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.
Author: arkansasspj
This is the official site of the Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Celebrate and find out more about the FOIA
Watch the recording of this panel at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/188tQpWHEL/
Learn about reporting on education
Watch the recording of this panel at https://www.facebook.com/reel/2967910626751977
2026 Diamond Journalism Awards Contest now open
2026 Diamond Journalism Awards Contest now open
Second annual A-Mark Prize offers $15K in cash for Arkansas investigative reporting
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas SPJ is proud to announce the opening of the 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards. The annual contest is open to professional and student journalists, freelancers and communications professionals.
The contest is open to residents of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, and entries can be submitted through March 18.
For the second year, the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting will recognize excellence in investigative reporting with an Arkansas connection. Through Arkansas SPJ’s partnership with the A-Mark Foundation, $15,000 in cash will be distributed 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 was established by the A-Mark Foundation to recognize the best investigative reporting in each state,” said A-Mark Foundation Chief Operating Officer Tracey DeFrancesco. “Arkansas SPJ did an excellent job launching the Prize in Arkansas last year, and the quality of the winning reporting in year one set a high bar. As we enter year two, we are excited to see the Prize grow and to award more outstanding investigative work.”
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 excited to again offer the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting through the A-Mark Foundation,” said Wendy Jordan, Arkansas SPJ president. “We are grateful for this continued partnership with the A-Mark Foundation as we join together to support journalism that holds those in power accountable.”
All Diamond Journalism Awards entries must be published or broadcast in 2025. There are more than 85 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.
Entry fees for Diamond Award entries are:
General Competition (Divisions 1-7)
- SPJ members: $15 per entry.
- Nonmembers: $25 per entry.
- Student SPJ members: $10 per entry.
- Student nonmembers: $15 per entry.
Craft Achievement & Diamond Awards (Divisions 8 & 9)
- SPJ members: $25 per entry.
- Nonmembers: $35 per entry.
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 Little Rock. A listing of finalists will be announced prior to the event. Click here to get started.
ABOUT ARKANSAS SPJ:
The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is dedicated to advancing the interests of journalists in the state through professional development, First Amendment advocacy, and education. SPJ also supports Arkansas journalism students through scholarships and programs. Learn more at arkansasspj.org.
ABOUT THE A-MARK FOUNDATION:
A-Mark Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in 1997. The A-Mark Foundation supports and promotes investigative reporting, defined as a form of journalism that uncovers information deliberately hidden from the public, often involving abuse of power, corruption, wrongdoing, or systemic failure, through original research, document analysis, data collection, and firsthand reporting, rather than relying primarily on official statements or press releases. Grantees are funded through the A-Mark Prizes for Investigative Reporting (42), presented by state press groups; A-Mark Journalism Master’s Scholarships (23), presented by universities; and A-Mark Student Journalism Awards (12), presented by community colleges. For more information, visit amarkfoundation.org.
Join us at our Tidings & Transparency Holiday Party!
WHEN: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
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
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
WVLT Staff, WVLT News, After Helene
Diamond Journalist of the Year
WINNER: Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle
FINALISTS: Shaunicy Muhammad, Mississippi Free Press
Dwain Hebda, Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths
CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT
Outstanding Meteorologist
WINNER: Skot Covert, KTHV & KFSM, Chief Meteorologist Skot Covert
Outstanding News Anchor
WINNER: Casey Wheeless, WVLT
FINALIST: Caitrin Assaf, KARK 4 News
Outstanding Sports Anchor
WINNER: Katie Parker, UATV, Sports Reel- Katie Parker
Outstanding Tv News Writer
WINNER: Kevin Kelly, KLRT, Kevin Kelly
Outstanding TV Editor
WINNER: Lauren Motley, KNWA/FOX24 Fayetteville
FINALISTS: Aimee Fowler, WVLT News
Stephen Goodale, KARK/KLRT
Outstanding Photographer – All Media
WINNER: Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
FINALISTS: Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Stephen Goodale, KARK/KLRT
OUTSTANDING PRINT/ONLINE EDITOR
WINNER: Nick Popowitch, Sarah Campbell-Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
FINALIST: Stephanie Maxwell Newton, At Home in Arkansas, Editing for At Home in Arkansas
PRINT/ONLINE
Investigative Reporting
WINNER: Frank Lockwood, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Continuing story of abuse coverup in a church
FINALISTS: Nick Judin, Mississippi Free Press, Decrepit water pipes put Jackson, Miss., on the edge of catastrophe. State regulators didn’t act.
