WHERE: Arkansas Press Association at 411 Victory St. in downtown Little Rock
COST: Tickets for adults are $12 each or two for $20 (this includes an SPJ “Seek Truth and Report It” ornament or SPJ T-shirt, while supplies last!) Kid tickets are $5. Proceeds benefit the printing of the Arkansas Freedom of Information
Celebrate the season with SPJ at our holiday gathering full of cheer, cocoa and community spirit! Enjoy cookie decorating, a hot cocoa bar, festive bites, and more before heading across the street to the Capitol Lighting and fireworks.
Plus, a special treat — Sonny Albarado will read “A Cajun Night Before Christmas” in his signature style!
Come mix, mingle and make merry as we celebrate another great year of journalism, transparency and holiday fun!
Arkansas SPJ announces 2025 Diamond Awards winners at annual banquet
Jessica Ranck, KARK/Fox16 receives first place A-Mark Prize; Rex Nelson, Heather Baker share message of inspiration for journalists
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists recognized the best of journalism Saturday evening during the 2025 Diamond Journalism Awards presented by AY Media Group. In addition to recognizing finalists and winners in nearly 80 categories with more than 125 in attendance, the inaugural A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting was awarded to three Central Arkansas journalists.
The A-Mark Prize, sponsored by the A-Mark Foundation, was added this year to recognize exceptional investigative reporting in Arkansas. The A-Mark Foundation and Arkansas SPJ presented $15,000 to three winners, recognizing both the reporters and their newsrooms.
Jessica Ranck of KARK and FOX16 received first place for her “Corruption in Van Buren County” investigation. She received $5,000 and her newsroom received $2,500.
Matt Campbell of the Arkansas Times, was awarded second place for his reporting titled “Politics, not inmates, the primary concern in Arkansas’s prison system.” He received $3,000 and the Arkansas Times received $1,500.
Chris Fulton of the Mountain Home Observer received third place for his investigative reporting series titled “‘Evil but Smart’: Branson contractor’s victims speak out” and was awarded $2,000. The Observer received $1,000.
Additional special awards included Arkansas SPJ’s top honor of Diamond Journalist of the Year, which was presented to Bobby Ross Jr. of the Christian Chronicle based in Oklahoma City. The event’s Future of Journalism sponsor, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, awarded the Student Journalist of the Year award to Caleb Jarreau of The Daily Beacon of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
The keynote conversation between Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group, and Rex Nelson, senior editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, delivered a message of encouragement for a new generation of journalists and offered insights from their extensive and impressive careers in the industry.
“I was honored to appear as co-keynote for the Arkansas SPJ Diamond Journalism Awards with my good friend Rex Nelson,” Baker said. “Journalism and publishing thrive in Arkansas as it does nowhere else in the country. It was a pleasure to address the crowd about matters facing the industry. Rex and I share an optimism for the future of media and it was wonderful to be able to share that with the outstanding professionals in the audience.”
This year’s contest drew 704 entries and was judged by the SPJ members from Connecticut. Divisions spanned professional journalism, student journalism, and communications. Emmy-winning FOX 16 Good Day Morning Anchor, Ashlei King was this year’s emcee.
“Arkansas SPJ is thrilled to not only recognize the best journalism from across the region, but to partner with the A-Mark Foundation for this amazing award is invaluable,” said Wendy Jordan, Diamond Awards co-chair and president of Arkansas SPJ. “The evening’s keynote conversation was exactly what we needed — a reminder of why we do what we do from Heather and Rex, who are two of the best in the industry. We are very proud of all of the winners and finalists and their exceptional work.”
Other awards presented by Arkansas SPJ included recognizing David Keith as the 2025 Diamond Educator of the Year. After a lengthy career in reporting and then teaching at the University of Central Arkansas, Keith recently retired, but leaves behind a legacy of excellence in mentorship.
University of Central Arkansas journalism students were also recognized for their work in conjunction with Arkansas SPJ on the Faulkner County FOIA audit, which included testing FOIA compliance of 16 Faulkner County agencies. These students were honored with the Friends of FOIA award for their work gaining experience with “the people’s right” to access public records.
