina Ratangee, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University
Finalist: The making of 'Sister Cindy' — by Cross Harris, Reveille/LSUReveille.com, Louisiana State University
Finalist: No Adderall, no answers — by Katherine Taylor, Hill magazine, University of Arkansas

Sports Writing (Large)
Winner: Freshmen professional amputee soccer players kick expectations to the curb — by Reagan Netherland, Arkansas Traveler, University of Arkansas
Finalist: Why Mwani Wilkinson stayed the course through program overhaul and injury: 'I'm a winner' — by Peter Rauterkus, Reveille | LSUReveille.com, Louisiana State University
Finalist: Full circle: How perspective and humility helped Ken Seals regain the starting quarterback position — by Andrew Wilf, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University

Sports Writing (Small)
Winner: Students revive Loyola fútbol club after 10+ years — by Matthew Richards, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: Women’s basketball starts season with new faces — by Matthew Richards, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: Former Loyola athlete opens up about mental health struggles — by Eve McFarland, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans

Editorial/Opinion Writing
Winner: Opinion columns — by Isabella LaRue, Arkansas Traveler, University of Arkansas
Finalist: Editorials — by Mark Michel, Patrick Hamilton, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: Grappling with school shootings and mental heath — by Noah Weitzel, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University

General Column Writing
Winner: Columns — by Isabella LaRue, Arkansas Traveler, University of Arkansas

Sports Column Writing
Winner: Commodore Brunch — by Andrew Wilf, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University
Finalist: Columns — by Jason Willis, Reveille/ LSUReveille.com, Louisiana State University

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Large)
Winner: The Reflector — by Staff, The Reflector, Mississippi State University
Finalist: Arkansas Traveler — by Staff, Arkansas Traveler, University of Arkansas

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Small)
Winner: The Maroon — by Staff, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans

Best Ongoing Student Magazine
Winner: Hill Magazine — by Staff, Hill magazine, University of Arkansas

Best Affiliated Web Site
Winner: The Maroon Online — by Staff, The Maroon Online, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: Reflector online — by Staff, The Reflector, Mississippi State University
Finalist: Arkansas Traveler — by Staff, Arkansas Traveler, University of Arkansas

Best Independent Online Student Publication
Winner: The Vanderbilt Hustler — by Staff, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University

Art/Graphics/Multimedia

General News Photography
Winner: Like scenes from a battlefield — by Eli Stokes, Hill magazine, University of Arkansas

Feature Photography
Winner: Community aims to take back the night — by Sophia Renzi, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans

Photo Essay/Slideshow
Winner: Nashville community rallies downtown, at Fisk University after Covenant School shooting — by Barrie Barto, Nikita Rohila, Amelia Simpson, Katherine Oung, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University
Finalist: 10 things Mississippi State students can't live without — by Laura Parsley, Bulldog Online Newsroom, Mississippi State University

Illustration
Winner: Orientation Edition Front Page — by Bryce Yzaguirre, The Reflector, Mississippi State University

Photo Illustration
Winner: No Adderall, no answers — by Erika Fredericks, Hill magazine, University of Arkansas

Sports Photography
Winner: Students revive Loyola fútbol club after 10+ years — by Sophia Renzi, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: Vanderbilt narrowly passes by UNC Greensboro 74-70 — by Josh Rehders, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University
Finalist: Hogs fall after brutal brawl against BYU — by Alfonso Jaubert, Arkansas Traveler, University of Arkansas

Best Use of Multimedia
Winner: Class of 2023: The senior survey — by Staff, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University
Finalist: NWACC Eagle View first e-pub — by Samantha McClain, staff, NWACC Eagle View blogsite, Northwest Arkansas Community College
Finalist: Lipscomb kicks off the holiday season with 19th annual Lighting of the Green — by Anastasiia Boldyreva, Brandon Bigsby, Gracey Parnell, Herd Media, Lipscomb University

Audio

Radio News Reporting
Winner: AI in education — by Amelia Bridges, KLSU, Louisiana State University

Radio Sports Reporting
Winner: Lady Tigers superfan Stan Douglas — by Patricia Caputo, KLSU, Louisiana State University
Finalist: Jayden Daniels at Heisman ceremony — by Andre Champagne, KLSU, Louisiana State University
Finalist: LSU Lady Tigers going to the Sweet 16 — by Patricia Caputo, KLSU, Louisiana State University

Podcast (Narrative)
Winner: Hearts and Clubs — by Patrick Kelly, UATV News, University of Arkansas

Broadcast

Television Breaking News Reporting
Winner: Rolling Fork tornado, Biden visit — by A.C. Barker, NewsWatch Ole Miss, University of Mississippi

Television General News Reporting
Winner: Road safety — by Adam Guttuso, LSU Tiger TV, Louisiana State University
Finalist: Rolling Fork tornado aftermath - Housing crisis — by Celeste Lay, NewsWatch Ole Miss, University of Mississippi
Finalist: Efforts continue to appease doubles-to-dorms — by James Hufnagel, The Maroon Online, Loyola University New Orleans

