Winners of 2022 Society for Features Journalism Excellence-in-Features awards
DIVISION 1 | Circulation up to 90,000
FINEST IN FEATURES SWEEPSTAKES AWARDS
These awards recognize the three publications that garner the most honors in the contest’s other 22 categories.
First place: The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette
Twelve awards, including four firsts (Arts & Entertainment Feature, Video Storytelling, Best Special Section and Niche Product), four seconds (Best Section, Best Feature Digital Presence, Video Storytelling and Diversity in Digital Features, two thirds (Features Specialty Writing, Video Storytelling and Short Feature) and two honorable mentions (General Features and Food Feature).
Second place: The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier
Eight awards, including five firsts (General Feature, Feature Series or Project, Feature Specialty Writing Portfolio, Food Writing Portfolio and Diversity in Digital Features), one second (Narrative Storytelling), one third (Food Features) and one honorable mention (Arts & Entertainment Commentary Portfolio).
Third place: Deseret News
Eight awards, including one first (Arts & Entertainment Commentary), four thirds (General Feature, Narrative Storytelling, Arts & Entertainment Commentary and Sports Features) and two honorable mentions (General Commentary Portfolio, Feature Series or Project and Sports Feature).
Fourth place: Austin (Texas) American-Statesman
Four awards, including two firsts (Best Section and Features Digital Presence) and two seconds (Arts & Entertainment Portfolio and Best Special Section)
BEST SECTION
The best regularly occurring printed features sections that focus on A&E, lifestyles or other features coverage.
First place: Austin (Texas) American-Statesman
Judge’s comments: “From music profiles to the ‘Deep Fried I-35’ to a quirky feature on the plywood ‘Couch Potatoes’ outside a North Austin furniture store, the Statesman’s Austin 360 is a brash, lively and fun read with great variety.”
Second place: The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette
Judge’s comments: “A strong sense of place infuses every beautifully photographed story in The Gazette’s features section. From a bracket challenge based on Colorado’s most picturesque peaks to a feature on a leather shop inside a working ranch, the features here offer a wonderful escape.”
BEST FEATURES DIGITAL PRESENCE
The best your publication has to offer in digital A&E, features and lifestyle coverage.
First place: Austin360, Austin (Texas) American Statesman
Judge’s comments: “If you don't know anything about Austin, Austin360 is the place to start. It gives the insider's perspective without being pretentious (a la Matthew McConaughey). We love how it has used Instagram videos to really showcase the staff's fun personalities and to grow followers - more than 104K as of this writing. Kudos to the staff for their energetic work through these hard times.”
Second place: OutThere Colorado, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette
Judge’s comments: “We appreciated the balance of useful guides (hot springs, ‘easiest’ fourteener) and newsy stories that OutThere Colorado provides. It's also interesting that OutThere has a completely different approach to Instagram, where it doesn't share stories but stunning photos of Colorado scenery taken mainly by photographers who live or work in the state. The photos are properly credited and accompany an inspirational quote. Altogether, this publication combines a celebration of the state's beauty and what to know if you live there or want to visit.
Third place: Mickayla Miller, LNP | LancasterOnline, “Mickayla Miller trending/scene reporter”
Judge’s comments: “Though Mickayla Miller just started as the trending/scene reporter in August 2021, her stories show she has the pulse on what's fun in Lancaster County, Penn. We appreciate how she uses her own tweets in posts. From festivals to free events to interviews to viral moments, Mickayla keeps her audience's interests in mind.”
GENERAL FEATURE
Feature treatment of any A&E, lifestyles or news topic.
First place: Jennifer Berry Hawes, The (Charleston) Post and Courier, “I am Omar: A quest for the true identity of Omar ibn Said, a Muslim enslaved in the Carolinas”
Judge’s comments: “Incredibly ambitious and truly riveting. I was engrossed, entertained and I learned so much. By the end, I wanted to applaud Omar for his resiliency and efforts to send his message out and I wanted to applaud these journalists – and their editors! – for committing to such a project that has righted a historical myth and inspired a new generation of teachers.”
Second place: J. D. Gallop and Finch Walker, Florida Today, “Breaking the Barrier: Diverse Superheroes”
Judge’s comments: “Well researched, well-sourced and well-written feature with a diversity of voices on a topic off the news.”
Third place: Dennis Romboy, Deseret News, “Pulling U.S. troops from Afghanistan a complicated question for slain Utah soldiers’ families, veterans”
Judge’s comments: “Moving, well-explored topic with just enough facts and figures to ground the story and explain the context. We were legit drawn into reading graf after graf through to the end.”
Honorable mention: Stephanie Earls, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “Community, family mourn homeless man who died on sidewalk next to busy Colorado Springs street”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE
Feature treatment of an arts and entertainment topic.
First place: Seth Boster, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “In Colorado desert, 65-foot-tall tank offers otherworldly experience | Colorful Colorado”
Judge’s comments: “A fascinating exploration of a musical treasure unknown to most of America. That’s what good stories do: surprise and enlighten. But the writing elevates this with prose that helps us understand why the subject is so special. It’s patient but engaging writing.”
Second place: Stav Ziv, Forward, “After a house is destroyed in a fire, a Jewish artist finds a way to preserve its spirit”
Judge’s comments: “There’s poignancy in this piece, taking a very simple story about a simple practice and using it to relate the power of nostalgia in the sense of place, and a place where we come from.”
Third place: Tracey O’Shaughnessy and Bill O’Brien, (Waterbury, Conn.) Republican-American, “Memoir from Beyond the Grave”
Honorable mention: Todd Price, (Montgomery, Ala.) Advertiser, “An Alabama folk artist brings to life stories of honky-tonks, angels and evil spirits”
SHORT FEATURE
Tight, bright writing of fewer than 1,000 words.
First place: Doug MacCash, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate | NOLA.com, “Softsoap brand body wash: The fragrance that will ‘cover a lot of sins’”
Judge’s comments: “Some might say that a “Mardi Gras” named Softsoap is an easy target – something that’s easy to make fun of. What’s hard… is to do it well. Doug MacCash does it beautifully. ‘Hearn would have certainly appreciated the translucent, purple, syrupy texture, the abundant, hard-to-pinpoint floral bouquet and the satisfying lather. As I do. It’s clear to me that the product is not meant to echo the olfactory outrages of Mardi Gras, it is meant to be their antidote! No one put it better than my wife, who, upon getting a whiff of the fragrance, said, ‘Well that should cover a lot of sins.’” No argument here!
Second place: Erin Negley, LNP | LancasterOnline, “This Strasburg Township family built a log cabin in their backyard; here’s how”
Judge’s comments: “The beauty of this story is its range – which is relatively narrow: a family reassembles an old log cabin on their property… with logs that were first assembled a very, very long time ago. There were no instructions; there were stops and starts. But the dedication of these family members to getting it right makes for a delightful reader’s journey.”
Third place: Karen Hendricks, TheBurg (Harrisburg, Penn.) “Signs of the Times: Marty Mummert creates hand-painted signs the old-fashioned way – one at a time”
Judge’s comments: “Stories about craftmanship can be challenging. A reader’s assumption might be: If they’re writing about it, it must be good, right? In this story, the joy is in the details of a man who knows the source of his joy.”
Honorable mention: Seth Boster, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “The walk and emu that helped heal a Colorado Springs woman’s heartbreak | Glimpses”
FOOD FEATURE
A single story focusing on food, not including reviews or commentary. Can be a trend story, personality profile, narrative piece, how-to or other feature treatment of a food topic.
First place: Laura Hayes and Michael Loria, Washington City Paper, “Life on the Line: D.C. Cooks Confront COVID-19 Risks, Lack of Job Security”
Judge’s comments: “Laura Hayes and Michael Loria’s well-reported, humanizing piece about the struggle of restaurant workers during the pandemic gives an unvarnished look at the risks the employees face and struggle of the business owners. Great details: ‘Picture wearing a mask on a regular day, but standing over a wok that’s 700 degrees.’… ‘There’s no social distancing in kitchens. Boxing seven people standing next to each other in a small space all day long trying to cook, clearly that’s a bad idea.’ … ‘We don’t have the luxury of being able to stay home.’”
Second place: Todd Price, The American South, “Black chefs stirred the pots for New Orleans’ cuisine. But today, they are hard to find”
Judge’s comments: “The piece explores why there are so few Black chefs in a predominantly black food town. Price does a deep dive into history and talks with those shaping the city’s restaurant scene today. The writing is vivid – ‘Now if all the Black executive chefs in New Orleans went out for dinner, they wouldn’t even count as a large party.’ – and ‘French, Spanish, Cajun, Italian – all these ethnic groups live in New Orleans, but they are not running the kitchens of the best restaurants in the city,’ he wrote. ‘The single, lasting characteristic of Creole cuisine is the Black element.’”
Third place: Hanna Raskin, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “Unpublished 1936 guide to Black life in Charleston reveals the city’s first restaurant critic”
Judge’s comments: “Hanna Raskin explores how the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Writers’ Project’s South Carolina Negro Writers’ Project provides a flawed, censored, but still fascinating look at life and Black restaurants in South Carolina. The guidebook, created to document the country and encourage citizens to tour it, is ‘only surviving record of most of the restaurants featured in it.’ She draws you in from the start with how lost history affects the way a community sees itself and how individuals see their families.”
Honorable mention: Ian McNulty, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate, “At Mosca’s, a false alarm, a timely reminder of what matters, a lot of garlic.”
Honorable mention: Ian McNulty, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate, “Saints and Red Beans.”