In addition to presenting sponsor AY Media Group, the 2025 Diamond Journalism Awards event was sponsored by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Mountain Home Observer, the University of Arkansas, Crafton Tull and the States Newsroom (Arkansas Advocate and Tennessee Lookout). The annual contest will begin accepting entries for the 2026 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: Jessica Ranck, KARK and FOX16, Corruption in Van Buren County
Second Place: Matt Campbell, Arkansas Times, Politics, not inmates, the primary concern in Arkansas’s prison system
Third Place: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, ‘Evil but Smart’: Branson contractor’s victims speak out
SPECIAL AWARDS
Robert S. McCord FOI Award
WINNER: Ellen Kreth, Shannon Hahn, Ellen Kreth, Ellen Kreth, Ellen Kreth, Ellen Kreth, The Madison County Record, Sheriff says homicide investigation underway
FINALIST:Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Netflix’s “Unlocked: Jail Experiment” series
STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Caleb Jarreau, The Daily Beacon
EMERGING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Audrey Jackson, The Christian Chronicle
FINALIST: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
CHARLOTTE TILLAR SCHEXNAYDER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
WINNER: Jacob Steimer, Mikhaila Markham, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Memphis’ lead crisis
FINALISTS: Lucas Dufalla, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Helena-West Helena water woes
40/29 News Staff, 40/29 News, Rogers tornado: “I could hear the hail above my head”
Explanatory Reporting
WINNER: Kevin Kelly, Julian Jones, KLRT Fox 16 News, The one percent
FINALIST: Laura Monteverdi, Alexis Burch, KARK 4 News/www.kark.com, Carry to term
News Feature
WINNER: Donna Terrell, KLRT Fox16 News, Last Text Goodbye
FINALISTS: Kayla Davis, KFSM 5News, Garfield man stranded by storms rescued by community members
Caitrin Assaf, KARK 4 News, “Little Rock’s Own Haunted Mansion”
Profiles
WINNER: Whitney Thomas, Stephen Goodale, KARK TV, Maumelle Charter student beats odds
FINALISTS: Laura Monteverdi, John Matthews, KARK 4 News/www.kark.com, Arkansas family finds healing 10 years after tornado
Caroline Derby, Kwasi Harshaw, FOX 16 News, A New Wave of Activism
Weather
WINNER: Skot Covert, KFSM, May 26 tornadoes
FINALIST: Darby Bybee, 40/29 News Staff, KHBS/KHOG, Get to your safe spot now!
Sports Feature
WINNER: Tylisa Hampton, John Matthews, KARK 4 News, Arkansas 10-year-old gymnast dreams of competing at the Olympics
FINALISTS: Brittany Tarwater, WVLT News, Swim For Ben
Micah Fletcher, Cherokee Phoenix, Generations of dirt tracking: Muskrat continues family’s racing legacy
Crime/Justice
WINNER: Kevin Kelly, KLRT Fox 16 News, I-40: The drug pipeline
FINALISTS: WVLT Staff, WVLT News, Manhunt for McCowan’s killer
Kimberly Rusley, Steven Bui, KFDM 6, Buna murder suspect arrested
Newscast
WINNER: Kimberely Blackburn, KLRT Fox16, Vilonia: A look back
FINALISTS: Michael Aaron, Mike Nielsen, KFSM, After the storm: Resilience and recovery in Northwest Arkansas
WVLT Staff, WVLT News, WVLT News at 6
News Special
WINNER: Micah Fletcher, Cherokee Phoenix, Veterans, families reel’em in at CN fishing event
FINALISTS: Kimberely Blackburn, Bob Clausen, Donna Terrell, Laura Monteverdi, Ashlei King, Ronni Romero, KLRT Fox16 & KARK 4 News, Veterans Voices: Honoring Arkansas Veterans
UATV Staff, UATV, UATV election coverage
Education
WINNER: Lauren Motley, KNWA/FOX24 Fayetteville, West Fork Schools alumni return for band director’s final concert
FINALISTS: Seth Parenteau, NewsWatch Ole Miss, EDHE in classes
Mattison Gafner, Stephen Goodale, KARK 4 News, Bryant HS Senior wins prestigious award
Politics
WINNER: Samantha Boyd, Stephen Goodale, KARK 4 News, Secretary of State’s office prepares to count petition signatures
FINALISTS: Gabe Evans, NewsWatch Ole Miss, Election day
Hannah Baker, NewsWatch Ole Miss, Voting in Oxford
Arts & Entertainment
WINNER: Maddi Phipps, UATV, Ukulele Society
FINALISTS: Lauren Motley, KNWA/FOX24 Fayetteville, Alma students develop indie video game Rayadium
Stacie Boston, Cherokee Phoenix, Forging a passion: Terrapin’s journey into the art of knife making
SPECIAL TOPICS – ALL MEDIA
Health
WINNER: Katti Gray, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Health in Memphis
FINALISTS: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Mental Health Guide, The mind as medicine
Remington Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Mental health care professionals prioritize affirmative care; It’s the heat AND the humidity; Christmas not always merry; Outreach efforts aim to prevent suicides
Business
WINNER: Cristina LaRue, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, ‘Micro-agriculture’; Low Mississippi slows barge traffic; More farmers interested in pesticide drones; U.S. Army veteran opens market; Circuit judge grants facility testing
FINALISTS: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Ay Magazine, The new speakeasy
Sarah DeClerk, Arkansas Money & Politics, A bigger boom
Religion
WINNER: Erik Tryggestad, Ted Parks, Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle, Where is God in a war zone? The Christian Chronicle’s coverage of the conflict in Ukraine
FINALISTS: Audrey Jackson, The Christian Chronicle, Religion Reporting by Audrey Jackson
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Bishop Merrill High Profile
Environment/Science
WINNER: Phillip Powell, Illan Ireland, Cassie Stephenson, Arkansas Times, Tennessee Lookout, Mississippi Free Press, As climate threats to agriculture mount, could the Mississippi River Delta be the next California?
