By: Joe Strupp The American Society of Newspaper Editors has revealed the winners of its annual awards for distinguished writing and photography.
This year?s contest drew more than 300 entries from news organizations throughout the United States.
?The judges were heartened by the consistently high quality of the entries,? Andy Alexander, chair of the ASNE Awards judging and ombudsman for The Washington Post, said in a statement. ?Despite these difficult economic times, it was inspiring to see so much ambitious work. These were stories that righted wrongs, exposed corruption, gave voice to the underdog and championed truth. And, because this is the nation?s premier newspaper writing competition, the entries were compelling and absorbing. The beautiful prose and photography reminded us of the powerful impact that newspapers can have on readers and their communities.?
The Jesse Laventhol prize carries a $10,000 cash award; all of the others will receive $2,500 prizes. The awards will be presented on Monday, April 27, during the ASNE Convention in Chicago.
?The judges did not select a recipient for the Jesse Laventhol Prize for Deadline News Reporting by an Individual this year,? the announcement noted. ?The entries failed to meet the qualifications for the award.?
THE WINNERS:JESSE LAVENTHOL PRIZE
FOR DEADLINE NEWS REPORTING BY A TEAM
Staff, Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald
For coverage of a deadly tornado that claimed the lives of four Boy Scouts.
BATTEN MEDAL
Robyn Dixon, Los Angeles Times
A collection of stories spotlighting the cruelties, hopes and fears of the people of Zimbabwe.
COMMENTARY/COLUMN WRITING
Leonard Pitts Jr., The Miami Herald
A compilation of columns including pieces on the historic election of President Barack Obama.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PHOTOJOURNALISM AWARD
Sonya N. Hebert, The Dallas Morning News
Photos depicting people living on the edge of life.
FREEDOM FORUM/ASNE AWARD FOR
DISTINGUISHED WRITING ON DIVERSITY
Jason Stein, Wisconsin State Journal, Madison
Stories on the impending loss of the state?s five Native American languages.
DISTINGUISHED WRITING AWARD FOR EDITORIAL WRITING
Ken Stickney, The News-Star, Monroe, La.
A collection of editorials, including one on permits for students to carry concealed handguns on campus.
DISTINGUISHED WRITING AWARD FOR LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTING
Ames Alexander, Kerry Hall, Franco Ordo?ez, Ted Mellnik, Peter St. Onge, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer
For a series of stories revealing how officials in the poultry industry ignored and threatened injured workers.
DISTINGUISHED WRITING AWARD FOR NONDEADLINE WRITING
Joanna Connors, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland
For stories of her rape 20 years ago and her search to find the man who did it.
The Laventhol prizes are named in honor of the longtime Philadelphia newspaperman. ?They are endowed by his son, David A. Laventhol, a former editor and executive for Times Mirror. Laventhol has been a member of ASNE for many years and serves as a member of the ASNE Awards Board.?
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