Television Feature Reporting
Winner: Alumni becoming employees — by Brandon Bigsby, Herd Media, Lipscomb University
Finalist: Women's self defense — by Camryn Johnson, UATV News, University of Arkansas
Finalist: Bass fishing — by Kye Kocher, UATV News, University of Arkansas

Television In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Food insecurity — by Metia Carroll, Haylee Kennedy, Erin Rogers, Ella Wales, LSU Tiger TV, Louisiana State University

Television Sports Reporting
Winner: Love purple, win gold — by Adam Guttuso, LSU Tiger TV, Louisiana State University
Finalist: Cheer World Championship — by Lakyra Banks, UATV News, University of Arkansas
Finalist: Football diversity — by Patrick Hall, UATV News, University of Arkansas

Best All-Around Television Newscast
Winner: UATV — by Staff, UATV News, University of Arkansas
Finalist: Tiger TV Newsbeat — by Staff, LSU Tiger TV, Louisiana State University

Best All-Around Television News Magazine
Winner: Sports Extra — by Staff, Herd Media, Lipscomb University

All Platform

Arts/Entertainment/Fashion Journalism
Winner: Behind the curtains: Theatre production sparks outrage and community disapproval — by Kloe Witt, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans

Campus Reporting
Winner: Faculty members upset with new IT policies and other stories — by John Buzbee, Reveille | LSUReveille.com, Louisiana State University
Finalist: Students struggle to enroll in core and required classes — by Kloe Witt, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: Vanderbilt drops in US News rankings — by Rachael Perrotta, The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University

Cultural Criticism
Winner: Christmas movie reviews — by Morgan Nunley, NWACC Eagle View blogsite, Northwest Arkansas Community College
Finalist: Loyola TAD takes the stage with satirical musical 'Urinetown' — by Mia Oliva, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: Film reviews — by Mia Oliva, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans

Food/Restaurant Journalism
Winner: Dearth of breakfast options at LSU — by Staff, Reveille | LSUReveille.com, Louisiana State University

Regional Political Reporting
Winner: Orleans Parish suffers low voter turnout — by Jacob L'Hommedieu, The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

-END-

SPJ demands Texas Department of Public Safety drop charges and arrest warrant against Fox 7 News photojournalist

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists demands the felony assault charge against Carlos Sanchez, a Fox 7 Austin photographer arrested while covering protests at the University of Texas Austin, be dropped immediately. Sanchez was originally charged with criminal trespass but the charges were dropped last Thursday upon his release from jail.

“It’s crystal clear from every angle of videos capturing the incident that Sanchez did not intentionally hit anyone while covering protests at the University of Texas at Austin last week,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “This is such a dangerous escalation by the Texas Department of Public Safety, and it feels like the agency is trying to send a message to journalists across the state who are covering this highly publicized and developing story.”

SPJ continues to call on all law enforcement agencies to allow journalists to report on this developing story without interference.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

-END-

SPJ condemns arrest of Fox 7 News photojournalist, calls for law enforcement to allow journalists to report without interference

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SPJ National President, ashanti.blaize@gmail.com
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — As more protests take place at college campuses across the country, the Society of Professional Journalists reminds law enforcement that journalists should be allowed to cover the story without interference and condemns the arrest of a Fox 7 News photojournalist at Wednesday’s University of Texas protest. SPJ demands that the Texas Department of Public Safety drop all charges against the photographer immediately.

“It is absolutely abhorrent that journalists are being arrested and harmed while doing their jobs,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “This is a clear violation of the First Amendment. SPJ stands with all journalists in their efforts to seek truth and report it, a commanding principle in the SPJ Code of Ethics.”

For journalists covering the protests, SPJ offers several resources such as the SPJ Toolbox, the SPJ Code of Ethics, the SPJ Ethics Hotline and the SPJ MMJ Safety Guidelines. Journalists on the scene should team up with other journalists, look out for each other, have an escape route, and if you begin to feel unsafe, leave. No story is worth being injured or worse, so please do not take unnecessary risks as you are covering these volatile stories.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

-END-

Region 3 Mark of Excellence Awards 2023 winners announced

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Lou Harry, SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards, lharry@spj.org
Kimberly Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes the best collegiate journalism in Region 3 with 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards winners.

SPJ’s Region 3 comprises Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. First-place winners will compete at the national level among other MOE winners from the 12 SPJ regions.

National winners will be notified in the late spring.

MOE Awards entries are judged by professionals with at least three years of journalism experience. Judges were directed to choose entries they felt were among the best in student journalism. If no entry rose to the level of excellence, no award was given. Any category not listed has no winner.

School divisions are based on student enrollment, including both graduate and undergraduate: Large schools have at least 10,000 students and small schools have 9,999 or fewer students.

The list below details all Region 3 winners. If you have any questions regarding the MOE Awards, contact SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards Lou Harry by email.

This list reflects the spelling and titles submitted in the award entries.