WINNER: Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Children’s Health System, Family spends 193 days in Arkansas Children’s NICU saving son from NEC
FINALISTS: Maggie Butler, Crafton Tull Website, Sounds of Success: Walmart AMP reaches a decade of shows in Rogers
Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Children’s Health System, ‘I’m all in’: Nurse, Mayor Stephanie White driven to change the world
Campaign
WINNER: Angelita Faller, Carrie Phillips, Muriel Schrepfer, Meaghan Milliorn, Angela Parker, Benjamin Krain, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Eclipsing Expectations
Newsletter
WINNER: Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UA Little Rock Now
Photography
WINNER: Benjamin Krain, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UA Little Rock Men’s Track and Field Photo of Cameron Jackson
FINALISTS: Trevor Hensley, Crafton Tull, Northwest Park
Brittany Goff, Crafton Tull Social, Majestic Park
Press Release Writing
WINNER: Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UA Little Rock Receives $5 Million to Combat Drug Use Among Arkansas Youth
FINALISTS: Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Community Journalism Project, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette launches philanthropy for community journalism
Trevor Hensley, Lindsay Young, Crafton Tull, Matt Crafton Receives ACEC Top Honor
Magazine Or Publication
WINNER: Donnie Sewell, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts Public Information Office, ASMSA Tangents Summer 2024
FINALISTS: Jessica Ford, APR, Arkansas Community Foundation, Issuu , Engage Magazine: Early Literacy in Arkansas
Wendy Jordan, Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XL Team 2, Little Rock Regional Chamber, Leadership Greater Little Rock, College Station Conversations
VISUAL JOURNALISM
Breaking News Photography
WINNER: Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, House Fire
FINALISTS: Mandy Keener, Sara Reeves, Kasten Searles, Arkansas Times, Arkansas Times magazine covers
Donnie Sewell, Mike Kemp, Corey Alderdice, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts Public Information Office, ASMSA Tangents Summer 2024 Cover
Web Design
WINNER: Alison Fulton, Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, Single article layout
FINALIST: Sarah Campbell-Miller, Nick Popowitch, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Web Team, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, ArkansasOnline.com
Photo Spread/Essay
WINNER: Colin Murphey, Staci Vandagriff, Staton Breidenthal, Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Eclipse
FINALISTS: Audrey Jackson, The Christian Chronicle, A medical mission to ‘the hub of Boko Haram’
Chad Hunter, Cherokee Phoenix, Powwow captivates youth in reservation, beyond
Feature Photography
WINNER: Audrey Jackson, The Christian Chronicle, A medical mission to ‘the hub of Boko Haram’
FINALISTS: Adam Vogler, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, In the kaleidoscope
Collin Richie, 225 Magazine, Going for the gold
General News Photography
WINNER: Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Memorial Day
FINALISTS: Staci Vandagriff, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Match day
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fighting fire hazard with fire
Aerial Photography
WINNER: Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Superb Superbloom
Rex Nelson, 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 26, at Next Level Events in downtown Little Rock. Rex Nelson, senior editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group, will provide the keynote conversation.
The event will recognize winners and finalists in more than 80 categories, showcasing work from Arkansas and bordering states. The placement of the inaugural winners of the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism, which carries $15,000 in prize money, will be announced. This year’s finalists include Chris Fulton of the Mountain Home Observer, Jessica Ranck of KARK and FOX16 and Matt Campbell of the Arkansas Times.
“This year’s contest was our most competitive to date and we can’t wait to recognize the amazing work in Arkansas and surrounding states,” said Wendy Jordan, Arkansas SPJ president. “Rex is one of the best storytellers in the industry and having him join media powerhouse Heather Baker for the event’s keynote will be a perfect fit for an evening of celebrating journalism.”
