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.
From left, Arkansas SPJ President Sarah Campbell-Miller, A-Mark Prize Winner Chris Fulton, and Alison Fulton. The Fultons operate the Mountain Home Observer online newspaper.
Chris Fulton of Mountain Home Observer receives first, second place A-Mark Prize; Warwick Sabin, Heather Baker shared insights on the changing journalism landscape
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists celebrated the best of journalism across the region Saturday evening during the 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards presented by AY Media Group. The event recognized finalists and winners in nearly 80 categories, with more than 125 in attendance, and the second annual A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting was awarded for exceptional Arkansas reporting.
The A-Mark Prize, sponsored by the A-Mark Foundation and presented by Arkansas SPJ, awarded $15,000 to two writers and their newsrooms, as one writer was awarded first and second place.
Chris Fulton of the Mountain Home Observer was awarded first place for his “The 29 Warnings That Didn’t Matter.” He was also the second-place winner for his “Taxation, Power and Secrecy: Inside the Briarcliff Governance Collapse.” The first place award garnered $5,000 for him and $2,500 for his newsroom. For second place, he received $3,000, and the Mountain Home Observer received $1,500.
The judges said: “Though I would ordinarily be hesitant to award the top two places to the same person, especially with money on the line, Chris Fulton nails it with his use of primary sources, his high-quality organization, his easy-to-understand writing, and his efforts to take on big projects.”
Josh Snyder of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette was awarded third place for his extensive coverage of the LEARNS Act. He received $2,000. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette received $1,000. The judge noted “Mr. Snyder’s coverage of education efforts in the state takes the bronze here as he fairly lays out for readers what efforts are being undertaken to improve education in Arkansas.”
Additional special awards included Arkansas SPJ’s top honor of Diamond Journalist of the Year, which was presented to Dwain Hebda of Ya!Mule Wordsmiths and editor-in-chief of AY Media Group. This year’s Student Journalist of the Year was Erika Konig of the University of Memphis. Arkansas SPJ additionally presented her with a $1,000 scholarship.
The keynote conversation this year was between Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group, and Warwick Sabin, president and CEO of Deep South Today, a nonprofit network of local newsrooms set to launch a statewide outlet called Arkansas Today in fall 2026. The two shared insights on the changing media landscape and the importance of collaboration across the industry.
From left, Warwick Sabin, president and CEO of Deep South Today, and Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group, discuss the future of journalism.
“It was a privilege to keynote the evening alongside Warwick Sabin,” Baker said. “Having known Warwick since the early 2000s, it was wonderful to reconnect and have an open conversation about the future of journalism. While the media landscape has changed dramatically, one thing remains true: there is tremendous value in collaboration. Journalism is strongest when we work together to inform our communities with accuracy, integrity, and purpose.”
This year’s contest drew 591 entries and was judged by SPJ members from Connecticut. Divisions spanned professional journalism, student journalism, and communications. Sonseeahray Tonsall, anchor of KARK Arkansas Today, was this year’s emcee.
“Arkansas SPJ is overjoyed and honored to not only celebrate the best journalism from across the region, but to partner with the A-Mark Foundation in recognizing with monetary awards the critical importance of investigative reporting,” said Sarah Campbell-Miller, president of Arkansas SPJ. “The evening’s keynote conversation laying out the opportunity that lies before us was fascinating. It is an exhilarating time to be in this profession. We are so very proud of all of the winners and finalists and their wonderful work.”
In addition to presenting sponsor AY Media Group, the 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards event was sponsored by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the University of Memphis, the Arkansas Advocate and Crafton Tull. The annual contest will begin accepting entries for the 2027 competition in January.
A complete list of winners and finalists across all categories is below.