Ellen Kreth, Shannon Hahn, Madison County Record, Sheriff says homicide investigation underway
Politics
WINNER: Katherine Burgess, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Government accountability
FINALISTS: Mike Wickline, Josh Snyder, Neal Earley, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Sanders’ $723K protection detail; DHS ending dental program; Education Department removes social studies resources; Parole board chair resigns; More notice, input on marijuana dispensaries proposed
Benjamin Hardy, Matt Campbell, David Ramsey, Austin Gelder, Griffin Coop, Arkansas Times, Ballot measures reporting by the Arkansas Times
Special Section/Niche Publication
WINNER: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Wheelhouse Publications, The Messenger
FINALIST: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Wheelhouse Publications, Pulse
Education
WINNER: David Ramsey, Jeannie Roberts, Austin Gelder, Benjamin Hardy, Arkansas Times, Education coverage by the Arkansas Times
FINALISTS: Edward Brown, Jason Brimmer, Fort Worth Weekly, School-to-prison pipeline
Antoinette Grajeda, Tess Vrbin, Mary Hennigan, Arkansas Advocate, Challenges faced by Arkansas schools
Features
WINNER: Zandria F. Robinson, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Tyre Nichols Had a Beautiful Life
FINALISTS: Stephanie Maxwell Newton, PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide, Right on ‘cue
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine, Brothers in arms
Sports
WINNER: Matt Campbell, Arkansas Times, Arkansas Travelers 2024 season by Matt Campbell
FINALIST: Richard Davenport, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Calipari’s move deals blow to Kentucky
Arts & Entertainment Coverage
WINNER: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Arkansas Money & Politics, Master of beats
FINALISTS: Olivia Deffes, 225 Magazine, 225 Magazine Arts & Entertainment portfolio
Chad Hunter, Cherokee Phoenix, Lawman Isaac “Ike” Roger’s legacy lives on
Editorials
WINNER: Jonathan Feldman, Leader newspaper, Slumming, Mayor, Israel
FINALISTS: Tommy Foltz, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Portfolio of editorials by Tommy Foltz
David Barham, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Editorials: Words Matter by David Barham
Commentary
WINNER: Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press, As Fascism Looms, the free press must stand and Report in the breach
FINALISTS: Holly McCall, Tennessee Lookout, Commentary by Holly McCall
Philip Martin, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Portfolio of Philip Martin columns from 2024
Sports Feature
WINNER: Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle, Team finds the good in a tough, tough season
FINALISTS: Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics, The architect
Stephanie Smittle, Arkansas Times, Rock Town Roller Derby’s game-time alter egos, and the real athletes behind them
General News
WINNER: Antoinette Grajeda, Arkansas Advocate, Grassroots tornado recovery efforts take hold in rural community where Arkansans feel forgotten
FINALISTS: Nick Judin, Stacey Spiehler, Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, As students protest for Palestine, the ghosts of UM’s past rise again
Alex Golden, Axios Northwest Arkansas, Costs, teacher absences prevent schools from using LEARNS-established paid maternity leave
Profiles
WINNER: Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle, Living a green dream
FINALISTS: Jeffrey Roedel, Hoa Vu, Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, inRegister Magazine, Lines of sight
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine, Yakkety-yak
Enterprise/In-Depth Reporting
WINNER: Jacob Steimer, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Memphis’ Lead Crisis
FINALISTS: Arkansas Times, The import business: How Arkansas residential psych facilities make money on out-of-state kids
Anita Wadhwani, Adam Friedman, Tennessee Lookout, Tennessee legislature looks to strip wetlands protections
Continuing Coverage
WINNER: Bobby Ross Jr., Cheryl Mann Bacon, Calvin Cockrell, The Christian Chronicle, Reading, ‘riting … religion
FINALISTS: Worth Sparkman, Axios Northwest Arkansas, Cooks Venture postmortem