Print/Online

Breaking News Reporting (Large)
Winner: Pilot of small plane who died in crash pleaded for help in final moments: ‘I’m losing altitude’ — by Gabriel Velasquez Neira, WUFT, University of Florida
Finalist: Idalia survivor of storm’s fury near landfall: ‘Don’t ever want to go through that again’ — by Jack Lemnus, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida

Breaking News Reporting (Small)
Winner: University president denounces 'antisemitic' rhetoric at campus protest — by Sarah Davis, Jack Rutherford, Matthew Chupack, The Emory Wheel, Emory University

General News Reporting (Large)
Winner: Will new regulations mean fewer Airbnbs in Columbia? — by Camdyn Bruce, The Carolina News & Reporter, University of South Carolina
Finalist: UF to spend $300,000 on new pool for incoming university president — by Emma Behrman, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida
Finalist: Linnentown lives on: Demolished neighborhood’s fight for redress and recognition — by Jesse Wood, The Red & Black, The University of Georgia

General News Reporting (Small)
Winner: Eckerd tightens budget as costs rise — by Grey Curcio, Triton Publications, Eckerd College
Finalist: Biden calls for stronger voting rights in Selma — by Emily Mosier, The Tropolitan, Troy University
Finalist: Transgender Eckerd students ‘carded’ in bathroom at New College; Eckerd community protests … — by Grey Curcio, Triton Publications, Eckerd College

In-Depth Reporting (Large)
Winner: Teacher vacancies and school leadership can go hand-in-hand — by Madelyn Weston, The Carolina News & Reporter, University of South Carolina
Finalist: Learning to think outside the box — by Allison Mawn, Personal website; The Red & Black, University of Georgia
Finalist: Remembering Devin: Loved ones keep the memory of No. 77 alive — by Dawn Sawyer, The Red & Black, The University of Georgia

In-Depth Reporting (Small)
Winner: Athletes struggle with pressures and mental health — by Sydney Preston, Flagler College Gargoyle, Flagler College
Finalist: Eckerd College students want more safe spaces to discuss Israel-Hamas War — by Hanna Kobs, Triton Publications, Eckerd College, Eckerd College

Feature Writing (Large)
Winner: White man to be sentenced for recent, racially motivated attack at site of massacre of Black resident — by Jack Lemnus, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida
Finalist: Retired cop never forgot unsolved case, helped convict rapist decades later — by Alexa Herrera, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida
Finalist: Patience and perseverance: The story behind Athens’ rainbow crosswalk — by Maddie Brechtel, The Red & Black, The University of Georgia

Feature Writing (Small)
Winner: Fashion Your Seatbelts: Decades of fashion and its significance at Eckerd College — by Nicole Vogler, Triton Publications, Eckerd College
Finalist: No regrets: Elizabeth Montavon pro water skier learns to live with an autoimmune disease — by Gabby Alfveby, Flagler College Gargoyle, Flagler College
Finalist: Food insecurity — by Chloe Smith, Flagler College Gargoyle, Flagler College

Sports Writing (Large)
Winner: New group emerges to pay UF athletes; Gator Collective dissolves after mishandled QB deal — by Aidan Bush, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida
Finalist: A silent journey: Gamecocks volleyball star excels despite being born deaf — by Dylan Jackson, The Carolina News & Reporter, University of South Carolina
Finalist: Doris Lemngole's 'improbable' journey — by Theodore Fernandez, The Crimson White, University of Alabama

Sports Writing (Small)
Winner: Black student-athlete group to ‘bridge the gap,’ empower Emory athletes — by Claire Fenton, The Emory Wheel, Emory University
Finalist: Micro tussle, big hustle: Changing perspectives on micro wrestling — by Carter Weinhofer, Ian Shepperd, Triton Publications, Eckerd College
Finalist: Team setting helps BRAVE Project run deep for athletes — by Mary Harrison, Campus Carrier, Berry College

Editorial/Opinion Writing
Winner: The Independent Florida Alligator — by Editorial Board, The Independent Florida Alligator, University of Florida
Finalist: Electoral Ellie — by Ellie Fivas, Sophia Peyser, The Emory Wheel, Emory University

General Column Writing
Winner: Columns — by Chance Phillips, The Crimson White, University of Alabama

Sports Column Writing
Winner: Title IX 50th anniversary reflections from a female collegiate athlete — by Pilar Rossi, The Emory Wheel, Emory University

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Large)
Winner: The Red & Black — by Staff, The Red & Black, The University of Georgia
Finalist: The Current — by Staff, The Current / Mako Media Network, Nova Southeastern University
Finalist: The Independent Florida Alligator — by Staff, The Independent Florida Alligator, University of Florida

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Small)
Winner: The Emory Wheel — by The Emory Wheel staff, The Emory Wheel, Emory University

Best Ongoing Student Magazine
Winner: Distraction Magazine — by Staff, Distraction Magazine, University of Miami
Finalist: SCAN Magazine — by Staff, SCAD Connector/SCAN Magazine, Savannah College of Art and Design- Atlanta
Finalist: Muse — by Staff, Alice Magazine, University of Alabama

