Author: arkansasspj
This is the official site of the Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Arkansas SPJ to host 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards on July 25
Warwick Sabin and Heather Baker to be featured as special guests; $15,000 to be awarded for A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will present the Diamond Journalism Awards banquet on Saturday, July 25, at Next Level Events in downtown Little Rock, featuring a keynote conversation between Warwick Sabin, president and CEO of Deep South Today, and Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group.
Sabin leads Deep South Today, a nonprofit network of local newsrooms that includes The Current, Mississippi Today, Verite News and Arkansas Today, which is scheduled to launch in fall 2026. His career spans journalism, public service, philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. He served three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019.
Baker has worked in the publishing industry for more than 25 years. Under her leadership, AY Media Group has grown into one of the region’s most recognized media organizations. She is also a prominent media personality and influencer whose work spans print, digital and broadcast media, as well as numerous philanthropic initiatives.
The Diamond Journalism Awards will recognize winners and finalists in more than 80 categories, showcasing exceptional journalism from Arkansas and neighboring states. Winners of the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism, which carries $15,000 in prize money, will also be announced. This year’s finalists are Chris Fulton of the Mountain Home Observer and Josh Snyder of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
“This year’s contest was our most competitive to date, and we can’t wait to recognize the outstanding work being produced in Arkansas and throughout the region,” said Sarah Campbell-Miller, Arkansas SPJ president. “Warwick brings a unique perspective on the future of local journalism, and pairing him with media leader Heather Baker will create a dynamic conversation to cap off an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in journalism.”
The 2026 contest drew 591 entries across more than 80 categories, including divisions for professional journalism, student journalism and communications. SPJ members from Connecticut judged the competitions.
This year’s emcee will be Sonseeahray Tonsall, KARK 4 News at Noon anchor. Throughout her award-winning journalism career, Tonsall has covered some of the nation’s most significant stories, from natural disasters and political conventions to investigative reports that have driven meaningful change in local communities. Back in Arkansas for a second stint at KARK, she remains committed to uncovering the truth, telling stories with integrity, and serving viewers across the state.
The Diamond Awards ceremony will be held at Next Level Events, 1400 W. Markham St. in Little Rock. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., and the program will begin immediately following. Tickets are $35 per person, and you can purchase them here.
AY Media Group is this year’s presenting sponsor, and the event is also sponsored by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media, and Crafton Tull. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available; contact Arkansas SPJ to learn more.
Finalists are listed below in alphabetical order by first name in each division. If multiple entries are finalists but are credited in the same manner, the entry credit is listed only once per division. To see the finalists listed by organization in addition to name, click here.
Print/Online Division
Aarron Fleming, Jane Donahoe, The Daily Memphian
Ainsley Platt, Antoinette Grajeda, Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate
Alex Thomas, Ella McCarthy, Neal Earley, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Aliyah Veal, Mississippi Free Press
Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press
Antoinette Grajeda, Arkansas Advocate
Antoinette Grajeda, Ainsley Platt, Tess Vrbin, Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate
Bill Bowden, Dale Ellis, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bobby Ross Jr., Religion Unplugged
Brant Bingamon, The Austin Chronicle
Daniel Connolly, Matt Fair, Hilary Russ, Vince Sullivan, Orlando Lorenzo, Law360 (Legal news service)
Daniel Grear, Arkansas Times
David Barham, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press
Doug Crise, Arkansas Money & Politics
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine
Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice
Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Marc Perrusquia, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting
Jane Roberts , Mary Cashiola, The Daily Memphian
Jennifer Tormo Alvarez, Hoa Vu, Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, 225 Magazine
Jody Callahan, Chris Herrington, The Daily Memphian
Jonathan Feldman, Leader Newspaper
Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Kimberley Jones, The Austin Chronicle
Matt Campbell, Arkansas Times
Micaela Watts, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting
Natalie Wallington, Katherine Burgess, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Nick Judin, Ashton Pittman, Heather Harrison, William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Nick Judin, Kevin Edwards, Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Philip Martin, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Phillip Powell, Arkansas Times
Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, Melinda Gonzales, Hoa Vu, inRegister Magazine
Sammie Seamon, The Austin Chronicle
Samuel Hardiman, Jane Donahoe, The Daily Memphian
Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate
Sophie Bates, David A. Lieb, Illan Ireland, M.K. Wilderman, Alex Rozier, Mississippi Free Press, Associated Press, Mississippi Today