Sam Stockard, Tennessee Lookout, Ongoing coverage of private prison company CoreCivic
Explanatory Reporting
WINNER: Rebecca Cadenhead, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Blended sentencing
FINALISTS: Adam Friedman, Tennessee Lookout, Explanatory series of how Tennessee government leaders wire tax breaks for big businesses
Milo Strain, Arkansas Times, TIF tiff: Downtown Little Rock Master Plan calls for controversial funding tool
Breaking News
WINNER: Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press, Mass shooting shutters Arkansas town’s only grocery store – for now
FINALISTS: Antoinette Grajeda, Arkansas Advocate, Arkansas Supreme Court refers one of its own for disciplinary investigation
Matt Campbell, David Ramsey, Austin Gelder, Benjamin Hardy, Mary Hennigan, Phillip Powell, Arkansas Times, Breaking news by the Arkansas Times
Criticism/Reviews
WINNER: Daniel Grear, Arkansas Times, Culture criticism by Daniel Grear
FINALISTS: Anthony Mariani, Fort Worth Weekly, Criticism/Reviews
Benjamin Leger, 225 Magazine, 225 Magazine Restaurant Reviews
RADIO/AUDIO
Investigative Reporting
WINNER: Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio, Veiled Prophet Investigation
Enterprise/Explanatory Reporting
WINNER: Laura Kebede-Twumasi, Christopher Blank, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting, Nothin’ for our labor
FINALISTS: Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio, Instead of complaints, Bailey’s trans tip line flooded with pro-trans support
Nathan Treece, Little Rock Public Radio, ‘World’s largest carbon removal plant’ sets its roots in Pine Bluff
News
WINNER: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Lawsuit challenges Arkansas ban on gender-neutral IDs
FINALISTS: Maggie Ryan, National Public Radio, Arkansas and Tennessee challenge federal rule adding abortion to pregnancy protections
Josie Lenora, National Public Radio, An Arkansas court blocks abortion vote
Politics
WINNER: Josie Lenora, National Public Radio, Finding a tasteful design for Arkansas’ ‘monument to the unborn’ has been fraught
FINALISTS: Alex Thomas, Nick Popowitch, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkies in the Beltway
Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, A recap of the 2024 Arkansas special session
Features
WINNER: Daniel Breen, Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Can a grocery store on wheels help Little Rock’s food desert problem?
FINALISTS: Nathan Treece, Little Rock Public Radio, Eloping during an eclipse
Emma Rasmussen, UATV, Grape to Glass Ep 2: Behind the Bottle
Arts & Entertainment Coverage
WINNER: Daniel Breen, National Public Radio, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is about to open its new state-of-the-art facility
FINALISTS: Maggie Ryan, National Public Radio, Netflix reality show raises questions about the ethics of filming incarcerated people
Paul Ladd, World Christian Broadcasting’s New Life station & worldchristian.org, Behold Magda!
Education
WINNER: Maggie Ryan, Little Rock Public Radio, Changes to Hendrix Office of Diversity and Inclusion spark confusion
FINALISTS: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Arkansas schools implementing new ‘Science of Reading’ curriculum
Josie Lenora, National Public Radio, High school students sue Arkansas over restricted African American studies
Ongoing Coverage
WINNER: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Groups push for hand counting ballots across Arkansas
FINALIST: Daniel Breen, Little Rock Public Radio, What do Arkansas’ newest voters think about the 2024 elections?
TELEVISION
Investigative Reporting
WINNER: Anna Darling, Brad Horn, KNWA/FOX24, Facilities workers concerned for jobs as UA considers outsourcing
FINALIST: Chad Mira, Lauren Motley, KNWA/FOX24 Fayetteville, Springdale nonprofit 2nd Milk investigated for defrauding donors
Breaking News
WINNER: WVLT Staff, WVLT News, Hurricane Helene floods the mountains
FINALISTS: Staff, KARK 4 News, Fordyce mass shooting
40/29 News Staff, 40/29 News, Hunt for quadruple murder suspect
Continuing Coverage
WINNER: WVLT Staff, WVLT News, Hurricane Helene continuing coverage
FINALISTS: Tylisa Hampton, Stephen Goodale, KARK4 News, Fordyce shooting: Silas Compton
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?