Best Affiliated Web Site
Winner: SCAD Connector — by Staff, SCAD Connector, Savannah College of Art and Design-Atlanta
Finalist: Mako News — by Staff, Mako News/Mako Media Network, Nova Southeastern University

Best Independent Online Student Publication
Winner: Viking Fusion — by Staff, Viking Fusion, Berry College
Finalist: Flagler College Gargoyle — by Staff, Flagler College Gargoyle, Flagler College

Art/Graphics/Multimedia

Breaking News Photography
Winner: Israel rally — by Augustus Hoff, WUFT News, University of Florida

General News Photography
Winner: Gun laws — by Augustus Hoff, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: Childcare closure — by Azhalia Pottinger, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: Gaza rally — by Gabriel Velasquez-Neira, WUFT News, University of Florida

Feature Photography
Winner: Homecoming parade sights and sounds — by Valentina Sarmiento, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: 2023 Gator fly-in — by Rae Riiska, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: A wave of one — by Ethan Goddard, WUFT News, University of Florida

Photo Essay/Slideshow
Winner: Alumni: Then and now — by Alya Khoury, Hayley Powers, The Emory Wheel, Emory University
Finalist: Brilliantly beautiful: Learning to love yourself ‘flaws’ and all — by Hallie Cowan Barrera, Triton Publications, Eckerd College
Finalist: Slept on Eastside — by Trey Johnson, WUFT News, University of Florida

Illustration
Winner: Who can have the American dream? — by Annika Harley, Evian Le, Fon Limsomwong, SCAN Magazine, Savannah College of Art and Design-Atlanta
Finalist: Save our schools — by Rachel Farinas, Distraction Magazine, University of Miami

Photo Illustration
Winner: Retail in the Vista – a balance or imbalance? — by Sophia Laico, The Carolina News & Reporter, University of South Carolina

Sports Photography
Winner: 4th and 31 — by Riley Thompson, The Crimson White, University of Alabama
Finalist: A moment with the Sabans — by Natalie Teat, The Crimson White, University of Alabama
Finalist: Trevor Etienne — by Gabriel Velasquez-Neira, WUFT News, University of Florida

Best Use of Multimedia
Winner: Behind the bet: Stories of illegal sports betting on the University of Florida’s campus — by Alexis Ashby, WUFT, University of Florida

News Videography
Winner: Inside ICAC — by Chris Will, WUFT News, University of Florida

Feature Videography
Winner: Focus on the Everglades: Behind the scenes — by Finn Wilson, UMTV, University of Miami
Finalist: UF Turf team — by Chris Will, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: Ace of Augusta: Wheeler's all-American two-year career at AU — by Rachel Carman, Augusta Business Daily, Augusta University

Audio

Radio Feature
Winner: UF IDF reservists deploy to Israel — by Ailee Shanes, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: A symphony for Mom: Darkness to light — by Brendan Bryan, TROY Public Radio, Troy University

Radio In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Transgender Floridians weather the political storm around their rights — by Siena Duncan, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: Helen of TROY: A look at equitable campus representation — by Emily Mosier, TROY Public Radio, Troy University

Best All-Around Radio Newscast
Winner: The Point Newscast — by Serra Sowers, WUFT News, University of Florida

Podcast (Narrative)
Winner: Georgia v. Foster — by Grace Snell, Viking Fusion, Berry College
Finalist: From athlete to ironman — by Kelsi Mauzy, Kelsi Mauzy, Furman University
Finalist: One More Time — by Meghan Bowman, USF Z News, University of South Florida

Podcast (Conversational)
Winner: Mad Melodies — by Marissa Lacey, Jaelanne Thomas, TROY Public Radio, Troy University
Finalist: The Sports Squad — by Carlos Rodriguez, The Bell Ringer/The Sports Squad, Augusta University
Finalist: Clifton Culture — by Staff, The Emory Wheel, Emory University

Broadcast

Television Breaking News Reporting
Winner: Apartment complex delays move in — by Kennedy Mason, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: Hurricane Idalia preps — by Chris Will, WUFT News, University of Florida

Television General News Reporting
Winner: Purple for Mackinzie — by Ophelie Jacobson, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: UF releases panic video, reveals threat — by Loren Miranda, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: Ukrainians hold rally in South Florida — by Anna Coon, UMTV, University of Miami

Television Feature Reporting
Winner: The 12th man — by Emmanuel Naccarato, UMTV, University of Miami
Finalist: History of the Florida Everglades — by Derryl Barnes, Embrik Eyles, UMTV, University of Miami

Television In-Depth Reporting
Winner: How oil drilling has affected the Florida Everglades — by Embrik Eyles, Finn Wilson, UMTV, University of Miami
Finalist: Inside ICAC — by Chris Will, WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: Life beyond height: Little people’s struggle to access public buildings — by Laura Palfrey, Jasmine Arocha, Sheetal Bahadursingh, Caplin News, Florida International University