Honorable mention: Seth Boster, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “In Colorado’s San Luis Valley, a mission behind ‘mountainous grub’ | Craving Colorado”
FEATURES SERIES OR PROJECT
Feature treatment of any lifestyle, A&E or news topic that has multiple parts.
First place: Tony Bartelme and Lauren Petracca, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “The Greenland Connection”
Judge’s comments: “From hiking onto a melting ice sheet to flying with NASA scientists, Tony Bartelme and Lauren Petracca went above and beyond to tell a story we all need to read and see (the photos are breathtaking).”
Second place: Staff, The (Nashville) Tennessean, “Hallowed Sound”
Third place: Jennifer Tormo, Maggie Heyn Richardson and Benjamin Leger, 225 Magazine, “Pizza Party”
Honorable mention: Kelsey Dallas, Deseret News, “Vaccines and religion”
NARRATIVE STORYTELLING
A single story told in a narrative style, using techniques such as character development, use of dialogue, sense of place, scene building, narrative arc and adherence to theme.
First place: Katya Cengel, Alta Journal, “Michaela’s Shadow”
Judge’s comments: “Beautifully structured, heartbreakingly sourced with everyone you hoped you’d hear from … except the one person this story was about.”
Second place: Jennifer Berry Hawes, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “The journey of one pregnant woman who almost died of COVID-19”
Judge’s comments: “Fantastic structure that kept us guessing what was going to happen without being dramatic or cloying, only hopeful. Pacing was excellent and this was a very narrow miss at first place. Keep up the amazing work!”
Third place: Chad Nielsen, Deseret News, “The dreams he carried”
Judge’s comments: What a heartbreaking and beautifully told story. So much deep research and sourcing really made the star of this story come alive.”
Honorable mention: Geoff Ziezulewicz, Military Times, “How a military jail failed to protect a suicidal sailor from himself”
FEATURE SPECIALTY WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories by the same writer on one features specialty topic, such as arts and entertainment, fashion, food, health, religion, technology or travel.
First place: Jennifer Berry Hawes, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “Jennifer Berry Hawes portfolio of stories”
Judge’s comments: “Two stories and a major project that work to correct and fill in missing parts of a troubled history, told with grace, care and strong narrative writing. We didn’t want these stories to end, and we want regular updates on the people we feel like we got to know a little bit. I appreciate the visuals used as part of the storytelling, particularly the videos and the map that explained part of the history in the story of Omar ibn Said.”
Second place: Matthew Leimkuehler, The (Nashville) Tennessean, “Matthew Leimkuehler feature writing portfolio”
Judge’s comments: “Every part of these stories will draw readers in, from the detailed and compelling narratives to the video and other visuals. The richness and strength of the Nashville music community and history is baked in, and the writer knows when to let his subject’s voices have the mic.”
Third place: Seth Boster, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “Seth Boster Portfolio”
Judge’s comments: “We’re never going to race across a frozen lake or scramble up a mountain before dawn, but we enjoyed meeting some people who do. And it was lovely to go behind the scenes of a big-time athlete to meet the woman providing very critical support. Lively writing and focused narrative in all three entries.”
Honorable mention: Andrew Silverstein, The Forward, “Andrew Silverstein Portfolio”
FOOD WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories, columns or reviews by the same writer on any food topic.
First place: Hanna Raskin, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “With Charleston Wine + Food Festival on hiatus…; With Charleston hospitality staffing app mixing up labor market, our critic worked a shift; Unpublished 1936 guide to Black life in Charleston reveals the city’s first restaurant critic”
Judge’s comments: This trio of entries embodies the best of what food writing can be. All of the stories are incredibly well sourced and highly detail oriented, while remaining utterly engaging to the reader. The above-and-beyond effort of pulling a shift as a restaurant server to explain the way a gig economy works was particularly bold and compelling.
Second place: Laura Hayes, Washington City Paper, “Washington City Paper Food Editor Laura Hayes’ Impactful Submissions”
Judge’s comments: “This submission demonstrated the author’s wide range of talent. Whether it was a meaty enterprise piece, a colorful profile or a highly detailed roundup, each was expertly executed.”
Third place: Suzy Fleming Leonard, Florida Today, “Restaurant owner takes vaccine advice from God; Florida craft breweries law; COVID fatigue is real”
Judge’s comments: “These well-written entries provided an excellent snapshot of the pandemic’s impact on a community. The writer’s deep dive into Florida’s Byzantine beer distribution laws provided impressive clarity to a complex subject.”
GENERAL COMMENTARY PORTFOLIO
A collection of three columns or essays by the same writer on any human interest or specialty topic, excluding editorials.
First place: Mike Hirsch, The (Allentown, Penn.) Morning Call, “The unexpected peace in knowing how you will die; Could vortexes in Sedona save my life; Reimagining fall as a season of life.”
Judge’s comments: “In his beautifully written "Your Call" columns in The Morning Call, Mike Hirsch chronicles his own ALS diagnosis with honesty, humor and so much grace. His deep gratitude and love for his family, friends and high-energy dog shine through in these columns, as does his appreciation for everyday moments and encounters with strangers who become fast friends. At every turn, Hirsch's writing is so lovely. His descriptions of the "natural cathedral" of the autumn woods in the Adirondacks took our breath away. So did the contents of his prayers.”
Second place: Keith Spera, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate, “Columns by Keith Spera”
Judge’s comments: “As we read Keith Spera’s tributes on NOLA.com to the Rolling Stones’ Charlie Watts, the Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees and the long-running show “NCIS: New Orleans,” we kept thinking about how much New Orleans readers not only deserved these pieces but also NEEDED them. With great style, use of telling details and a clear sense of place, Spera crafted end-of-an-era pieces that conveyed the grief and gratitude of generations of New Orleans residents. Bravo!”
Third place: Tracey O’Shaughnessy, (Waterbury, Conn.) Republican-American, “Sunday Reflections”
Judge’s comments: “At a time when divisiveness is rampant across the country, Tracey O’Shaughnessy’s nuanced and thoughtful “Sunday Reflections” columns bring people together by making them smarter. While taking on topics like the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan and religion’s role in politics, O’Shaughnessy manages to strike a balanced tone that helps readers of all persuasions think hard and consider new perspectives. Her offhand references to Greek mythology, medieval poetry and the “Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature” also are downright fun!”
Honorable mention: Jennifer Graham, Deseret News, “Jennifer Graham columns”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMENTARY PORTFOLIO
A collection of three columns, essays or reviews by the same writer on any arts and entertainment topic, including dining reviews but excluding editorials.
First place: Lottie Elizabeth Johnson, Deseret News, “Lottie E. Johnson criticism”
Judge’s comments: Lottie E. Johnson writes on a variety of music and keeps us fascinated. We especially enjoyed her second piece on ‘Summer of Soul.’ It makes us really want to watch this music documentary.”
Second place: Eric Webb, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman, “Eric Webb portfolio”
Judge’s comments: “Eric Webb makes us feel as if we were actually in attendance at these concerts. He has a love of live music and it shines through his writing.”
Third place: Herb Scribner, Deseret News, “Herb Scribner commentary portfolio”
Judge’s comments: From movies to video games to music, Herb Scribner knows his topics. We especially enjoyed his piece on Brandon Flowers.”
Honorable mention: Maura Hogan, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “Three columns by arts critic Maura Hogan”
SPORTS FEATURE
Feature treatment of any sports topic.
First place: Jason Wolf, The Buffalo (N.Y.) News, “He had no memory of it whatsoever: How Chuck Crist’s family discovered he had CTE”
Judge’s comments: “The great stories, the ones that rise above news, require access. Jason Wolf clearly brings not just journalistic skills, but his ability to get people to talk with him, in this piece. A great opening that hooks the readers. He trusts his reporting, structure and writing to tell the story. Not overwritten, slowly letting readers ‘feel’ this story.”
Second place: Jason Wolf, The Buffalo (N.Y.) News, “A hockey whodunit: Is this $10,000 puck the first goal in Sabres’ history?”
Judge’s comments: “A fascinating story well told. Jason Wolf takes first and second place in his category. Great for him. But even better for the readers of the Buffalo News who get to read his work.”
Third place: Ethan Bauer, Deseret News, “Lineage on the line.”
Judge’s comments: “Taking us behind the scenes of a person we believe we know simply because they put on a uniform. A reminder of the person behind that uniform.”
Honorable mention: Dick Harmon, Deseret News, “In autumn of life, Roger Reid feels blessed caring for wife who has Alzheimer’s”
VIDEO STORYTELLING
The coverage of any A&E, lifestyle or specialty topic using a single video of not more than 8 minutes in length.
First place: Skyler Ballard, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, HIGH AND DRY | Colorado in Drought: Part 2, The Present.”
Judge’s comments: “This beautifully filmed and profoundly moving video focuses on Gary Paul, a self-described ‘at least’ fifth-generation rancher in Yoder, Colorado, as he details the effects of an ongoing drought on his land, livestock, and livelihood. Paul remains stoic for most of the roughly five-minute runtime, making his breakdown after the two-minute mark all the more striking. ‘Sometimes it makes me feel like a failure,’ he says, his voice cracking with emotion. Interspersing clips of Paul performing ranch duties with bird’s-eye shots of his barren surroundings, producer, cinematographer, and editor Skyler Ballard captures the scale of the crisis, highlighting the human impact of natural disasters that are only set to become more frequent and severe as climate change advances.”
Second place: Katie Klann, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “LIFE: The Pie Queen.”