A-MARK PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING IN ARKANSAS
First Place: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, The 29 Warnings That Didn’t Matter
Second Place: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, Taxation, Power and Secrecy: Inside the Briarcliff Governance Collapse
Third Place: Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, LEARNS Act Coverage
SPECIAL AWARDS
CHARLOTTE TILLAR SCHEXNAYDER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Winner: Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, No School, No Fresh Air and Isolated: Solitary Confinement in Shelby County’s Juvenile Detention Center
Finalists: Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Institute for Public Service Reporting, Abuses of the Immigration Crackdown
Tammy Keith, Log Cabin Democrat, Conway School District Coverage
GARRICK FELDMAN COMMUNITY JOURNALISM AWARD
Winner: Lia Portillo, Marshall News Messenger, Coverage of the Hispanic Community in East Texas
EMERGING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk
Finalists: Ainsley Platt, Arkansas Advocate
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Erika Konig, University of Memphis
Finalist: Caden Dyer, The Daily Beacon, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
DIAMOND JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths
Finalists: Bill Bowden, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle and Religion Unplugged
CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT
OUTSTANDING TV NEWS WRITER
Winner: Kevin Kelly, KLRT Fox 16
Finalist: Ashlei King, KLRT Fox 16
OUTSTANDING TV EDITOR
Winner: Lauren Motley, KNWA/Fox24 Fayetteville
OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL
Winner: Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Finalists: Heather Baker, AY Media Group
Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull
OUTSTANDING PRINT/ONLINE EDITOR
Winner: Sarah DeClerk, AY Media Group
Finalist: Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHER – ALL MEDIA
Winner: Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Finalist: Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
OUTSTANDING NEWS ANCHOR
Winner: Kimberly Rusley, KFDM 6
OUTSTANDING METEOROLOGIST
Winner: Darby Bybee, KHBS/KHOG
OUTSTANDING SPORTS REPORTER
Winner: Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
PRINT/ONLINE
CONTINUING COVERAGE
Winner: Staff, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism/ProPublica, The Memphis Safe Task Force
Finalists: Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Marc Perrusquia, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting, Immigration Crackdown in Memphis
Sophie Bates, David A. Lieb, Illan Ireland, M.K. Wilderman, Alex Rozier, Mississippi Free Press, Associated Press, Mississippi Today, Tylertown Tornado Aftermath
CRITICISM/REVIEWS
Winner: Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Philip Martin Portfolio
Finalists: Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press, Book Reviews
Kimberley Jones, The Austin Chronicle, Film Reviews
EDITORIALS
Winner: David Barham, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Editorials on “Punching Down”
Finalists: Jonathan Feldman, Leader Newspaper, Editorials by Feldman
Tommy Foltz, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Tommy Foltz Portfolio of Editorials
Finalists: Daniel Connolly, Matt Fair, Hilary Russ, Vince Sullivan, Orlando Lorenzo, Law360 (Legal news service), For These Victims, Death Came Before Bankruptcy Resolution
Micaela Watts, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting, Are Memphis Police Over-Charging Motorists Caught With Marijuana?
PROFILES
Winner: Jane Roberts, Mary Cashiola, The Daily Memphian, For Memphis’ First COVID Patient, Early Pandemic Was Personal
Finalists: Brant Bingamon, The Austin Chronicle, If You Build It…
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine, #Me First
EXPLANATORY REPORTING
Winner: Phillip Powell, Arkansas Times, Dirt Rich, Cash Poor: As Economic Pressures Mount, Some Delta Farmers Hoe Their Last Row
Torsheta Jackson, Heather Harrison, Ashton Pittman, Jaylin Smith, Mississippi Free Press, Academic Freedom at Mississippi Schools and Universities Under the New Trump Administration
Finalists: Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Officials Reviewing Handling of 341 Child Abuse Reports After Botched Mountain Home Incident
Nick Judin, Kevin Edwards, Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Trey Reed’s Hanging Death in the Mississippi Delta
SPORTS FEATURE
Winner: Matt Campbell, Arkansas Times, All the Singlet ladies: Little Rock Central High’s Girls Wrestling Team Dominates the State
Finalists: Bobby Ross Jr., Religion Unplugged, A pitch to follow Jesus: Baseball fans embrace players’ faith testimonies
Doug Crise, Arkansas Money & Politics, Razorback Hockey
COMMENTARY
Winner: Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press, Donna Ladd’s Democracy Essays
Philip Martin, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Portfolio of columns by Philip Martin
