By: E&P Staff Randell S. Beck, executive editor of the Argus Leader in Sioux Falls, S.D., was named this year's recipient of the American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) top honor, the ASNE Award for Editorial Leadership, the association announced Thursday.
Beck was cited for his efforts to diversify his newsroom, and for his ongoing battle with battle with South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds for access to state records.
Beck will receive the award during ASNE's annual convention in Washington, D.C., April 13-16.
"Randell's work over time has exemplified how editors establish leadership in two critical areas for ASNE: diversity and freedom of the press," ASNE President Gilbert Bailon, editorial page editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said in the announcement. "Our association also is very happy to bestow a coveted award on an editor from a smaller market in numerical circulation, yet whose institution provides vital impact in its area of influence."
ASNE cited the so-called "Beck's war" in South Dakota to make public information about such things as state employee salaries, law enforcement records, and the list of invitees to the state-supported Governor's Pheasant Hunt event.
In 2006, an Argus series revealed the extent of the governor's personal use of state aircraft. As a direct result, ASNE noted, an initiative was put on the ballot, and South Dakotans voted to limit the use of state aircraft.
In 2005, Beck won the Robert G. McGruder Award for Diversity Leadership -- co-sponsored by ASNE, the Associated Press Managing Editors and the Freedom Forum -- which recognizes efforts to diversify newsrooms.
Beck said the editorial leadership honor belongs to his newsroom. "I am
humbled and a bit overwhelmed to even receive consideration from ASNE
for an award that has gone, in years past, to really extraordinary leaders,' he said in a statement. "More than anything, this honor recognizes the many talented people at the Argus Leader who are committed to making it a fine newspaper."
Beck, 54, has been executive editor of the Argus Leader since August 2001.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here