The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists applauds a federal judge’s ruling that upholds the constitutional right of journalists to publish information without prior restraint.
On Tuesday, Entergy Arkansas asked the judge for a temporary restraining order to prevent the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Little Rock resident Jessica Kivell from further publishing or sharing details of the utility’s agreement with a Google subsidiary regarding a West Memphis-area data center project. Kivell obtained the documents from the Arkansas Public Service Commission via a public records request.
Entergy said the PSC mistakenly released documents, which Entergy said are protected from disclosure under federal and state trade secrets laws.
In a hearing Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky denied Entergy’s request, rejecting the utility’s argument that the information was not of significant public concern, according to a report from Arkansas Business.
“We are pleased that the court denied Entergy Arkansas’ request for a temporary restraining order,” SPJ chapter President Sarah Campbell-Miller said. “We recognize this is only the first step in the legal process, but it is an important step in protecting journalists’ First Amendment rights.”
In his verbal ruling Wednesday, Rudofsky equated the utility’s request with prior restraint of the Democrat-Gazette’s First Amendment rights, the newspaper reported.
Rudofsky also denied the restraining order against Kivell, saying Entergy’s case against her was unlikely to succeed, Arkansas Business reported.
Campbell-Miller also expressed satisfaction that the judge recognized Kivell’s First Amendment rights.
“It’s always a good day when the courts uphold longstanding precedent regarding the public’s right to receive information vital to their understanding of important issues involving a publicly regulated utility,” she said.
From left, Arkansas SPJ President Sarah Campbell-Miller, A-Mark Prize Winner Chris Fulton, and Alison Fulton. The Fultons operate the Mountain Home Observer online newspaper.
Chris Fulton of Mountain Home Observer receives first, second place A-Mark Prize; Warwick Sabin, Heather Baker shared insights on the changing journalism landscape
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists celebrated the best of journalism across the region Saturday evening during the 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards presented by AY Media Group. The event recognized finalists and winners in nearly 80 categories, with more than 125 in attendance, and the second annual A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting was awarded for exceptional Arkansas reporting.
The A-Mark Prize, sponsored by the A-Mark Foundation and presented by Arkansas SPJ, awarded $15,000 to two writers and their newsrooms, as one writer was awarded first and second place.
Chris Fulton of the Mountain Home Observer was awarded first place for his “The 29 Warnings That Didn’t Matter.” He was also the second-place winner for his “Taxation, Power and Secrecy: Inside the Briarcliff Governance Collapse.” The first place award garnered $5,000 for him and $2,500 for his newsroom. For second place, he received $3,000, and the Mountain Home Observer received $1,500.
The judges said: “Though I would ordinarily be hesitant to award the top two places to the same person, especially with money on the line, Chris Fulton nails it with his use of primary sources, his high-quality organization, his easy-to-understand writing, and his efforts to take on big projects.”
Josh Snyder of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette was awarded third place for his extensive coverage of the LEARNS Act. He received $2,000. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette received $1,000. The judge noted “Mr. Snyder’s coverage of education efforts in the state takes the bronze here as he fairly lays out for readers what efforts are being undertaken to improve education in Arkansas.”
Additional special awards included Arkansas SPJ’s top honor of Diamond Journalist of the Year, which was presented to Dwain Hebda of Ya!Mule Wordsmiths and editor-in-chief of AY Media Group. This year’s Student Journalist of the Year was Erika Konig of the University of Memphis. Arkansas SPJ additionally presented her with a $1,000 scholarship.
The keynote conversation this year was between Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group, and Warwick Sabin, president and CEO of Deep South Today, a nonprofit network of local newsrooms set to launch a statewide outlet called Arkansas Today in fall 2026. The two shared insights on the changing media landscape and the importance of collaboration across the industry.
From left, Warwick Sabin, president and CEO of Deep South Today, and Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group, discuss the future of journalism.
“It was a privilege to keynote the evening alongside Warwick Sabin,” Baker said. “Having known Warwick since the early 2000s, it was wonderful to reconnect and have an open conversation about the future of journalism. While the media landscape has changed dramatically, one thing remains true: there is tremendous value in collaboration. Journalism is strongest when we work together to inform our communities with accuracy, integrity, and purpose.”
This year’s contest drew 591 entries and was judged by SPJ members from Connecticut. Divisions spanned professional journalism, student journalism, and communications. Sonseeahray Tonsall, anchor of KARK Arkansas Today, was this year’s emcee.