Television Sports Reporting
Winner: UF turf team — by Chris Will, University of Florida
Finalist: Using protective vests in equestrian sport — by Morgan Champey, University of Miami
Finalist: Harper's Race — by Ryan Marshall, University of Miami

Best All-Around Television Newscast
Winner: NewsVision — by Maddie Bassalik, Katelyn Kucharski, Finn Wilson, Darrel Creary, UMTV, University of Miami
Finalist: First at Five — by Staff, WUFT News, University of Florida

Best All-Around Television News Magazine
Winner: Focus on the Florida Everglades — by Staff, UMTV, University of Miami

All Platform

Arts/Entertainment/Fashion Journalism
Winner: Fashion Section — by Staff, Distraction Magazine, University of Miami
Finalist: ‘Teach Me a Song:’ Indigenous music and art installation at Crisp Ellert — by Sara Orr, Flagler College Gargoyle, Flagler College

Campus Reporting
Winner: Laney graduate students vote to unionize — by Madi Olivier, Ilah Ross, The Emory Wheel, Emory University
Finalist: How women protect themselves on campus and other columns — by Lindsay Capps, Knightly News, Furman University
Finalist: Here’s a full timeline of the chaos at the Turlington Plaza vigil for Israel — by Serra Sowers, WUFT, University of Florida

Cultural Criticism
Winner: Wahidi's What's Happening — by Safa Wahidi, The Emory Wheel, Emory University
Finalist: The Culture: Roundtable dialogue — by Melanie Lowe, Nia Williams, Laila Pettus, Beluchi Ibe, UMTV, University of Miami
Finalist: SCAD Manor — by Staff, SCAD Manor, Savannah College of Art and Design

Investigative Reporting
Winner: Underage drinking in a college town: How strictly should police, prosecutors enforce laws? — by Troy Myers, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida
Finalist: Redondo condo? GOP candidate wins state House race in South Florida amid questions over district res — by Silas Morgan, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida
Finalist: ‘Stop being racist:’ Tickets for loud music nearly 3 times more likely for Black drivers under new Florida law — by Meghan McGlone, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida

Regional Political Reporting
Winner: Former death row inmates slam new Florida law making it easier to impose capital punishment — by Carissa Allen, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida
Finalist: ‘Ain’t seen nothing yet’: DeSantis touts making Florida attractive destination, largely tempers fire — by Makiya Seminera, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida
Finalist: Then and now: How DeSantis’ State of State speeches have changed — by Makiya Seminera, Fresh Take Florida/WUFT, University of Florida

Retail/Small Business Journalism
Winner: Huizenga College promotes student entrepreneurs — by Ronald Martinez, Nicole Shaker, Daja Long, The Current/Mako Media Network, Nova Southeastern University

Science/Environment/Climate Reporting
Winner: Sustainability race — by Elijah Poritzky, Knightly News, Furman University
Finalist: Crews bust 'ghost traps' that kill lobsters, crabs in Biscayne Bay. They hauled out a ton — by Alan Halaly, The Miami Herald, University of Florida
Finalist: Hurricanes and Nor’easters taking their toll on St. Johns County coastline — by Megan Churchill, Flagler College Gargoyle, Flagler College

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

-END-

Region 11 Mark of Excellence Awards 2023 winners announced

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

CONTACT:
Lou Harry, SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards, lharry@spj.org
Kimberly Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes the best collegiate journalism in Region 11 with 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards winners.

SPJ’s Region 11 comprises Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada and Mariana Islands. First-place winners will compete at the national level among other MOE winners from the 12 SPJ regions.

National winners will be notified in the late spring.

MOE Awards entries are judged by professionals with at least three years of journalism experience. Judges were directed to choose entries they felt were among the best in student journalism. If no entry rose to the level of excellence, no award was given. Any category not listed has no winner.

School divisions are based on student enrollment, including both graduate and undergraduate: Large schools have at least 10,000 students and small schools have 9,999 or fewer students.

The list below details all Region 11 winners. If you have any questions regarding the MOE Awards, contact SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards Lou Harry by email.

This list reflects the spelling and titles submitted in the award entries.

Print/Online

Breaking News Reporting (Large)
Winner: Cal Poly Pomona provost abruptly 'fired' after 18-month term — by Matthew Acosta, Christie Counts, The Poly Post, California Polytechnic State University, Pomona
Finalist: Stanford president resigns over manipulated research, will retract at least three papers — by Theo Baker, The Stanford Daily, Stanford University
Finalist: Illegal marijuana dispensary next to El Camino raided by police — by Ethan Cohen, The Union, El Camino College

Breaking News Reporting (Small)
Winner: Bon Appétit workers push administrators to help in wage fight — by Anabel Martinez, Brandi Peters, Campus Times, University of La Verne
Finalist: ‘Tragedy impacts us all’: Pepperdine community mourns loss of four students — by Samantha Torre, The Graphic, Pepperdine University