Judge’s comments: “This video highlights pastry chef and drag queen Martin Howard, who managed to parlay his two passions into a successful business at the height of the pandemic. As his alter ego, Chocolatina Q. Dessert, Howard delivers homemade pies to customers in Denver, Colorado, capping his house calls with a song performance. With her blond beehive, dramatic eyeliner, and endlessly quotable turns of phrase, Chocolatina Q. Dessert is a riveting protagonist. Splicing together footage of Howard rolling dough, doing his makeup, and breaking into a Barry Manilow number before a birthday boy, cinematographer and editor Katie Klann crafts a character-driven narrative that tells a heartwarming story about finding joy when and where you least expect it.
Third place: Skyler Ballard, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “LIFE: A museum of whimsy and wonder”
Judge’s comments: “In this video, artist and photographer Karin Winter describes her passion for collecting knickknacks. ‘The inspiration … is really growing up in Europe,’ she says. ‘I’m Dutch, and I moved to the United States when I was 21 years old.’ During the pandemic, Winter began building her collection in earnest and has since dubbed it the Museum of Whimsy and Wonder. Cinematographer and editor Skyler Ballard’s camera lens lingers on walls overrun with paintings, shelves cluttered with Japanese lusterware, and display cases filled with taxidermied animals. Eccentrically decorated as it is, Winter’s house makes for a visually interesting subject.”
Honorable mention: Rob Landers, Andrew Atkins and Suzy Fleming Leonard, Florida Today, “5 James Beard-nominated chefs at Disney Springs”
DIVERSITY IN DIGITAL FEATURES
The coverage of any A&E, features or lifestyle topic that highlights the diversity within a publication’s audience.
First place: Jennifer Berry Hawes, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “I am Omar: A quest for the true identity of Omar ibn Said, a Muslim man enslaved in the Carolinas”
Judge’s comments: “This is a remarkable piece that keeps the reader enrapt as the narrative moves across continents and throughout history. Jennifer Berry Hawes skillfully and patiently unfolds this awesome tale with the precision and detail of a historian. She assembles Omar's story by conjuring all five senses, weaving scenes from Dakar past and present, pre-Civil War America, and even from the hull of one of the last slave ships to cross the Atlantic and land on Charleston's shores. It's a riveting and painful examination of our shared history. It's also a reminder of the power of journalism to unearth these oft-forgotten histories, while also connecting them to the stories we need to hear today.”
Second place: Seth Boster, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “Once a place of ruin and hard memories, Colorado Springs native restoring childhood landmark”
Judge’s comments: “By making space for stories like this one, The Gazette plays a crucial role in helping residents reclaim their families' histories. And Seth Boster so artfully tells this family's through the lens of redemption and redevelopment. Boster is a natural storyteller who honors his subject's memories with empathy and understanding. This story is rich with detail but it keeps its momentum till the final line.”
Third place: Car Shapiro and Ilhy Gomez Del Campo Rojas, Jerk magazine (Syracuse University), “Exposed and Empowered”
Judge’s comments: “This personal essay is a wonderful reminder to write about what gives us fear and makes us vulnerable. Car Shapiro's examination is unflinching and honest. It's also a celebration of the uncomfortable moments that are uniquely human—a perfect subject for a writer to connect with their audience!”
BEST SPECIAL SECTION
The best your publication has to offer in printed A&E, features and lifestyle coverage.
First place: Staff, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “Exposure”
Judge’s comments: “We felt like an armchair traveler while reviewing this entry of gorgeous photographs that we suspect will, or already have, win honors on their own. Bravo!”
Second place: Mathew Odam, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman, “Matthew Odam Austin360 Dining Guide”
Judge’s comments: A true dining guide with plenty of background on the culinarians who make Austin Austin. Matthew Odam has mastered his beat and uses original, thoughtful language to describe their work.”
Third place: Kelli Bozeman, Hoa Vu and Melinda Gonzalez, InRegister Magazine (Baton Rouge, La.), “InRegister Weddings”
Judge’s comments: “The enchantment of weddings is captured in this guide. We especially liked the wedding shorts in the back of the book.”
BEST NICHE PRODUCT
The best examples of a niche product – such as a magazine or special section – published at least two times a year.
First place: Staff, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “OutThere Colorado Winter Guide”
Judge’s comments: “This seasonal winter guide, with a focus on outdoor activity such as camping and skiing, goes beyond listings to include an impressive lineup of news, feature and travel writing.”
Second place: Karen Taylor Gist and Andrea Daniel, Times Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate, “InsideOut New Orleans Home and Garden tab”Judge’s comments: “This solidly written, well-designed home and garden section shows off New Orleans’ amazing range of historic, renovated and contemporary homes.”
DIVISION 2 | Circulation 90,000 to 199,999
FINEST IN FEATURES SWEEPSTAKES AWARDS
These awards recognize the three publications that garner the most honors in the contest’s other 20 categories.
First place: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Eighteen awards, including five firsts (Best Features Digital Presence, Feature Series or Project, Feature Specialty Writing Portfolio, Arts & Entertainment Commentary Portfolio and Integrated Storytelling), five seconds (Best Feature Digital Presence, Narrative Storytelling, General Commentary Portfolio, Video Storytelling and Best Niche Product), four thirds (Food Feature, Feature Specialty Writing Portfolio, Food Writing Portfolio and Integrated Storytelling) and four honorable mentions (Best Features Digital Presence, General Features, Diversity in Digital Features and Niche Product).
Second place: Chicago Sun-Times
Second place: Chicago Sun-Times
Twelve awards, including four firsts (General Commentary Portfolio, Sports Features, Best Special Section and Headline Writing Portfolio), three seconds (General Feature, Sports Feature and Best Special Section), three thirds (Feature Series or Project, General Commentary Portfolio and Digital Innovation) and two honorable mentions (Arts & Entertainment Feature and Short Feature).
Third place: San Antonio Express-News
Eight awards, including one first (Food Criticism), four seconds (Best Section, Food Criticism, Feature Series or Project and Headline Writing Portfolio), two thirds (Best Feature Digital Presence and General Features) and one honorable mention (Food Feature).
Fourth place: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Nine awards, including one first (Narrative Storytelling) two seconds (Arts & Entertainment Commentary Portfolio and Video Storytelling), three thirds (Food Criticism, Sports Feature and Diversity in Digital Features) and three honorable mentions (Narrative Storytelling, Feature Specialty Writing Portfolio and Sports Feature)
BEST SECTION
The best regularly occurring printed features sections that focus on A&E, lifestyles or other features coverage.
First place: Arts Staff, The San Diego Union-Tribune, Arts + Culture section
Judge’s comments: “Bold, graphic and well-designed, the San Diego Union-Tribune's Arts + Culture Sunday section is loaded with style, but the stories also have substance, including features on how local artists are grappling with the pandemic and social justice issues.”
Second place: Emily Spicer, San Antonio Express-News, S. A. Life
Judge’s comments: “S.A. Life has a clean, crisp design and engaging photography that pulls you into a fun and surprising mix of stories, ranging from "must hug" toys (Squishmallows) to edgy cuts and color at the Toxic Salon.”
Second place: Amy Bertrand and Gabe Hartwig, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Judge’s comments: “The St. Louis Post-Dispatch got our attention with a full-page, towering Zombie cocktail and then closed the deal with its illustrated guide to "King Lear" --- a fun and creative approach to an arts journalism story.”
BEST FEATURES DIGITAL PRESENCE
The best your publication has to offer in digital A&E, features and lifestyle coverage.
First place: Staff, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “The Block Project”
Judge’s comments: “This entry will prove to be a great time capsule of life one year into the pandemic. The design is user-friendly on a computer, the photos and videos capture the spirit of the neighborhoods and hearing from the people of the community was necessary. Our only wish was for more! We hope the newsroom follows these neighborhoods and continues to build out the maps for a more expansive picture.”
Second place: Polly Higgins, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Eat Pittsburgh”
Judge’s comments: “A wonderful design that really does provide a culinary tour of some of Pittsburgh's neighborhoods. We appreciate the use of maps, the beautiful (and tempting) photos and the guide to costs. I hope this project continues to grow to include even more places.”
Third place: Emily Spicer, San Antonio Express-News, Taste
Judge’s comments: “Vibrant food coverage of San Antonio's food scene that has thousands of followers across various social media platforms.We appreciate how the Instagram account has a distinct personality.”
Honorable mention: Laura Schneiderman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Passenger revolt over Shanksville”
GENERAL FEATURE
Feature treatment of any A&E, lifestyles or news topic.
First place: Joanne Kimberlin, The Virginian-Pilot, “Looking for Leroy”
Judge’s comments: “This inspiring and insightful narrative is about an unhoused man who was a regular neighborhood presence, then went missing. A neighborhood chat group pieced together bits of information, revealed throughout the story. It becomes a community tale, ending on a hopeful note. Lovely craftsmanship.”
Second place: Patrick Finley, Chicago Sun-Times, “Back from the brink”
Judge’s comments: “Written with muscle and verve, Patrick Finley's story tracks a former football phenom who suffers from depression but, with help from his friends, comes back from the brink. Great use of dialogue and quotes throughout.”
Third Place, Rene Guzman, San Antonio Express-News, “The Chancla has become a venerated symbol of Mexican American culture and here’s why and how”
Judge’s comments: “Originality and humor vaulted this story to the top. The author explains how flip-flop sandals mean something special, and a bit scary, to Mexican Americans, and uses pop culture as a jumping off point. Well-told.”
Honorable Mention: Laura Malt Schneiderman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Paralyzed: The last massive vaccine rollout — for polio — started in Pittsburgh”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE
Feature treatment of an arts and entertainment topic.
