Hello, folks!
The 2015 Spotlight Contest, which recognizes the best journalism in Pennsylvania, regardless of newspaper size, is now open for entries!
You should be getting a flyer in the mail with the entry form. But if you can’t wait, you can also download the forms and instructions here!
If you have questions, feel free to contact Contest Coordinator Susan Schwartz at susan.schwartz@pressenterprise.net, 570-752-3646.
Good luck!
Hi, all — Widener asked us to pass word about this free session for reporters.
Widener Law’s U.S. Supreme Court media preview is opportunity to question professors about upcoming cases.
Join us at no cost!
Widener Law’s popular faculty/media Supreme Court preview is back this fall with the valuable opportunity for reporters to question professors about cases of interest the court will be hearing in its new term. We will have seven professors present a variety of cases and take your questions. Topics range from dishonest jurors, to free speech and threats on the internet, to pregnancy discrimination, to income taxes for those who live in one state but work in another, and more.
This is a free event and you can watch and listen from your desk. The 2014 preview will be done “webinar” style using Adobe Connect on:
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. EDT
The preview is organized in a spirit of public service by the Public Relations Office. It is intended to assist journalists in identifying pending cases that may have news value for their organizations, and in the process provide expert sources to question now or call on for future reporting. We also welcome participation from students, alumni and the community.
Mark your calendar and plan to click on law.widener.edu/supremecourt2014 the day of the webinar. There is no need to pre-register and we don’t collect lots of personal information about you.
We’ll send a reminder with the link closer to the event, but if you want even more personal attention just email mallen@mail.widener.edu
and Public Relations Officer Mary Allen will make sure your needs are covered.
Feel free to share this invitation with others you think might be interested and we hope you can join us next week. Bring your questions!
We’re pleased to announce the results of the 2014 Spotlight Awards! Congratulations to all the winners!
If you have any corrections or questions, contact contest coordinator Susan Schwartz at susan.schwartz@pressenterprise.net, 570-752-3646.
Awards will be given out during the Spotlight Awards reception at 5 p.m. May 31 during the Pennsylvania Press Conference. Information about the conference may be found here.
We’d also like to thank our contest sponsor, the Better Newspaper Contest, for its help in moving the Spotlight Contest online.
SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Judges’ Category Comment:
The journalists in Pennsylvania are doing some amazing work, both traditional and untraditional. While in some cases it’s painstaking connection of the dots, other prize-winning stories showed determination to document dishonesty and bias at the digital level. And all of the coverage showed attention to multi-media presentation and accessibility. Every news organization in this field can be proud of their best work.
First Place
Andrew Conte and Luis Fabregas
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Donor Dilemma
Second Place
Craig R. McCoy
Philadelphia Inquirer
McCaffery Investigation
Third Place
Michael N. Price and Kristina Scala
Daily Local News
The Coatesville Crisis
BEST OVERALL NEWSPAPER, DAILY
First Place
Tribune-Review Staff
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
A substantial, well-rounded print edition with many features relevant and important to the community The inside of the paper is more local than the front page would indicate. The layout is sophisticated and reader friendly. Great, engaging sports section.
Second Place
The Times-Tribune Staff
Scranton Times
Third Place
Staff
The Citizens’ Voice
BEST OVERALL NEWSPAPER, NON-DAILY
First Place
Staff
Philadelphia Weekly
Stunning, eye-catching cover design fronts a publication with in-depth coverage of the area’s entertainment scene. Cover stories are in-depth and pair nicely with the user-friendly listings.
Second Place
Staff
Central Penn Business Journal
The in-depth Top 100 issue was very impressive.
Third Place
Brian Estadt, Kyle Lawson, Mike Love and Mike Orfanopoulos
Times Express
Three editions
HEADLINE, DAILY
First Place
Joe Berkery
Philadelphia Daily News
BIG BONG THEORY
Second Place
Ed Weiner
Philadelphia Daily News
LIFE OF THE POTTY
Third Place
Kevin Donlin
The Citizens’ Voice
A lack of buzz
HEADLINE, NON-DAILY
First Place
Sheena Lester
Philadelphia Weekly
Hell No We Won’t Grow
Second Place
Stephen H. Segal
Philadelphia Weekly
The Desperate Days of Brick & Mortar
Third Place
Stephen H. Segal
Philadelphia Weekly
Inconvenient Conservatives
TABLOID PAGE DESIGN, DAILY
Judges’ Category Comment:
Difficult to choose narrow down the winners here, with an honorable mention going to the Eating Clockwise page (love that headline) and the 82 page for the Pirates’ winning season as the best of the rest.