“Arkansas SPJ is overjoyed and honored to not only celebrate the best journalism from across the region, but to partner with the A-Mark Foundation in recognizing with monetary awards the critical importance of investigative reporting,” said Sarah Campbell-Miller, president of Arkansas SPJ. “The evening’s keynote conversation laying out the opportunity that lies before us was fascinating. It is an exhilarating time to be in this profession. We are so very proud of all of the winners and finalists and their wonderful work.”
In addition to presenting sponsor AY Media Group, the 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards event was sponsored by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the University of Memphis, the Arkansas Advocate and Crafton Tull. The annual contest will begin accepting entries for the 2027 competition in January.
A complete list of winners and finalists across all categories is below.
A-MARK PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING IN ARKANSAS
First Place: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, The 29 Warnings That Didn’t Matter
Second Place: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, Taxation, Power and Secrecy: Inside the Briarcliff Governance Collapse
Third Place: Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, LEARNS Act Coverage
SPECIAL AWARDS
CHARLOTTE TILLAR SCHEXNAYDER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Winner: Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, No School, No Fresh Air and Isolated: Solitary Confinement in Shelby County’s Juvenile Detention Center
Finalists: Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Institute for Public Service Reporting, Abuses of the Immigration Crackdown
Tammy Keith, Log Cabin Democrat, Conway School District Coverage
GARRICK FELDMAN COMMUNITY JOURNALISM AWARD
Winner: Lia Portillo, Marshall News Messenger, Coverage of the Hispanic Community in East Texas
EMERGING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk
Finalists: Ainsley Platt, Arkansas Advocate
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Erika Konig, University of Memphis
Finalist: Caden Dyer, The Daily Beacon, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
DIAMOND JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths
Finalists: Bill Bowden, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle and Religion Unplugged
CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT
OUTSTANDING TV NEWS WRITER
Winner: Kevin Kelly, KLRT Fox 16
Finalist: Ashlei King, KLRT Fox 16
OUTSTANDING TV EDITOR
Winner: Lauren Motley, KNWA/Fox24 Fayetteville
OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL
Winner: Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Finalists: Heather Baker, AY Media Group
Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull
OUTSTANDING PRINT/ONLINE EDITOR
Winner: Sarah DeClerk, AY Media Group
Finalist: Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHER – ALL MEDIA
Winner: Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Finalist: Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
OUTSTANDING NEWS ANCHOR
Winner: Kimberly Rusley, KFDM 6
OUTSTANDING METEOROLOGIST
Winner: Darby Bybee, KHBS/KHOG
OUTSTANDING SPORTS REPORTER
Winner: Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
PRINT/ONLINE
CONTINUING COVERAGE
Winner: Staff, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism/ProPublica, The Memphis Safe Task Force
Finalists: Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Marc Perrusquia, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting, Immigration Crackdown in Memphis
Sophie Bates, David A. Lieb, Illan Ireland, M.K. Wilderman, Alex Rozier, Mississippi Free Press, Associated Press, Mississippi Today, Tylertown Tornado Aftermath
CRITICISM/REVIEWS
Winner: Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Philip Martin Portfolio
Finalists: Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press, Book Reviews
Kimberley Jones, The Austin Chronicle, Film Reviews
EDITORIALS
Winner: David Barham, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Editorials on “Punching Down”
Finalists: Jonathan Feldman, Leader Newspaper, Editorials by Feldman
Tommy Foltz, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Tommy Foltz Portfolio of Editorials
Finalists: Daniel Connolly, Matt Fair, Hilary Russ, Vince Sullivan, Orlando Lorenzo, Law360 (Legal news service), For These Victims, Death Came Before Bankruptcy Resolution
Micaela Watts, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting, Are Memphis Police Over-Charging Motorists Caught With Marijuana?