Nelson is known for his columns, books, and the popular blog known as Rex Nelson’s Southern Fried and the Southern Fried podcast, as well as regular radio and TV appearances. A former communications director for Gov. Mike Huckabee and appointee under President George W. Bush, he has been honored as Rural Advocate of the Year and inducted into the Arkansas Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame.
Nelson will be joined by Baker who has worked in the publishing industry for more than 25 years. Under her guidance and leadership, AY Media Group has grown to elite status in media circles both in the local market and nationally. She is also a well-known media personality and influencer whose work spans multiple mediums and countless philanthropic endeavors.
This year’s contest drew 704 entries in more than 80 categories, including divisions that recognize professional journalism, student journalism, and communications. SPJ members from Connecticut judged the competitions.
FOX 16 Good Day Morning Anchor, Ashlei King will be this year’s emcee. King, who is a San Antonio native with Arkansas roots, has earned both a National and Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and a Regional Emmy for her reporting.
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 to the event are $35 per person through July 7 and will be $40 starting July 8 and can be purchased here. Table purchases and sponsorship opportunities are available.
The finalists are listed below, grouped by outlet or organization. A list sorted by individuals’ names and divisions can be found here.
* Craft Achievement Finalist ** Special Award Finalist ***A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting Finalist
Arkansas Advocate Antoinette Grajeda Mary Hennigan Tess Vrbin
Arkansas Children’s Health System Aprille Spivey
Arkansas Community Foundation Jessica Ford, APR
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Adam Vogler Alex Thomas Colin Murphey* Cristina LaRue David Barham Dwain Hebda Frank Lockwood Grant Lancaster** Heather Kersten Josh Snyder Liz Atkinson Lucas Dufalla** Michael Hoge Mike Wickline Neal Earley Nick Popowitch* Philip Martin Remington Miller Richard Davenport Sarah Campbell-Miller* Staci Vandagriff Thomas Metthe* Tommy Foltz Wendy Jordan
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Community Journalism Project Staci Miller
Arkansas State University The Herald Ibuki Hinohara
Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts Public Information Office Corey Alderdice Donnie Sewell Mike Kemp
Arkansas Times Annika Shunn Austin Gelder Benjamin Hardy Cassie Stephenson Daniel Grear David Ramsey Griffin Coop Illan Ireland Jeannie Roberts Kasten Searles Mandy Keener Mary Hennigan Matt Campbell*** Milo Strain Phillip Powell Sara Reeves Stephanie Smittle
At Home in Arkansas + PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide Stephanie Maxwell Newton*
Axios Northwest Arkansas Alex Golden Worth Sparkman
AY Magazine + Arkansas Money & Politics Dwain Hebda Mark Carter Sarah DeClerk
The Associated Press Andrew DeMillo
Cherokee Phoenix Chad Hunter Mark Dreadfulwater Micah Fletcher Stacie Boston
The Christian Chronicle Audrey Jackson** Bobby Ross Jr.** Calvin Cockrell Cheryl Mann Bacon Erik Tryggestad Ted Parks
Crafton Tull Brittany Goff Lindsay Young Maggie Butler Trevor Hensley
Cyclone Broadcasting Russellville High School Ava Brock Drew Brent Izzy Ohnmacht Madison Estep Mary Stratton Noah Carter
Fort Worth Weekly Anthony Mariani Edward Brown Jason Brimmer
Fox 16 + KARK News Alexis Burch Ashlei King Bob Clausen Caitrin Assaf* Caroline Derby Donna Terrell Jessica Ranck*** John Matthews Julian Jones Kevin Kelly* Kimberely Blackburn Kwasi Harshaw Laura Monteverdi Mattison Gafner Ronni Romero Samantha Boyd Stephen Goodale* Tylisa Hampton Whitney Thomas
inRegister Magazine Hoa Vu Jackie Haxthausen Jeffrey Roedel Melinda Gonzales Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois Stephania Campos
Institute for Public Service Reporting University of Memphis Christopher Blank Laura Kebede-Twumasi Marc Perrusquia
KFDM 6 (Beaumont, Texas) Kimberly Rusley Steven Bui
KFSM 5News Fort Smith Kayla Davis Michael Aaron Mike Nielsen Skot Covert (Previously KTHV)*
KNWA/FOX24 Fayetteville Anna Darling Brad Horn Chad Mira Lauren Motley*
Leader Newspaper Jonathan Feldman
Little Rock Public Radio + National Public Radio Daniel Breen Josie Lenora Maggie Ryan Nathan Treece
Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Greater Little Rock Wendy Jordan + Class XL Community Project Team 2
Louisiana State University LSU Tiger TV, LSU Reveille, KLSU 91.1 FM Amelia Bridges Cade Savoy Cate Emma Warren Gabriella Guillory Jayden Slaughter John Buzbee Kaitlyn Hoang Marty Sullivan Mohammad Tantawi Morgan Carter Nicole Marino Patricia Caputo Payton Prichard Taylor Hamilton Torie Bovie