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Winner: Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, Oklahoma A&M Regent Meetings Cost Nearly $70K with Pricey Meals and Entertainment, Records Show
Finalists: Aarron Fleming, Jane Donahoe, The Daily Memphian, Inside 201 Poplar
Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, No school, No Fresh Air and Isolated: Solitary Confinement in Shelby County’s Juvenile Detention Center
AUDIO
ENTERPRISE/EXPLANATORY REPORTING
Winner: Laura Kebede-Twumasi, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM public radio, The Long Arc of Police Violence in Memphis
Finalists: Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio, Surveillance Video Shows a Violent Attack and Carjacking. Hazelwood is Prosecuting the Victim
Maggie Ryan, Little Rock Public Radio, Nonprofit Teaches Culinary Arts to Help Arkansans Overcome Cycles of Poverty
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Winner: Erika Konig, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM Public Radio, An American Nightmare
Finalist: Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio, The Gentle Barn Closure Left Heartbreak Behind in Missouri. Then Animals Started Dying
EDUCATION
Winner: Maggie Ryan, National Public Radio, Black Colleges and Universities Reach Out to Students Left Stranded by Job Corps Cuts
Finalists: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Free School Breakfast Up for Debate in Arkansas Legislature
NEWS
Winner: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Arkansas White Supremacist Group Draws International Attention
POLITICS
Winner: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Christians Divided Over Arkansas Law to Mandate Ten Commandments
ONGOING COVERAGE
Winner: Nathan Treece, Josie Lenora, Maggie Ryan, Emma Bertram, Little Rock Public Radio, No Kings Protest Coverage
FEATURES
Winner: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, CALS Used Book Sale Draws Crowds
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE
Winner: Paul Ladd, World Christian Broadcasting’s New Life Station and worldchristian.org, Paul McCartney at the Frist
Winner: Donnie Sewell, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Summer 2025 Tangents ASMSA
Finalists: Emily Partridge, Heifer International, Caring for the Earth | Focusing on the Future: Renewable Energy
Emily Partridge, Heifer International, Power in Numbers: Women’s Climb to Wealth
PHOTOGRAPHY
Winner: Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull, Searcy Community Center Groundbreaking
Finalist: Amye Buckley, Crafton Tull, Bob Crafton’s Bike Ride
NEWSLETTER
Winner: Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UA Little Rock Now
PRESS RELEASE WRITING
Winner: Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Research Study Co-authored by 16 UA Little Rock Students Finds Raccoons Show Early Signs of Domestication
Finalist: Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University, Bill Vining Sr. Remembered for Excellence, Leadership On and Off the Court
SPECIAL TOPICS
BUSINESS
Winner: Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics, Air Arkansas
Finalists: Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics, The White Sands of Arkansas
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Arkansas Money & Politics, One of One
Finalists: Frank Lockwood, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Religion Coverage on State, National and International Levels
Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle, Religion Reporting by Erik Tryggestad
HEALTH
Winner: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Media Group, Health Package
Finalist: Stephanie Smittle, Arkansas Times, State of Decay: No Easy Fix for Arkansas’s Dental Health Problems
SPORTS
Winner: Roger Amos, Mississippi Free Press, Battle of Nations Brings Mississippi Choctaw, Eastern Cherokee Together for Football Match
Finalists: Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University Athletics, Tiger Tidbits: Celebrating 130 Years of Ouachita’s Football Team
Tom Murphy, Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Comprehensive Coverage of State’s Top Athletic Program
ENVIRONMENT/SCIENCE
Winner: Dwain Hebda, Catherine Frederick, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Do South Magazine, Keeper of the Swarm
Finalists: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, Power, Pollution, and Policy in Arkansas
Illan Ireland, William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk, Mississippi’s Environment, From Industrial Pollution to the Yazoo Pumps Project
STUDENT JOURNALISM
PHOTOGRAPHY
Winner: Meredith Lipsey, The Echo, StepAfrika Steps Up to the Stage
Finalist: Meredith Lipsey, The Echo, Evansvillle Aces Baseball Bears in Final Series Game, 8-0
Warwick Sabin and Heather Baker to be featured as special guests; $15,000 to be awarded for A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will present the Diamond Journalism Awards banquet on Saturday, July 25, at Next Level Events in downtown Little Rock, featuring a keynote conversation between Warwick Sabin, president and CEO of Deep South Today, and Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group.