Staff, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism/ProPublica
Staff , The Austin Chronicle
Tess Vrbin, Arkansas Advocate
Tommy Foltz, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Torsheta Jackson, Heather Harrison, Ashton Pittman, Jaylin Smith, Mississippi Free Press
Whitley O’Connor, Henry Hargreaves, Curbside Chronicle
TELEVISION
40/29 Staff, KHBS/KHOG
Ashlei King, Julian Jones, FOX16
Brad Horn, KNWA FOX24
Brandon Evans and Shelby Wyatt, KHBS/KHOG TV
Breanna Hampton, Cherokee Phoenix
Brett Rains, KHBS/KHOG
Doug Warner, KNWA
Doug Warner, Brad Horn, KNWA
Doug Warner, Joshua Rugger, Peyton Langford, KNWA
Dylan Price, Jacob Osborn, KARK 4 and FOX16
Kathryn Thornberry, KARK 4 and FOX16
Kevin Kelly, FOX16 KLRT
Kevin Kelly, Julian Jones, FOX16 KLRT
Kevin Kelly, Kwasi Harshaw, FOX16 KLRT
Kevin Kelly, Lavant Randall, FOX16 KLRT
Kimberly Rusley, Duncan Meece, KFDM 6
Lauren Motley, KNWA FOX24 Fayetteville
Madison Taylor, KHBS/KHOG
Matt Grant Josh Hinkle, Dalton Huey Chris Nelson, KXAN-TV
Micah Fletcher, Cherokee Phoenix
Michael Aaron, Skot Covert, Joel Kattner, KFSM
Phil Reed, KHBS/KHOG TV
Tiffany Baskerville, KFSM-TV Ft. Smith
Tyre White, Clover Wagner, KATV 7 NEWS
AUDIO
Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio
Erika Konig, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM public radio
Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio
Laura Kebede-Twumasi, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM public radio
Maggie Ryan, Little Rock Public Radio
Maggie Ryan, National Public Radio
Nathan Treece, Josie Lenora, Maggie Ryan, Emma Bertram, Little Rock Public Radio
Paul Ladd, World Christian Broadcasting’s New Life Station & worldchristian.org
VISUAL JOURNALISM
Adam Vogler, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Alison Fulton, Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Andrea Morales, Kevin Wurm, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Carrie Hill, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Chad Hunter, Cherokee Phoenix
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Henry Hargreaves, Whitley O’Connor, Curbside Chronicle
Jennifer Tormo Alvarez, Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Collin Richie, 225 Magazine
Jordan Hefler, Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, inRegister Magazine
Mandy Keener, Layet Johnson, Sarah Richardson, Sara Reeves, Arkansas Times
Mandy Keener, Sara Reeves, Arkansas Times
Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, 225 Magazine
Michael Hoge, Sarah Smythe, Heather Kersten, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Jordan Hefler, Jackie Haxthausen, Hoa Vu, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, inRegister Magazine
Staci Vandagriff, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Staff, Mississippi Free Press
Stan Denman, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
SPECIAL TOPICS
Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Catholic
Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University Athletics
Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Ay Media Group
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Arkansas Money & Politics
Dwain Hebda, Catherine Frederick, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Do South Magazine
Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle
Frank Lockwood, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Illan Ireland, William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk
Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics
Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics
Roger Amos, Mississippi Free Press
Stephanie Smittle, Arkansas Times
Tom Murphy, Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
COMMUNICATIONS
Amye Buckley, Crafton Tull
Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Children’s Health System
Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University
Crafton Tull Marketing Team, Social Media, Earned Media, Owned Media
Donnie Sewell, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts
Emily Partridge, Heifer International
Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull
STUDENT JOURNALISM
Alexa Durben, The Volunteer Channel
Claire Thatcher, The Daily Beacon
Emma Fingeret, Sydney Barney, Lailah Rucker, Ablaze Magazine
Erika Konig, University of Memphis
Gracie Guillot, LSU Tiger TV
Gracyn Thatcher, Kate Barber, The Volunteer Channel
Kierra Evans, LSU Tiger TV
Lindsay Favre, The Daily Beacon
Luke Lamoree, The Volunteer Channel
Mary Lyle, The Echo
Meredith Lipsey, The Echo
Olivia Lee, Caden Dyer, Patrick Busch, The Daily Beacon
Patricia Caputo, LSU Tiger TV
Sophie Starkey, The Volunteer Channel
Tiger TV Staff , LSU Tiger TV
TVC Staff, The Volunteer Channel
Vivian Phillips, The Echo
CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT
Ashlei King, FOX16/KLRT
Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Darby Bybee, KHBS/KHOG
Heather Baker, AY Media Group
Kevin Kelly, FOX16/KLRT
Kimberly Rusley, KFDM 6
Lauren Motley, KNWA FOX24 Fayetteville
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sarah DeClerk, AY Media Group
Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull
DIAMOND HONORS
Ainsley Platt, Arkansas Advocate
Bill Bowden, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle and Religion Unplugged
Caden Dyer, The Daily Beacon
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths
Erika Konig, University of Memphis
Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Institute for Public Service Reporting
Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk
Lia Portillo, Marshall News Messenger
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Tammy Keith, Log Cabin Democrat
A-MARK PRIZE
Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
2026-27 Arkansas SPJ Board Elections Ballot Open
It’s time to cast your vote in the 2026-27 Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ board elections. The ballot closes at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 30.