FINALISTS: Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press, Protecting Mississippi’s Vital Waterways
Ashli Blow, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Environmental Injustice in Memphis
Election Coverage
WINNER: Heather Harrison, Illan Ireland, Torsheta Jackson, Ashton Pittman, William Pittman, Nick Judin, Mississippi Free Press, Mississippi Election 2024
FINALISTS: Antoinette Grajeda, Mary Hennigan, Tess Vrbin, Arkansas Advocate, Advocate 2024 election coverage
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Staff, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 2024 Election Coverage
COMMUNICATIONS
Feature Writing
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
Cover Design – Magazine
WINNER: Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Hoa Vu, Melinda Gonzales, Jackie Haxthausen, Stephania Campos, inRegister Magazine, inRegister Cover Collection
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
FINALISTS: Wendy Jordan, Diamond Roundup, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Conway softball
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Keep your balance
Front Page Design – Newspapers
WINNER: Heather Kersten, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 1A Pages for 3/6/24; 11/6/24; and 5/8/24
FINALISTS: Mark Dreadfulwater, Cherokee Phoenix, Cherokee Phoenix
Michael Hoge, Liz Atkinson, Heather Kersten, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 1A Pages for 7/22/24; 5/9/24; and 5/31/24
Graphics/Illustrations
WINNER: Wendy Jordan, Where We Live, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas’ Central Skyline
FINALISTS: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, 225 Magazine, A Parade of pasta
Mandy Keener, Kasten Searles, Annika Shunn, Arkansas Times, Arkansas Times graphics/illustrations
STUDENT JOURNALISM
Student- Photography
WINNER: Ibuki Hinohara, The Herald, Pinion, Marshall, and Julien zip the Red Wolves to OT victory
FINALISTS: Ethan Doan, The Arkansas Traveler, Football Kneeling
Ryan Beatty, University of Tennessee for USA TODAY, Paralympic track and field highlights: USA’s Jaydin Blackwell sets world record in 100m
Student – Special Projects
WINNER: TVC Staff , The Daily Beacon Staff , WUOT Staff , WUTK Staff , The Volunteer Channel, The Daily Beacon, WUOT, WUTK, The election project
Student – Arts & Entertainment Reporting
WINNER: Torie Bovie, Cate Emma Warren, LSU Reveille, Black culture
FINALISTS: Addie Jones, The Arkansas Traveler, Behind the scenes of Pop Princess Nite
Drew Brent, Mary Stratton, Madison Estep, Ava Brock, Izzy Ohnmacht, Noah Carter, Cyclone Broadcasting, 2024 Christmas Parade
Student – Features
WINNER: Caleb Jarreau, The Daily Beacon, How childhood friends went from Campbell County to getting paid to ‘blow stuff up’ on top of Neyland Stadium
FINALISTS: Pierce Gentry, WUOT, ‘Plein Air’ painters persist through the rain in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Morgan Carter, LSU Reveille, The mystery of Memorial Tower’s long-missing original chimes
Student – Editorials
WINNER: Chequoia Adderley, Daily Mississippian, Chequoia Adderley
FINALISTS: MJ Ferguson, The Arkansas Traveler, MJ Ferguson’s column
Editorial Board, LSU Reveille, House editorials from the Reveille at LSU
Student – Photo Spread/Essay
WINNER: Gabriella Guillory, Payton Prichard, Kaitlyn Hoang, LSU Reveille, LSU football game
FINALISTS: Gabriella Guillory, Jayden Slaughter, LSU Reveille, Campus critters
Kyla Clark, The Poke Press, Men’s basketball falls to Gonzaga in Round 1 of NCAA tournament
Student – Sports
WINNER: Caleb Jarreau, The Daily Beacon, How childhood friends went from Campbell County to getting paid to ‘blow stuff up’ on top of Neyland Stadium
FINALISTS: Patricia Caputo, LSU Tiger TV, The Price for Passion
Marty Sullivan, LSU Reveille, The stories behind 100 years of Tiger Stadium told by the LSU community
Student – News
WINNER: Pierce Gentry, WUOT, Hurricane Helene hits East Tennessee
FINALISTS: Nicole Marino, LSU Tiger TV, LSU Freeze update
Amelia Bridges, KLSU 91.1 FM, Gov. Landry free speech bill
Student-Campus Affairs Reporting
WINNER: Nicole Marino, LSU Tiger TV, Drug Data Denial
FINALISTS: John Buzbee, LSU Reveille, LA Attorney General Liz Murrill questions LSU President Tate’s employment contract, salary
Cade Savoy, LSU Reveille, LSU Faculty Senate to issue report on student Grammarly usage, worrying some students
Student – Page Design
WINNER: Ablaze Staff , Ablaze, Ablaze Magazine
FINALIST: Ashlynn Payne, Erin Foley, Daily Mississippian, The Daily Mississippian
Student – Commentary
WINNER: Taylor Hamilton, LSU Reveille, Taylor Hamilton columns
FINALIST: Mohammad Tantawi, LSU Reveille, Mohammad Tantawi Columns
Arkansas SPJ to host 2025 Diamond Journalism Awards on July 26
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
225 Magazine
Benjamin Leger
Collin Richie
Melinda Gonzalez Galjour
Olivia Deffes
40/29 News + KHBS/KHOG
40/29 News Staff
Darby Bybee
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
WVLT News Knoxville
Aimee Fowler*
Brittany Tarwater
Casey Wheeless*
WVLT Staff**
Ya!Mule Wordsmiths
Dwain Hebda**
Meet the candidates for the 2025-2026 Arkansas SPJ Board of Directors
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.