First place: Douglas Perry, The (Portland, Ore.) Oregonian, “Marv and Rindy Ross scored pop stardom with Quarterflash, flamed out, then found their true musical path”
Second place: Mary Carole McCauley, The Baltimore Sun, “A new family, a school and a tuba: how Richard Antoine White went from being homeless in Sandtown to the New Mexico Philharmonic”
Third place: Ben Crandell, South Florida Sun Sentinel, “South Florida tribute bands”
Honorable mention: Stefano Esposito, Chicago Sun-Times, “Rock and roll survivor”
Competition Comment: “Really strong category, showing the range of tightly focused local interest pieces that reveal truths of the past to expansive examinations of pop culture moments. In the end, the feature on pop act Quarterflash, by the Oregonian, stands out the most. It felt like a surprising history of a song/band we all are familiar with, but know virtually nothing about, and told in a way that kept us wanting to get to the next sentence.”
SHORT FEATURE
Tight, bright writing of fewer than 1,000 words.
First place: Carlos Frias, The Miami Herald, “‘The original Twitter.’ Meet the Hialeah liquor store owner whose signs amuse and offend”
Judge’s comments: Carlos Frias is the master of many things, and the short feature is one of them. The subject --a liquor store marquee--might seem a little ... quiet. But the store owner and his sign turned out to be a gold mine. Robert Gewanter has turned the marquee into a place "to comment on all manner of political and pop culture zaniness." Who knew a liquor store might also be a comedy club? This is a light and bright feature in the best possible way.”
Second place: Tom Hallman Jr., The Oregonian, “Goodbye, goodbye”
Judge’s comments: “How best to remember the guy who ran a sundries shop? Tom Hallman knows how-- by reminding us that the people we interact with on a regular basis become part of our community whether we realize it or not. "Choo was part of a community, that nebulous thing that has nothing to do with our families, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Instead, it’s made up of strangers who slowly and unexpectedly become part of our daily life."
Third place: Mark Gauert, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “When you wish upon a seashell”
Judge’s comments: Is a day at the beach remarkable in South Florida? It is, if you and your community and your town and your state are trying to emerge from pandemic lockdown. Mark Gauert reminds us that beauty is not to be taken for granted.”
Honorable mention: Neil Steinberg, Chicago Sun-Times, “The cat that broke things”
FOOD FEATURE
A single story focusing on food, not including reviews or commentary. Can be a trend story, personality profile, narrative piece, how-to or other feature treatment of a food topic.
First place: Carlos Frias, The Miami Herald, “’Cuban’ beer is being sold in Miami. Is it a communist invasion or clever capitalismo?”
Judge’s comments: Carlos Frias explores the history of knockoff Cuban beer in South Florida and the ongoing struggle between competing companies to capitalize on the nostalgia and pride of Cuban exile beer-drinkers. A fascinating, briskly paced tale of food memories, the lingering Cuban political divide and aggressive marketing.”
Second Place: Christina Tkacik, The Baltimore Sun, “Inside Ekiben’s six-hour trip to make a special dish for customer dying of cancer”
Judge’s comments: “Christina Tkacik's story goes straight to the heart of the way that food connects people, making them feel loved and nurtured. Beautiful writing about beautiful people and much more than a restaurant story.”
Third place: Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “701 pierogies in 7 hours: For this Polish family, it's tradition”
Judge’s comments: “The heartwarming tale of a family cooking project that is really a tribute to their immigrant heritage. Gretchen McKay tells this story in a witty and loving way while in the process offering up a primer on pierogies, Polish immigrants and family.”
Honorable mention: Paul Stephen, San Antonio Express-News, “Instagram a crucial tool for San Antonio chefs, restaurants, affecting menu choices, plating and even chefs’ hygiene”
FOOD CRITICISM
A single story, such as a restaurant review, that offers opinions about a topic or restaurant in the food industry.
First place: Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, “Review: At Pinkerton’s Barbecue in downtown San Antonio, the honeymoon’s over”
Judge’s comments: “An ideal example of a restaurant review. Deeply informed. Brisk writing with moments of clever wordplay. And a clear vision all the way to the kicker.”
Second place: Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, “Review: Mixtli is still good after Southtown move, but it’s no longer San Antonio’s best restaurant”
Judge’s comments: “With aplomb, Sutter tackles the difficult subject of describing a restaurant that has changed and while still good was better before. Making the balanced opinion clear to the reader required great skill.
Third place: Carol Deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “At Milwaukee's Tavolino, a successful Italian restaurant rises from the pandemic”
Judge’s comments: “A smart and focused review.”
Honorable mention: Ian Froeb, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Dixon's BBQ delights with brisket, burnt ends and irresistible ribs”
FEATURES SERIES OR PROJECT
Feature treatment of any lifestyle, A&E or news topic that has multiple parts.
First place: Staff, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “20 Years Later: Pittsburgh stories”
Judge’s comments: “Talk about ambitious! The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s coverage of the 20-year anniversary of 9/11 — with a chilling review of what happened aboard United Airlines Flight 93 before it crashed in a field in southwestern Pennsylvania — was both smart and powerful. The 18 separate submissions with this entry were all so different and so thoughtfully executed, down to the very last photo caption. Particularly compelling were the exploration of Tom Ridge’s legacy, the look back at 9/11 through local journalists’ eyes, the long-term impacts of 9/11 on Pittsburgh International Airport, and the tick-tock of the final moments aboard Flight 93.”
Second place: Mike Sutter and Chuck Blount, San Antonio Express-News, “52 Weeks of Food Trucks”
Judge’s comments: “This 52-part celebration of food truck fare in San Antonio is both ambitious AND delicious! I want to eat the lobster rolls, the brisket grilled cheese sandwich, the fish and chips — all of it! It’s easy to understand why this yearlong series would be such a hit with readers, and it’s wonderful to see the incredible diversity of the food truck operators. Mike Sutter’s and Chuck Blount’s engaging and conversational writing styles — in concert with their strong photography skills — make the whole package sing. Here’s to eating, drinking and being merry!”
Third place: Stephanie Zimmermann and Tom Schuba, Chicago Sun-Times, “What's in your weed?”
Judge’s comments: “This Chicago Sun-Times investigation by Stephanie Zimmermann and Tom Schuba — tackled nearly two years after recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois — looked like SO MUCH WORK, and boy, did that work pay off. The result is a fun-to-read, data-driven deep dive into the world of the new, legal cannabis industry. The investigation revealed that many joints sold in Illinois are contaminated with mold and yeast, and that consumers cannot be sure they’re getting cannabis that is as potent as the label claims.”
Honorable mention: Douglas Perry, The Oregonian, “The Obsession”
NARRATIVE STORYTELLING
A single story told in a narrative style, using techniques such as character development, use of dialogue, sense of place, scene building, narrative arc and adherence to theme.
First place: Mark Johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “New Milwaukee doctors fight pandemic while facing their own fears”
Judge’s comments: “What a piece of service journalism. Deeply sourced, chronologically told (which was the right choice) and full of reflections from a population we don't hear from enough, especially in this vulnerable way. An easy pick for first place because of the subject, a winner for the crisp, compelling writing.
Second place: Steve Mellon, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “On a damp day, painful memories at the Flight 93 Memorial”
Judge’s comments: “A great idea beautifully executed. This well-written piece demonstrates perfectly how good journalists work to find the stories that are around us every day.”
Third place: Theoden Janes, The (N.C.) Charlotte Observer, “He spent 40 years not knowing who rescued him from that plane crash. Then, on Christmas...”
Judge’s comments: “Compelling, exciting, connective story about humanity that checks all our boxes: moving, well-written and a bonus "happy" ending.”
Honorable mention: Mark Johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “A Wisconsin mom gave birth in a COVID-19 coma before slipping to the brink of death”
FEATURE SPECIALTY WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories by the same writer on one features specialty topic, such as arts and entertainment, fashion, food, health, religion, technology or travel.
First place: Anya Sostek, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Anya Sostek | Health”
Judge’s comments: “All three of Anya's stories are gripping tales with fascinating detail. She conveys complex medical information in a clear and easy-to-understand way. And each feature is perfectly paced -- satisfying as both a narrative and a medical story.”
Second place: John-John Williams IV, The Baltimore Sun, “John-John Williams IV Feature Specialty Writing Portfolio”
Judge’s comments: “This entry had three smart feature stories that tapped into often-underserved communities. The Black Thanksgiving story was particularly rich with sources and detail.”
Third place: Jeremy Reynolds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Jeremy Reynolds | Classical Music Beat”
Judge’s comments: “This portfolio shows versatility, great ideas and good writing.We especially enjoyed the dissection of what makes an earworm and the behind-the-scenes look at the audition process for the symphony.”
Honorable mention: James E. Causey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “I got vaccinated, but my wife may not; My wife was skeptical of the COVID-19 vaccination; A silent byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic”
FOOD WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories, columns or reviews by the same writer on any food topic.
First place: Carlos Frias, The Miami Herald, “Carlos Frias: a Miami food-writing portfolio”
Judge’s comments: “Carlos Frias' work is informative and well informed, offering deep insights into one of America's most complex culinary cultures.”
Second place: Phillip Valys, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “Phillip Valys Food Portfolio Trends Commentary”
Judge’s comments: “Phillip Valys' writing takes in the culture and economics of food while also providing the service element of a good reviewer.”
Third place: Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Gretchen McKay | Food Beat”
Judge’s comments: “A winning mix of curiosity and culture brought this entry to life.”
Honorable mention: Daniel Neman, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Daniel Neman columns”
GENERAL COMMENTARY PORTFOLIO
A collection of three columns or essays by the same writer on any human interest or specialty topic, excluding editorials.