Madison County Record Ellen Kreth** Shannon Hahn**
McNeese State University The Poke Press Kyla Clark
Mississippi Free Press Ashton Pittman Cassie Stephenson Donna Ladd Heather Harrison Illan Ireland Nick Judin Phillip Powell Shaunicy Muhammad** Stacey Spiehler Torsheta Jackson William Pittman
MLK50: Justice Through Journalism Andrea Morales** Ashli Blow Jacob Steimer** Jacob Steimer Katherine Burgess Katti Gray Mikhaila Markham** Rebecca Cadenhead Zandria F. Robinson
Mountain Home Observer Alison Fulton Chris Fulton*** **
St. Louis Public Radio Danny Wicentowski
Tennessee Lookout Adam Friedman Anita Wadhwani Cassie Stephenson Holly McCall Illan Ireland Phillip Powell Sam Stockard
University of Arkansas The Arkansas Traveler & UATV Addie Jones Emma Rasmussen Ethan Doan Katie Parker* Maddi Phipps MJ Ferguson
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Communications & Marketing Office Angelita Faller Benjamin Krain Carrie Phillips Meaghan Milliorn Muriel Schrepfer
University of Mississippi NewsWatch Ole Miss, Daily Mississippian Ashlynn Payne Chequoia Adderley Erin Foley Gabe Evans Hannah Baker Seth Parenteau
University of Tennessee The Daily Beacon, WUOT and University of Tennessee for USA TODAY Caleb Jarreau** Pierce Gentry Ryan Beatty
World Christian Broadcasting’s New Life station & worldchristian.org Paul Ladd
UPDATED 6/23/25 The ballot is almost set for Arkansas SPJ’s 2025-2026 board elections. Incumbent president Wendy Jordan is running for another term. Jordan is a marketing manager at Crafton Tull, a freelance journalist and an online adjunct instructor and academic coach in Arkansas State University’s strategic communications programs.
Also running unopposed are Sarah Campbell-Miller, senior online editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, for vice president and longtime treasurer Rob Moritz, a journalism instructor at the University of Central Arkansas, who is seeking another term. Jeanette Stewart, editor of the Log Cabin Democrat and Van Buren County Democrat, has stepped up to run for secretary.
Returning board members seeking re-election include:
Jennifer Ellis, SPJ Region 12 coordinator and creative services managing editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sonny Albarado, past national SPJ president and editor-in-chief of the Arkansas Advocate
Andrew DeMillo, Arkansas Capitol Correspondent for The Associated Press
Steve Listopad, former journalism instructor and New Voices USA coordinator
New candidates are:
I.C. Murrell, senior reporter at The Pine Bluff Commercial
Drew Brent, multimedia educator at Russellville High School and former journalist
Staci Miller, director of development at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Community Journalism Project
Voting will take place online from Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29.
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 Thursday, June 26 to Wendy Jordan at wendymillerjournalist@gmail.com or ArkansasSPJ@gmail.com.
Check out the following duties and responsibilities of Arkansas SPJ board members and consider running for the board or an officer position. Send a photo and a brief bio that tells why you want to serve as an SPJ leader, your history with SPJ and what you will bring to the group, including any ideas you have for the coming year, to Arkansas SPJ president Wendy Miller at wendymillerjournalist@gmail.com or ArkansasSPJ@gmail.com by Sunday, June 15.
A list of candidates and their bios will be posted at least 10 days before the election and emailed to our membership. Voting will take place via online ballot Friday, June 27, through Sunday, June 29.
Don’t want to be a board member? Get involved in one of our committees.
ARKANSAS PRO CHAPTER BOARD Duties and Responsibilities To ensure the health of the Society of Professional Journalists Arkansas Pro Chapter, the members of the Board of Directors must be current on national dues and be accountable for the following duties and responsibilities:
Attendance The Board of Directors meets monthly and sometimes calls special meetings via phone or email. Board members must attend a minimum of nine monthly meetings during their July-to-June term of office, but strive to make it to all meetings in-person or by Zoom. Absence from three consecutive meetings, or four or more monthly meetings during their term, will result in the appointment of a new director to the position.
Participation Board members must actively participate in at least one of the following chapter committees: Freedom of Information Act, Programing, Contests, Membership and Marketing, or other special committees designated by the president. Active participation may include planning at least one event in a year, advancement of the FOIA through lobbying, contributions to the chapter’s website, newsletter or social media campaigns, or other efforts determined by the board.
