Black History Month: SPJ Arkansas Pro Chapter Recognizes Brandon Tabor

February 12, 2024November 19, 2024by arkansasspj

Black History Month Spotlight: KASU Public Radio 91.9 FM News Editor BRANDON TABOR

Brandon Tabor Morning Edition Host / Broadcast Announcer

Brandon Tabor, the on-air host for the “Morning Edition” at KASU-FM, has been named news director, announced Mark Smith, station manager. The National Public Radio (NPR) member station is licensed to Arkansas State University (A-State). Tabor earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in mass media degree from Henderson State University and his Master of Science in Mass Communications (MSMC) from A-State. While in the master’s program, Tabor joined the Arkansas State Association of Black Journalists.

He also was among the team of volunteers who helped launch the low-power FM community station KLEK, where he continues to volunteer. During his time at KASU, Tabor led the station’s conversion to a new content management system, which enhanced the design and functionality of the station’s website. KASU was among the first stations to adopt the new system, and his work on the station’s website has been used as a model for other NPR member stations using the same system.

Tabor has also received a first-place award from the Associated Press for his work on a sports feature, and he continues to produce relevant and engaging news content for the station. Two of his reports following the recent tornado in Wynne have been shared nationwide on NPR newscasts. Tabor joined the KASU staff in November 2015 as a content producer and an on-air co-host for the 5-9 a.m. “Morning Edition” shift. Tabor is a native of Wynne, but he has lived in Jonesboro since 2008, where he now makes his home with his wife, Allie. During his undergraduate studies at Henderson State University, Tabor worked for KSWH-LP FM and Henderson TV. He was also a member of the Henderson marching band.

Brandon Tabor
News Director | KASU Public Radio 91.9 FM
Arkansas State University m: 870.627.3280
p: 870.972.2701
i: 870.972.3812 PO Box 1930
State University, AR 72467

Uncategorized

Black History Month: SPJ Arkansas Pro Chapter Recognizes I.C. Murrell

February 8, 2024March 8, 2024by arkansasspj

Black History Month Spotlight: Pine Bluff Commercial Senior Reporter I.C. Murrell

I.C. Murrell (“mer-ELL”) began his fourth year as senior reporter and eighth year overall at The Commercial in January 2024. The Dollarway High School graduate is serving his second stint at his hometown newspaper, after working as sports editor from 2011-15.

Murrell is a 10-time winner of first-place awards in statewide and company-wide journalism contests. In 2023, he won first-place awards from the Arkansas Press Association for Best Picture Page/Photo Essay among smaller dailies and Best Coverage of Education among all dailies.

While Murrell covers a wide variety of topics at the Commercial, education has moved to the forefront of his topics of interest. His mother Diane was a longtime home economics teacher and administrator, and he honors her memory by keeping readers informed on the latest developments impacting public schools and higher-learning institutions in Jefferson County.

That is not to say his background as a sports reporter is no longer of importance to him. He still hustles to sports venues and keeps readers connected to their local teams while documenting action with his camera.

Murrell has previously been honored with induction into the University of Arkansas at Monticello African American Alumni Elite hall of fame in 2021. His work has also earned him recognition from the Texas Association of School Boards and the Press Club of Southeast Texas, among other organizations.

He has been a professional reporter since 2000 and a daily newspaper reporter since 2003. He holds membership in the Central Arkansas Association of Black Journalists.

He holds associate and baccalaureate degrees from UAM.

I.C. Murrell (“mer-ELL”)

Senior reporter

The Pine Bluff Commercial

Pine Bluff, Ark.

870-281-1592

Twitter: @ICMurrellPB

column, journalism, Journalism Insights, Uncategorized

Workplace violence: Have you thought about the unthinkable?

January 21, 2024February 8, 2024by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

By Randal Seyler | Contributor

Monday, Jan. 22, 2024

Little Rock, Ark. –Imagine you’re sitting at your desk or workstation in your newsroom.

You’re writing a story on deadline, concentrating on the monitor in front of you, when you hear a commotion out in the hallway.

At first you aren’t sure what the loud voices are saying. You try and tune out the boisterous conversation, and start to re-read your last sentence when suddenly a sharp crack – BANG – sounds in the hallway.

There’s a wail, then the succession gunshots and screams begin.

What do you do?

Do you have an escape route? Has your company ever discussed what to do in an active shooter situation? Have you ever seriously considered such a scenario while sitting in your office? Or how about while sitting at a school board meeting, or a city council gathering, or while covering a crime scene investigation?

Chances are you answered no to some, and maybe even all, of the above questions.

Workplace violence can occur in any employment setting, including newsrooms, whether they be at newspapers or television stations.

According to the 2019 report Indicators of Workplace Violence, compiled by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and released in 2022, nearly 18,000 persons were killed at work, on duty, or in violence that was work-related over a 27-year period from 1992 to 2019.

According to the study, an annual average of 1.3 million nonfatal workplace violent victimizations occurred during the combined 5 years from 2015 to 2019, based on data from BJS’s National Crime Victimization Survey.

In June of 2018 a local resident, unhappy about having his police charges published in the Capital Gazette, a newspaper serving Annapolis, Md., brought a shotgun into the newsroom and killed five people.

The gunman, Jarrod Ramos, was doubly annoyed that his defamation lawsuit against the newspaper was dismissed in court. The paper had published an article in 2011 about Ramos being put on probation for harassing an acquaintance from high school via social media and email.

Allegedly Ramos sent angry letters and threats to the newspaper after the lawsuit was dismissed, but no legal action was taken by the newspaper after the threats were received.

So, on the afternoon of June 28, Ramos showed up with a 12-gauge Mossberg to register his complaint in blood. Five people, including Rob Hiaasen, brother of noted novelist Carl Hiaasen.

In 2021, Ramos was found guilty and sentenced to five life terms plus 345 years in prison.

But since 2018, three other American journalists have been murdered in separate incidents – Aviva Okeson-Haberman in Kansas City, Mo., Jeff German in Las Vegas and Dylan Lyons in Pine Hills, Fla.

Time Magazine reported in 2019 that statistically, the average American has a greater risk of dying from heart disease or cancer than from a firearm, according to the National Safety Council.

Auto accidents also kill about the same number of people in the U.S. as guns do each year, according to CDC statistics.

However, people in the U.S. are 25 times more likely to die from gun homicide than people in other wealthy countries, according to a 2016 study in the American Journal of Medicine.

Journalists are in a unique position. Not only are they subject to the random everyday workplace violence spawned by divorces, jealousy, terminations, robberies and disgruntled customers. Journalists also as part of their job often cover and expose facts about people that the subjects would prefer not to have exposed. Journalists go to the scenes of shootings, accidents, robberies, fires, floods and earthquakes. Besides the environmental dangers that can be posed in covering the news, there is also always the human factor which can result in tragedy.

Florida TV reporter Dylan Lyons was killed on the job while covering the murder of a woman in Pine Hills, a community just outside of Orlando. He was there filming when the suspect returned to the scene and shot Lyons and his cameraman Jesse Walden. Walden survived.

The five victims of the Annapolis mass shooting were in their work space, where it was literally just another day at the office – until it wasn’t.

After the shooting in Maryland, I decided to put together a presentation for the Arkansas Press Association on self-defense for journalists, which I finally got completed just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic to shut everything down.

Besides being a career journalist (I’m currently the editor of The Saline Courier in Benton, Ark.) with nearly 30 years’ experience, I also had a decade of Human Resources experience during which I encountered numerous violent workplace situations that could have escalated but, thankfully, did not result in any deaths.

I also am a martial artist, with four decades of study in a wide range of disciplines, and have taught women’s self-defense classes and assisted in teaching law enforcement self-defense classes over the years, so I thought I could offer some insights to my co-workers on staying safe both in the newsroom and out on the streets.

“Usually, self-defense is considered survival against unprovoked attacks by human attackers.

In actuality, self-defense is so much more nuanced than that. Preserving one’s life is far more complex than a few hand strikes or gunshots,” writes podcaster Serge Antonin on the website blackandwhiteandthinbluelines.com.

The essence of self-defense is awareness. Being aware of your surroundings both inside your newsroom and out on the street covering a story is the first, and biggest, step you can take toward being safe.

Antonin lists four essential types of awareness:

Situational Awareness — People often create circumstances that adversely affect them. Understanding this and the hazards created by strangers is paramount when considering self-defense.

Environmental Awareness — Understanding that different environments hold different perils is crucial.

Preparational Awareness — Possession of the proper tools, training, and mindset to survive an environment or live adversary is very important.

Capability Awareness — The accurate estimation of one’s abilities is critical.

Just as your company probably requires you to wear a reflective vest when covering traffic accidents, you should think of your awareness as your internal reflective vest and you should put it on whenever you go out to cover a story, especially one that involves violent crime.

Situational awareness requires you to see what is happening around you. It also requires that you listen to your gut instincts – If your little voice is telling you something is wrong, it probably is. Is that loud argument two tables over just rowdy friends or is it about to erupt in gunfire? Is the person who just walked into your office with his flow chart explaining how the President is trying to read his thoughts harmless?

Environmental awareness seems common sensical if you’re covering an ice storm or a wild fire, but it also applies to your workplace and home. Right now, look at your surroundings. If you spotted a shooter walking toward you, what would you do? Where would you go? Do you have an escape route? A second doorway or a window?

Preparational awareness is where we generally fall down as a profession, and as a society. Often, the thinking is the police will be there to handle any serious incidents, but sadly in most cases the police arrive after the shooting has begun, not before. Basic self-defense teachings aren’t part of most workplaces unless you are working in law enforcement or security, but a basic common-sense self-defense course, whether through the NRA or a concealed-carry instructor or a realistic self-defense program, such as Krav Maga, are really helpful. Often, police departments will offer basic courses to the public, and it would not be a bad idea to have one such course offered annually in newsrooms.

Capability awareness is best summed up by Dirty Harry Callahan’s edict delivered in the 1973 film Magnum Force: “A man’s got to know his limitations.”