PROFILES
Winner: Jane Roberts, Mary Cashiola, The Daily Memphian, For Memphis’ First COVID Patient, Early Pandemic Was Personal
Finalists: Brant Bingamon, The Austin Chronicle, If You Build It…
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine, #Me First
EXPLANATORY REPORTING
Winner: Phillip Powell, Arkansas Times, Dirt Rich, Cash Poor: As Economic Pressures Mount, Some Delta Farmers Hoe Their Last Row
Torsheta Jackson, Heather Harrison, Ashton Pittman, Jaylin Smith, Mississippi Free Press, Academic Freedom at Mississippi Schools and Universities Under the New Trump Administration
Finalists: Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Officials Reviewing Handling of 341 Child Abuse Reports After Botched Mountain Home Incident
Nick Judin, Kevin Edwards, Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Trey Reed’s Hanging Death in the Mississippi Delta
SPORTS FEATURE
Winner: Matt Campbell, Arkansas Times, All the Singlet ladies: Little Rock Central High’s Girls Wrestling Team Dominates the State
Finalists: Bobby Ross Jr., Religion Unplugged, A pitch to follow Jesus: Baseball fans embrace players’ faith testimonies
Doug Crise, Arkansas Money & Politics, Razorback Hockey
COMMENTARY
Winner: Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press, Donna Ladd’s Democracy Essays
Philip Martin, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Portfolio of columns by Philip Martin
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Winner: Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, Oklahoma A&M Regent Meetings Cost Nearly $70K with Pricey Meals and Entertainment, Records Show
Finalists: Aarron Fleming, Jane Donahoe, The Daily Memphian, Inside 201 Poplar
Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, No school, No Fresh Air and Isolated: Solitary Confinement in Shelby County’s Juvenile Detention Center
AUDIO
ENTERPRISE/EXPLANATORY REPORTING
Winner: Laura Kebede-Twumasi, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM public radio, The Long Arc of Police Violence in Memphis
Finalists: Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio, Surveillance Video Shows a Violent Attack and Carjacking. Hazelwood is Prosecuting the Victim
Maggie Ryan, Little Rock Public Radio, Nonprofit Teaches Culinary Arts to Help Arkansans Overcome Cycles of Poverty
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Winner: Erika Konig, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM Public Radio, An American Nightmare
Finalist: Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio, The Gentle Barn Closure Left Heartbreak Behind in Missouri. Then Animals Started Dying
EDUCATION
Winner: Maggie Ryan, National Public Radio, Black Colleges and Universities Reach Out to Students Left Stranded by Job Corps Cuts
Finalists: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Free School Breakfast Up for Debate in Arkansas Legislature
NEWS
Winner: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Arkansas White Supremacist Group Draws International Attention
POLITICS
Winner: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Christians Divided Over Arkansas Law to Mandate Ten Commandments
ONGOING COVERAGE
Winner: Nathan Treece, Josie Lenora, Maggie Ryan, Emma Bertram, Little Rock Public Radio, No Kings Protest Coverage
FEATURES
Winner: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, CALS Used Book Sale Draws Crowds
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE
Winner: Paul Ladd, World Christian Broadcasting’s New Life Station and worldchristian.org, Paul McCartney at the Frist
Winner: Donnie Sewell, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Summer 2025 Tangents ASMSA
Finalists: Emily Partridge, Heifer International, Caring for the Earth | Focusing on the Future: Renewable Energy
Emily Partridge, Heifer International, Power in Numbers: Women’s Climb to Wealth
PHOTOGRAPHY
Winner: Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull, Searcy Community Center Groundbreaking
Finalist: Amye Buckley, Crafton Tull, Bob Crafton’s Bike Ride
NEWSLETTER
Winner: Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UA Little Rock Now
PRESS RELEASE WRITING
Winner: Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Research Study Co-authored by 16 UA Little Rock Students Finds Raccoons Show Early Signs of Domestication
Finalist: Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University, Bill Vining Sr. Remembered for Excellence, Leadership On and Off the Court
SPECIAL TOPICS
BUSINESS
Winner: Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics, Air Arkansas
Finalists: Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics, The White Sands of Arkansas
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Arkansas Money & Politics, One of One
Finalists: Frank Lockwood, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Religion Coverage on State, National and International Levels
Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle, Religion Reporting by Erik Tryggestad
HEALTH
Winner: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Media Group, Health Package
Finalist: Stephanie Smittle, Arkansas Times, State of Decay: No Easy Fix for Arkansas’s Dental Health Problems
SPORTS
Winner: Roger Amos, Mississippi Free Press, Battle of Nations Brings Mississippi Choctaw, Eastern Cherokee Together for Football Match
Finalists: Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University Athletics, Tiger Tidbits: Celebrating 130 Years of Ouachita’s Football Team
Tom Murphy, Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Comprehensive Coverage of State’s Top Athletic Program
ENVIRONMENT/SCIENCE
Winner: Dwain Hebda, Catherine Frederick, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Do South Magazine, Keeper of the Swarm
Finalists: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, Power, Pollution, and Policy in Arkansas
Illan Ireland, William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk, Mississippi’s Environment, From Industrial Pollution to the Yazoo Pumps Project
STUDENT JOURNALISM
PHOTOGRAPHY
Winner: Meredith Lipsey, The Echo, StepAfrika Steps Up to the Stage
Finalist: Meredith Lipsey, The Echo, Evansvillle Aces Baseball Bears in Final Series Game, 8-0
UPDATE: Entergy’s request has been denied, in a win for press freedom.