First Place
Amy Raudenbush
Philadelphia Daily News
MR. HIDE
Great noir/comic book-type illustration that creates intrigue along with the headline. Makes me want to turn inside the section to find out what this is about.
Second Place
Melanie Wass
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
And Now There Are 2
Nice use of multiple elements without looking cluttered. Good selection of photos for impact
Third Place
Michael Sisak, Alysha Davis and Dave Janoski
The Citizens’ Voice
The
First
Nice use of typography for impact. Clean layout with an effective use of the photo.
Honorable Mention
Jon Snyder
Philadelphia Daily News
Eating Clockwise
TABLOID PAGE DESIGN, NON-DAILY
First Place
Stephen H. Segal
Philadelphia Weekly
DJ Jazzy Jeff
Typography has a sense of motion that goes well with the cover image and also integrates well with the mast.
Second Place
Stephen H. Segal
Philadelphia Weekly
Married.
Provocative cover image that makes an instant statement.
Third Place
Kathryn Morton
Central Penn Business Journal
Marketplace Opens Oct. 1.
BROADSHEET PAGE DESIGN, DAILY
First Place
Kevin Burkett
Philadelphia Inquirer
Navigating the Affordable Care Act
Really useful display of information on a very complex subject. Easy-to-read format.
Second Place
Tom Raski
Buck County Courier Times
Stacey Hurt (December 6, 2013)
Powerful layout and design choices for a very tough subject.
Third Place
Cynthia Greer
Philadelphia Inquirer
1-11-13 D1
Great illustrations that don’t detract from the readability of the piece.
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, DAILY
First Place
Jason Bridge
Valley News Dispatch
A Higher Calling
Love this.
Second Place
David Maialetti
Philadelphia Daily News
Zen Moment
Great use of color
Third Place
Erica Hilliard Dietz
Valley News Dispatch
Fun in the Sun
Great use of shadows
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, NON -DAILY
First Place
Kristina Serafini
Sewickley Herald
Back to school
Nice use of reflections
Second Place
J.R. Blackwell
Philadelphia Weekly
Kickstarted
Fun
Third Place
Laurence Kesterson
Swarthmore College Bulletin
Boat Builder
NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY, DAILY
First Place
Kim Weimer
Bucks County Courier Times
Gun Rally Draws From Both Sides
Second Place
Mark Moran
The Citizens’ Voice
Drug Arrest
Third Place
Eric Felack
Valley News Dispatch
Tragedy Averted
NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY, NON-DAILY
First Place
Scott A. Drake
Philadelphia Gay News
Exposure for Closure
Second Place
Lillian DeDomenic
Times Express
CANorah Lighting
Third Place
Lillian DeDomenic
Murrysville Star
Game Face
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY, DAILY
First Place
Andrew Krech
The Citizens’ Voice
Dust Devil
This is fantastic.
Second Place
Yong Kim
Philadelphia Daily News
Snow Machine
Love the colors
Third Place
Erica Hilliard Dietz
Valley News Dispatch
Showdown Set
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY, NON-DAILY
First Place
Laurence Kesterson
Swarthmore College Bulletin
Flying Trapeze
PHOTO STORY, DAILY
First Place
Stephanie Strasburg
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
End of a Record-Setting Streak
Second Place
Sean Stipp
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Bridge Day
Third Place
Jake Stevens
Scranton Times
A Veteran’s Mission
PHOTO STORY, NON-DAILY
First Place
Randy LoBasso and J.R. Blackwell
Philadelphia Weekly
Get Schooled
Second Place
Lillian DeDomenic and Alisa Jacobson
Murrysville Star
Gladiator Rock ‘n Run
Third Place
Kristina Serafini
Sewickley Herald
Success Already
BUSINESS AND LABOR REPORTING, DAILY
First Place
Luis Fabregas and Andrew Conte
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Donor Dilemma
A classic example of the kind of public watchdog reporting that this country needs more of as newspapers struggle to compete in the new digitally driven marketplace. Bravo!
Second Place
The Times-Tribune Staff and Charles Schillinger
Scranton Times
Outlook 2013
The Times-Tribune should be commended for this ambitious and sweeping approach to an important issue at a time when growing income inequality imperils the American Dream.
Third Place
Crissa Shoemaker-DeBree
The Intelligencer
Made in the USA
A creative, smart package that illuminates a pressing question about the future of American competitiveness.