General News Reporting (Large)
Winner: Tessier-Lavigne research investigation and reporting on retractions — by Theo Baker, The Stanford Daily, Stanford University
Finalist: El Camino out of compliance with state law to prevent opioid overdose deaths — by Kim McGill, The Union, El Camino College
Finalist: MMIP task forces are given years to solve a problem centuries in the making — by Alexis Waiss, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

General News Reporting (Small)
Winner: The cancel culture conversation: Controversy is just a click away — by Liza Esquibias, Currents, Pepperdine University
Finalist: Non-tenure track faculty declare unionization effort — by Amy Carlyle, Chris Benis, The Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University
Finalist: Faculty, staff to receive 2% raise amid 7.9% inflation — by Kelli Makenna Kuttruff, Campus Times, University of La Verne

In-Depth Reporting (Large)
Winner: Paying to be unpaid: The cost of unpaid internships — by Madeline Nguyen, State Press Magazine, Arizona State University
Finalist: Leaks, HVAC problems plague new buildings — by Emily Ingco, The Southwestern College Sun, Southwestern College
Finalist: Security Director — by Shiloh Johnston, Lylah Schmedel-Permanna, David Rowe, Li Khan, The Citizen, Laney College

In-Depth Reporting (Small)
Winner: Future of January interterm — by Samira Felix, Brittany Snow, Sarah Van Buskirk, Campus Times, University of La Verne
Finalist: ‘A Lack of Creativity’: An investigation into Pepperdine’s relationship with solar energy — by Ali Levens, The Graphic, Pepperdine University

Feature Writing (Large)
Winner: Marching to the beat: SDSU’s Marching Aztecs redefine college band tradition — by Ryan Kehl, The Daily Aztec, San Diego State University
Finalist: SRJC’s 30-second commute — by Michael Combs, The Oak Leaf News, Santa Rosa Junior College
Finalist: SRJC student survives jump off Golden Gate Bridge and is thankful at second chance — by Michael Combs, The Oak Leaf News, Santa Rosa Junior College

Feature Writing (Small)
Winner: Local houses go all out for Halloween — by Kelli Makenna Kuttruff, Campus Times, University of La Verne
Finalist: New President Mahdavi shares personal, presidential plans — by Samira Felix, Sarah Van Buskirk, Campus Times, University of La Verne
Finalist: The sweet archives of the Candy Wrapper Museum — by Taylor Moore, La Verne Magazine, University of La Verne

Sports Writing (Large)
Winner: 25 years later: Behind Bryce Drew's 1998 buzzer beater were the unknowns of March Madness — by Noah Furtado, Cronkite News, Arizona State University
Finalist: Pancake blocks to pancake stacks: Eating 'a chore' for offensive linemen — by Logan Stanley, Cronkite News, Arizona State University
Finalist: A gambler's paradise? For some, the industry's extreme growth leads to addiction and worse — by Sam Stern, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

Sports Writing (Small)
Winner: ‘You’re going to lose anyway’: Asian American athletes face stereotypes across sports — by Jerry Jiang, The Graphic, Pepperdine University
Finalist: Embracing adversity: Noah Taitz’s journey back to the court — by Khassim Diakhate, The Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University
Finalist: How are the heads in the game — by Madi Smith, The Santa Clara, Santa Clara University

Editorial/Opinion Writing
Winner: Opinion writing — by Aaron Stigile, The State Press, Arizona State University
Finalist: Editorials — by Editorial Board, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles
Finalist: Opinion writing — by Mia Osmonbekov, The State Press, Arizona State University

General Column Writing
Winner: Columns — by Sierra Benayon-Abraham, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles
Finalist: Columns — by Rudy Goldman, The Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University
Finalist: Columns — by Kim McGill, The Union, El Camino College

Sports Column Writing
Winner: Let's Talk About It — by Amani Rivers, The Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University
Finalist: Sam Settles it — by Sam Settleman, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Large)
Winner: The Corsair — by Staff, The Corsair, Santa Monica College
Finalist: UCLA Daily Bruin — by Staff, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles
Finalist: Daily Forty-Niner — by Staff, Daily Forty-Niner, California State University, Long Beach

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Small)
Winner: The Graphic — by Staff, The Graphic, Pepperdine University

Best Ongoing Student Magazine
Winner: The Oak Leaf Magazine — by Staff, The Oak Leaf News, Santa Rosa Junior College
Finalist: Daily Sundial Magazine — by Staff, Daily Sundial Magazine, California State University, Northridge
Finalist: The Universal Language — by Staff, SCene Magazine, University of Southern California

Best Affiliated Web Site
Winner: UCLA Daily Bruin — by Staff, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles
Finalist: The Union — by Staff, The Union, El Camino College
Finalist: Pepperdine Graphic — by Staff, Pepperdine Graphic Media, Pepperdine University

Art/Graphics/Multimedia

Breaking News Photography
Winner: The Southwestern College Sun — by Ailyn Dumas, The Southwestern College Sun, Southwestern College
Finalist: District police respond to mental health crisis on campus — by Sean Young, The Oak Leaf News, Santa Rosa Junior College
Finalist: SAG-AFTRA Arizona members rally as part of national strike for TV, film worker protections, wages — by Kiersten Edgett, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