Sabin leads Deep South Today, a nonprofit network of local newsrooms that includes The Current, Mississippi Today, Verite News and Arkansas Today, which is scheduled to launch in fall 2026. His career spans journalism, public service, philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. He served three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019.
Baker has worked in the publishing industry for more than 25 years. Under her leadership, AY Media Group has grown into one of the region’s most recognized media organizations. She is also a prominent media personality and influencer whose work spans print, digital and broadcast media, as well as numerous philanthropic initiatives.
The Diamond Journalism Awards will recognize winners and finalists in more than 80 categories, showcasing exceptional journalism from Arkansas and neighboring states. Winners of the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism, which carries $15,000 in prize money, will also be announced. This year’s finalists are Chris Fulton of the Mountain Home Observer and Josh Snyder of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
“This year’s contest was our most competitive to date, and we can’t wait to recognize the outstanding work being produced in Arkansas and throughout the region,” said Sarah Campbell-Miller, Arkansas SPJ president. “Warwick brings a unique perspective on the future of local journalism, and pairing him with media leader Heather Baker will create a dynamic conversation to cap off an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in journalism.”
The 2026 contest drew 591 entries across more than 80 categories, including divisions for professional journalism, student journalism and communications. SPJ members from Connecticut judged the competitions.
This year’s emcee will be Sonseeahray Tonsall, KARK 4 News at Noon anchor. Throughout her award-winning journalism career, Tonsall has covered some of the nation’s most significant stories, from natural disasters and political conventions to investigative reports that have driven meaningful change in local communities. Back in Arkansas for a second stint at KARK, she remains committed to uncovering the truth, telling stories with integrity, and serving viewers across the state.
The Diamond Awards ceremony will be held at Next Level Events, 1400 W. Markham St. in Little Rock. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., and the program will begin immediately following. Tickets are $35 per person, and you can purchase them here.
AY Media Group is this year’s presenting sponsor, and the event is also sponsored by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media, and Crafton Tull. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available; contact Arkansas SPJ to learn more.
Finalists are listed below in alphabetical order by first name in each division. If multiple entries are finalists but are credited in the same manner, the entry credit is listed only once per division. To see the finalists listed by organization in addition to name, click here.
It’s time to cast your vote in the 2026-27 Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ board elections. The ballot closes at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 30.
Current national dues-paying members of SPJ who have selected membership in the Arkansas Pro Chapter are eligible to vote (our chapter does not charge additional dues.)
Review the candidates and make your voice heard using this link. Choose one candidate each for president, vice president and treasurer. There is also the opportunity to write in a candidate, including yourself.
This is your chance to help shape the future of Arkansas SPJ, so don’t miss the opportunity to vote.
The ballot is almost set for Arkansas SPJ’s 2026-2027 board elections.
Interim president Sarah Campbell-Miller is running for her first full term. Campbell-Miller is a supporter engagement specialist at the ACLU of Arkansas and longtime board member with 15 years of journalism experience, having worked for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Business, and Arkansas Leader.
Also running unopposed are Drew Brent, multimedia educator at Russellville High School and former journalist, for vice president and longtime treasurer Rob Moritz, a journalism instructor at the University of Central Arkansas, who is seeking another term. No one is currently running for board secretary.
Returning board members seeking re-election include:
Andrew DeMillo, editor-in-chief of the Arkansas Advocate
I.C. Murrell, editor of The Pine Bluff Commercial
Jennifer Ellis, SPJ Region 12 coordinator, appointed at-large director on the National SPJ board, and creative services managing editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sonny Albarado, past national SPJ president, longtime board member and retired editor
Staci Miller, director of development at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Community Journalism Project
Steve Listopad, former journalism instructor and New Voices USA coordinator
New candidates are:
Kyle McDaniel, who teaches online and digital media courses at the University of Central Arkansas
Byron Tate, managing editor of the Arkansas Times
Voting will take place via online ballot Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30.
Want to run? There’s still time! Send your name, photo and a short bio — including your SPJ background, reasons for running and ideas for the coming year — by Sunday, June 28 to Sarah Campbell-Miller at s.campbell.miller@gmail.com or ArkansasSPJ@gmail.com.
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.
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.
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.
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