SPORTS REPORTING, DAILY
Judges’ Category Comment:
Lots of excellent entries that made it tough to judge. Another half dozen were a hair away from the Top 3.
First Place
John Harris
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Declining Diversity
Excellent story. It told me things I didn’t know. Informative, well-sourced, well-written. A very appealing presentation enhanced the package.
Second Place
Ralph N. Paulk
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
“’Fiscal Cliff’ Deal Steers Big Breaks To NASCAR”
Well-reported and timely. This story amply illustrates how the business of sports and government has intertwined. This one was among several strong entries that were somewhat similar. Glad to see the newspaper’s eds put this on the front page.
Third Place
Donnie Collins and The Times-Tribune Staff
Scranton Times
Heading Home
Excellent special section that covers all the bases. Collins’ story on Crain an especially fun read.
SPORTS REPORTING, NON-DAILY
First Place
Max Ufberg
Philadelphia Weekly
The Big Jump: Here Come the 87ers
Ni e look at not only individual development , but also that of the new team.
Second Place
Heather Stauffer
Central Penn Business Journal
Teeing up success
Interesting look at the impact of a major tournament beyond the golf course.
Third Place
Max Ufberg
Philadelphia Weekly
Fantasy Football
Detailed look at fantasy football — pros and cons,
EDITORIAL WRITING, DAILY
First Place
Cynthia Burton
Philadelphia Inquirer
Portfolio
Second Place
Alan Wallace
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Alan Wallace Portfolio
Third Place
Josh Gohlke
Philadelphia Inquirer
Portfolio
EDITORIAL WRITING, NON-DAILY
First Place
Hope Stephan
Central Penn Business Journal
Portfolio
Second Place
Jen Colletta
Philadelphia Gay News
PGN editorial
HEALTH AND MEDICAL REPORTING, DAILY
First Place
Luis Fabregas and Andrew Conte
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Donor Dilemma
Second Place
Michael Vitez
Philadelphia Inquirer
Chain of Life
Third Place
Tim Darragh
Morning Call
Obamacare
HEALTH AND MEDICAL REPORTING, DAILY
First Place
Jennifer Clare Burke
Philadelphia Weekly
The Obamacare Surprise
Second Place
Heather Stauffer
Central Penn Business Journal
Health Systems Here Rush to Form Alliances – But Not With Each Other
Third Place
Randy LoBasso
Philadelphia Weekly
Food stamp funds are about to get cut. Twice.
FEATURE STORY, DAILY
First Place
Mike Newall
Philadelphia Inquirer
Almost Justice: The Beau Zabel Murder
Best use of narrative in breaking out of news mode to find a novelistic style that suits the subject and draws us into its world. Not just a solid report, but a good read.
Second Place
Lini Kadaba
Philadelphia Inquirer
“To Be Young, Black and Safe”
Successful stories about issues are tough to do. Writer employs an excellent treatment that humanizes and illustrates safety issues for blacks and allows understanding for non-blacks.
Third Place
David Singleton
Scranton Times
“Witness to Infamy”
Fascinating story despite revisiting one of the most over-done subjects in journalism history. Solid lead followed by arresting quotes from witness. Engaging even for non-baby boomers.
FEATURE STORY, NON-DAILY
First Place
Randy LoBasso
Philadelphia Weekly
Mixed Signals
Second Place
Eric San Juan
Philadelphia Weekly
After the Waters
Third Place
Sherri Kimmel
Swarthmore College Bulletin
Of Fame and Fortune
Fascinating portrayal of James Michenor’s legacy and the strong attitudes about diversity at the basis of his work.
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING, DAILY
First Place
Laura Legere
Scranton Times
Testing the Waters
This was an excellent, balanced job reviewing complex material on a crucial new issue. It pointed out serious transparency issues with a government agency.
Second Place
Sandy Bauers
Philadelphia Inquirer
Rising Sea At The Door
Great human detail on what’s being lost, and many expert voices on what’s happening. Graphic elements also excellent.
Third Place
Romy Varghese
Bloomberg News
Bat-Killing Fungal Disease Has U.S. Lumber Firms Fighting States
This is an issue that has frequently been covered by media but in a piecemeal fashion. This article clearly sets out the whole scope of the problem and the competing points of view.
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING, NON-DAILY
First Place
Daveen Rae Kurutz
Murrysville Star
15 Spills Over 3 Months
Story is well-balanced and presents a mystery — how do board officials not know about this problem?