NEWS RELEASE Contact: Wendy Miller Jordan, President arkspjcontest@gmail.com | 469.338.7062
2025 Diamond Journalism Awards Finalists Announced
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 2025 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, was added this year to recognize 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 704 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 26, 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 FOX 16 Good Day Morning Anchor, Ashlei King. 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.
A-MARK PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING IN ARKANSAS
Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Jessica Ranck, KARK and FOX16
Matt Campbell, Arkansas Times
PRINT/ONLINE
Adam Friedman, Tennessee Lookout
Alex Golden, Axios Northwest Arkansas
Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press
Anita Wadhwani, Adam Friedman, Tennessee Lookout
Anthony Mariani, Fort Worth Weekly
Antoinette Grajeda, Arkansas Advocate
Antoinette Grajeda, Tess Vrbin, Mary Hennigan, Arkansas Advocate
Arkansas Times Staff
Benjamin Hardy, Matt Campbell, David Ramsey, Austin Gelder, Griffin Coop, Arkansas Times
Benjamin Leger, 225 Magazine
Bobby Ross Jr., Cheryl Mann Bacon, Calvin Cockrell, The Christian Chronicle
Chad Hunter, Cherokee Phoenix
Daniel Grear, Arkansas Times
David Barham, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
David Ramsey, Jeannie Roberts, Austin Gelder, Benjamin Hardy, Arkansas Times
Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Wheelhouse Publications
Ellen Kreth, Shannon Hahn, Madison County Record
Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle
Frank Lockwood, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Holly McCall, Tennessee Lookout
Jacob Steimer, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Jason Brimmer, Fort Worth Weekly
Jeffrey Roedel, Hoa Vu, Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, inRegister Magazine
Jonathan Feldman, Leader newspaper
Katherine Burgess, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics
Matt Campbell, Arkansas Times
Matt Campbell, David Ramsey, Austin Gelder, Benjamin Hardy, Mary Hennigan, Phillip Powell, Arkansas Times
Mike Wickline, Josh Snyder, Neal Earley, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Milo Strain, Arkansas Times
Nick Judin, Mississippi Free Press
Nick Judin, Stacey Spiehler, Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Olivia Deffes, 225 Magazine
Philip Martin, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Rebecca Cadenhead, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Richard Davenport, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sam Stockard, Tennessee Lookout
Stephanie Maxwell Newton, PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide
Stephanie Smittle, Arkansas Times
Tommy Foltz, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Worth Sparkman, Axios Northwest Arkansas
Zandria F. Robinson, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
TELEVISION
40/29 News Staff
Anna Darling, Brad Horn, KNWA/FOX24
Brittany Tarwater, WVLT News
Caitrin Assaf, KARK 4 News
Caroline Derby, Kwasi Harshaw, FOX 16 News
Chad Mira, Lauren Motley, KNWA/FOX24
Darby Bybee, 40/29 News Staff
Donna Terrell, Fox16 News
Gabe Evans, NewsWatch Ole Miss
Hannah Baker, NewsWatch Ole Miss
Kayla Davis, KFSM 5News
Kevin Kelly, Julian Jones, FOX 16 News
Kevin Kelly, FOX 16 News
Kimberely Blackburn, Bob Clausen, Donna Terrell, Laura Monteverdi, Ashlei King, Ronni Romero, Fox16 & KARK 4 News
Kimberely Blackburn, Fox 16 News
Kimberly Rusley, Steven Bui, KFDM 6
Laura Monteverdi, Alexis Burch, KARK 4 News
Laura Monteverdi, John Matthews, KARK 4 News
Lauren Motley, KNWA/FOX24 Fayetteville
Maddi Phipps, UATV
Mattison Gafner, Stephen Goodale, KARK 4 News
Micah Fletcher, Cherokee Phoenix
Michael Aaron, Mike Nielsen, KFSM
Samantha Boyd, Stephen Goodale, KARK 4 News
Seth Parenteau, NewsWatch Ole Miss
Skot Covert, KFSM
Stacie Boston, Cherokee Phoenix
KARK 4 News – Staff
Tylisa Hampton, John Matthews, KARK 4 News
Tylisa Hampton, Stephen Goodale, KARK 4 News
UATV Staff
Whitney Thomas, Stephen Goodale, KARK 4 News
WVLT Staff , WVLT News
RADIO/AUDIO
Alex Thomas, Nick Popowitch, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Daniel Breen, Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio
Daniel Breen, Little Rock Public Radio
Daniel Breen, National Public Radio
Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio
Emma Rasmussen, UATV
Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio
Josie Lenora, National Public Radio
Laura Kebede-Twumasi, Christopher Blank, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting
Maggie Ryan, Little Rock Public Radio
Maggie Ryan, National Public Radio
Nathan Treece, Little Rock Public Radio
Paul Ladd, World Christian Broadcasting’s New Life station & worldchristian.org
SPECIAL TOPICS
Antoinette Grajeda, Mary Hennigan, Tess Vrbin, Arkansas Advocate
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Staff
Ashli Blow, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Audrey Jackson, The Christian Chronicle
Cristina LaRue, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Mental Health Guide (AY Magazine)
Erik Tryggestad, Ted Parks, Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle
Heather Harrison, Illan Ireland, Torsheta Jackson, Ashton Pittman, William Pittman, Nick Judin, Mississippi Free Press
Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press
Katti Gray, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Health in Memphis
The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists awarded $3,500 in scholarships to eight students at the Arkansas College Media Association conference, which was hosted on April 11 at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.