Write-in candidates are welcome, too.
Arkansas SPJ Seeks Candidates for 2025–26 Board of Directors
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.
2025 Diamond Journalism Awards Finalists Announced
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
Phillip Powell, Illan Ireland, Cassie Stephenson, Arkansas Times, Tennessee Lookout, Mississippi Free Press
Remington Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sarah DeClerk, Arkansas Money & Politics
COMMUNICATIONS
Angelita Faller, Carrie Phillips, Muriel Schrepfer, Meaghan Milliorn, Angela Parker, Benjamin Krain, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Children’s Health System
Benjamin Krain, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Brittany Goff, Crafton Tull
Donnie Sewell, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts Public Information Office
Jessica Ford, APR, Arkansas Community Foundation
Maggie Butler, Crafton Tull
Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Community Journalism Project
Trevor Hensley, Crafton Tull
Trevor Hensley, Lindsay Young, Crafton Tull
Wendy Jordan, Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XL Team 2
VISUAL JOURNALISM
Adam Vogler, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Alison Fulton, Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Audrey Jackson, The Christian Chronicle
Chad Hunter, Cherokee Phoenix
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Colin Murphey, Staci Vandagriff, Staton Breidenthal, Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Collin Richie, 225 Magazine
Donnie Sewell, Mike Kemp, Corey Alderdice, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts Public Information Office
Heather Kersten , Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Mandy Keener, Kasten Searles, Annika Shunn, Arkansas Times
Mandy Keener, Sara Reeves, Kasten Searles, Arkansas Times
Mark Dreadfulwater, Cherokee Phoenix
Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, 225 Magazine
Michael Hoge, Liz Atkinson, Heather Kersten, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Hoa Vu, Melinda Gonzales, Jackie Haxthausen, Stephania Campos, inRegister Magazine
Sarah Campbell-Miller, Nick Popowitch, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Web Team
Staci Vandagriff, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Wendy Jordan, Diamond Roundup, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Wendy Jordan, Where We Live, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
STUDENT JOURNALISM
Ablaze Magazine Staff
Addie Jones, The Arkansas Traveler
Amelia Bridges, KLSU 91.1 FM
Ashlynn Payne, Erin Foley, Daily Mississippian
Cade Savoy, LSU Reveille
Caleb Jarreau, The Daily Beacon
Chequoia Adderley, Daily Mississippian
Drew Brent, Mary Stratton, Madison Estep, Ava Brock, Izzy Ohnmacht, Noah Carter, Cyclone Broadcasting
Editorial Board, LSU Reveille
Ethan Doan, The Arkansas Traveler
Gabriella Guillory, Jayden Slaughter, LSU Reveille
Gabriella Guillory, Payton Prichard, Kaitlyn Hoang, LSU Reveille
Ibuki Hinohara, The Herald
John Buzbee, LSU Reveille
Kyla Clark, The Poke Press
Marty Sullivan, LSU Reveille
MJ Ferguson, The Arkansas Traveler
Mohammad Tantawi, LSU Reveille
Morgan Carter, LSU Reveille
Nicole Marino, LSU Tiger TV
Patricia Caputo, LSU Tiger TV
Pierce Gentry, WUOT
Pierce Gentry, WUOT
Ryan Beatty, University of Tennessee for USA TODAY
Taylor Hamilton, LSU Reveille
Torie Bovie, Cate Emma Warren, LSU Reveille
TVC Staff , The Daily Beacon Staff , WUOT Staff , WUTK Staff, The Volunteer Channel, The Daily Beacon, WUOT, WUTK
CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT
Aimee Fowler, WVLT News
Caitrin Assaf, KARK 4 News
Casey Wheeless, WVLT
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Katie Parker, UATV
Kevin Kelly, KLRT
Lauren Motley, KNWA/FOX24 Fayetteville
Nick Popowitch, Sarah Campbell-Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Skot Covert, KTHV & KFSM
Stephanie Maxwell Newton, At Home in Arkansas
Stephen Goodale, KARK/KLRT
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPECIAL AWARDS
Audrey Jackson, The Christian Chronicle
Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle
Caleb Jarreau, The Daily Beacon
Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths
Ellen Kreth, Shannon Hahn, The Madison County Record
Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Jacob Steimer, Mikhaila Markham, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Lucas Dufalla, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Shaunicy Muhammad, Mississippi Free Press
WVLT Staff