First place: Ismael Pérez, Chicago Sun-Times, “A selection of 3 columns”
Judge’s comments: “In these powerful columns for the Chicago Sun-Times, Ismael Pérez shares his personal experiences as an “anchor baby,” a “mestizo,” a gay Latino man and a son of an addict. He writes with so much candor and courage, and he never simply writes about himself. Instead, he deftly weaves his own experiences into the larger tapestry of life in America right now — and he does so in such a likeable and open way that he’s bound to make readers of every walk of life and political persuasion think differently about the world around them.”
Second place: Gene Collier, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Gene Collier | In a sea of heartache, an obit with an edge, GOP talking point of the week? Tough one, Pain from 0-to-10 pain question exceeds the actual pain”
Judge’s comments: “With his beautiful writing style, keen sense of humor and eye for telling details, columnist Gene Collier has a knack for making his readers feel like long-lost friends. His range is amazing; in the columns submitted for this contest entry, he shared a moving tribute to a woman who died unnecessarily from COVID-19, skewered the GOP’s bizarre talking points with comedy and clarity, and crafted a funny (yes, funny!) piece about the pain levels he’s been enduring after an injury. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette readers are fortunate to have a columnist and pal like Collier in their corner.”
Third place: Mark Brown, Chicago Sun-Times, “A selection of 3 columns”
Judge’s comments: “Mark Brown writes that he’s ‘not exactly known for being warm and friendly’ — but his columns betray him as a big-hearted observer with an enormous amount of empathy for his story subjects. It’s almost impossible not to feel a lump rising in the ol’ throat while reading about the life lessons he learned from grieving family members who lost loved ones to COVID-19. His “Lost Time List” about all the things he’s dreaming of doing again after being cooped up during the pandemic is a thing of beauty, and his piece about the Chicago man who jumped into Lake Michigan every single day for a year is a masterpiece.”
Honorable mention: Aisha Sultan, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Columns by Aisha Sultan”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMENTARY PORTFOLIO
A collection of three columns, essays or reviews by the same writer on any arts and entertainment topic, including dining reviews but excluding editorials.
First place: Jeremy Reynolds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Jeremy Reynolds | Classical Music Beat”
Judge’s comments: “This razor-sharp writer clearly understands the power and scope of a review. Reynolds doesn't just assess a performance: he relates its history and backstory; asks insightful questions of performers and audiences alike and explains his critiques. His ledes are arresting. His commentaries include truly memorable lines. And he has the rare gift of being able to make a subject like opera -- which many might find intimidating or boring -- entertaining, informative and accessible.”
Second place: James E. Causey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Truth in what the ESPN crew said about Milwaukee; During Pride Month, celebrate common ground; Milwaukee's Kwanzaa celebration”
Judge’s comments: “James. E. Causey seems to have the talent and the guts to take on tough topics, including intraracial gender bias and racial equity in his own hometown. His spirited writing, strong reporting, excellent sourcing and smart arguments make him a must-read.”
Third place: Mal Vincent, The Virginian-Pilot, “Mal Vincent portfolio”
Judge’s comments: “What a confident voice, what incisive observations, a breadth of experience Mal Vincent brings to his commentaries. His writing is inviting, thoughtful and very enjoyable to read. He makes excellent use of the first person to share a sliver of the knowledge he's gained and the experiences he's had in what must have been a long and successful career.”
Honorable mention: Theoden Janes, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer, “Collection of articles: Theoden Janes”
SPORTS FEATURE
Feature treatment of any sports topic.
First place: Patrick Finley, Chicago Sun-Times, “Patrick Finley, 'Back from the brink'”
Judge’s comments: “An amazing story that starts with trust. This reporter had to get access to tell this story. That gets to credibility. And then given that trust and access, Patrick Finley crafts a gripping story that is full of humanity.”
Second place: Rick Telander, Chicago Sun-Times, “Rick Telander, ‘Maris, Mantle, Martin and me’”
Judge’s comments: “Only a great writer can take what is a moment and turn it into something grand: Personal, a story full of characters and history, and allow the reader to come along for the ride.”
Third place: Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “It took a hustler, a native son, a priest's blessing and a city hungry for sports to bring the Bucks to Milwaukee”
Judge’s comments: “Wonderful idea that began with a simple question: How? The story answers the question that most readers had not thought to ask. But once done with this story, a reader gets a sense of history and community.”
Honorable mention: Jim Owczarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “What happened to the coin that determined the fate of the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns in 1969?”
VIDEO STORYTELLING
The coverage of any A&E, lifestyle or specialty topic using a single video of not more than 8 minutes in length.
First place: Vickie Connor, The (Portland, Ore.) Oregonian, “The Venderia”
Judge’s comments: “Well-produced, intimate, and charming. A nice, tight example of lifestyle feature journalism on video.”
Second place: Alexandra Wimley, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “In Focus: Pittsburgh Rhinos Blind Ice Hockey”
Judge’s comments: “Heartfelt, powerful, and well-produced, this video engages the viewer and shines light on the community. Audio transitions could be smoother, and soundbites from parents and coaches will round out the story.”
Third place: Samantha Swindler, The (Portland, Ore.) Oregonian, “Smallest Park”
Judge’s comments: “This is a big, well-produced and deeply reported piece on something so small. The play of scale and size is very compelling here. The story runs a bit long but is engaging.”
Honorable mention: Staff, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “Let’s Go, South Florida: This delicacy costs $500 an ounce and is illegal to import. We take you to the one spot where you can get it”
INTEGRATED STORYTELLING
The coverage of any A&E, features or lifestyle topic told through the integrated use of print, online, social media, video and any other platform.
First place: Laura Malt Schneiderman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Passenger revolt over Shanksville”
Judge’s comments: “Clearly-presented and compelling treatment of history. Although the project mined events whose details are already well-known, this presentation gave us those details in gripping and creative ways, from the use of historical photos to audio to transcripts from the victims and terrorists' own last moments. The information was brutal to read and hear, but was moving and compelling all the same.”
Second place: Staff, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Abuse of Trust”
Judge’s comments: “The staff did a great job taking a difficult, complicated issue and breaking it down clearly with excellent use of timelines, cast of character lists and a very creative presentation of the players' connections to each other (it's great that even on mobile view, the graphics showing all the various players' connections to each other still works. Great job there). It was a great example of breaking down a complicated scandal into understandable and digest-able pieces.”
Third place: Lauren Rosenblatt, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “COVID unemployment interactive: Those out of work during the pandemic faced hard quest for state jobless aid”
Judge’s comments: “Clean and clear presentation that managed to distill a global crisis into personal terms that brought the COVID epidemic home to readers. Great use of video and interactives to tell the personal stories of some of those most affected by pandemic-driven unemployment. Hope the reporters have a chance to follow up with some of these sources a year or two later; We would bet readers would love to know how they're doing.”
Honorable mention: Samantha Swindler, The (Portland, Ore.) Oregonian, “Mr. Gresham”
DIVERSITY IN DIGITAL FEATURES
The coverage of any A&E, features or lifestyle topic that highlights the diversity within a publication’s audience.
First place: Denise Watson, Saleen Martin and Lisa Vernon Sparks, The Virginian-Pilot/Daily Press, “Confederate monuments in Hampton Roads”
Judge’s comments: “This series reveals the tensions, emotions and complications that arise when a community truthfully reckons with its racist roots. The reporters and photojournalists—community members themselves—exquisitely and unflinchingly capture the tenacity of those who hope to build a more hopeful future.”
Second place: Aisha Sultan, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Aisha Sultan stories”
Judge’s comments: “It's clear from these dispatches that Sultan is trusted as a community narrator. She has brought to life so artfully the anxieties and fears, and also the joys and new beginnings that 2021 has meant to folks in St. Louis.”
Third place: Tom Daykin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “He invests in residential rental properties in Milwaukee -- from Stanley Correctional Institution”
Judge’s comments: “This is the kind of uncommon story that makes local reporting so vital to our communities. At its core, Daykin's report is about a man who, like many of us, has found meaning and purpose in his work—only while currently serving a long prison sentence. This story comes to life with honesty and empathy. It's also just plain interesting to learn about this man's journey and to be inspired by it!”
Honorable mention: Tony Norman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “How an MLK meme split the Thomas Merton Center and co-founder Molly Rush”
BEST SPECIAL SECTION
The best your publication has to offer in printed A&E, features and lifestyle coverage.
First place: Staff, Chicago Sun-Times, “'Rising from the ashes' — marking the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire”
Judge’s comments: “A superlative section, anchored by a masterful account of the Great Chicago Fire. Truly authoritative, it contains a well-rounded selection of stories, with terrific design that delivers impact. Well-conceived and executed -- a knockout!”
Second place: Robert Herguth and Bryan Barker, Chicago Sun-Times, “Chicago's murals and mosaics”
Judge’s comments: “A spectacular print payoff to an excellent idea. Over two years, the Sun-Times documented public murals and mosaics in neighborhoods across Chicago through a weekly feature that invited reader submissions. Then it pulled the best of it together in this well-designed and thematically organized full-color, 52-page section. Just ... wow!”
Third place: Ian Froeb and Gabe Hartwig, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The STL 100”
Judge’s comments: “A lively, inviting and useful section.”
BEST NICHE PRODUCT
The best examples of a niche product – such as a magazine or special section – published at least two times a year.
First place: Mark Gauert, Cassie Armstrong and Anderson Greene, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “Explore Florida and the Caribbean”
Judge’s comments: “Excellent magazine about travel with a good mix of general travel features and news you can use (calendars, recipes). Strong design, headlines and photography. Good variety of bylines, including a few by the editor, who obviously knows this territory very well.”
Second place: Staff, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Goodness: “February 21 & December 5, 2021”
Judge’s comments: Good variety of features, short pieces and letters from readers in this uplifting section. “We bet readers really look forward to this coming out (and a few said so in their letters). Nice job!”