The basic motto for active shooter situations is Run, Hide, Fight – and you should be able to do a little of all three. As horrible as active shooter drills in elementary schools sound, they are teaching skills that most adults who don’t have a military service background haven’t cultivated. Wherever you are, basic self-defense awareness includes finding the quickest way to the closest exit, looking for a safe barrier to duck behind, and having a basic idea of how to fend off an attacker.

Ultimately, defensive awareness should extend to all parts of one’s life. Living defensively doesn’t mean being paranoid or fearful. Tornadoes happen, and if you live in Arkansas, chances are you have a tornado close encounter story to tell. But you probably don’t run to the nearest closet every time it rains.

In the same fashion, being aware of the potential for violence and learning to pay attention to one’s surroundings can save lives – not only yours, but also those around you.

Links to useful resources listed below:

OSHA

https://www.osha.gov/workplace-violence/resources

CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/violence/

FBI Training Video

https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/run-hide-fight-092120.mp4/view

NRA Refuse to be a Victim training

https://onlinetraining.nra.org/online-courses/refuse-to-be-a-victim-instructor-development-course/

Krav Maga FAQs

http://www.kravfit.us/faqs.php

Randal Seyler is an Arkansas native and a career journalist, serving as editor for 17 different newspapers in four states since taking his first editor’s job in 1986. Currently he is managing editor of The Saline Courier in Benton, Ark. He has also studied a variety of martial arts over the past 45 years, and has taught karate and Tai Chi for over 30 years to hundreds of students. He is the author of Heads Up! Self Defense for Journalists. He is available for self-defense seminars and workplace violence prevention training. For more information, contact Randal at ransey303@gmail.com.

Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ, Contest, Diamond Awards, Diamond Journalism Awards, Events

2024 DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS RULES

January 18, 2024November 19, 2024by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

All professional and student journalists, freelancers and communications professionals residing in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas can submit entries or have entries submitted on their behalf by organizations that published or broadcast their work. Authors who reside in the contest states may submit work published or broadcast outside those states.

ALL ENTRIES MUST HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED OR BROADCAST IN CALENDAR YEAR 2023.

ENTRY DEADLINE: 11:59 P.M. CENTRAL, MARCH 11, 2024

Entries may be submitted in more than one category, but a separate entry fee is required for each category.

Any signiﬁcant challenges or corrections to an entry must be noted with the entry. Failure to do so will result in disqualification of the entry.

All categories are open to Spanish language journalists. An English translation is not required, but it would be helpful.

Cover letters and supporting material are required only in conjunction with nominations for the following awards: Student Special Project, Student Journalist of the Year, Public Service, Community Journalism, FOI, Outstanding New Journalist and Diamond Journalist of the Year. Entrants in other categories may submit cover letters or supporting material at their discretion but should keep them brief.

Please ensure entry URLs remain valid through June 30, 2024, to accommodate judging and awards presentation.

Contest administrators reserve the right to combine entries in the same category from diﬀerent platforms or circulation groups if an insuﬃcient number of entries make the category non-competitive.

You DON’T have to be a member of the Society of Professional Journalists to enter, but members get a discount on entry fees. SPJ members must provide their membership number in order to qualify for the discount. You can join SPJ by submitting an application here. We suggest submitting entries after your SPJ membership has been confirmed.

ENTRY FEES

SPJ members: $10 per entry.

To claim the member fee, you must supply your SPJ member number (in the entry platform’s comments box). A team entry may claim the fee if at least one team member is an SPJ member. That person’s name and SPJ member number must be listed in the comments box.

Nonmembers: $20 per entry.

Student SPJ members: $5 per entry. Provide your member number.

Student nonmembers: $10 per entry.

No fees will be refunded.

HOW TO ENTER

The Diamond Journalism Awards uses the Better BNC contest management platform for entries and judging.

If you’re new to using the Better BNC entry platform, go here for instructions .

You can find all the categories here.

Go here to submit payment for entries.

Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ, Contest, Diamond Awards, Diamond Journalism Awards, journalism

2024 DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS CATEGORIES

January 18, 2024November 19, 2024by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS

2024 CATEGORIES

Welcome to the revamped 2024 Diamond Journalism Awards. We’ve added several new categories this year and reorganized categories by overall divisions for easier navigation. For entry rules go here.

The divisions:

DIVISION 1 – PRINT/ONLINE recognizes reporting and storytelling via the written word.
DIVISION 2 – TELEVISION recognizes visual reporting and storytelling via televised media.
DIVISION 3 – RADIO/AUDIO recognizes spoken-word reporting and storytelling via radio or podcast.
DIVISION 4 – SPECIAL TOPICS recognizes reporting and storytelling on certain topics from entrants regardless of medium.
DIVISION 5 – VISUAL JOURNALISM recognizes photography, graphics and design regardless of medium.
DIVISION 6 – COMMUNICATIONS recognizes reporting and storytelling by a public relations, communications or marketing professional or group regardless of medium or business affiliation.
DIVISION 7 – STUDENT JOURNALISM recognizes reporting and storytelling by student journalists regardless of medium.
DIVISION 8 – CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT recognizes excellence in the craft of news presentation.
DIVISION 9 – DIAMOND AWARDS recognizes outstanding work regardless of the medium for community journalism, public service reporting, freedom of information reporting, best new journalist, best student journalist and journalist of the year.

DIVISION 1: PRINT/ONLINE

(Entries accepted from print and online-only publications)

BREAKING NEWS – For clear, accurate and engaging coverage of a single, unexpected news event by an individual or team. Judges will consider deadline pressure and the complexity of the subject. Submit up to three articles from same-day coverage, including sidebars or related multimedia content.
GENERAL NEWS – For non-breaking news coverage. It may include planned coverage of a single event or in-depth reporting. Submit up to three articles and any related multimedia content.
CONTINUING COVERAGE – For ongoing coverage of a topic or significant event over time, demonstrating solid reporting and presentation with complexity and perspective. Submit up to ﬁve stories along with any related multimedia content. Entries may include a mix of story types.
ENTERPRISE/IN-DEPTH REPORTING – For coverage that reflects initiative, ingenuity, use of sources and/or special research to dig deeper or capture more complexity than a typical news story. Submit a single story or a series of up to three stories and any related multimedia content. Entry can be by an individual or team.
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING – For reporting that demonstrates initiative, persistence and resourcefulness in pursuing information that is restricted, hidden by officials or not readily available and is of public interest and significance. COVER LETTER REQUIRED, explaining reporting process and impact or results. Submit one story or a series of no more than six stories and any related multimedia content.
EXPLANATORY REPORTING – For reporting and writing that makes clear signiﬁcant stories and complex situations that deepen understanding of a subject or focus on subjects covered minimally or not at all by most media. Submit one story or a series of no more than six stories and any related multimedia content.
EDITORIALS – For opinion writing representing a news organization’s position on a topic or issue. Judges will consider the value to the community, writing style, reasoning, originality and reader interest. Submit three editorials as one entry.
COMMENTARY – For commentary or analysis by an individual. News-oriented blogs are also eligible. Judges will consider the quality of expression, clarity and originality. Submit three columns as one entry.
FEATURES – For individual storytelling excellence. Judges will consider the use of narrative, humor or drama, style, creativity, clarity and suitability of the writing to the subject. Submit one story.
PROFILES – For reporting that depicts the character and personality of a story subject. Submit one story.
SPORTS – For coverage of any sport or athletic endeavor. Judges will consider clarity and style. Submit a single story or no more than three stories representing continuing coverage of a single topic.
SPORTS FEATURE – For outstanding storytelling about athletic participants or a sport itself. Submit a single story.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE – For coverage of the arts, entertainment or other cultural news. Entry may include news, profiles and features. Judges will consider the quality of the writing and presentation and, where appropriate, analysis. Submit up to three stories on a single topic or various topics.
CRITICISM/REVIEWS – For writing demonstrating a journalist’s competence in evaluating performance, restaurants, books, recorded music or other cultural events or entities. Submit three pieces by one author as one entry.
EDUCATION – For coverage of schools, teaching or education-related topics by an individual, team or staff. Submit up to five samples and any related multimedia content as one entry.
POLITICS – For coverage of public issues, elections, political campaigns, candidates, campaign ﬁnance or government by an individual, team or staff. Submit up to five stories and related multimedia content as one entry.
SPECIAL SECTION/NICHE PUBLICATION – For a niche publication or special section devoted to a single topic. Judges will consider the depth of coverage, presentation, and quality of writing. Submit one section or niche publication.

DIVISION 2: TELEVISION

(Entries accepted from broadcast and cable TV outlets or other video outlets)

GENERAL NEWS GATHERING ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

The original video and submission length may be at most 10 minutes for single news entries. Eligible multipart news series entries may include two (2) but at most five (5) separate reports from the series. The total submission time limit for news series entries may be at most 15 minutes.

BREAKING NEWS – For coverage of a single unexpected news event that highlights urgency. Submit a video from same-day coverage. Submission length must not exceed 10 minutes.
CONTINUING COVERAGE – For ongoing coverage of a topic or significant event over time. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
EXPLANATORY REPORTING – For coverage of a complex issue that clearly explains a topic or event from start to finish. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
INVESTIGATIVE – For a single report or series that focuses on one subject matter and includes extensive research. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
NEWS FEATURE – For a single story that includes a personal, emotional or creative slant beyond just gathering facts. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT – For general entertainment and/or performing arts coverage. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
CRIME/JUSTICE – For coverage of crime, victims or justice-related topics. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
PROFILES – For coverage of an individual who has overcome obstacles or made significant contributions to their community. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
EDUCATION – For coverage of schools, teaching or education-related topics. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
POLITICS – For coverage of political, civil or government-related topics. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
WEATHER – For coverage of a weather-related event. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
SPORTS STORY– For coverage of a single sporting event, athletes, coaches and other related topics. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
SPORTS PROGRAM – For a daily or weekly sports program, which can be live or pre-recorded. Maximum run time: 30 minutes.
NEWSCAST – For excellence in a regularly scheduled newscast. Judges will consider overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. NOTE: This award is for producers only. Please remove all commercial breaks with 2 seconds of black between each break. For newscasts exceeding 30 minutes, entrants may submit up to 3 excerpts.