Current national dues-paying members of SPJ who have selected membership in the Arkansas Pro Chapter are eligible to vote (our chapter does not charge additional dues.)
Review the candidates and make your voice heard using this link. Choose one candidate each for president, vice president and treasurer. There is also the opportunity to write in a candidate, including yourself.
This is your chance to help shape the future of Arkansas SPJ, so don’t miss the opportunity to vote.
Introducing Arkansas SPJ Board candidates
The ballot is almost set for Arkansas SPJ’s 2026-2027 board elections.
Interim president Sarah Campbell-Miller is running for her first full term. Campbell-Miller is a supporter engagement specialist at the ACLU of Arkansas and longtime board member with 15 years of journalism experience, having worked for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Business, and Arkansas Leader.
Also running unopposed are Drew Brent, multimedia educator at Russellville High School and former journalist, for vice president and longtime treasurer Rob Moritz, a journalism instructor at the University of Central Arkansas, who is seeking another term. No one is currently running for board secretary.
Returning board members seeking re-election include:
- Andrew DeMillo, editor-in-chief of the Arkansas Advocate
- I.C. Murrell, editor of The Pine Bluff Commercial
- Jennifer Ellis, SPJ Region 12 coordinator, appointed at-large director on the National SPJ board, and creative services managing editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Sonny Albarado, past national SPJ president, longtime board member and retired editor
- Staci Miller, director of development at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Community Journalism Project
- Steve Listopad, former journalism instructor and New Voices USA coordinator
New candidates are:
- Kyle McDaniel, who teaches online and digital media courses at the University of Central Arkansas
- Byron Tate, managing editor of the Arkansas Times
Voting will take place via online ballot Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30.
Want to run? There’s still time! Send your name, photo and a short bio — including your SPJ background, reasons for running and ideas for the coming year — by Sunday, June 28 to Sarah Campbell-Miller at s.campbell.miller@gmail.com or ArkansasSPJ@gmail.com.
Write-in candidates are welcome, too.
Arkansas SPJ Seeking Candidates for 2026-27 Board
The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is looking for journalists and media professionals to help lead our chapter in 2027-27. If you care about strengthening our craft, encouraging others to pursue it, and want to support your colleagues as well as our mission to inform the public, please consider running for the Board of Directors or an officer position.
Serving on the board is a great way to access a statewide network and resources, back press freedom, and help create programs and initiatives that matter. Whether you are a longtime member or looking to get more involved, we welcome your ideas and your voice.
To run, submit a brief bio and photo by Sunday, June 14, to Arkansas SPJ President Sarah Campbell-Miller at s.campbell.miller@gmail.com or ArkansasSPJ@gmail.com.
Candidate bios will be shared with members before the election. Voting will take place via online ballot Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30.
Not ready for a board role? You can still make an impact by joining one of our committees and contributing your time and expertise.