Our statement that was posted on Sept. 1, 2026, prior to the Sept. 2 ruling:
The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists urges a judge to reject Entergy Arkansas’ unconstitutional attempt to block news outlets from publishing vital information about a data center project.
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, Entergy filed a complaint asking a federal judge to stop the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Arkansas Times and a private citizen from publishing information about the utility’s contract with a Google subsidiary for a West Memphis-area solar farm that is expected to power a data center. The utility argues that the contract contains confidential and proprietary information.
The Democrat-Gazette already published information about the contract, including what Google will pay Entergy, based on documents obtained by central Arkansas resident Jessica Kivell from the Arkansas Public Service Commission through a state Freedom of Information Act request. The Arkansas Times is named as a defendant, even though it has said it does not possess the documents.
“The newspaper, its reporter and the private citizen acquired the information legally,” said Arkansas SPJ President Sarah Campbell-Miller. “The mistaken or accidental release of supposedly confidential information doesn’t obligate a journalist to keep secrets about a subject of profound public interest.”
In its federal court petition, Entergy says the PSC mistakenly released the information, which the utility argues is protected under state and federal trade secrets law. The PSC previously had issued an order putting much of the deal under a blanket of secrecy.
The utility asks the judge to enjoin the newspaper and Kivell from further divulging any information contained in the documents. The company also wants the newspaper to remove what it has published from its website and online archives.
In seeking the injunction, Entergy Arkansas and its lawyers demonstrate a lack of understanding of the constitutional protections that apply to information journalists receive legally, Arkansas SPJ believes.
Both the newspaper and its source obtained the documents legally, and they have no obligation to refrain from sharing important information about a matter of significant public interest – the costs of a $1.6 billion commercial project and the impact on Entergy’s customers.
The U.S. Supreme Court also has ruled that journalists cannot be prevented from publishing information in advance except in narrow circumstances under a doctrine known as prior restraint.
U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky heard arguments Tuesday evening and is expected to rule soon.
“We hope the judge recognizes the U.S. Constitution and case law protecting journalists who publish previously secret information overshadow any business claim to trade secrecy, especially when the details help taxpayers understand how data centers affect their pocketbooks,” Campbell-Miller said.
Warwick Sabin and Heather Baker to be featured as special guests; $15,000 to be awarded for A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will present the Diamond Journalism Awards banquet on Saturday, July 25, at Next Level Events in downtown Little Rock, featuring a keynote conversation between Warwick Sabin, president and CEO of Deep South Today, and Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group.
Sabin leads Deep South Today, a nonprofit network of local newsrooms that includes The Current, Mississippi Today, Verite News and Arkansas Today, which is scheduled to launch in fall 2026. His career spans journalism, public service, philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. He served three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019.
Baker has worked in the publishing industry for more than 25 years. Under her leadership, AY Media Group has grown into one of the region’s most recognized media organizations. She is also a prominent media personality and influencer whose work spans print, digital and broadcast media, as well as numerous philanthropic initiatives.
The Diamond Journalism Awards will recognize winners and finalists in more than 80 categories, showcasing exceptional journalism from Arkansas and neighboring states. Winners of the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism, which carries $15,000 in prize money, will also be announced. This year’s finalists are Chris Fulton of the Mountain Home Observer and Josh Snyder of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
“This year’s contest was our most competitive to date, and we can’t wait to recognize the outstanding work being produced in Arkansas and throughout the region,” said Sarah Campbell-Miller, Arkansas SPJ president. “Warwick brings a unique perspective on the future of local journalism, and pairing him with media leader Heather Baker will create a dynamic conversation to cap off an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in journalism.”
The 2026 contest drew 591 entries across more than 80 categories, including divisions for professional journalism, student journalism and communications. SPJ members from Connecticut judged the competitions.
This year’s emcee will be Sonseeahray Tonsall, KARK 4 News at Noon anchor. Throughout her award-winning journalism career, Tonsall has covered some of the nation’s most significant stories, from natural disasters and political conventions to investigative reports that have driven meaningful change in local communities. Back in Arkansas for a second stint at KARK, she remains committed to uncovering the truth, telling stories with integrity, and serving viewers across the state.
The Diamond Awards ceremony will be held at Next Level Events, 1400 W. Markham St. in Little Rock. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., and the program will begin immediately following. Tickets are $35 per person, and you can purchase them here.
AY Media Group is this year’s presenting sponsor, and the event is also sponsored by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media, and Crafton Tull. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available; contact Arkansas SPJ to learn more.
Finalists are listed below in alphabetical order by first name in each division. If multiple entries are finalists but are credited in the same manner, the entry credit is listed only once per division. To see the finalists listed by organization in addition to name, click here.