Second Place
Tim Stuhldreher
Central Penn Business Journal
Midstate Firm Bell & Evans Joins Those Opposing Perdue Soybean Facility
Clearly shows an important local controversy over an industry that could have both environmental problems and benefits.
SPOT NEWS STORY, DAILY
Judges’ Category Comment:
The entries all demonstrated excellent journalism. The three winners, however, were heads and shoulders above the pack by virtue of the outstanding reporting of the spot news and the analysis and background information provided.
First Place
Staff
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
“Baffling Behavior” – Chief Nate Harper Charged
An exceptional piece of reporting. You answer any and all questions about Harper, the office and what lies ahead.
Second Place
Staff
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Flash Floods Wash Out Region
Outstanding job of covering a natural disaster. Reporting goes beyond the rain and looks at residents, impact on the areas hit and extensive background.
Third Place
Inquirer Staff
Philadelphia Inquirer
6 Dead in Collapse
Excellent reporting. Great job covering all angles of the collapse in addition to digging up the information about the contractor.
SPOT NEWS STORY, NON-DAILY
First Place
Jen Colletta
Philadelphia Gay News
Pa Couples Sue For Marriage Equality
Second Place
Heather Stauffer
Central Penn Business Journal
Geisinger: Holy Spirit Is Different From Other Deals
Third Place
Daveen Rae Kurutz
Murrysville Star
After Complaints, District Stifles A “Howl”
Writing about a public challenge to Allen Ginsburg’s classic poem by parents of local high school students is difficult to place objectively in context, but Daveen Rae Kurutz manages to navigate an issue that is often opaque.
COMMENTARY, DAILY
Judges’ Category Comment:
Readers in this state are incredibly blessed when it comes to writers in this category. The decision was extremely difficult.
First Place
Trudy Rubin
Philadelphia Inquirer
Portfolio
The commentary on not winning the Nobel was outstanding. These columns show that great research in the field, whether abroad or in the neighborhoods, pays off.
Second Place
Helen Ubiñas
Philadelphia Daily News
Portfolio
Through the subjects and the writer’s own voice, the emotions played well.
Third Place
Stu Bykofsky
Philadelphia Daily News
Columns
Again, the emotions are evoked well in these finely crafted columns.
COMMENTARY, NON-DAILY
Judges’ Category Comment:
Impressive work!
First Place
Josh Kruger
Philadelphia Weekly
The Uncomfortable Whole
Mesmerizing. Not just an unusual point of view, but excellent writing, too.
Second Place
Randy LoBasso
Philadelphia Weekly
Purplevania
Very tight writing. Obviously researched well.
Third Place
Mark Segal
Philadelphia Gay News
Mark My Words
Nice chunks of social commentary stirred into a broth of history.
ENTERPRISE REPORTING, DAILY
First Place
David Gambacorta and Barbara Laker
Philadelphia Daily News
UNDER THE GUN
Well-written examination of the hows and whys of urban gun violence that captures the sorrow and strength of those left behind and even the humanity of those who inflict the pain.
Second Place
The Bucks County Courier Times Staff
Buck County Courier Times
Heroin: It’s Time For The Talk
Comprehensive exploration of the impact of the heroin epidemic on one region, complete with survival tips, warning signs and community dialogue. A glowing example of public service journalism.
Third Place
Daily News Staff
Philadelphia Daily News
FORGOTTEN
Courageous and heartfelt series about our shameful disregard for the lives of young black men. The Daily News should be commended for initiating the conversation and forcing its readers to face an uncomfortable truth.
ENTERPRISE REPORTING, NON-DAILY
First Place
Victoria Brownworth
Philadelphia Gay News
Victims Of The Night: Stories Of Trans Sex Workers
Thoughtful re-telling of stories and lives of which most are not aware. Hopefully, this series will serve as a catalyst for the intervention, which this reporting shows is so desperately needed.
Second Place
Daveen Rae Kurutz
Murrysville Star
Holding Their Breath
Some stories are made great by their compelling subject matter. This story is made great by deep reporting, an eye for context and crisp writing.
Third Place
Halle Stockton
PublicSource
As Pa Ages, State Examines Guardianships And Abuse
Compelling look at some of the cracks in government bureaucracy, the real lives that often fall between them and the insurmountable pain that follows. This is a story that should spark action.