General News Photography
Winner: A moment to grieve — by Emil Rizkalla, The Roundup, Los Angeles Pierce College
Finalist: Abortion pill ban protester — by Caylo Seals, The Corsair, Santa Monica College
Finalist: In plain sight: As students sleep, UCLA bakeries turn on the ovens — by Anna Dai-Liu, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles

Feature Photography
Winner: Opinion: ASU's football performance is disappointing fans — by Anthony Cavale, The State Press, Arizona State University
Finalist: Headbanging at the Glass House — by Amanda Torres, Campus Times, University of La Verne
Finalist: A night of music, art and community: Pacific Sounds returns — by Sammie Wuensche, The Graphic, Pepperdine University

Photo Essay/Slideshow
Winner: The streets of East L.A. — by Daniela Raymundo, The Bull Magazine, Los Angeles Pierce College
Finalist: Gone AWOL: Living in an RV dwelling in Los Angeles — by Caylo Seals, The Corsair, Santa Monica College
Finalist: Mexico’s women fight femicide — by Ailyn Dumas, The Southwestern College Sun, Southwestern College

Illustration
Winner: Here’s listening to you kid — by Edmundo Godinez, The Southwestern College Sun, Southwestern College
Finalist: Women's History Month — by Zasha Hayes, Daily Sundial, California State University, Northridge
Finalist: Black pioneers in music — by Zasha Hayes, Daily Sundial, California State University, Northridge

Photo Illustration
Winner: Report me, I’m gay — by Laney Norman, The Southwestern College Sun, Southwestern College
Finalist: California Bears at Stanford Stadium — by Kyle Garcia Takata, Anita Liu, Christian Yates, The Daily Californian, University of California, Berkeley
Finalist: Brittany Joyner is in her Edwardian era — by Abby Wilt, The Graphic, Pepperdine University

Sports Photography
Winner: Football vs. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps — by Nareg Agopian, Campus Times, University of La Verne
Finalist: The Sun Devils hit the road to face No. 5 ranked Huskies — by Calvin Stewart, The State Press, Arizona State University
Finalist: Soccer action — by Benjamin Hanson, The Roundup, Los Angeles Pierce College

Best Use of Multimedia
Winner: A symbol of freedom: How LMU secured a piece of the Berlin Wall — by Kylie Clifton, Jack Raese, Fernanda Vega, The Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University
Finalist: Ken Koshio marks three years of hiking Piestewa Peak every day — by Amber Victoria Singer, Cronkite News, Arizona State University
Finalist: Finding Grandma Joyce — by Samantha Chow, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

News Videography
Winner: A parking disaster at Point Dume: Tourists and residents struggle with on-and-off road closures — by Abby Wilt, The Graphic, Pepperdine University
Finalist: Women's March for Reproductive Rights — by Quinn Alexander, Daily Sundial, California State University, Northridge
Finalist: America after Roe: Helping mothers — by Trilce Estrada Olvera, Carnegie-Knight News21, Arizona State University

Feature Videography
Winner: Pulse: The Culture Fest Documentary — by Drake Presto, The State Press, Arizona State University
Finalist: Az Saber gives Star Wars fans 'A New Hope' — by Aahir Ghosh, The State Press, Arizona State University
Finalist: The love bench — by Nathan Kuczmarski, The Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University

Data Visualization
Winner: Working it out: Which gym has less traffic? — by Junwon Choi, Jessica Nguyen, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles

Audio

Radio News Reporting
Winner: Burning the forests — by Kiersten Edgett, Cronkite News, Arizona State University
Finalist: TrojansforPalestine Student Walkout — by Isa Johnson, Annenberg Media, Annenberg Radio News, University of Southern California
Finalist: Heat deaths — by Deanna Pistono, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

Radio Feature
Winner: Outrigger community — by Kiersten Edgett, Cronkite News, Arizona State University
Finalist: Celebrate Latine Heritage Month all year long on Olvera Street — by Erika Driscoll, Annenberg Media, Annenberg Radio News, University of Southern California
Finalist: Paying caregivers — by Deanna Pistono, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

Radio Sports Reporting
Winner: AZ horse racing in flux — by Austin Hepola, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

Podcast (Narrative)
Winner: Inside Objectivity — by Autriya Maneshni, Cronkite ASU, Arizona State University
Finalist: Blue Valentine — by Chloe Mendoza, Helena Getahun-Hawkins, The Stanford Daily, Stanford University

Podcast (Conversational)
Winner: Oak Leaf Gaming Podcast — by Jesus Lopez Cruz, Sam Guzman, Jonathan Cangson, Javi Rosas, The Oak Leaf News, Santa Rosa Junior College
Finalist: Voices of the Newsroom — by Coleman Standifer, Amy Carlyle, Kylie Clifton, The Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University
Finalist: The Graph — by Staff, The Graphic, Pepperdine University