DIVISION 3: RADIO/AUDIO

(Entries accepted from broadcast radio, podcasts and other outlets producing audio)

BREAKING NEWS – For clear, accurate and engaging coverage of a single unexpected news event by an individual or team. Judges will consider deadline pressure and the complexity of the subject. Submit audio from same-day coverage. Submission length must not exceed 15 minutes.
GENERAL NEWS – For non-breaking news coverage. It may include planned coverage of a single event or in-depth reporting. Submit audio from a single story. Submission length must not exceed 15 minutes.
CONTINUING COVERAGE – For ongoing coverage of a topic or significant event over time, including several reports over some time. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
ENTERPRISE/EXPLANATORY REPORTING – For coverage that reflects initiative, ingenuity, use of sources and/or special research to dig deeper or capture more complexity than a typical news story. Submit audio from a single report or a series of reports not longer than 30 minutes in total. Entry can be by an individual or team.
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING – For reporting that demonstrates initiative, persistence and resourcefulness in pursuing information that is restricted, hidden or not readily available and is of public interest and significance. COVER LETTER REQUIRED, explaining reporting process and impact or results. Submit a single piece or a series on the same topic with a maximum combined run time of 60 minutes.
FEATURES – For individual storytelling excellence. Judges will consider the use of narrative, humor or drama, style and creativity beyond just gathering facts. Submit one story of not more than 15 minutes.
PROFILES – For reporting that depicts the character and personality of a story subject. Submit one story of no more than 15 minutes.
SPORTS – For coverage of any sport or athletic endeavor, including features about athletes or a specific sport. Judges will consider clarity and style. Submit audio of no more than three reports covering a single topic with a run time of 15 minutes or less.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT – For coverage of the arts, entertainment or other cultural news. Entry may include news, profiles and features. Judges will consider the quality of the writing and presentation and, where appropriate, analysis. Submit up to three stories on a single topic or various issues with a total run time of not longer than 15 minutes.
EDUCATION – For coverage of schools, teaching or education-related topics by an individual or team. Submit up to five audio pieces with a run time of not more than 15 minutes.
POLITICS – For coverage of public issues, elections, political campaigns, candidates, campaign ﬁnance or government by an individual or team. Submit up to five audio pieces with a total run time of not more than 15 minutes.

DIVISION 4: SPECIAL TOPICS – ALL MEDIA

(Entries accepted from any medium)

HEALTH – For reporting clearly on health, including medicine, community health and health policy, and the health effects of COVID-19 by an individual or team. Print/online: Submit three to five stories and related multimedia content as one entry. TV/Radio/Audio: An entry should not exceed 15 minutes.
ENVIRONMENT/SCIENCE – For reporting by an individual or team on environmental issues, including climate change; or science, including technology, and the impacts on individuals and society. Print/online: Submit three to five stories and related multimedia content as one entry. TV/Radio/Audio: An entry should not exceed 15 minutes.
RELIGION – For reporting by an individual or team on religion, issues of faith or spirituality. Print/online: Submit three to five stories and related multimedia content as one entry. TV/Radio/Audio: An entry should not exceed 15 minutes.
BUSINESS – For coverage of business, ﬁnance or consumer issues by an individual, team or staff. Print/online: Submit three to ﬁve stories and any related multimedia content. TV/Radio/Audio: Submit up to ﬁve audio pieces with a maximum run time of 15 minutes.

DIVISION 5: VISUAL JOURNALISM & DESIGN

(Entries accepted from any medium)

BREAKING NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY – For photojournalism produced on deadline. Judges will consider deadline pressure, the complexity of the subject and visual presentation. Submit photos with cutlines from up to three stories as one entry, but no more than six images. Be sure to include the accompanying story or link to the story.
GENERAL NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY – For photojournalism by an individual for any non-deadline news event. Submit a single photo with a cutline/caption. Link to or include accompanying story – if any.
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY – For feature photography by an individual. Submit a single photo with a cutline/caption. Link to or include the accompanying story, if any, or contextual information.
PHOTO SPREAD/ESSAY – For a group of photographs on a single theme published as part of a single story or as a stand-alone layout. Submit no more than six images with cutlines. Link to or include the accompanying story or contextual information.
GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS – For infographics, illustrations or data visualizations. Submit up to three examples by an individual or team as one entry, including the associated stories or links to them online.
FRONT PAGE DESIGN-NEWSPAPERS – For layout that enhances and improves audience experience and engagement. Submit PDFs or links of up to three pages as one entry.
COVER DESIGN-MAGAZINES – For layout that enhances and improves audience experience and engagement. Submit PDFs or links of up to three pages as one entry.
WEB DESIGN – For presentation that enhances and improves audience experience and engagement. Submit PDFs or links of up to three pages as one entry.

DIVISION 6: COMMUNICATIONS

(Entries accepted from marketing and PR firms and corporate communications teams)

PRESS RELEASE WRITING – For excellence in press release writing by an individual published or distributed by a business or organization. Submit a PDF or link to a single press release.
FEATURE WRITING – For excellence in feature writing by an individual published or distributed by a business or organization. Submit a PDF or link to a single feature story.
PHOTOGRAPHY – For excellence in photography by an individual published or distributed by a business or organization. Submit a jpeg, png, PDF or link to a single photo.
CAMPAIGN – For excellence in the creation and execution of any advertising, marketing or promotional campaign by an individual or group that was published or distributed to promote a business or organization’s specific objectives. This includes social media, digital, print, multimedia, advertising, internal promotion, direct mailing, printed booklets, etc. or any combination of these items. Submit PDFs or links to at least three pieces of the campaign and a description of the campaign’s goals, execution details and any available results.
NEWSLETTER – For excellence in newsletters for corporations, nonprofits or other organizations. Submit up to three newsletters via links or PDFs with confirmation of send.
PROMOTIONAL PUBLICATIONS – For excellence in publications intended for an audience other than an internal audience. Submit one complete publication via PDF or link.

DIVISION 7: STUDENT JOURNALISM – ALL MEDIA

STUDENT-SPECIAL PROJECTS – For special projects that show exemplary reporting, writing, photography or videography. These should be student-generated and not part of an ongoing university-sponsored project. COVER LETTER REQUIRED.
STUDENT-BREAKING NEWS – For clear, accurate and engaging coverage of a single, unexpected news event by individuals or teams. Judges will consider deadline pressure and the complexity of the subject. Submit up to three articles, audio or video from same-day coverage, including sidebars or related multimedia content. Audio and video clips should not exceed 15 minutes.
STUDENT-GENERAL NEWS – For non-breaking news coverage. It may include planned coverage of a single event or in-depth reporting. Submit up to three articles, audio or video, including sidebars or related multimedia content. Audio and video clips should not exceed 15 minutes.
STUDENT-FEATURES – For individual storytelling excellence. Judges will consider the use of narrative, humor or drama, style, creativity, clarity and suitability of the content to the subject. Submit one story. Audio and video entries should not exceed 15 minutes.
STUDENT-SPORTS – For coverage of any sport or athletic endeavor regardless of platform. Judges will consider clarity and style. Submit a single story or no more than three stories representing continuing coverage of a single topic. Audio and video clips should not exceed 15 minutes.
STUDENT-EDITORIALS – For opinion writing representing a news outlet’s position on a topic or issue. Judges will consider the value to the community, style, reasoning, originality, and audience interest. Submit three editorials as one entry. Audio and video entries should not exceed 15 minutes.
STUDENT-COMMENTARY – For commentary or analysis by an individual. Blogs are eligible. Judges will consider the quality of expression, clarity, and originality. Submit three pieces as one entry. Maximum run time for video or audio: 15 minutes.
STUDENT-ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING – For coverage of arts, entertainment, restaurants and other cultural news. Entry may include columns, profiles or features. Judges will consider the quality of the content and presentation and, where appropriate, analysis. Submit three samples as one entry. Maximum run time for video or audio: 15 minutes.
STUDENT-CRITICISM/REVIEWS – For analysis demonstrating a journalist’s competence in evaluating performances, restaurants, books, recorded music, motion pictures or other cultural events or entities. Submit three samples as one entry. Maximum run time for video or audio: 15 minutes.
STUDENT-BUSINESS – For coverage of consumer issues, business or ﬁnance, including the college athletics industry and the finances of institutions of higher learning. Judges will consider clarity and readability. Submit a single story or no more than three stories representing continuing coverage of a single topic. Maximum run time for video or audio: 15 minutes.
STUDENT-EDUCATION – For coverage of education and academic policy, including institutions of higher education, teacher training and educational research. Judges will consider clarity and thoroughness. Submit three stories as one entry. Maximum run time for video or audio: 15 minutes.
STUDENT-NEWS PHOTO – For photojournalism by an individual of breaking or general news. Judges will consider visual presentation and photographic techniques. Submit one photo with an accompanying cutline/caption or video clip of not more than five minutes. Please include the accompanying story or link the story.
STUDENT-FEATURE PHOTO – For feature photography by an individual. Judges will consider the complexity of the subject and visual presentation. Submit one photo with an accompanying cutline/caption. Please include the accompanying story or link the story, if any.
STUDENT-PHOTO SPREAD/ESSAY – For a group of photographs on a single theme published as part of a single story or as a stand-alone layout. Submit the page or up to six images with cutlines/captions and an explanation of the context or the accompanying story or text. Links are acceptable.
STUDENT-PHOTO PORTFOLIO – For photography that shows the work of a single photographer. Submit three to ﬁve photos with cutlines/captions.
STUDENT-GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS — For infographics, illustrations or data visualizations. Submit three to five examples by an individual or team as one entry, including the associated stories or links to them online.
STUDENT-PAGE DESIGN – For presentation that improves audience experience and engagement in print or online. Submit three examples as one entry.