ONLINE BREAKING NEWS, DAILY
First Place
Borys Krawczeniuk, Ted Baird and The Times-Tribune Staff
Scranton Times
POTUS (and VPOTUS) Visit
Second Place
Staff
Pocono Record
Ross Township Shooting Coverage Aug. 6, 2013
ONLINE BREAKING NEWS, NON-DAILY
First Place
Angela Thomas
Philadelphia Gay News
Giovanni’s Room to be Sold
Second Place
Angela Thomas
Philadelphia Gay News
City Council Passes LGBT Equality Bill,
First in the Nation
Third Place
Jason Scott
Central Penn Business Journal
Watsontown Trucking Company Buys Capitol View Commerce Center
WEB USE, DAILY
First Place
Stephanie Strasburg
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
End of the Streak
Excellent photos and insight into a town, community and a team. The intro could have been tighter, but the beautiful photos and story drew us in and by the end we were hooked.
Second Place
Melanie Wass, David Conti and Lisa Fuqua
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
“The News Jolted You Where?” — JFK Anniversary
Great use of multimedia in this package: Enjoyed the use of video, java script expanding front pages and links to related coverage.
Third Place
Robert Kandel
Philadelphia Inquirer
Crime In Philadelphia
Lots of good information presented in multiple ways. Some more useful than others. We wish the data was tied to a larger story giving context.
WEB USE, NON- DAILY
First Place
Staff
Jewish Exponent
Fun, clean, easy-to-navigate design. Enjoyed the calendar and ability for readers to submit events. The Mazel Tov section is great.
Second Place
Laurence Kesterson
Swarthmore College Bulletin
The Joys of Juggling (video)
Charming video piece. Very entertaining.
Third Place
PW Staff
Philadelphia Weekly
PhillyNow.com
Clean layout and design. Navigation and category names could be clearer and better defined. Enjoyed the comment bubbles on the homepage.
By Rebecca Baker | January 26th, 2014
The 2014 Region 1 Conference in Boston, Mass. is now open for registration.
This year’s event, organized by the New England Pro Chapter of SPJ, will bring together professional and student journalists from Maine to Pennsylvania for two days of professional development and networking from April 25-26 at Boston University. It is guaranteed to be exciting and informative event — not to mention an investment in your career.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Byte Back! Doing Great Journalism in the Digital Age” and will include programs on investigative reporting, cross-disciplinary journalism, ethics, high-tech newsgathering, personal branding, legal issues for journalists and much, much more.
An opening night reception will be held at The Castle, a gorgeous Tudor Revival mansion on the BU campus, where legendary broadcast journalist Carole Simpson will share her thoughts on the present and future states of journalism.
On Saturday, we’ll take a break from programming to have a delicious lunch in BU’s elegant Trustee Ballroom, where we’ll honor the best collegiate journalism in the region at the annual Mark of Excellence Awards ceremony.
Getting to Boston is easy. In addition to Amtrak, Megabus.com is offering free rides from their locations to Boston for those coming from long distances. There are also discounted rates at several local hotels.
We’re expecting a sold-out event, so reserve your place before they’re all out! For details on the SPJ Region 1 Spring Conference and to register, visit spjr1c.org.
The 2014 Spotlight Award Contest is now up and running!
This year’s contest is being sponsored by Better Newspaper Contest, for which we’re extremely grateful.
BNC is also running the website where contestants need to submit their entries. You can find the site here.
You can download instructions here: Spotlight instructions.
Deadline for entries is March 3, 2014.
If you have any questions, please contact contest coordinator Susan Schwartz, (570)752-3646, susan.schwartz@pressenterprise.net.
Here’s wishing you all the best of luck!
SPJ Keystone Pro Chapter’s Spotlight Contest Results
It is with great pleasure I announce the winners of our 2013 Society of Professional Journalists Keystone Pro Chapter’s Spotlight Contest recognizing the best in Pennsylvania journalism. The entries were outstanding and based on the comments of our judges, the decisions were difficult. This year’s judging was done by members of SPJ chapters in Oregon, Tennessee and Connecticut.
Congratulations to all those who placed in this year’s contest. The fact so many chose to enter their best work in this and other journalism contests is a testament to the strength of our business and its importance in an ever-changing society. There will always be a need for watchdogs.
Our chapter is a small but feisty group and we are always looking for new members. We do not meet all that often and most recently we have seen a renewed interest from high school and college students to be part of SPJ. Our chapter is always available to speak to anyone who is interested in what we stand for and we encourage you to be part of our outreach. Membership is $75 a year for professionals and academics (the cost of a dinner and movie these days!) and $12 to be part of the local chapter. The price is cut in half for students and retirees. Membership applications and much more may be found at www.spj.org.