Third place: Mark Gauert and Anderson Greene, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “City & Shore PRIME Magazine”
Judge’s comments: “Another strong niche product from this publication, with a nice focus on women in one of the issues reviewed here. Strong design and content.”
Honorable mention: Staff, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Business of Pittsburgh: January 10 & July 4, 2021”
DIVISION 3 | Circulation 200,000 and up
FINEST IN FEATURES SWEEPSTAKES AWARDS
These awards recognize the three publications that garner the most honors in the contest’s other 22 categories.
First place: Los Angeles Times
Eighteen awards, including six firsts (Best Section, Arts & Entertainment, Short Feature, Food Criticism, Food Writing Portfolio and Video Storytelling), four seconds (Arts & Entertainment Feature, Arts & Entertainment Commentary Portfolio, Sports Feature and Best Special Section), six thirds (Podcast, General Feature, Food Feature, Feature Specialty Writing Portfolio, General Commentary Portfolio and Sports Feature) and two honorable mentions (Narrative Storytelling and Best Special Section)
Second place: NJ Advance Media
Eight awards, including two firsts (General Feature and Best Section), three seconds (General Feature, Integrated Storytelling and Diversity in Digital Features), one third (Video Storytelling) and two honorable mentions (General Feature and Food Writing Portfolio)
Third place: Boston Globe
Six awards, including three firsts (Feature Series or Project, Narrative Storytelling and Feature Specialty Writing Portfolio), one second (Best Section), one third (Integrated Storytelling) and one honorable mention (Food Feature).
Fourth place: San Francisco Chronicle
Seven awards, including one first (Feature Specialty Writing Portfolio), two seconds (Food Feature and Digital Innovation) two thirds (Narrative Storytelling and Food Writing Portfolio) and one honorable mention (Narrative Storytelling)
BEST SECTION
The best regularly occurring printed features sections that focus on A&E, lifestyles or other features coverage.
First place: Staff, Los Angeles Times, “Faking It”
Judge’s comments: “Stellar work, from the inventive story ideas to the excellent execution. The Oscars preview is always a must-read section, and the Latino Culture Gap section is revealing. Loved the Food section, with its creative illustrations and exemplary writing.”
Second place: Staff, Boston Globe, “Boston Globe Arts”
Judge’s comments: These sections shine in writing, photography and design. What a treat for Globe readers to get such incisive and entertaining work on a daily basis.
Third place: Features Section, Seattle Times, “The Mix best sections 2021”
Judge’s comments: “These sections feature solid and creative coverage, with clean design, good writing and excellent story selection.”
Honorable mention: Melissa Aguilar and Staff, Houston Chronicle, “Houston Chronicle Features Sections”
BEST FEATURES DIGITAL PRESENCE
The best your publication has to offer in digital A&E, features and lifestyle coverage.
First place: Staff, Newsday, “Newsday’s FeedMe restaurants coverage”
Judge’s comments: “It's clear from the quality and variety of the coverage as well as the tenor of the conversation among writers and readers that FeedMe is indispensable to its community. The staff have reflected the history of Long Island's foodways and abundance of flavors in ways that are approachable and joyful.”
Second place: Staff, Upstate Unearthed, upstateunearthed.com
Judge’s comments: The deep and nuanced exploration of this well-known topic—the great outdoors!—through the lens of our modern lives is superbly expressed in Upstate Unearthed. The writers, editors, photographers, designers and social media editors should be very proud!”
GENERAL FEATURE
Feature treatment of any A&E, lifestyles or news topic.
First place: Brittney Davies, Joe Atmonavage and Matthew Stanmyre, NJ Advance Media, “The great boat lift of 9/11”
Judge’s comments: “Wow, what a tale. A 9/11 story I knew so little about. Incredibly researched and sourced. Beautifully organized, thoughtfully told and riveting from the start.”
Second place: Keith Sargeant, NJ Advance Media, “My father was a war hero who saved lives and I never knew”
Judge’s comments: “Wow. What an emotional ride. Personal, investigative journalism to uncover the truth about one's dad. Honest, raw and gracefully done.”
Third place: Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, “She was dying of COVID-19. Her last hope would save her or kill her”
Judge’s comments: “So moving and well written. Incredibly dramatic, action-packed. Explains not just the immediate impact of the patient, but what her illness meant to her family -- emotionally and financially -- as well as to her doctors and nurse.”
Honorable mention: Adam Clark, NJ Advance Media, “The $1 million gamble”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE
Feature treatment of an arts and entertainment topic.
First place: Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, “The lowrider is back”
Judge’s comments: “This feature brings readers into L.A.'s contemporary cruising scene, which enjoyed a resurgence during the pandemic -- it was a safe escape. It also details that scene's rich history and includes many distinctive voices. The photos accompanying the story are great, too.”
Second place: Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, “How a Compton artist’s lost prison painting found its way to the Hammer Museum”
Judge’s comments: “Renowned prison artist Wash's story has been told before. By focusing on single painting, and the artist's attempt to track down the original and create a new version, this feature reveals new details about the artist's life inside and out of prison.”
Third place: Rebecca Alter, Vulture, “Boys, Interrupting”
Judge’s comments: “This short, engaging profile introduced the comedy trio before they broke through to the mainstream on Saturday Night Live. It's smart about comedy and social media and accessible to readers who may not be well-versed on one or the other.”
Honorable mention: David Chiu, The New York Times, “Overlooked No More: Jobriath, Openly Gay Glam Rocker in the ’70s”
SHORT FEATURE
Tight, bright writing of fewer than 1,000 words.
First place: Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, “L.A. mystery: The mourning doves stopped singing. What happened to them?”
Judge’s comments: “A beautifully written lament for the mourning dove is both a nostalgic personal reflection and a warning about climate change. Daniel Miller grapples with the absence of the dove's call, and shows how he comes to understand it foretells greater environmental perils.”
Second place: Kristen Hare, Tampa Bay (Florida) Times, “This queen fostered a new generation of drag in Orlando”
Judge’s comments: “This sensitive obit -- written with warmth and compassion -- opens cinematically to reveal layer by layer the life and death of a drag queen who is so much more than her stage presence.”
Third place: Lane DeGregory, Tampa Bay (Florida) Times, “’How are you?’ A phone call lets seniors know someone cares”
Judge’s comments: “Dialogue, most of it one-sided, propels this slice of life inside a senior center, where a cheerful volunteer calls to check in on fragile and lonely elderly people.”
Honorable mention: Thomas Floyd, The Washington Post, “A 9/11 survivor wanted nothing to do with ‘Come From Away.’ Now she’s seen it a dozen times.”
FOOD FEATURE
A single story focusing on food, not including reviews or commentary. Can be a trend story, personality profile, narrative piece, how-to or other feature treatment of a food topic.
First place: Lea Konczal, Texas Monthly, “The Pig’s Last Stand: America’s First Drive-in Celebrates One Hundred Years”
Judge’s comments: “By the end of Lea Konczal's affecting, melancholy story about the Pig Stand and its longtime owner and champion, Mary Ann Hill, the reader may be close to tears. For Mary Ann, her customers and employees, this place is like a family. Bravo for this grave and eloquent profile that captures the Pig Stand and the people who aren't sure what they'll do when it's gone.”
Second place: Esther Mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, “San Francisco Chronicle: The Prisoner”
Judge’s comments: “We couldn't stop reading Esther Mobley's story about the red wine blend with the prison-themed marketing strategy. It's a great angle that illuminates the history of blended wines, the trap that companies find themselves in when social movements collide with their outdated and troublesome branding, and the national conversation around race and incarceration. Beautifully done and very thought-provoking.”
Third place: Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, “Take a peek inside the Sugar Lab, L.A.’s 3-D-printing candy shop”
Judge’s comments: “Stephanie Breijo takes us on a brisk and fascinating tour of a candy factory that uses 3-D printing tech to mold unique treats. The process and its history are all clearly explained in detail, yet the story never loses the whimsical charm that's appropriate for a story about candy. Sweeeet!”
Honorable mention: Devra First, Boston Globe, “Slade’s Bar & Grill: a real Boston story”
FOOD CRITICISM
A single story, such as a restaurant review, that offers opinions about a topic or restaurant in the food industry.
First place: Lucas Kwan Peterson, Los Angeles Times, “We should pay more to eat in restaurants”
Judge’s comments: “Strong opinion, deep reporting, a thorough examination of the restaurant industry in the fog after COVID's darkest days. Lucas Kwan Peterson covers so much ground in this piece, but leaves nothing behind. 2021 was the year of asking existential questions about the industry, both as an owner and as a customer. This article is the framework on which those answers might be built for a more sustainable future. Should we pay more as customers? Yes. Should we cover the industry more thoughtfully as writers? Your answer is right here.”
Second place: Hanna Raskin, The Food Section, “Into the Awards Void”
Judge’s comments: “You could argue that Hanna Raskin’s piece exploring the relevance of the James Beard Awards is an insider exercise. Outside the industry — the owners, the chefs, the writers — who follows the Beards? (More than we think.) But this piece goes much deeper, exploring how culture and social movements shape who gets awards and why, and how efforts to reform the awards create problems of their own. The point about how even modest restaurant progressivism in conservative areas carries disproportionate risks rang bells in my head, it was so clear. This is how you draw widening circles around smaller points, with sound logic, clearly articulated.”
Third place: Erica Marcus, Newsday, “Long Island’s best pizza”
Judge’s comments: “We value food writing that asks the big philosophical questions. I’d argue that in Newsday’s circulation area, the questions don’t get much bigger than, “Where can I get a good slice around here?” Erica Marcus answers that question with authority, a story told in 12 parts that accomplish the impossibly simultaneous tasks of depth and brevity. Every capsule tells a story: part history, part travelogue, part pizza education. The reader service piece is not dead! And coming out of the pandemic, it might be one of the strongest ways to reconnect readers with the restaurants they love and the connections they need.”