DIVISION 8 – CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT

(Recognizes excellence by an individual engaged in the craft of news presentation)

OUTSTANDING NEWS ANCHOR – Based on coverage of several topics, credibility, delivery, and overall talent. Entry can include segments from regular newscasts, news specials, breaking news, etc. Entry should be no longer than 15 minutes, with two seconds of black between each segment.
OUTSTANDING METEOROLOGIST – For regular weather segments or coverage of weather events. Entry should be no longer than 15 minutes, with two seconds of black between each segment.
OUTSTANDING SPORTS ANCHOR – For regular sports segments or coverage of special sports events. Entry should be no longer than 15 minutes, with two seconds of black between each segment.
OUTSTANDING TV NEWS WRITER – For excellence in news writing by an individual. Submit three to five excerpts as one entry. Maximum run time is 15 minutes, including two seconds of black between segments. Please include scripts.
OUTSTANDING TV EDITOR – For excellence in video editing by an individual. Submit three to five excerpts as one entry. Maximum run time is 15 minutes, including two seconds of black between segments.
OUTSTANDING PRINT/ONLINE EDITOR – For excellence in editing by line or copy editors. Submit three to five examples of how editing improved a reporter’s work. If possible, include original work or proof of edits for comparison.
OUTSTANDING TV PHOTOGRAPHER – For excellence in TV photography by an individual. Submit up to five excerpts as one entry. Maximum run time is 15 minutes, including two seconds of black between segments.
OUTSTANDING STILL PHOTOGRAPHER – For photography that shows the work of a single photographer. Submit or link three to ﬁve photos with cutlines/captions as one entry.
OUTSTANDING RADIO/PODCAST HOST – For excellence in program or podcast hosting. Submit no more than five excerpts showing the host’s work with two-second breaks between excerpts.

DIVISION 9 – DIAMOND HONORS – ALL MEDIA

(Entries accepted from all media)

CHARLOTTE TILLAR SCHEXNAYDER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD – For journalism that seeks to benefit society through extensive coverage of an issue facing a community, state or region. Awarded in honor of the late Charlotte Schexnayder, journalist, small-town newspaper publisher and Arkansas legislator. Entry MUST INCLUDE A COVER LETTER providing background context and results, if any. Judges will consider the issue’s significance, journalistic initiative, presentation, and results, if any. Submit five to seven articles — stories and opinion pieces. Maximum total run time for audio and video entries: 30 minutes.
ROBERT S. MCCORD FOI AWARD – For coverage that focuses on the public’s right to know and carries on the legacy of the late Robert McCord, a former national SPJ president who is considered the father of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. COVER LETTER REQUIRED. Submit stories, opinion pieces, letters or other material (including audio or video) demonstrating how the nominee contributed to protecting or enhancing the public’s right to know. Limit of 10 articles or audio/video pieces. Audio or video limited to 30 minutes total.
STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – For journalistic excellence demonstrated by an individual enrolled in an institution of higher learning. COVER LETTER REQUIRED. Submit a portfolio of five to seven pieces representative of work over the calendar year. Audio or video limited to 30 minutes total.
EMERGING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – For journalistic excellence demonstrated by an individual who has worked fewer than five years in journalism. COVER LETTER REQUIRED. Submit a portfolio of five to seven pieces representative of work over the year. Audio or video limited to 30 minutes total.
DIAMOND JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – For reporting excellence by a journalist in any medium over the preceding year. COVER LETTER REQUIRED. Submit a portfolio of five to seven pieces representative of work over the year. Audio or video limited to 30 minutes total.

Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ, Freedom of Information, journalism

ACTION NEEDED! Tell Arkansas lawmakers to leave the FOIA alone

September 10, 2023February 1, 2024by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

On Saturday, Sept. 9, Arkansas Pro SPJ, NWA Arkansas Pro SPJ, Arkansas Press Women and Arkansas College Media Association sent a letter to legislative leaders urging them to reject a move by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her legislative enablers to gut the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

The General Assembly convenes Monday morning for a special session and is expected to complete its business by Wednesday. It’s urgent that supporters of the FOIA contact lawmakers and tell them keep their hands off the people’s law.

A couple of ways to do that: Go to the list of legislators and email them or click on your legislator’s name and call him or her. Or sign this petition being circulated by For AR People.

A copy of the letter we sent on Saturday is below.

Arkansas Pro Chapter Society of Professional Journalists
September 9, 2023

House Speaker Matthew Shepherd
House Republican Leader Marcus Richmond
House Democratic Leader Tippi McCullough
Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester
Senate Republican Leader Blake Johnson
Senate Democratic Leader Greg Leding
CC: Rep. David Ray, HB 1003 sponsor
Sen. Scott Flippo, SB 7 sponsor

Honorable leaders of the Arkansas General Assembly:

As citizens of Arkansas and affiliate members of state and national journalism groups, we must express our gravest concerns over House Bill 1003 and Senate Bill 7 that you will be considering in next week’s special legislative session.
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act has stood as a bulwark against overreaching and secrecy-driven officials for 56 years. Despite numerous amendments we believe have weakened it over time, it remains one of the strongest guarantees of government openness and transparency in the nation.
Now, you are being asked by some of your colleagues and the governor to create several new exemptions to the law that will shatter citizens’ protection and violate the law’s presumption in favor of disclosure and transparency.
If passed and enacted into law as written, the bill will lock critical elements of state government in a black box, away from the people who have a right to know what the government does in their name and how it spends their money.
Arkansas’ Freedom of Information Act was passed under Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller, who broke Democrats’ grip on the statehouse by running as a reformer — when just 11% of the state was Republican. Transparency in government was and still is a Republican mantra. In part, the FOIA’s promise to the public is what made Republican governance possible in Arkansas. Forgoing that pledge breaks a bond with your constituents and destroys that legacy.
The proposed legislation also purports to be about protecting the security of the governor, the governor’s family and other state officials, but it goes well beyond security issues. There are legitimate concerns about revealing security planning and protocols, which we believe existing law addresses. Hiding information about executive branch travel and its costs from the public is a bridge too far.
Similarly, creating a new exemption for the “deliberative process” would sweep up information vital to citizen self-governance. A working papers exemption already exists for the governor’s office, attorney general, legislators and Supreme Court and Appeals Court justices and judges. That should suffice.
Preventing the public from knowing “how the sausage is made” and what executive branch agencies are doing violates the spirit and legal precedent of the FOIA. The overly broad exemptions created by this bill all but guarantee the demise of Arkansas as a beacon of transparency. Democracy dies in darkness, as the saying goes.
In an era of declining trust in our institutions and officials, I hope you will agree with us that more, not less, transparency is a good thing and that it is a nonpartisan issue. We ask that you reject this overreach on the part of the governor’s office.

Sincerely,
Sonny Albarado
Vice President, Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and past national president of SPJ (2012-13)

Gina Holland Shelton
President, NWA SPJ Pro Chapter

Kristin Netterstrom Higgins
President, Arkansas Press Women

Jennifer Ellis
Region 12 Coordinator, Society of Professional Journalists

David Keith
President, Arkansas College Media Association

Ron Sitton
Director, Arkansas College Media Association

Bret Schulte
Freelancer, board member, NWA SPJ Pro Chapter

Other Co-signers:
Arkansas SPJ Pro: President Brenda Lepenski, Secretary Wendy Miller Jordan, Treasurer Rob Moritz, Past President Steve Listopad, board members Karen Steward, Terrance Armstard, Jack Webb
Arkansas Press Women: Treasurer Richard Plotkin, Secretary Debbie Miller, Northwest District Director Catherine Nolte and Central District Board member Tammy Keith
University of Arkansas Student SPJ Chapter

Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ, Contest, Diamond Awards, Diamond Journalism Awards, Events

Winners of 2023 Diamond Journalism Awards announced

June 27, 2023February 1, 2024by arkansasspj

News release

2023 Diamond Journalism Awards announced

Contact: Sonny Albarado, contest chair
arkspjcontest@gmail.com
501-551-8811

LITTLE ROCK — Andrew DeMillo of The Associated Press was named the Diamond Journalist of the Year on Tuesday at the annual awards ceremony of the 2023 Diamond Journalism Awards.

A judge called DeMillo’s work “comprehensive without being wordy” and said his “writing has a natural flow to it that carries the reader forward.”

Journalists from any medium can enter the Diamond Journalist of the Year competition by submitting a portfolio of five to seven pieces published or broadcast in the previous calendar year.

The awards were announced during a dinner ceremony in Little Rock. Alan Leveritt, publisher of the Arkansas Times, was guest speaker.

The Diamond Journalism Awards are sponsored by the Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Entries come from Arkansas and six states that share borders with the Natural State: Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

This year’s contest drew 363 entries in more than 80 categories. Members of the Washington, D.C., Chapter of SPJ served as judges.

Proceeds from the competition fund scholarships for students enrolled in college journalism programs who plan a career in the field.

The list of winners and finalists follows.

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

BREAKING NEWS – PRINT/ONLINE

FINALISTS
Frank Lockwood, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock: “Elizabeth II mourned in England amid decline of church”

Tess Vrbin, Arkansas Advocate, Little Rock: “Arkansas Senate suspends Clark for ‘frivolous’ complaint”

WINNER
Michael R. Wickline, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: “Abortion ban begins”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Michael R. Wickline quickly provided a thorough and detailed report on a topic with widespread ramifications. He covered numerous angles and answered a significant number of questions that readers may have, all in a fast turnaround. Wickline also gathered a wide and diverse range of voices, providing balanced and objective reporting on a highly divisive topic.

GENERAL NEWS – PRINT/ONLINE

FINALISTS
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: “A Surprising Union”

Jacob Steimer, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism: “A homeless man died outside City Hall. How should the city respond?”

WINNER
Teresa Moss, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Trial coverage of ex-sheriff’s deputy accused of killing teen

JUDGE’S COMMENT: A well-written story that captures the scope of the issue within the first few grafs.