Again, congratulations and we look forward to meeting everyone in Harrisburg on May 18.
Pat Trosky
President, SPJ Keystone Pro Chapter
pattrosky@gmail.com – 570-262-2030
Friend us on FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/groups/166667563361675/
SPJ Keystone Pro Chapter’s Spotlight Contest Results
APRIL 2013
SPOTLIGHT AWARD – This is the Keystone State SPJ Chapter’s most prestigious award, given to the journalist(s) whose published investigative story or series scooped other media and placed the public’s right to know in the public spotlight. The prize is $100 and a plaque for first place. Second and third place winners in this category receive plaques. Certificates will be presented to honorable mentions.
FIRST PLACE – The Scranton Times – “City in Crisis” Jim Lockwood, Borys Krawczeniuk
SECOND PLACE – Morning Call – “Allentown Arena Project” Matt Assad, Scott Kraus
THIRD PLACE – Scranton Times – “Rosetti” Sarah Hofius Hall
DAILY NEWSPAPER AWARDS
BEST OVERAL NEWSPAPER
FIRST PLACE – The Scranton Times
SECOND PLACE – Pittsburgh Tribune- Review
THIRD PLACE – Morning Call
BROADSHEET PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE –Bucks County Courier Times “In With the New” Paul Moser
SECOND PLACE –,Pittsburgh Tribune-Review “Journey for Recovery” Elizabeth Jackson
THIRD PLACE –Bucks County Courier Times “Disco and Doo-wop FEVER” Colleen Pendergast
BUSINESS AND LABOR REPORTING
FIRST PLACE – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “Fixing the Economy” Mike Wereschagin
SECOND PLACE – Scranton Times, “Outlook 2012” Staff
THIRD PLACE – New Castle News, Shale Boom – Seismic testing going on in county – Shale creates tourism, conservation dollars – Debbie Wachter
COMMENTARY
FIRST PLACE – Philadelphia Daily News – columns by Ronnie Polaneczky
SECOND PLACE – Bucks County Courier Times – Fratti commentary
THIRD PLACE – Philadelphia Daily News – columns by Rich Hofmann
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE – Bucks County Courier Times – Guy Petroziello
SECOND PLACE – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Alan Wallace
THIRD PLACE – The Citizens’ Voice – Dave Janoski
ENTERPRISE WRITING
FIRST PLACE – Scranton Times “City in Crisis” Jim Lockwood, Borys Krawczeniuk
SECOND PLACE – Pocono Record “Chemical Threats Around Us: Disaster on wheels, trucks loaded with hazmats roll through the Poconos “ Vinny Vella, Howard Frank, Andrew Scott
THIRD PLACE – Pittstburgh Tribune-Review “Andrew Conte, Lou Kilzer, Jim Wilhelm
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
FIRST PLACE –Pittsburgh Tribune-Review “Drilling Down: Marcellus Shale” Tim Puko
SECOND PLACE – Valley News Dispatch “Volunteers Step In” Brian Rittmeyer
THIRD PLACE – Valley News Dispatch Who Gives a Hoot” Liz Hayes
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review “It’s a Bug’s World” Philip G. Pavely
SECOND PLACE – Scranton Times “Wild Hair Day” Butch Comegys
THIRD PLACE – Bucks County Courier Times “On the Move” Bill Fraser
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE – Philadelphia Daily News “Teen Spirit” Molly Eichel
SECOND PLACE – Bucks County Courier Times “Doctors can put breaks on driver’s license” Jo Ciavaglia
THIRD PLACE – Philadelphia Daily News “My dumb Olympics” Molly Eichel
HEADLINE
FIRST PLACE – The Mercury “Raising the Spar” Cheryl Thornburg
SECOND PLACE – The Intelligencer “Police pick the right nose” Staff
THIRD PLACE – The Citizens’ Voice “They are Penn State” Kevin Donlin
HEALTH AND MEDICAL REPORTING
FIRST PLACE – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review “Journey for Recovery” Adam Smeltz, Jasmine
SECOND PLACE – Daily Local News “Autism: A Closer Look at the puzzle” Chelsea Reyher
THIRD PLACE – Bucks County Courier Times “Doctors put brakes on driver’s license” Jo Ciavaglia
WEB USE
FIRST PLACE – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review “Rules of engagement: A step-by-step animation of tragedy” Jason Lanza, Carl Prine
SECOND PLACE – The Citizens’ Voice, “Citizens’ Toolkit” Dave Janoski, Shannon Zimmerman, Michael Sisak
THIRD PLACE – Morning Call “Lehigh County Reassessment Database” Eugene Tauber , Micahel Duck, Jessica Foster, Andrew McGill
NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE – Daily Local News “Fire hits Downingtown church” Tom Kelly IV