Broadcast

Television Breaking News Reporting
Winner: Tustin hangar fire — by Alexandra Coenjaerts, Tess Martinelli, Sophy Acosta, Gavin Nguyen, Chapman News, Chapman University
Finalist: LAX Israeli arrivals — by Ava Domenichelli, Beach TV News, California State University, Long Beach
Finalist: Kaiser Permanente strike — by Michelle Roldan, Foothill Community News, University of La Verne

Television General News Reporting
Winner: Fentanyl crisis — by Raya Torres, Beach TV News, California State University Long Beach
Finalist: Little Arabia signage — by Luis Avila, Alyson Gonzalez, Chapman News, Chapman University
Finalist: Relocating rattlesnakes — by Tabitha Bland, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

Television Feature Reporting
Winner: Outrigger connections — by Tabitha Bland, Cronkite News, Arizona State University
Finalist: Boxing dean — by Maryssa Rillo, Annenberg Media, Annenberg TV News, University of Southern California
Finalist: The horse behind a famous USC mascot — by Cam Kauffman, Annenberg Media, Annenberg TV News, University of Southern California

Television In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Sweltering Saguaros — by Danny Stipanovich, Jason Marmon, Seungshin Seo, Cronkite News, Arizona State University
Finalist: Saddleback Church — by Claire Weber, Megan Sun, Kinsley Rolph, Chapman News, Chapman University
Finalist: El Paso migrants — by Miriam Ordonez, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

Television Sports Reporting
Winner: The Anthony Robles story — by Noelle Blumel, Cronkite News, Arizona State University
Finalist: Worries about wagers — by Jack Pierson, Cronkite News, Arizona State University
Finalist: Robinson going for gold — by Beatriz Martinez, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

Best All-Around Television Newscast
Winner: Beach TV News — by Staff, Beach TV News, California State University, Long Beach
Finalist: Chapman News — by Staff, Chapman News, Chapman University

Best All-Around Television News Magazine
Winner: Arizona Oasis — by Staff, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

All Platform

Arts/Entertainment/Fashion Journalism
Winner: The cultural reset of the cowboy boot and other fashion trends — by Gwen Soriano, The Poly Post, Cal Poly Pomona
Finalist: Frame by frame: ASU animators draw their imaginations into reality — by Fatima Gabir, State Press Magazine, Arizona State University
Finalist: Fashion and beauty series — by Erik Charlotte VonSosen, The Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University

Campus Reporting
Winner: Jacob Wheeler and Michael Melinger report on USC campus news — by Jacob Wheeler, Michael Melinger., Annenberg Media, Annenberg TV News, University of Southern California
Finalist: Pi Kappa Phi fraternity to return to UCLA following disbanding — by Dylan Winward, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles
Finalist: USG adjourns meeting early over physical and verbal disruptions from outside protest — by Phineas Hogan, Alysa Horton, The State Press, Arizona State University

Cultural Criticism
Winner: Lang Lang at Bing: A review by a pianist and a non-pianist — by Aya Aziz and Peyton Lee, The Stanford Daily, Stanford University
Finalist: Columns — by Natalie Agnew, Lex Wang, Graciana Paxton, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles
Finalist: Arts reviews — by Vivian Schafbuch, The Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University

Food/Restaurant Journalism
Winner: Food on campus series — by Athena Cheris, The Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University
Finalist: Yelp's best local eats — by Jolaya Gillams, Chapman News, Chapman University
Finalist: Their Japanese restaurant closed during the pandemic; now they’re back with a new Korean twist — by Raphael Richardson, Warrior Life, El Camino College

Investigative Reporting
Winner: Investigation into potential research misconduct under University president — by Theo Baker, The Stanford Daily, Stanford University
Finalist: The Citizen: Investigative reporting on district contracts and spending — by Staff, The Citizen, Laney College
Finalist: Pepperdine Ambassadors Council invetigation — by Samantha Torre, The Graphic, Pepperdine University

Regional Political Reporting
Winner: Santa Ana recall — by Luis Avila, Alyson Gonzalez, Chapman News, Chapman University
Finalist: UC community members call for systemic change, action against caste discrimination — by Shaanth Kodialam Nanguneri, Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles

Retail/Small Business Journalism
Winner: Lucky Stars Market: A community built on diversity and a love for vintage fashion — by Serena Neumeyer, The Daily Aztec, San Diego State University
Finalist: Orange County Black-owned salon — by Imanni Wright, Collin Gaja, Chapman News, Chapman University
Finalist: Soul Land Lab — by Bella Leach, Chapman News, Chapman University

Science/Environment/Climate Reporting
Winner: Montana youth climate trial — by Kate Selig, The Washington Post, Stanford University
Finalist: Prayer run — by John Leos, Nellija Locmele, Tyler Bender, Megan Swing, Cronkite News, Arizona State University
Finalist: A wall runs through it — by Trilce Estrada Olvera, Makepeace Sitlhou, Hakob Karapetyan, Cronkite News, Arizona State University

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