It’s time to cast your vote in the 2026-27 Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ board elections. The ballot closes at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 30.
Current national dues-paying members of SPJ who have selected membership in the Arkansas Pro Chapter are eligible to vote (our chapter does not charge additional dues.)
Review the candidates and make your voice heard using this link. Choose one candidate each for president, vice president and treasurer. There is also the opportunity to write in a candidate, including yourself.
This is your chance to help shape the future of Arkansas SPJ, so don’t miss the opportunity to vote.
The ballot is almost set for Arkansas SPJ’s 2026-2027 board elections.
Interim president Sarah Campbell-Miller is running for her first full term. Campbell-Miller is a supporter engagement specialist at the ACLU of Arkansas and longtime board member with 15 years of journalism experience, having worked for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Business, and Arkansas Leader.
Also running unopposed are Drew Brent, multimedia educator at Russellville High School and former journalist, for vice president and longtime treasurer Rob Moritz, a journalism instructor at the University of Central Arkansas, who is seeking another term. No one is currently running for board secretary.
Returning board members seeking re-election include:
Andrew DeMillo, editor-in-chief of the Arkansas Advocate
I.C. Murrell, editor of The Pine Bluff Commercial
Jennifer Ellis, SPJ Region 12 coordinator, appointed at-large director on the National SPJ board, and creative services managing editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sonny Albarado, past national SPJ president, longtime board member and retired editor
Staci Miller, director of development at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Community Journalism Project
Steve Listopad, former journalism instructor and New Voices USA coordinator
New candidates are:
Kyle McDaniel, who teaches online and digital media courses at the University of Central Arkansas
Byron Tate, managing editor of the Arkansas Times
Voting will take place via online ballot Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30.
Want to run? There’s still time! Send your name, photo and a short bio — including your SPJ background, reasons for running and ideas for the coming year — by Sunday, June 28 to Sarah Campbell-Miller at s.campbell.miller@gmail.com or ArkansasSPJ@gmail.com.
The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is looking for journalists and media professionals to help lead our chapter in 2027-27. If you care about strengthening our craft, encouraging others to pursue it, and want to support your colleagues as well as our mission to inform the public, please consider running for the Board of Directors or an officer position.
Serving on the board is a great way to access a statewide network and resources, back press freedom, and help create programs and initiatives that matter. Whether you are a longtime member or looking to get more involved, we welcome your ideas and your voice.
To run, submit a brief bio and photo by Sunday, June 14, to Arkansas SPJ President Sarah Campbell-Miller at s.campbell.miller@gmail.com or ArkansasSPJ@gmail.com.
Candidate bios will be shared with members before the election. Voting will take place via online ballot Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30.
Not ready for a board role? You can still make an impact by joining one of our committees and contributing your time and expertise.
Requirements:
Board members must be current on national SPJ dues and commit to the following:
Attendance
The Board of Directors meets monthly (currently at 1 p.m. the first Thursday), with occasional special meetings as needed. Members are expected to attend at least nine meetings during the July-June term and are encouraged to participate in all meetings, either in person or via Zoom, though most will take place virtually. Missing three consecutive meetings or four total meetings may result in replacement.
Participation
Board members play an active role in at least one committee. Participation can include planning at least one event, helping with FOIA projects, contributing to marketing campaign(s), and more.
A-Mark Award for Investigative Journalism prizes to be presented at banquet
LITTLE ROCK—The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards and the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting.
The Diamond Awards are a regional competition that attracts entries from Arkansas and six bordering states. The A-Mark Prize, sponsored by the A-Mark Foundation, is in its second year and recognizes exceptional investigative reporting in Arkansas. The A-Mark Foundation will present $15,000 divided among first, second, and third place, recognizing both the reporters and their newsrooms who have been named as finalists.
This year’s contest drew 591 entries in more than 80 categories, including divisions that recognize professional journalism, student journalism and communications. SPJ members from Connecticut judged the competitions.
The winners will be announced on Saturday, July 25, at an awards ceremony at Next Level Events, 1400 W. Markham St. in Little Rock. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., and the program will begin immediately following. This year’s emcee will be KARK 4 News at Noon Anchor, Sonseeahray Tonsall. Tickets to the event are $35 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. To purchase tickets, go here.
Here are the finalists listed in alphabetical order by first name in each division. If multiple entries are finalists, but are credited in the same manner, the entry credit is only listed once per division. To see the finalists listed by organization in addition to being listed by name, click here.
The financial records of the Chapter, as well as board meetings and the minutes of those meetings are open to members in good standing. Please email the board president for access. Board meetings are held by Zoom at 1 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month.