SECOND PLACE – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review “In Loving Memory” Andrew Russell
THIRD PLACE – Bucks County Courier Times “Honoring the Fallen” Kim Weimer
ONLINE BREAKING NEWS
FIRST PLACE – Scranton Times, “Superstorm Sandy” Staff
SECOND PLACE – The Mercury “Logan Court Standoff, Pottstown,” Eileen Faust, Brandie Kessler, Frank Otto
THIRD PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Senator Toomey: Obama’s tax policy bad for manufacturing” Jim T. Ryan
PHOTO STORY
FIRST PLACE – Pittstburgh Tribune-Review “Guide Dogs” Andrew Russell
SECOND PLACE – Pittstburgh Tribune-Review “Journey for Recovery” Jasmine Goldband
THIRD PLACE – New Castle News, “Farewell, Lindy” Erica Galvin
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE – Scranton Times “West Scranton Basketball Fans” Jason Farmer
SECOND PLACE – Herald-Standard “Laurel Highlands hurdle” John Brothers
THIRD PLACE – Press-Enterprise “Bloom the best in town” Jimmy May
SPORTS REPORTING
FIRST PLACE – Philadelphia Daily News “Joe Paterno” Staff
SECOND PLACE – Scranton Times “Joe Paterno” Donnie Collins, Michael sisak, Scott Walsh, Joby Fawcett, Jim Lockwood
THIRD PLACE – Philadelphia Daily News “Chaney at 80” Mike Kern
SPOT NEWS
FIRST PLACE – Scranton Times “Superstorm Sandy” Staff
SECOND PLACE – The Intelligencer “This is the way I want to die” Matt Coughlin, Theresa Hegel, Freda Savana
THIRD PLACE – Scranton Times “Blaze Kills Infant” Jim Lockwood
TABLOID PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review “Joe Paterno 1926-2012” Melanie Wass
SECOND PLACE – The Citizens’ Voice Tab Page Design Michael Sisak
THIRD PLACE – The Citizens’Voice, “Joe Pa” Kevin Donlin
NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS
BEST OVERAL NEWSPAPER
FIRST PLACE – Murrysville Star – Daveen Rae Kurutz, Brian Estadt, Robert Weible, Matthew Grubba, Vince Townley and Lillian DeDomenic
SECOND PLACE – Pittsburgh Business Times, Staff
THIRD PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal. Staff
PHOTO STORY
FIRST PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Meet the athletes” Amy Spangler, Heather Stauffer
SECOND PLACE – Gateway Newspapers “Spinners…newest attraction at Kennywood, Sandcastle” Lillian DeDomenic
THIRD PLACE – Philadelphia Gay News “Philly Pride 2012” Scott A. Drake
SPOT NEWS
FIRST PLACE –The Almanac “School Security Scrutinized” Terri Johnson
SECOND PLACE – Jewish Exponent “Abrupt End to a Beloved Institution” Lisa Hostein, Bryan Schwartzman
THIRD PLACE – Philadelphia Gay News “Philly rated top in nation for LGBT equality” Jen Colletta
TABLOID PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE – Philadelphia Weekly “Binder full of women” Drew Phillips
SECOND PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Top 100 private companies: Winning teams” Kathryn Morton
THIRD PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Construction & Real Estate Report: Back on board” Kathryn Morton, Amy Spangler
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE – The Almanac “Hearing God’s Call” Eleanor Bailey
SECOND PLACE – Swarthmore College Bulletin “Homage to the Past, Invitation to the Present” Carol Brevart-Demm
THIRD PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Bridging divides” Jim T. Ryan
SPORTS REPORTING
FIRST PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Business of Sports” Brent Burkey
SECOND PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Backers: Sports complexes would strengthen mid-state economy” Jason Scott
THIRD PLACE – no award
ENTERPRISE REPORTING
FIRST PLACE – Pittsburgh Business Times “Lack of rain, harvest of pain” Paul Gough
SECOND PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Pennsylvania’s Pension Crisis” Jason Scott
THIRD PLACE – Murrysville Star “By the Numbers” Daveen Rae Kurutz
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal, Hope Stephan
SECOND PLACE – Philadelphia Gay News, Jen Colletta
THIRD PLACE – Jewish Exponent
COMMENTARY
FIRST PLACE – Philadelphia Weekly “The Breakdown” Tara Murtha
SECOND PLACE – Sewickley Herald “Bobby Cherry columns” Bobby Cherry
THIRD PLACE – Philadelphia Gay News “Mark My Words” Mark Segal
HEADLINE WRITING
FIRST PLACE – Philadelphia Weeky “He’s not the boss of me” Stephen H. Segal
SECOND PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Liquid assets” Kathryn Morton