OVERALL COMPETITION COMMENT: All the winners relied upon the intangible skills of journalism, while giving citizens the information they need to make decisions. They demonstrated curiosity, empathy, understanding of implicit biases and tenacity. It is a pleasure to see journalism that touches the conscience of the community.

GENERAL NEWS – AUDIO/VIDEO

FINALISTS
Hannah Campbell, East Arkansas Broadcasters, Jonesboro, AR: Arkansas Now News, evening newscasts

Brett Rains, KHBS/KHOG TV (40/29), Fayetteville, AR: “Teen Loses Friends to Drug Overdose”

WINNER
Ashlei King, Julian Jones, KLRT-FOX16, Little Rock: “Names Not Numbers,”

JUDGE COMMENT: This entry stands out for its respectful, in-depth coverage demonstrating the personal impact of an important local issue. Kudos.

ONGOING COVERAGE – PRINT/ONLINE

FINALIST
Jacob Steimer, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Memphis: “Emergency Rental Assistance”

WINNER
Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Coverage of a Little Rock city property deal intended for a homeless shelter

JUDGE’S COMMENT: A classic example of excellent accountability work making a difference, with ample use of FOIA and source documentation to shed light on potential corruption. The writing for this series is crisp, delivering critical information to the community and laying facts at their feet without excess verbiage. The series also demonstrates the power of journalism, with a clear effect from this reporting.

ONGOING COVERAGE- AUDIO/VIDEO

FINALIST
Katie Hamner, Colleen Clement, 40/29 TV Staff, KHBS-KHOG TV: Springdale tornado coverage

WINNER
Chelsea Helms, KNWA News, Fayetteville: Coverage of sexual assault allegations against and subsequent arrest of a Northwest Arkansas doctor

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The level of detail and extensive investigation that went into this story can be seen throughout. This is what following up on a story should be.

ENTERPRISE/IN-DEPTH REPORTING – PRINT/ONLINE

FINALISTS
Jacob Steimer, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism: “Feeling neglected, Parkway Village residents try to rebuild after ‘white flight’”

Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Jackson, MS: “Christian Dominionist War on Abortion”

WINNER
Daniel Connolly, reporter; Duane Gang, editor; Ariel Cobbert, Joe Rondone, photographers. The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, and The Tennessean, Nashville: “Big Hurt, Tiny Fines – Tennessee Workers Compensation Investigation”

JUDGE’S COMMENT:
Big Hurt, Tiny Fines shows some very robust reporting. It takes a hard look at the worker’s compensation program from multiple perspectives. He followed the money and the trail of medical records to a doctor hundreds of miles away. His reporting showed how innocuous reprimand can inadvertently do more harm. Finally, Mr. Connolly’s reporting displays ingenuity by showing how time and money can be used and misused to frivolously trap workers into a system that isn’t built to help them win.

ENTERPRISE/IN-DEPTH REPORTING – AUDIO/VIDEO

WINNER
Avery Lea Rogers, Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio, St. Louis, MO: “St. Louis has a new basketball court. Its funders were raided by the FBI”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Avery Lea Rogers and Danny Wicentowski provided exhaustive detail into the FBI raid and covered every angle. Their story immediately grabs listeners’ attention by starting with the raid. The pair also made clear attempts to balance the coverage despite one party’s refusal to participate by closely scrutinizing FBI documents. They also included exhaustive interviews that address the claims and detail the African People’s Socialist Party community service, bringing the raid into full perspective. The final interview with a member of the community who would benefit from the new basketball court particularly drives the story home. Rogers and Wicentowski’s story analyzes the situation from an objective lens, showcases the African People’s Socialist Party’s work and giving them room for defense without shying away from serious allegations in an FBI indictment.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING – PRINT/ONLINE

FINALISTS
Daniel Connolly, The Commercial Appeal/The Tennessean, “Big Hurt, Tiny Fines” – Tennessee Workers Compensation Investigation

Nick Judin, Mississippi Free Press, Unsafe Conditions In Mississippi Delta Housing

WINNER
Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, LitFest

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The investigation into Little Rock’s Lit Fest was very thorough and meticulous. Mr. Flaherty used public records obtained via FOIA and the “Blue Hog Report” to follow the money and unravel a complicated web of contracts and cronyism. He clearly laid out how Think Rubix’s connection to the mayor’s campaign, while not illegal, can bring forth some complexity that can eat away at public trust. Mr. Flaherty’s relentless reporting ultimately led to more oversight being done on contracts.

EXPLANATORY REPORTING – PRINT/ONLINE

FINALISTS
Bill Bowden, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Disfarmer case

Hunter Field, Arkansas Advocate, Arkansas income tax changes explained

WINNER
Nancy Henderson, Missouri-Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine, “State of the Unions”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Ms. Henderson’s piece really lays out the plight of the unions and where they could be headed. She explained how working during the COVID pandemic exacerbated some issues with worker safety. She also clearly explains how to start unions with informed advice from trusted sources. Henderson provides some insight on how employers can attempt to take down union workers and about retaliation – a third rail topic not typically talked about. Her piece is backed by data and historical facts that show the complexity of starting and maintaining a union. Excellent reporting!

EXPLANATORY REPORTING – AUDIO/VIDEO

WINNER
Kevin Kelly, Stephen Goodale, KLRT-TV/FOX 16, “Road Rage on the Rise”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Kevin Kelly found a compelling and unique angle on a topic that’s swept the nation since the pandemic’s onset. His stories went above and beyond simply reporting on the increase in dangerous and reckless driving, an angle we’ve seen repeatedly over the past few years. Not only did Kelly reveal eye-opening data that showed just how much these life-threatening road rage incidents have risen, he also found captivating stories that encapsulates the terror victims experience during these sorts of shootings. His reports had me glued to the screen, my eyes wide open and mouth agape.

EDITORIALS – PRINT/ONLINE

FINALISTS
Lindsey Castrellon, Arkansas Money & Politics (AY Media Group), Little Rock

David Barham, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

WINNER
Edward Brown , Anthony Mariani, Fort Worth Weekly, Fort Worth, TX, “Taking Care of Business”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Strong community focus. Immoderate language, but contextualized facts and process back up arguments. Calls for action, not just critiquing what’s past.

COMMENTARY – PRINT/ONLINE

FINALISTS
Wendi C. Thomas, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, “To the Harvard professor who said MLK50 wasn’t ‘viable’: Look at us now”

Carrington Tatum, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, “Loans got me into journalism. Student debt pushed me out.”

WINNER
Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate, Commentary collection

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Sonny Albarado tackles some of the weightiest issues of our time and their local impact, and he does so clearly, directly and with powerful detail.

COMPETITION COMMENT: These entries illustrate the range of voices, topics and challenges that Arkansas commentators are taking on with style and personality.

FEATURES – NEWSPAPERS

FINALISTS
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Twist of Fate”

Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Mother Goose”

WINNER
Bill Bowden, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “President Japperson”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Making what some would assume to be a dry subject – the Census – fun with some humor and a lot of information.

COMPETITION COMMENT: A very wide range of entries. A few weren’t really feature articles and so – regretfully in at least one case – I could not award a high score to pieces that obviously required a lot of effort and were well-crafted. They just didn’t qualify as feature stories. I liked the vivid direct quotes in many of the articles. On the other hand, it’s permissible to clean the quotes up a bit – which in some cases should have been more rigorously done. I enjoy features that show why people “”tick.”” Many of these articles accomplished that. Also, as appropriate, flashes of humor or wit – especially as expressed by people in the article – help a lot.”

FEATURES – MAGAZINES

FINALISTS
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for DO SOUTH Magazine, Fort Smith, AR, “The Greatest American Hero”

Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for DO SOUTH Magazine, “Soul Food”

WINNER
Sarah Komar, New Lines Magazine, Washington, D.C., “U.S. Army Confronts Mental Health Problems”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Good article on PTSD. Nicely combines the author’s personal experiences with her father – and his views – and a broader picture (historical and current) of PTSD in the military. Writing is overall good, but there’s some awkwardness at points.

COMPETITION COMMENT: Good topics but too often disappointing execution. I wanted to know more, but the articles were already (in many cases) too long, sometimes with minutiae or unneeded detail. Several were written more like term papers than feature articles. Several went too far in trying to capture the “country” feel. And most suffered from a lack of quote clean-up.

FEATURES – ONLINE ONLY

FINALIST
Kelly Connelly, Kristen Siler, Stuttgart Daily Leader, Stuttgart, AR, “2022 North Arkansas County Farm Family of the Year: Jackie and Duffie Banks Family”

WINNER
Grace Marion, Mississippi Free Press, “Batesville Park At Center Of Race Division”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This writer makes the reader care about the issues surrounding Patton Lane Park by digging into the subject from multiple angles. The story succeeds by including historical context, diverse sources, local government meetings and beautiful images that support the story. The writing and narrative could be more focused at times, but overall a feature with real purpose.

FEATURES – TV/VIDEO

FINALIST
Kevin Kelly, Lauren Swaim, KLRT-FOX 16, “Sharktender”

WINNER
Caitrin Assaf, Lauren Swaim, KARK 4 News, Little Rock, “Man in Black springs a leak”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Really good work on deadline.
Solid writing…great play on (musical) terms & titles; nice angles with video and wonderful local characters!

PROFILES – NEWSPAPERS

FINALISTS
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Badges of Honor”

Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Once a Cowgirl …”

WINNER
Sean Clancy, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Harvey Lee Williams and his family own and operate Delta Dirt Distillery”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The story flows really well. Good description. Loved “looks like a steampunk fantasy.”

PROFILES – MAGAZINES

FINALISTS
Olivia Deffes, 225 Magazine, Baton Rouge, “Sending love down to Baton Rouge”

Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for DO SOUTH magazine, “The Boy in the Box”

WINNER
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for DO SOUTH magazine, “Lost & Found”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Well-framed story that utilizes vivid imagery to make its points.