FEATURES SERIES OR PROJECT
Feature treatment of any lifestyle, A&E or news topic that has multiple parts.
First place: Penelope Overton, Jenna Russell and David Abel, Boston Globe, “The Lobster Trap”
Judge’s comments: “Where have all the lobsters gone? This project chronicles the highs and lows of New England lobstering through the compelling lens of the families whose livelihoods depend on the critters. The Globe team brought the drama to what could have been a dry story about climate change, leaning into the human storylines that are illustrated with strong visuals and enhanced with digital map-graphics that make the science as easy-to-digest as the prized crustaceans.”
Second place: Staff, Honolulu Civil Beat, “Hawaii Grown”
Judge’s comments: “Hawaii’s sky-high cost of living took new prominence during the pandemic, when the state (which imports 80% of its food) struggled to feed its own population. What can be done to change? The Honolulu Civil Beat’s year-long project breaks down the causes-effects and showcases solutions through stories about grassroots farming efforts, experiments and failures. It was an ambitious undertaking complemented with Facebook Live panel discussions, calls-to-action and fun elements “including a reader recipe contest featuring home-grown ingredients. It’s all organized in a lively digital section front.”
Third place: Lane DeGregory, Tampa Bay (Florida) Times, “Who wants to be a cop?”
Judge’s comments: “Who WANTS to be a cop these days? That’s the headline that grabs the reader and doesn’t let go through the Tampa Bay Times’ eight-part series that chronicles a class of new police recruits making their way through the academy. Lane DeGregory’s effortless storytelling commands the reader’s attention, from the mandatory pepper spray to the eyes through the self-doubt that comes with botching knock-and-enter drills. A fresh POV on a topic that has enduring national significance.”
Honorable mention: Staff, Philadelphia Inquirer, “Wildest Dreams: An Anthology of Black Inheritance.”
NARRATIVE STORYTELLING
A single story told in a narrative style, using techniques such as character development, use of dialogue, sense of place, scene building, narrative arc and adherence to theme.
First place: Evan Allen, Boston Globe, “Under the Wheel”
Judge’s comments: “Writer Evan Allen, a new mom fearful that she will pass her family's history of violence onto her daughter, sets out to answer an ambitious question: Is violence inherited like other traits? She focuses on Anthony Pledger, a federal inmate who began committing crimes at age 7, and she weaves his story with hers. It's an incredible feat of reporting: The "interviews" amounted to more than 2,000 pages of correspondence between the reporter and the inmate, and the resulting story is compelling, eye-opening, tragic and forceful. It's also gorgeously written with an ending that is both resigned a nd hopeful.”
Second place: Lane DeGregory, Tampa Bay (Florida) Times, “Twelve Hours in a Florida COVID-19 ICU”
Judge’s comments: “Masterfully told by one of the best narrative writers in the business, this story follows a trauma nurse named Jen on a harrowing day as the delta variant floods her hospital with ICU patients. We see Jen do the impossible – try to offer care for those who are too far gone. We hear telling dialogue that moves the story along, and handpicked details which convey Jen's inner struggle about whether she should leave her position. The ending is both quiet in tone and loud in emotion. It's a heart-wrenching story told matter-of-factly, and that gives it even more power.”
Third place: Matthias Gafni, San Francisco Chronicle, “One hiker's peak of desperation”
Judge’s comments: “A 57-year-old man sets out to scale Boundary Peak in Nevada, a 13,000-foot mountain that can be conquered in one day. Then he slips and falls off the trail, and we are thrust into a nail-biting adventure as he tries to find his way out. On the fifth day, the man is near delirious when he sees three of his closest friends about to rescue him. Or are they a hallucination? Reporter Matthias Gafni gives us a wild narrative that readers simply can't put down.”
Honorable Mention: Tyrone Beason, Los Angeles Times, "A Black Reporter's Road Trip to the Inauguration, and a Search for America's Soul"
Honorable mention: Jason Fagone, San Francisco Chronicle, “The Jessica Simulation”
FEATURE SPECIALTY WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories by the same writer on one features specialty topic, such as arts and entertainment, fashion, food, health, religion, technology or travel.
First place: Dugan Arnett, Boston Globe, “Stories examining the human conflict boiling deep within law enforcement amid a nationwide reckoning over police abuse”
Judge’s comments: “Richly reported and nuanced stories off the police beat at a time when policing in America was under heightened scrutiny. A respected police chief reveals his conflicted past in a harrowing narrative that reads like a thriller. A story with a simple premise -- Who would want to be a police officer today? -- is remarkably complex. And a Black suburban police chief tries to be a beacon for reform. Dugan Arnett excels at painting intimate portrayals of large and urgent issues.”
Second place: Adam Bernstein, The Washington Post, “Three obituaries: Fanne Foxe, Cloris Leachman, Cicely Tyson”
Judge’s comments: “The art of the obit at its finest: Detailed reporting, cultural context and just enough reverence for the subject. The death of Fanne Foxe -- the stripper who brought down Wilbur Mills -- likely would have gone unnoticed but for Adam Bernstein's advance reporting. The result captures in glorious detail the classic D.C. scandal. Cloris Leachman and Cicely Tyson are vividly remembered.”
Third place: Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, “Starving cows. Fallow farms. The Arizona drought is among the worst in the country”
Judge’s comments: “A sense of place is strong in this portfolio of consequential stories: Drought in Arizona; troubling signs at Lake Mead; an iconoclastic rancher trying to breed more efficient cattle. Together they reveal the real issues of climate crisis through the people who work the land and the water.”
FOOD WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories, columns or reviews by the same writer on any food topic.
First place: Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, “The next time you order takeout, call the restaurant”
Judge’s comments: “All three are well-told, informative with straightforward, clear writing. Delivery app story lays out the issues in a concise way. The cacio e pepe features delightfully spare writing peppered with lively, fun quotes. Love this lede: "Las Vegas — Two halves of a split lobster tail intertwine like lovers. Both sides arch upward, balancing atop a mound of noodles tangled around bean sprouts and shards of green onion." Captures the joyful, over-the-top reason these chefs love LV.”
Second place: Brad A. Johnson, The Orange County (California) Register, “Saucedo, Blu Skybar and 50 Best Places to Eat Tacos”
Judge’s comments: “50! That's a lot of tacos. Fun ledes that draw you in and then comprehensive, solid reviews that tell diners what they need to know. Great descriptions that capture the mood and style of the place. Love this lede: A brass ensemble with a remarkably nimble tuba player honks from the jukebox at Saucedo in Garden Grove while a rhythmic, percussive “thwack thwack thwack thwack” emanates from the kitchen. The latter, we can tell by peering through the pass, is the restaurant’s lone chef, chopping carne asada with a large cleaver as orders for more tacos stream in.”
Third place: Soleil Ho, San Francisco Chronicle, “San Francisco Chronicle: Soleil Ho”
Judge’s comments: “Takes chances with her writing. The stories have lots of detail and color that put you in the place and allows you to truly imagine how the food tastes. Vivid.”
Honorable mention: Sharyn Jackson, (Minneapolis, Minn.) Star Tribune, “Food reporting: Sharyn Jackson”
Honorable mention: Jeremy Schneider, NJ Advance Media
GENERAL COMMENTARY PORTFOLIO
A collection of three columns or essays by the same writer on any human interest or specialty topic, excluding editorials.
First place: Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post, “When Personal Finance is Personal”
Judge’s comments: “Singletary's pieces carry commonly relatable themes as they also focus on the minority experience. Many can relate to being a caregiver for a loved one or sending a child off on their first real job interview, but Singletary combines these experiences with her unique perspective, telling stories that are filled with emotion and facts. Each piece is enjoyable on its own, but we’re guessing Singletary's readers look forward to the next installment.”
Second place: Laura Yuen, (Minneapolis, Minn.) Star Tribune, “Features columnist Laura Yuen”
Judge’s comments: “You feel Yuen's pain as she's taunted by a woodpecker amid the pandemic. And her discussion of the Chinese experience in the U.S. sheds light on a topic not often discussed. Yuen's pieces pull at heartstrings while sharing diverse perspectives.”
Third place: Erika D. Smith, Los Angeles Times, “A solution for gentrification in South L.A.? ‘Don’t sell your damn house!’”
Judge’s comments: “Whether she's talking about her own frustration with the Black community's reluctance to get vaccinated or sharing another's story about gentrification, Smith's pieces are filled with emotions, and she does an excellent job of using real-life scenarios to explain complicated subjects.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMENTARY PORTFOLIO
A collection of three columns, essays or reviews by the same writer on any arts and entertainment topic, including dining reviews but excluding editorials.
First place: Simi Horwitz, The Forward, “Three film reviews”
Second place: Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, ‘The Disciple’ is already one of the year’s best movies. Does Netflix know — or care?”
Third place: Laurie Hertzel, (Minneapolis, Minn.) Star Tribune, “Books: Laurie Hertzel”
Honorable mention: Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle, “Joey Guerra, arts commentary”
SPORTS FEATURE
Feature treatment of any sports topic.
First place: Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, “Game Changers/Breaking Grass Ceilings: Why more women are coaching in men's professional sports”
Judge’s comments: “A well-researched and well-told all-encompassing look at women in coaching. It hooks you from the beginning and keeps you until the thoughtful ending.”
Second place: Nathan Fenno, Los Angeles Times, “What makes Katie Ledecky the most dominant Olympic swimmer?”