Scholarship checks were presented to the ACMA General Excellence award winners or a fellow student accepting on their behalf.
Newspaper Editor of the Year Torrie Herrington – The Echo University of Central Arkansas
Reporter of the Year Chelsea Castillo – Eagle View NorthWest Arkansas Community College
TV Anchor of the Year Haley Shourd, – Ouachita News, OBUTV Ouachita Baptist University
Photographer of the Year Meghann Bledsoe Ouachita Baptist University
TV Producer/Director of the Year Joshua Engle, OBUTV Ouachita Baptist University
Designer of the Year Addie Chumley, Ouachitonian Ouachita Baptist University
Website Editor of the Year Sydni Worley, The Signal Ouachita Baptist University
Yearbook Editor of the Year Erin Key, Ouachitonian Ouachita Baptist University
UCA students to discuss Faulkner County FOIA project during March 18 webinar
Panel to include academic, legal FOIA experts
FAULKNER COUNTY, Ark. — Arkansas SPJ partnered with the University of Central Arkansas journalism department to conduct a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) audit in Faulkner County in late 2024.
The project was inspired by a statewide FOIA audit the Log Cabin Democrat and other media outlets conducted in 1999 and a similar project at Arkansas State University in 2009. The audit aimed to test the FOIA understanding of the custodians of public records throughout the county by simply seeking some of the most common documents covered under FOIA.
On Nov. 15, 2024, students in UCA journalism classes set out to request public records from 16 agencies throughout Faulkner County. These agencies included police departments, the sheriff’s office, the health department, the school district and the city/county government. By and large, most agencies complied with FOIA without a hitch, but a couple of students ran into issues.
“We are incredibly proud of the UCA students and professors who dedicated their time to this project,” Wendy Jordan, Arkansas SPJ president, said. “FOIA is so important, and we applaud the efforts of UCA faculty and the leadership at the Log Cabin Democrat for organizing this event to ensure students gained this first-hand experience.”
The Log Cabin Democrat helped to plan the event and assisted with educating the students on the basics of FOIA before sending them into the field. Jeanette Stewart, Log Cabin Democrat editor and a board member for Arkansas SPJ, said this type of project provides valuable experience for students looking to enter the Arkansas journalism landscape.
“Learning the importance of FOIA and effectively understanding the guidelines are paramount to any journalist,” Stewart said. “These students handled themselves expertly. I can’t wait to hear them discuss it.”
Coverage of the event from the Log Cabin Democrat can be read here and coverage from the UCA’s student newspaper, The Echo can be found here. Arkansas SPJ will also host a webinar on March 18 where Torrie Herrington, Ethan Grannis and Mary LeSieur, who participated in the event, will present their findings from the project.
Additional panelists will include UCA Assistant Professor of Journalism Rich Shumate, who incorporated the audit into his advanced reporting class; and David Keith, UCA journalism lecturer, who led the statewide audit in 1999 and whose students were a part of the current project; and Fort Smith FOIA attorney Joey McCutcheon.
Arkansas SPJ treasurer and the UCA professor who spearheaded the project, Rob Moritz, will moderate the panel discussion. Moritz also serves as the Chairman of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Task Force.
“These students were eager to learn and did a fantastic job executing this audit,” Moritz. “They helped to not only test the custodians of the records’ knowledge, but help to educate those who seemed hesitant to comply. We are incredibly proud of these student volunteers.”
The webinar will be from 1:40-2:30 p.m. on Zoom. Registration is required for the event and can be completed here.
ABOUT ARKANSAS SPJ: The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is an association of journalists and journalism supporters based in Little Rock, Arkansas. The group hosts several professional development, First Amendment and journalism education events each year in addition to the annual Diamond Journalism Awards. The group also co-sponsors with the Arkansas College Media Association competitive scholarships for Arkansas journalism students. For more information, visit arkansasspj.org.