PROFILES – ONLINE ONLY

WINNER
Aliyah Veal, Mississippi Free Press, “One Mother’s Solutions For Gun Violence”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: A sensitive and in-depth profile of a mother who organized assistance for others across the nation whose loved ones were victims of senseless shootings.

PROFILES – TV/VIDEO

FINALISTS
Caitrin Assaf, Lauren Swaim, KARK 4 News, “From Headlocks to Heimlich”

Brett Rains, KHBS/KHOG TV (40/29), Springdale tornado survivors

WINNER
Kevin Kelly, Lauren Swaim, KLRT-FOX16, “A League of Her Own”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This is what a profile should be. A story that shows who your character is, how they get there and why.

COMPETITION COMMENT: Profiles should tell the story of a or a number of characters, but done in detail. I needed to see that in two of the stories submitted, but it wasn’t accomplished.

PROFILES – RADIO/AUDIO

WINNER
Daniel Breen, KUAR Public Radio, “In Arkansas, slain journalist leaves behind long legacy”
NO JUDGE’S COMMENT

SPORTS – NEWSPAPERS

FINALISTS
Greg Geary, The Daily Citizen, Searcy, AR, “Angler casts aside handicap to become pro”

Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Arkansas Catholic Newspaper, “Near Perfect”

WINNER
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Arkansas Catholic Newspaper, “P.E. Padre´”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This was a compelling human interest story. This feature would have been at home at any paper, and certainly reflected the mission of the Catholic paper.

COMPETITION COMMENT: Every entry in this competition was a winner! From top to bottom this was the strongest overall category I’ve ever judged. So those who didn’t win easily could have. Kudos to every entrant.

SPORTS – MAGAZINES

FINALISTS
Mark Clements, 225 Magazine, “The Traveling Tiger”

Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for DO SOUTH magazine, “The Long Run”

WINNER
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for AMP Magazine, “Show Me the Money”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: A thorough, fact-filled explainer of how monied interests are paying college athletes.

SPORTS – ONLINE ONLY

WINNER
Torsheta Jackson, Mississippi Free Press, “Legacy of the Black Cowboy in Tunica”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent writing in a story that takes the reader into a movement that would otherwise be hard to know about while also uncovering history otherwise hidden. Covers history and current events succinctly in a way that frames the story historically, which can be hard to do with a word limit.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE – NEWSPAPERS

FINALIST
Greg Geary, The Daily Citizen, Steel Drivers, Super Bowl Actress, Byrnes

WINNER
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Dogtown to Tinseltown”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Well written. There’s a single story thread throughout the article.

A&E COVERAGE – MAGAZINES

FINALISTS
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for AY Magazine, Little Rock, “Raising Hell”

Tammy Keith, 501 Life Magazine, Conway, “Space toys and artist”

WINNER
Maggie Heyn Richardson, Olivia Deffes, Zane Piontek, 225 Magazine, Arts collection

NO JUDGE’S COMMENT

A&E COVERAGE – AUDIO/VIDEO

FINALISTS
Paul Ladd, World Christian Broadcasting, Song Searcher Story

Caitrin Assaf, Lauren Swaim, KARK 4 News, Action in AR

WINNER
Skot Covert, Kelly Tibbit, Zach Keast, KTHV-THV11, “Eat It Up”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: “Eat It Up” is thoroughly entertaining AND informative. A tasty selection of foodie issues wrapped around some wonderful story-telling as well. Great pacing, terrific editing!

A&E COVERAGE – ONLINE ONLY

FINALIST
Alexandria Brown, Remington Miller, Nick Popowitch, Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, State Fair coverage online

WINNER
Aliyan Veal, Mississippi Free Press, Art Interprets “Great Migration”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Veal’s article covers both the beauty of the art and the cultural importance with great, clear writing, and by picking just enough direct quotes to let the people she covers say the important things that move the story forward.

A&E CRITICISM & REVIEWS – NEWSPAPERS

WINNER
Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press, Book Reviews

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Deftly handles a range of material fairly and evenly.

A&E CRITICIISM & REVIEWS – ONLINE ONLY
WINNER
Austin Castrellon, AY Magazine, “’Elvis’ Fails to Bring the King Back to Life”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: An EXCELLENT review and critique, that covers all the basis with its analysis, and extremely well written. This piece earns its first place win handily.

BUSINESS – ALL MEDIA

FINALISTS
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for The Trucker Magazine, “Data Pirates”

Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Black Vitality Magazine, “The Good Stuff”

WINNER
Kayode Crown, Mississippi Free Press, Business, Equity and Ethics in Mississippi

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Writer Kayode Crown provides a regular supply of well-written, well-sourced, well-documented and well-illustrated work to put a spotlight on issues important to Mississippi and surrounding states.

EDUCATION – PRINT/ONLINE

FINALISTS
Joel Phelps, arkadelphian.com, Arkadelphia, AR, “School district plans to balance teacher diversity”

Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for AMP Magazine, Charter schools in Arkansas

WINNER
Ashton Pitman, Mississippi Free Press, “School: Sharing LGBTQ Identity Fireable Offense”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Compelling and well-executed. The article is to the point and clearly showcases the issues present within the news piece.

EDUCATION – AUDIO/VIDEO

WINNER
Josie Lenora, KUAR Public Radio, “New superintendent talks about the future of the LRSD”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Such a good and thorough interview. Covered all the bases. Very well done.

HEALTH – ALL MEDIA

FINALISTS
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Do South Magazine, “A League of Their Own”

Nick Judin, Mississippi Free Press, Health and Equity in Mississippi

WINNER
Dwain Hebda, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for The Trucker Magazine, “Mother Trucker Yoga”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Interesting. Well-written. Not over-the-top or hokey. Straightforward with flashes of humor.
COMPETITION COMMENT: Interesting articles showing a wide range of healthcare applications – from traditional to yoga and CrossFit. Also shows the diverse populations that can be served by healthcare efforts. The articles come alive with patients and clients are interviewed.

ENVIRONMENT – ALL MEDIA

FINALIST
Ashli Blow, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, “Fake testing left South Memphis’ water vulnerable to toxins”

WINNER
Kayode Crown, Mississippi Free Press, Jackson Water Crisis

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The series provides a comprehensive look at Jackson’s devastating water crisis.

POLITICS – PRINT/ONLINE

FINALISTS
Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press, 2022 Election Coverage

Lisa Hammersly, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Campaign Finance Reporting

WINNER
Jacob Steimer, Carrington Tatum, Brittany Brown, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Municipal race 2022

JUDGE’S COMMENT: In this package MLK50 showed great respect for journalistic guidelines per SPJ; they make it clear what they’re doing, and why, when it comes to not naming sources. Further, the quality of the reportage (and the time invested in it) floored me. The amount of work hours that go into these stories is clearly pretty high. Their reporters have a superpower of latching onto information other reporters might pass over, and then combine them all to create nuanced and informative journalism.

POLITICS – AUDIO/VIDEO

FINALIST
Daniel Breen, NPR, “Sarah Huckabee Sanders is expected to win Republican primary for Arkansas governor”

WINNER
Josie Lenora, KUAR Public Radio, “Democratic Party of Arkansas delays choosing a new chair during emotional meeting”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Good job capturing the emotions of the meeting. Solid presentation.

SPECIAL SECTION/NICHE PUBLICATION

FINALISTS
Staff, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, ADG Voter Guide

Dwain Hebda, Mandy Keen, YA!MULE WORDSMITHS for Arkansas Times, Arkansas Wild

WINNER
Aliyah Veal, DeAnna Tisdale Johnson, Acacia Clark, Kristin Brenemen, Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press, Hinds County: Crime, Safety and Solutions

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This is a remarkably strong entry full of both tragedy and inspiration. Every article is strong. Particularly impressive were Aliyah Veal’s three articles on the unfathomable homicide rate in Jackson, with dramatic, depressing articles of dilapidated housing; on the inspirational former inmate who set up a foundation to provide housing and other support for women transitioning from prison; and her rich profile of Not Another Child founder Oresa Napper-Williams. Finally, powerful, moving work by Deanna Tisdale Johnson depicting the tragic death of Oren D’Lonte Anderson and his life that ended in violence, a life filled with love and trouble. Overall, this is such impressive journalism about people, events, and communities that are too often ignored by the mainstream media. Congratulations to all reporters, editors, researchers, and photographers who produced such important work!

COMPETITION COMMENT: Strong entries produced tough competition that led to difficult judging choices. The deep look at poverty, crime, and housing problems in Hinds County stood head and shoulders above the other entries in the depth and breadth of its reporting along with its powerful visual presentation. It was all the more impressive in having been reported and written by young journalists. As a nature and travel enthusiast, I can say that the Arkansas Wild magazine was better than most similar ones I’ve seen from other states, with more helpful and interesting information. For my third-place pick, it was a tough choice between the Arkansas Voter Guide and Blueprint. In the end, I selected the voter guide because of how important such guides are at this critical, fragile point in our democracy. If possible, I’d like to recommend an Honorable Mention award to “Blueprint” for its fine job covering the variety of technical jobs available with information that was both interesting and practical. Overall, this was an impressive group of contest entries.

PODCASTS – ALL MEDIA

FINALIST
J. Bradley Minnick, Mary Ellen Kubit, Joseph Fuller, KUAR Public Radio, Arts & Letters

WINNER
Rex Nelson, Nick Popowitch, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Southern Fried Podcast

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The selected podcasts displayed deep knowledge of state politics, business, and film/arts, very interesting even to a non-Arkansan. Sound quality was fine. Felt very authentic.

BREAKING NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY – ALL MEDIA

FINALIST
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Davis Trial

WINNER
Staci Vandagrif, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fatal Shooting At Hospital

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great work!

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY – ALL MEDIA

FINALIST
Greg Geary, The Daily Citizen, Apartment fire in Searcy

WINNER
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Memorial Day

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent shots!