Judge’s comments: “A perfect example of an athlete profile. By the end you know her and admire her accomplishments.”
Third place: David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, “Beneath the bling: Lakers championship rings feature many special surprises”
Judge’s comments: “It's a profile of a jeweler and a basketball team told through a simple ring. Well, not so simple. So well told and described you almost didn't need the graphics, but they were wonderful as well.”
Honorable mention: James Causey, Slate, “The Great Migration of Henry Aaron”
VIDEO STORYTELLING
The coverage of any A&E, lifestyle or specialty topic using a single video of not more than 8 minutes in length.
First place: Staff, Los Angeles Times, “How my mental illness became my superpower”
Judge’s comments: “Seamless integration of form and content. Production is expertly handled and story is sensitively told. There is news value to this. Would be good to weave broader public health data and trends into this narrative. Why does this type of mental health model matter? How does it alleviate shortage and inaccessibility in Los Angeles?”
Second place: Scott Vogel, Chris Ware and Susan Yale, Newsday, “The story behind Shuga Pie in Babylon”
Judge’s comments: “Vibrant and well-produced lifestyle segment that captures the fun parts of the community. Would be more engaging and powerful to focus more on the founder's story rather than just the food.”
Third place: Andre Malok, NJ Advanced Media, “N.J. community embraces young man with autism who lost both of his parents”
Judge’s comments: “Nice tribute to a community fixture. It was important to hear from E.J. himself, which we thought this piece did well.”
Honorable mention: Annie Boos, The (Syracuse University) Newshouse, “The Comeback Year”
INTEGRATED STORYTELLING
The coverage of any A&E, features or lifestyle topic told through the integrated use of print, online, social media, video and any other platform.
First place: Jackie Varriano, Jade Yamazaki Stewart and Taylor Blatchford, The Seattle Times, “The Seattle Times Great Pie Package”
Judge’s comments: “Beautiful photos and videos with this yummy package about apple pies. Great team effort and research to bring Seattle Times readers everything they need to know about baking, buying or eating a pie for Thanksgiving, including how-to instructions for three different skill levels for bakers. I finished this package thinking even I could bake (or buy) a great pie and appreciate all the attention to detail that goes into the best. Nicely done. Bookmarked!”
Second place: Staff, NJ Advance Media, “A pickle(ball) in paradise”
Judge’s comments: “Great use of audio, photos and graphics to tell the story of the pickleball conundrum. Terrific story!”
Third place: Jeneé Osterheldt, Boston Globe, “A Beautiful Resistance”
Judge’s comments: “Terrific series with nice audio interviews. We enjoyed the nice variety of sources and the many different ways they told their stories about being part of the fabric of Boston.”
Honorable mention: Meghan Giannotta and Rachel Weiss, Newsday, “Working Dogs of Long Island”
DIVERSITY IN DIGITAL FEATURES
The coverage of any A&E, features or lifestyle topic that highlights the diversity within a publication’s audience.
First place: Salma Abdelnour, Pam Kaufman, Everyday Health, “Too Many Doctors Are Misdiagnosing Disease on Skin of Color”
Judge’s comments: “A wonderfully written and researched read on how racism in dermatology is compromising the care that Black patients get for diseases and conditions that affect the skin.”
Second place: Amy Kuperinsky, NJ Advance Media, “I'm tired of being afraid”
Third place: Kamal Morgan, Upstate Unearthed, “BLK in the ADK”
Honorable mention: Nhari Djan, The Newshouse (Syracuse University), “Social Media Support”
BEST SPECIAL SECTION
The best your publication has to offer in printed A&E, features and lifestyle coverage.
First place: Staff, NJ Advance Media, “The long shadow of John List”
Judge’s comments: “A fascinating look at one of our country's most notorious crimes on its 50th anniversary. The reporting and writing are first rate. And though it's not a whodunit, it's gripping from beginning to end.”
Second place: Staff, Los Angeles Times, “101 Best Restaurants”
Judge’s comments: “Chock full of fantastic mini-reviews, features and photography, this is the ultimate guide to eating out in Los Angeles. A must-have section for any tourist or resident.”
Third place: Melissa Aguilar and Nadya Shakoor, Houston Chronicle, “Houston Gives”
Judge’s comments: “A beautifully designed publication showcasing Houston's philanthropic community. The features are well written, and there is a LOT of content, all displayed with wonderful artwork and photography.”
Honorable mention: Staff, Los Angeles Times, “Unshaken”
BEST NICHE PRODUCT
The best examples of a niche product – such as a magazine or special section – published at least two times a year.
First place: Sue Campbell, Star Tribune, StarTribune Magazine
Judge’s comments: “Amazing photography, great covers and nice variety of story topics. Especially strong profile stories and regional travel content. Smart design.”
Second place: Melissa Aguilar, Jody Schmal and Nadya Shakoor, Houston Chronicle, Page Magazine
Judge’s comments: “Strong themed section about food and impressive travel content. Nice photography.”
Third place: Newsday Staff, Newsday, FeedMe Magazine
Judge’s comments: “Attractive design and nice mix of food stories. The fold-out guides on burgers and cocktails were great news we could use-- something we'd want to have on hand if we were in the area.”
COMBINED DIVISIONS
HEADLINE WRITING PORTFOLIO
A collection of three headlines and accompanying decks by the same writer for feature stories or columns.
First place: Darel Jevens, Chicago Sun-Times
Judge’s comments: “Headline writers wear many hats on their ... heds? Darel's equally comfortable working a deep profile ('Sesame' seeds), an old-school Dear Abby (Upstairs neighbor springs a leak, then blows a gasket) and a TV review (What to suspect when you're expecting). The first engages wordplay to pull us into the Sesame Street backstory. The second brings just the right amount of salty razzmatazz for Dear Abby's target audience. And the third? It's just one of those moments when a pop-culture touchstone can be retooled to fit a story with the wicked tweaking of just. one. word.”
Second place: Greg Anglin, San Antonio Express-News
Judge’s comments: “"Headline" is the right word to describe the banners for Sports columnists. You have to get into their heads, live in their worlds just long enough to draw out the deeper meanings behind the sports news they're reacting to. And then you have to make those headlines entertaining, and then you have to make them fit. Greg is equal parts mind-reader, performer and broadsheet navigator on this set of heds. The turnaround wordplay on "fancy passing/passing fancy" feels like a wicked on-court juke. The "double bubble" hed melds the drama of COVID with the procedural realities players face because of it. And the CWS vaccine hed tells the full story in an 8-word main and a 9-word deck. It's smart, concise and blunt, and it conveys the emotion of the column.”
Third place: Thomas Floyd, The Washington Post
Judge’s comments: “In the days of multitasking-by-necessity, it's not always a given that a headline writer understands the subject as well as this. Each of the three heds shows a craftsperson with an understanding of Sports writing, Sports readers, and Sports headlines. The mullet head is as form-follows-function as the haircut it describes: business in front, party in the back. And the hed on the story about the football kicker shows how a good headline writer pulls the essence of the story to the top even when the heart of the story's buried on the jump.”
DIGITAL INNOVATION
New or improved online ventures, including websites, apps, social-media experiments or other ways to share information in the digital world.
First place: Staff, The Newshouse (Syracuse University)
Judge’s comments: “This was an amazingly competitive category! The best of these entries are sophisticated and nuanced. Some of them are fun; all of them are visually striking. In the end, the weight of history represented in "Visualizing 81" carried the day. It is a remarkable work, a history that, I suspect, many in Syracuse are unfamiliar with. It is a history that we should all learn, and it's an inspiration for other publications that want to present readers with an unvarnished version of community history. This mixed-media event should be studied across the country.”
Second place: Food & Wine Staff, Alex Fong and Paula Friedrich, San Francisco Chronicle, “Best Day Ever”
Judge’s comments: “I dare you to resist the charms of "The Best Day Ever in Chinatown." The photos, the curation (morning/afternoon/night/late night), the multiple options and the bright graphics will lure any reader into this series. If your publication is dedicated to dining out, we’d suggest you steal this concept!”
Third place: Jesse Howe, Chicago Sun-Times, “Through the flames”
Judge’s comments: “The art of map making (and map-reading) may be fading with the rise of the digital age. "Through the flames," however, mixes the best of the old and the new worlds, taking readers on a rather breathtaking journey through a city that was devastated by fire. The Great Chicago Fire has a place in American history and mythology. This work brings the facts and the sadness very much into the 21st century.”
Honorable mention: Jonathan Harris and Hanna Martin, Upstate Unearthed (Syracuse University), “Live Oaks and Dead Folks: Exploring Oakwood Cemetery and its Loyal Caretakers”
BEST PODCAST
The coverage of any A&E, features or lifestyle topic told through a podcast.
First place: Soleil Ho, Justin Phillips, Erika Carlos, Téa Price, San Francisco Chronicle, “Extra Spicy”
Judge’s comments: “While food is the throughline for this podcast, we appreciate how the hosts go beyond that by covering -- among other things -- the minimum wage debate, Chinatown's identity, and their own perspectives of the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans. It's not just a pod about food; it's also about our current culture and states of mind.”
Second place: Jamila Paksima, Yvonne Latty and Jordan Gass-Poore', Southern Poverty Law Center, “Sounds Like Hate: Collateral Damage Part I and II”
Judge’s comments: “What makes this podcast so powerful are the stories of the people featured and how they fit into the ways our system disenfranchises voters. It's an important and undercovered topic.”
Third place: Staff, Los Angeles Times, “The Trials of Frank Carson: first 3 episodes”
Judge’s comments: “We appreciate this deep narrative dive into a controversial local personality. There's a lot to cover and the podcast did its best to lay it all out.”