DEALINE EXTENDED! ENTRIES DUE BY 5 P.M. FRIDAY, MARCH 7
2025 Diamond Journalism Awards Contest now accepting entries
New A-Mark Prize offers $15K in cash for Arkansas investigative reporting
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas SPJ is proud to announce the opening of the 2025 Diamond Journalism Awards. The annual contest is open to professional and student journalists, freelancers and communications professionals.
The contest is open to Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas residents, and entries can be made through March 3.
New this year is the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting, which Arkansas SPJ has partnered with the A-Mark Foundation to present. It distributes $15,000 in cash to reporters and their newsrooms.
A-Mark winners will receive:
First place: $5,000 for the writer(s), plus $2,500 for the newsroom
Second place: $3,000 for the writer(s), $1,500 for the newsroom
Third place: $2,000 for the writer(s), $1,000 for the newsroom
The A-Mark Prize is the only Diamond Journalism Awards category limited to entries with an Arkansas connection, which means one or more of the following: (1) The winning reporter is based in Arkansas; (2) The newspaper or media outlet is based in Arkansas; or (3) The work covers Arkansas.
“We are incredibly proud to offer the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting in Arkansas through the A-Mark Foundation,” said Wendy Jordan, Arkansas SPJ president. “This is a wonderful opportunity for journalists covering Arkansas issues to be recognized and monetarily rewarded for their efforts to uncover the truth.”
All Diamond Journalism Awards entries must be published or broadcast in 2024. There are nearly 100 categories in 10 divisions ranging from traditional print and broadcast content to podcasts, communications campaigns and more. Find all of the contest categories here.
Although entrants do not have to be members of SPJ, joining the organization offers more benefits than contest entry fee discounts. If you’re interested in joining, click here.
A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting (Division 10)
SPJ Members and Nonmembers: $40
The Diamond Journalism Awards uses the Better BNC contest management platform for entries and judging and fees are submitted through PayPal. All finalists will be recognized at the Diamond Awards event in July in central Arkansas. A listing of finalists will be announced prior to the event.
Searching for the truth is expensive. It takes time, resources and money, things a lot of newsrooms don’t have much of. But where there’s passion, there’s perseverance.
That’s why Arkansas SPJ and the A-Mark Foundation want to recognize investigative reporting and help to fund the continued effort. The A-Mark Prize will provide $15,000 each year for reporters and their newsrooms.
First place: $5,000 for the writer(s), plus $2,500 for the newsroom
Second place: $3,000 for the writer(s), $1,500 for the newsroom
Third place: $2,000 for the writer(s), $1,000 for the newsroom
Arkansas SPJ is one of only a few chapters hosting these investigative awards this year, and we are proud to partner with the A-Mark Foundation to continue the investigative efforts of hard-working reporters.
“The A-Mark Foundation hopes that our grants will lead to increased recognition and support for investigative journalists across the United States,” said A-Mark senior VP Tracey DeFrancesco. “We noticed that most state-level journalism awards did not have a cash prize, and we hope that providing a monetary award to both reporters and their publishing outlets will enable more important articles to be written.”
What you need to know
The A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism in Arkansas is described as an award for remarkable investigative reporting in any medium. *This prize is only open to entries with an Arkansas connection. The entry must include investigative reporting by an individual or team in a single report or a series – up to five items including coverage and other supporting elements. Stories should expose a wrong or promote understanding of a problem, issue or subject in the public interest.
The entry must have an Arkansas connection meaning one or more of the following applies: (1) The winning reporter is based in Arkansas; (2) The newspaper or media outlet is based in Arkansas; or (3) The work covers Arkansas. The entry must include investigative reporting by an individual or team in a single report or a series – up to five items including coverage and other supporting elements. Stories should expose a wrong or promote understanding of a problem, issue or subject in the public interest. A supporting statement (400 words max) is required.
The winners will be recognized, and the prizes will be distributed at the Arkansas Diamond Awards ceremony during Summer 2025. All entrants should plan to attend the ceremony in Little Rock in July if they are named a finalist.
If you have questions, email us anytime. The 2025 Diamond Journalism Awards contest is now open. To learn more, click here.
Plus, a special treat — Sonny Albarado will read “A Cajun Night Before Christmas” in his signature style!
Newspaper Editor of the Year
Reporter of the Year
TV Anchor of the Year
Photographer of the Year
TV Producer/Director of the Year
Designer of the Year
Website Editor of the Year
Yearbook Editor of the Year
Society of Professional Journalists | Arkansas Pro Chapter 