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY – ALL MEDIA

FINALISTS
Greg Geary, The Daily Citizen, Showing Their Colors

Jenn Terrell, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Lakeisha Edwards: Art Ventures director believes art is for everyone”

WINNER
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Splash Pad

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Fabulous photograph. The composition is great, with a group of boys but the focus is on the one who is embracing the moment.

COMPETITION COMMENT: There were at least seven entries that should have won awards in this category. These three winners stood out though. Two for the effect that water had on the photo and one as an outstanding example of portrait photography.

PHOTO SPREAD/ESSAY – ALL MEDIA

FINALISTS
Lukas Flippo, Mississippi Free Press, “Latinx LGTBQ Mississippians Hold ‘Queerceanera’”

Kelli Bozeman, Hoa Vu, Jordan Hefler, Collin Richie, Sean Gasser, InRegister Magazine, Baton Rouge, LA, “A Day in the Life of the Arts”

WINNER
Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, “AT THE ROOT: What Cristina Condori taught us”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great job all around!

PHOTO PORTFOLIO – ALL MEDIA

FINALISTS
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

WINNER
Staci Vandagriff, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Staci captured pure, raw emotion in every picture. Each image told a story effortlessly.

COMPETITION COMMENT: This year, it was a tight competition, and everyone put together outstanding portfolio submissions. It was not an easy category to judge based on the talent on display, and everyone who entered should be proud of what they accomplished.

FRONT PAGE/COVER DESIGN – MAGAZINES

FINALIST
Staff, 225 Magazine, Baton Rouge
WINNER
Kelli Bozeman, Hoa Vu, InRegister Magazine, Bold Faced, A Day in the Life of the Arts, Shore Things

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Fabulous, excellent covers. Each cover conveyed something very different and they were all three compelling. I want a subscription!

COMPETITION COMMENT: This category only had two entries and both would have been deserving of awards had there been 10. The inRegister covers were among the best magazine covers I’ve seen. Great job.

PAGE DESIGN – MAGAZINES

FINALISTS
Mike Bedgood, AY Magazine, “True Colors”

Mike Bedgood, AY Magazine, “Painting the Town”

WINNER
Lora Puls, AMP Magazine, “Elbow Room”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This is a beautiful layout, allowing the wonder of the wildnerness set the scene. It set a peaceful, pleasant scene. Smart move to preserve the full image behind – and through – the text. Skillfully done.

STUDENT AWARDS

SPECIAL PROJECTS

WINNER
Sarah Smythe, The Echo (University of Central Arkansas, Conway), “UCA giving out expired KN95 masks”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great example of accountability journalism and excellent deployment of staff to tackle the investigatory process.

BREAKING NEWS

WINNER
Madison Ogle, The Echo, “Three dead, one injured in series of Conway shootings”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Madison Ogle’s coverage for UCAnews.live of a shooting in a campus neighborhood quickly wrapped up a fast-developing situation that was of potential danger to the campus community.

GENERAL NEWS

FINALISTS
Emily Kennard, The Echo, “Students arrested for trans rights protest at school board meeting”
Sarah Komar, The Traveler (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville) “Where are the Workers” Labor Shortage Special Coverage

WINNER
Josh Archote, Reveille and lsureveille.com (Louisiana State University) “An LSU Greek Life mystery: fake names and potential entrapment?”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The reporter demonstrates impressive investigative journalism skills. The abuse of power angle is newsworthy and has implications beyond LSU’s campus. Overall great sourcing, writing, story pace and supporting documents. Well done.

FEATURES

FINALISTS
Aria Pons, Tiger TV (LSU), “More Than Meets The Eye”

Will Nickel, Reveille and lsureveille.com, “How much do LSU football players eat? I ate an offensive lineman’s diet to find out”

WINNER
Ava Borskey, Tiger TV, “Azaleas and Buddy Lee”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: A nicely done piece. Buddy has a good personality, and that comes through. The subject is one that interests a lot of people (plants, planting, landscaping), but the behind-the-scenes work to create new plants isn’t familiar to many people. The editing and matching of narration with the visuals are good. Although the narrator at times sounds a bit scripted, her bright cheerful voice is a good fit for the subject matter.

COMPETITION COMMENT: Many well-chosen, interesting topics. These three stand out for good execution and for understanding that a feature requires a mix of news/facts and human interest/a “lighter” touch than hard news. The top-ranked features also had a clear conclusion and answered the question “why?” Plus, they were enjoyable to read or watch.

SPORTS

FINALISTS
Connor Barney, Reveille and lsureveille.com, “Wonder Women: LSU female athletes”

Patricia Caputo, KLSU 91.1 FM, Baton Rouge, LSU tennis player Safiya Carrington interview

WINNER
Patricia Caputo, Liam Haley, KLSU, LSU swimmer Spencer Adrian interview

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Direct questioning by podcast hosts led to a compelling story about LSU swimmer Spencer Adrian’s experience as a member of a Denver college swim team.

COMPETITION COMMENT: This category included audio, video and print entries that illustrate the variety of ways sports stories can be told effectively.

EDITORIALS

FINALIST
Courtney Shepherd, The Echo, “Media restrictions for college athletes strain relationship”

WINNER
Reveille Editorial Board, Reveille and lsureveille.com

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The Reveille Editorial Board took bold stands in their editorials. Their well-written and well-researched editorials showed they are not afraid to call out university officials when necessary. They are a shining example of student journalists unafraid to speak on issues of concern to their communities.

COMPETITION COMMENT: The entries in the student journalist editorial category show that student publications are not afraid to challenge college officials when it comes to important issues on their campuses. They directly stated their views and did not hesitate to criticize college staff and administrators if student journalists felt they were wrong on the issues.

COMMENTARY
FINALISTS
Henry Huber, Reveille and lsureveille.com, Sports Columns

Brandon Poulter, Reveille and lsureveille.com, Columns

WINNER
Claire Sullivan, The Echo, Columns

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Claire Sullivan pulled me into each essay with her commanding use of descriptive language, personal/intimate tone, strategic use of facts – all critical to storytelling and column writing. I especially liked the way she placed herself inside each piece of writing, helping the reader to appreciate the importance of the topic to her but quietly inviting them to locate in their minds or in their lives their own intimacy with the topic. And while each was personal, she connected with the universal, making the work relevant to everyone who cares. She has a real talent.

A&E COVERAGE

WINNER
Katy-Ann McDonald, Reveille and lsureveille.com, “Valuable African American Poetry collection finds new home in Hill Memorial Library Special Collections”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This article could have been as flat as a press release, but McDonald reached out for the meaning of books, and this collection, from both the donor and the recipient. She made us see the value. Nicely done with strong writing and good depth.

A&E CRITICISM/REVIEWS

WINNER
Courtney Shepherd, Delaney Van Wilpe, Anna Yanosick, The Echo, Entertainment Reviews

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The three writers offer both unique and informed perspectives on their respective topics. The first entry offered a telling look at Gen Z’s view of school shootings, the second shed light on what Drake’s lyrics say about his real life actions, and the Wendy’s review was unexpected but fun. I hope all three continue to review and share their perspectives on what they are passionate about.

BUSINESS

FINALIST
Ally Kadlubar, Tiger TV, “Lip Smackin’”

WINNER
Bennett Tinnermon, Emilee Hagewood, The Echo, “UCA professor offers bonus points for fake reviews”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This story took a lot of information-gathering from different sources, and leveraged it to highlight a possible ethical issue on campus. That’s what student journalism is meant to do! Additionally, the reporters took great care to report only what they could observe and not to imply or state anything further.

EDUCATION

FINALIST
Piper Hutchinson, Reveille and lsureveille.com, “The Reveille digs into maintenance problems on the LSU campus”

WINNER
Mia Waddell, The Echo, “African/African American studies given two-year extension”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent accountability reporting. Well-sourced overview of a significant issue on campus. Dense and informative without being complicated. Writer did an excellent job juggling all facets of the story.

NEWS PHOTO

WINNER
Madison Ogle, The Echo, Five news photos

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Nice Composition. Keep practicing.

FEATURE PHOTO

WINNER
Madison Ogle, The Echo, “A couple sit together on a ride at UCA’s Fall Fest”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great moment!

PHOTO SPREAD/ESSAY

WINNER
Maci England, The Echo, Homecoming game proposal

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Well done! Great capture.

PHOTO PORTFOLIO

FINALISTS
Madison Ogle, The Echo, Fan Yelling

Madison Ogle, The Echo, Shooting Aftermath

WINNER
Madison Ogle, The Echo, Glow Rage

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This picture perfectly captures the fun and excitement of an on campus student paint night.

COMPETITION COMMENT: The Echo photographer did a great job documenting campus and community life. The photographer showed a strong command of lighting, and an ability to capture the heart of the story in pictures.

GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS

FINALISTS
Madison Ogle, The Echo, “Russia sends valentine to Ukraine”

Madison Ogle, The Echo, “Sarah Huckabee Sanders takes office”

WINNER
Madison Ogle, The Echo, “Rams win the Superbowl”

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Memorable illustration style with strong personality and atmosphere. Wonderful work!

DESIGN

FINALISTS
Courtney Shepherd, Mia Waddell, The Echo, Senior Columns

Madison Ogle, The Echo, Football Conference Champions

WINNER
Mia Waddell, Bennett Tinnermon, The Echo, Homecoming edition

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Impressive design work with high contrast and appealing color palette.

SPECIAL AWARDS

GARRICK FELDMAN COMMUNITY JOURNALISM AWARD

FINALISTS
Rick Kron, Leader newspapers, Jacksonville, AR
Greg Geary, The Daily Citizen, Searcy, AR

WINNER
Unsafe conditions in Mississippi Delta housing, Nick Judin, Mississippi Free Press, Jackson, MS

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Judin’s work is the kind of incisive and insightful reporting one hopes for from local reporting. I was deeply impressed by Nick’s empathetic writing and aggressiveness in chasing the story.

OVERALL COMPETITION COMMENT: This was difficult. All three journalists here are talented and deserve recognition. But Judin’s work, and the impact it appears to have had, swung me. There’s a good chance that his writing has made positive changes in the lives of the renters he covered, and making such a positive impact is a rare but vital role for local journalism to play.