Requirements:
Board members must be current on national SPJ dues and commit to the following:
Attendance
The Board of Directors meets monthly (currently at 1 p.m. the first Thursday), with occasional special meetings as needed. Members are expected to attend at least nine meetings during the July-June term and are encouraged to participate in all meetings, either in person or via Zoom, though most will take place virtually. Missing three consecutive meetings or four total meetings may result in replacement.
Participation
Board members play an active role in at least one committee. Participation can include planning at least one event, helping with FOIA projects, contributing to marketing campaign(s), and more.
2026 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 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards and the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting.
The Diamond Awards are a regional competition that attracts entries from Arkansas and six bordering states. The A-Mark Prize, sponsored by the A-Mark Foundation, is in its second year and recognizes exceptional investigative reporting in Arkansas. The A-Mark Foundation will present $15,000 divided among first, second, and third place, recognizing both the reporters and their newsrooms who have been named as finalists.
This year’s contest drew 591 entries in more than 80 categories, including divisions that recognize professional journalism, student journalism and communications. SPJ members from Connecticut judged the competitions.
The winners will be announced on Saturday, July 25, at an awards ceremony at Next Level Events, 1400 W. Markham St. in Little Rock. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., and the program will begin immediately following. This year’s emcee will be KARK 4 News at Noon Anchor, Sonseeahray Tonsall. Tickets to the event are $35 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. To purchase tickets, go here.
Here are the finalists listed in alphabetical order by first name in each division. If multiple entries are finalists, but are credited in the same manner, the entry credit is only listed once per division. To see the finalists listed by organization in addition to being listed by name, click here.
Print/Online Division
Aarron Fleming, Jane Donahoe, The Daily Memphian
Ainsley Platt, Antoinette Grajeda, Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate
Alex Thomas, Ella McCarthy, Neal Earley, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Aliyah Veal, Mississippi Free Press
Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press
Antoinette Grajeda, Arkansas Advocate
Antoinette Grajeda, Ainsley Platt, Tess Vrbin, Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate
Bill Bowden, Dale Ellis, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bobby Ross Jr., Religion Unplugged
Brant Bingamon, The Austin Chronicle
Daniel Connolly, Matt Fair, Hilary Russ, Vince Sullivan, Orlando Lorenzo, Law360 (Legal news service)
Daniel Grear, Arkansas Times
David Barham, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press
Doug Crise, Arkansas Money & Politics
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine
Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice
Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Marc Perrusquia, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting
Jane Roberts , Mary Cashiola, The Daily Memphian
Jennifer Tormo Alvarez, Hoa Vu, Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, 225 Magazine
Jody Callahan, Chris Herrington, The Daily Memphian
Jonathan Feldman, Leader Newspaper
Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Kimberley Jones, The Austin Chronicle
Matt Campbell, Arkansas Times
Micaela Watts, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting
Natalie Wallington, Katherine Burgess, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Nick Judin, Ashton Pittman, Heather Harrison, William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Nick Judin, Kevin Edwards, Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Philip Martin, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Phillip Powell, Arkansas Times
Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, Melinda Gonzales, Hoa Vu, inRegister Magazine
Sammie Seamon, The Austin Chronicle
Samuel Hardiman, Jane Donahoe, The Daily Memphian
Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate
Sophie Bates, David A. Lieb, Illan Ireland, M.K. Wilderman, Alex Rozier, Mississippi Free Press, Associated Press, Mississippi Today
Staff, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism/ProPublica
Staff , The Austin Chronicle
Tess Vrbin, Arkansas Advocate
Tommy Foltz, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Torsheta Jackson, Heather Harrison, Ashton Pittman, Jaylin Smith, Mississippi Free Press
Whitley O’Connor, Henry Hargreaves, Curbside Chronicle
TELEVISION
40/29 Staff, KHBS/KHOG
Ashlei King, Julian Jones, FOX16
Brad Horn, KNWA FOX24
Brandon Evans, KHBS/KHOG TV
Breanna Hampton, Cherokee Phoenix
Brett Rains, KHBS/KHOG
Doug Warner, KNWA
Doug Warner, Brad Horn, KNWA
Doug Warner, Joshua Rugger, Peyton Langford, KNWA
Dylan Price, Jacob Osborn, KARK 4 and FOX16
Kathryn Thornberry, KARK 4 and FOX16
