The Daily Journal newsroom won several honors this weekend in a statewide newspaper competition.
The staff of the Daily Journal won multiple first-, second -and third-place awards for reporting, writing, graphics and design of the newspaper in the Hoosier State Press Association 2016 Better Newspaper Contest.
Michigan journalists judged the competition, and Daily Journal staff accepted the awards at a ceremony in Indianapolis on Saturday.
The Daily Journal won second place in the general excellence category, which is awarded to papers in each circulation category based on the amount of awards in individual categories. Winners exemplify excellence in all aspects of newspaper publication, including mechanical excellence, editorial content and appearance.
Here are the other awards the newspaper earned and the judges’ comments:
First place in best news coverage under deadline pressure went to assistant managing editor of news Annie Goeller and staff for coverage of accidents on Interstate 65 that took multiple lives. Judges said, “This was fantastic coverage of a large event. Despite the scope of what needed to be covered, this was complete coverage. Great job.”
Goeller also won second place in the deadline category for a story about threats made against Franklin schools and the reaction by school officials. Judges said, “What a terrific job. Very thorough and got all the information despite the tight time deadline.”
Goeller, Editor Michele Holtkamp and staff also won first place in the category of best ongoing news coverage for stories about a hit-and-run accident in Franklin that seriously injured three people. Judges said, “Stellar, compelling writing. After reading each article, I was excited to learn what happened next. The interview with the husband of the victim in Slinger’s 2005 fatal crash is what set this series apart from other excellent entries.”
Goeller also won third place in the category for best news coverage with no deadline pressure for a story about how township trustees spend tax dollars. Judges said, “Terrific job of doing what is at the heart of journalism, showing the reader what government is doing or not doing for them. Very good.”
Reporter Ryan Trares won third place in the best business or economic news coverage category for a story about the growing local hemp business. Judges said, “An easy to read and enjoyable story.”
Daily Journal staff also won first place in the best newspaper design category. Judges said, “Every time I turned the page, I was excited to see what was in store for me.”
Staff also won first place in the best use of graphics category. Judges said, “The use of graphics all are appropriate for the stories and only enhanced the overall understanding. A clean use of space alongside of great imagery. You can’t go wrong.”
Daily Journal staff also won first place in the category for best special section for the Brave Hearts section telling residents’ cancer stories. Judges said, “Diverse, well-written stories. Compelling section with good use of images. Reporting, editing, page design/graphics created a well-executed section.”
Staff also won third place in that category for the special section of Center Grove’s state football championship team in 2015. Judges said, “Nice use of images, thoughtful approach to layout/design. Complete, attractive and engaging.”
And staff won first place in the best feature section category for the Daily Journal Accent section.
First place in the best in-depth feature or feature package went to Trares for his coverage of the battle Cooper Davis and his family have waged with cancer. Judges said, “Nicely done.”
Reporter Magen Kritsch won second place in the best profile feature category for a story about a longtime Nineveh-Hensley-Jackson bus driver. Judges said, “The reporter did a great job setting the scene right off the bat. The description helps put the readers there and feel like they knew the driver.”
The staff of the Daily Journal won second place in the best sports event category for coverage of Center Grove’s 2015 state football championship. Judges said, “The stories are exciting and the photos compliment the package very well and all together this makes for a great read.”
Staff also won second place in best sports section. Judges said, “Solid writing, photography, design and depth in this section.”