CHARLOTTE TILLAR SCHEXNAYDER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

FINALISTS
Arkansas public defenders, Will Langhorne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock

Mississippi Trusted Elections Project, Ashton Pittman, William Pittman, Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press

WINNER
Evictions in Memphis, Jacob Steimer, Mikhaila Markham, Andrea Morales, Brittany Brown, Wendi C. Thomas, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Memphis

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Logical flow and organization of the article. Very important topic, and the reporter and paper put a lot of work into actually watching the judges to identify the variability in how they handled evictions and tenants. The printing of the photos of the judges made the point that the range of treatment by the judges wasn’t based (solely) on racism – an important element of the story. An attempt even was made to identify why ERA2 funds weren’t applied for. There are a few holes in the story: Why would landlords choose to turn down payment of up to 12 months of back rent? Overall, this article represents an excellent handling and coverage of the issue of evictions, steps that can address the problem, the functioning of the court system, and the grinding wheels of bureaucracy.

OVERALL COMPETITION COMMENT: Excellent entries, each addressing issues critical to the citizens served by the publications . . . and to the functioning of democracy. Each was interesting and well-written. The element that was comparatively weak in several of the entries was answering the question “Why?” The entries all demonstrated a great amount of research in establishing the problem and identifying an immediate cause of the problem. But they could have been stronger had they delved a bit more deeply into why the problems existed. It was great to see the solid work being done by journalists today. The citizens served by those publications will benefit in multiple ways.

ROBERT S. MCCORD FOI AWARD

WINNER
Fighting For Public Access to Mississippi Legislature, Nick Judin and Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The Mississippi Free Press’ coverage of and challenge to this artful and dangerous removal of the public business from the public eye is nothing less than inspiring. This is something that state government reporters and other journalists nationwide should be watching. It’s particularly important in this time when one party dominates so many state legislatures, and we know knowledge on how to retain power is being traded around the nation. The Mississippi Free Press could have just gone on getting some stories as best it could. But instead it fought a battle that needed to be fought.

COMPETITION COMMENT: I wish that there had been more entries. But the Mississippi entry was such an important piece that I still felt it should obviously be awarded.

OUTSTANDING NEW JOURNALIST
(This award is given to a journalist who has worked 5 years or fewer for their outlet)

FINALIST
Aliyah Veal, Mississippi Free Press

WINNER
Chelsea Helms, KNWA-TV, Fayetteville, AR

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Concise, crisp, engagingly written and edited. Storytelling that draws the viewer in. Quality one would expect to find in a much larger media market. Intelligent, professional and meaningful journalism that seeks to educate, enlighten and improve the community.

OVERALL COMPETITION COMMENT: The top two contenders are both outstanding journalists. I was ordered to pick one, so I did. My feeling is that both these young ladies will go far.

DIAMOND JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

FINALIST
Nick Judin, Mississippi Free Press

WINNER
Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press, Little Rock

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent writing. Comprehensive without getting wordy. This reporter’s writing has a natural flow to it that carries the reader forward. Thoroughly professional and deserving of a first place award.

Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ, Chapter Business, Events, Uncategorized

Arkansas SPJ announces candidates for the 2023-2024 Board of Directors

June 23, 2023by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

Arkansas SPJ’s 2023-2024 Board of Directors has two candidates for president Brenda Lepenski, a general assignment reporter at Channel 7 News, and Lance Brownfield, a reporter at The Sentinel-Record in Hot Springs. Lepenski served in 2022-23 as the chapter’s Membership and Marketing chair and Brownfield served as secretary.
Also seeking executive board positions are Sonny Albarado for vice president and Rob Moritz for treasurer. There are currently no candidates for secretary on the 11-member board. Voting will take place at the Diamond Journalism Awards and annual meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at the 2023 Diamond Journalism Awards at Brewski’s Pub & Grub, 315 Main St., Little Rock.
New candidates for the board include Karen Steward and Terrance Armstard, a Region 12 assistant coordinator. Wendy Jordan, a former board member and Region 12 treasurer, is seeking to return to the board.
Continuing board member candidates include Region 12 coordinator Jennifer Ellis, Andrew DeMillo and immediate past president Steve Listopad.
Additional nominations may be taken at the meeting. The election for contested positions will be held by secret ballot. Any member who cannot vote in person may email their selection to arkansasspj@gmail.com. Uncontested elections will take place by voice vote.

2023-24 Arkansas SPJ board candidates

Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ, Contest, Diamond Journalism Awards, Events

Finalists named for 2023 Diamond Journalism Awards

June 8, 2023June 29, 2023by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to announce the finalists for its 2023 Diamond Journalism Awards, a regional competition that recognizes journalism excellence among professionals and students from Arkansas and six bordering states.

Arkansas SPJ will present the winners at an awards ceremony on June 27 at Brewski’s Pub & Grub, 315 Main St., Little Rock. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. The reception starts at 5:30 p.m. with Alan Leveritt, publisher of the Arkansas Times, speaking at 6 p.m., followed by the awards presentation.

This year’s competition for work published or broadcast in 2022 drew 363 entries in more than 80 categories, including Diamond Journalist of the Year and Outstanding New Journalist, the Robert S. McCord FOI Award, the Charlotte Tillar Schexnayder Public Service Award, and the Garrick Feldman Community Journalism Award.

Judges were members of the Washington D.C. SPJ chapter.

Finalists for the 2023 Diamond Journalism Awards listed by the outlet in which their work appeared:

225 Magazine
Maggie Heyn Richardson, Olivia Deffes, Zane Piontek, Mark Clements

501 Life Magazine
Tammy Keith

Arkadelphian.com
Joel Phelps

Arkansas Catholic
Dwain Hebda

Arkansas Now News
Hannah Campbell

AY Magazine
Austin Castrellon, Mike Bedgood, Dwain Hebda

Arkansas Advocate
Sonny Albarado, Tess Vrbin, Hunter Field,

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Michael R. Wickline, Teresa Moss, Joseph Flaherty, Sean Clancy, Rex Nelson, Nick Popowitch, Staci Vandagriff, Thomas Metthe, David Barham, Alexandria Brown, Remington Miller, Lisa Hammersly, Jenn Terrell, Will Langhorne, Frank Lockwood, Bill Bowden, Dwain Hebda, Democrat-Gazette Staff, Colin Murphey

Arkansas Money & Politics (AMP) Magazine
Lora Puls, Dwain Hebda

Arkansas Times
Dwain Hebda, Mandy Keener

The Arkansas Traveler (University of Arkansas)
Sarah Komar,

The Associated Press
Andrew DeMillo

Black Vitality
Dwain Hebda

The Commercial Appeal/The Tennessean
Daniel Connolly, Duane Gang, Arriel Cobert, Joe Rondone, Mel Fronczek, Ana Hurler

The Daily Citizen
Greg Geary

Do South Magazine
Dwain Hebda

The Echo (University of Central Arkansas)
Sarah Smythe, Madison Ogle, Courtney Shepherd, Delaney Van Wilpe, Anna Yanosick, Bennett Tinnermon, Emilee Hagewood, Mia Waddell, Maci England, Emily Kennard

Fort Worth Weekly
Edward Brown, Anthony Mariani

InRegister Magazine
Kelli Bozeman, Hoa Vu, Jordan Hefler, Collin Richie, Sean Gasser

KARK 4 News
Caitrin Assaf, Lauren Swaim

KHBS/KHOG (40/29)
Brett Rains, Katie Hamner, Colleen Clement, 40/29 TV Staff

KLRT-FOX 16
Kevin Kelly, Stephen Goodale, Lauren Swaim, Ashlei King, Julian Jones

KLSU-FM
Patricia Caputo, Liam Haley

KNWA-TV
Chelsea Helms

KTHV (THV11)
Skot Covert, Kelly Tibbit, Zach Keast

KUAR Public Radio
Daniel Breen, Josie Lenora, J. Bradley Minnick, Mary Ellen Kubit, Joseph Fuller

Leader Newspapers
Rick Kron

Mississippi Free Press
Nick Judin, Donna Ladd, Grace Marion, Torsheta Jackson, Aliyah Veal, Ashton Pittman, DeAnna Tisdale Johnson, Acacia Clark, Kristin Brenemen, Kayode Crown, William Pittman, Lukas Flippo

Missouri-Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
Nancy Henderson

MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Jacob Steimer, Mikhaila Markham, Andrea Morales, Brittany Brown, Wendi C. Thomas, Carrington Tatum, Andrea Morales, Ashli Blow

New Lines Magazine
Sarah Komar

Reveille (Louisiana State University)
Josh Archote, Reveille Editorial Board, Claire Sullivan, Katy-Ann McDonald, Will Nickel, Patricia Caputo, Brandon Poulter, Ally Kadlubar, Piper Hutchinson, Connor Barney, Henry Huber

St. Louis Public Radio
Avery Lea Rogers, Danny Wicentowski

Stuttgart Daily Leader
Kelly Connelly, Kristen Siler

Tiger TV (Louisiana State University)
Ava Borskey, Aria Pons

The Trucker
Dwain Hebda

World Christian Broadcasting
Paul Ladd

Chapter Business, Uncategorized

CALL FOR CANDIDATES: Arkansas SPJ seeks members for 2023-24 Board of Directors

May 5, 2023November 19, 2024by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will hold its annual board election at the Diamond Awards banquet in June. Want to get involved? Consider joining our team.

The Arkansas SPJ Board of Directors has 11 seats that are up for election each year, including executive officers: president, vice president, treasurer and secretary.

Check out the following duties and responsibilities of 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 Steven Listopad at slistopad@icloud.com or ArkansasSPJ@gmail.com by Saturday, May 20.

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 at the annual meeting (time/date/location to be decided) and via email for those who can’t attend.

If an officer election is contested, or if there are more nominees for director than available board seats, that election shall be held by secret ballot. Uncontested elections shall be by voice vote.

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.