Kevin Kelly, FOX16 KLRT
Kevin Kelly, Julian Jones, FOX16 KLRT
Kevin Kelly, Kwasi Harshaw, FOX16 KLRT
Kevin Kelly, Lavant Randall, FOX16 KLRT
Kimberly Rusley, Duncan Meece, KFDM 6
Lauren Motley, KNWA FOX24 Fayetteville
Madison Taylor, KHBS/KHOG
Matt Grant Josh Hinkle, Dalton Huey Chris Nelson, KXAN-TV
Micah Fletcher, Cherokee Phoenix
Michael Aaron, Skot Covert, Joel Kattner, KFSM
Phil Reed, KHBS/KHOG TV
Tiffany Baskerville, KFSM-TV Ft. Smith
Tyre White, Clover Wagner, KATV 7 NEWS
AUDIO
Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio
Erika Konig, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM public radio
Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio
Laura Kebede-Twumasi, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM public radio
Maggie Ryan, Little Rock Public Radio
Maggie Ryan, National Public Radio
Nathan Treece, Josie Lenora, Maggie Ryan, Emma Bertram, Little Rock Public Radio
Paul Ladd, World Christian Broadcasting’s New Life Station & worldchristian.org
VISUAL JOURNALISM
Adam Vogler, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Alison Fulton, Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Andrea Morales, Kevin Wurm, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Carrie Hill, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Chad Hunter, Cherokee Phoenix
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Henry Hargreaves, Whitley O’Connor, Curbside Chronicle
Jennifer Tormo Alvarez, Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Collin Richie, 225 Magazine
Jordan Hefler, Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, inRegister Magazine
Mandy Keener, Layet Johnson, Sarah Richardson, Sara Reeves, Arkansas Times
Mandy Keener, Sara Reeves, Arkansas Times
Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, 225 Magazine
Michael Hoge, Sarah Smythe, Heather Kersten, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Jordan Hefler, Jackie Haxthausen, Hoa Vu, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, inRegister Magazine
Staci Vandagriff, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Staff, Mississippi Free Press
Stan Denman, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
SPECIAL TOPICS
Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Catholic
Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University Athletics
Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Ay Media Group
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Arkansas Money & Politics
Dwain Hebda, Catherine Frederick, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Do South Magazine
Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle
Frank Lockwood, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Illan Ireland, William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk
Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics
Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics
Roger Amos, Mississippi Free Press
Stephanie Smittle, Arkansas Times
Tom Murphy, Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
COMMUNICATIONS
Amye Buckley, Crafton Tull
Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Children’s Health System
Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University
Crafton Tull Marketing Team, Social Media, Earned Media, Owned Media
Donnie Sewell, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts
Emily Partridge, Heifer International
Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull
STUDENT JOURNALISM
Alexa Durben, The Volunteer Channel
Claire Thatcher, The Daily Beacon
Emma Fingeret, Sydney Barney, Lailah Rucker, Ablaze Magazine
Erika Konig, University of Memphis
Gracie Guillot, LSU Tiger TV
Gracyn Thatcher, Kate Barber, The Volunteer Channel
Kierra Evans, LSU Tiger TV
Lindsay Favre, The Daily Beacon
Luke Lamoree, The Volunteer Channel
Mary Lyle, The Echo
Meredith Lipsey, The Echo
Olivia Lee, Caden Dyer, Patrick Busch, The Daily Beacon
Patricia Caputo, LSU Tiger TV
Sophie Starkey, The Volunteer Channel
Tiger TV Staff , LSU Tiger TV
TVC Staff , The Volunteer Channel
Vivian Phillips, The Echo
CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT
Ashlei King, FOX16 KLRT
Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Darby Bybee, KHBS/KHOG
Heather Baker, AY MEDIA GROUP
Kevin Kelly, FOX16 KLRT
Kimberly Rusley, KFDM 6
Lauren Motley, KNWA FOX24 Fayetteville
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sarah DeClerk, AY Media Group
Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull
DIAMOND HONORS
Ainsley Platt, Arkansas Advocate
Bill Bowden, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle and Religion Unplugged
Caden Dyer, The Daily Beacon
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths
Erika Konig, University of Memphis
Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Institute for Public Service Reporting
Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk
Lia Portillo, Marshall News Messenger
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Tammy Keith, Log Cabin Democrat
A-MARK PRIZE
Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Meetings and records are open to all SPJ members
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.
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.