THIRD PLACE – Philadelphia Weekly “Matter of Framing” Stephen H. Segal
BUSINESS AND LABOR REPORTING
FIRST PLACE –Pittsburgh Business Times “US Steel’s HQ search” Tim Schooley, Malia Spencer
SECOND PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Payday loans hurt small businesses” Tim Stuhldreher
THIRD PLACE – PublicSource “The Perfect Financial Crime” Bill Heltzel
NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE – The Times Express “Local Sikhs mourn victims of temple shooting” Lillian DeDomenic
SECOND PLACE – Murrysville Star “A family reconnects after 100 years” Lillian DeDomenic
THIRD PLACE – Philadlephia Gay News “Acting to end AIDS” Scott A. Drake
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE – The Signal Item “Bishop Canevin dismantles Carlynton, 38-0” Randy Jarosz
SECOND PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Indoor athletic facilities keep customers during recession” Amy Spangler
THIRD PLACE – Philadelphia Gay News “Taking it to the mats” Scott A. Drake
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE – Sewickley Herald “Flash Dance” Kristina Serafini
SECOND PLACE – North Journal “St. Alexis Festival” Randy Jarosz
THIRD PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Unclear course” Amy Spangler
HEALTH AND MEDICAL REPORTING
FIRST PLACE – Pittsburgh Business Times “Fighting Diabetes in Fayette” Kris Mamula
SECOND PLACE –Central Penn Business Journal “Health care reform ruling ushers in time for action” Heather Stauffer
THIRD PLACE – Philadelphia Weekly “Turning Over a New Leaf”Randy LoBasso
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
FIRST PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Green vs. Green” Tim Stuhldreher
SECOND PLACE – PublicSource “Shale drillers eager to move wastewater on barges” Emily DeMarco
THIRD PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Liquid Assets” Brent Burkey
WEB USE
FIRST PLACE – Central Penn Business Journal “Health care reform resource center” Hope Stephan, Staff
SECOND PLACE – Swarthmore Bulletin “Unpacking Memory (video)” Laurence Kesterson
THIRD PLACE – Jewish Exponent – www.jewishexponent.com – Staff
Questions or mistakes should be forwarded to Pat Trosky at pattrosky@gmail.com or leave a message at 570-262-2030. Spelling of names will appear or plaques or certificates as they appear here unless you let me know as soon as possible there is a mistake.
Excellence in Journalism 2013 (EIJ13) is the must-attend journalism conference of the year — and you could get a free ride.
Through three scholarship programs, the Society of Professional Journalists will send several members to Southern California for EIJ13. Each scholarship covers a conference registration and some travel expenses, among other benefits unique to each award.
From Aug. 24 to 26, about 1,400 journalists will gather for exceptional networking and training opportunities, not to mention the variety of resources available in the Journalism Expo. Even if you’re not eligible for a scholarship, start planning your trip to EIJ13.
More on the scholarships:
The Diversity Leadership Fellows Program invites six journalists to participate in the program and connect with the Society at EIJ13. Applicants are from groups underrepresented in the media, have at least three years of post-collegiate journalism experience and have been SPJ members for at least one year. Read more about applying to be a Diversity Leadership Fellow.
SPJ awards up to five Terry Harper Memorial Scholarships. Terry served as executive director of SPJ from 2002 to 2009, when he passed away after a two-year battle with brain cancer. While at SPJ, Terry prioritized providing journalists with high-caliber professional training, and this scholarship enables professional members to receive it at EIJ13. Here are application details.
There’s a scholarship for students, too. The Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award honors an active student member of SPJ who has shown great dedication to the First Amendment. Bob Lewis was a 48-year member of SPJ when he died in 2012. He served as national president and chair of the national Freedom of Information Committee. He also received the Wells Key, the highest honor for an SPJ member. Apply here.
Send your questions to Lauren Rochester at awards@spj.org
