Monday, June 6, 2016

Congratulations to all of the award winners and finalists

Greater Cincinnati Pro Chapter

2016 EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM

WINNERS AND FINALISTS NAMED


 The Greater Cincinnati Professional Chapter

of the Society of Professional Journalists

is pleased to announce the winners and finalists

in the 2016 Exellence In Journalism contest.


The winners and finalists were chosen from 171 entries in

written and visual communications by judges from the

Utah Headliners Professional Chapter

of the Society of Professional Journalists.


The awards will be presented on Thursday, June 23, 2016,

during the Excellence In Journalism Banquet and

Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

at the Cincinnati office of Frost Brown Todd.

GERALD WHITE MEMORIAL AWARD


Named in memory of longtime Cincinnati Enquirer investigative reporter Gerald White, this is the Greater Cincinnati SPJ Professional Chapter's highest honor.  It is presented for excellence in investigative reporting by an individual or team.


WINNER:  CityBeat Staff


ENTRY:  "Major Burden/Robin Hood In Reverse"

CAMILLA WARRICK AWARD

This award honors journalists in any medium who use their professional role to make a difference in the community.  It is named for the late Cincinnati Enquirer and Cincinnati Post reporter and columnist Camilla Warrick. 

WINNER:  Sharon Coolidge & Liz Dufour, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "When There's Not Enough"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "The winner was selected because it most closely resembles a traditional work of journalism.  It told a story and was enjoyable to follow in that respect (the subject material is, obviously, not enjoyable.)"

FINALIST:  WLWT-TV News 5

ENTRY:  "Where We Stand" -- Hosted By Courtis Fuller

FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD

Journalists are facing increasingly frequent challenges in their jobs from governments and corporations erecting barriers to prevent the free flow of information the public has a right to know. This award honors an individual or group going to extraordinary lengths to protect the First Amendment. 

WINNER:  The Cincinnati Enquirer Staff

ENTRY:  "Seeking Police Video"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "A dogged effort by the Cincinnati Enquirer on this vital issue holding police accountable and ensuring they answer to the public.  A commendable effort well deserving of this award."

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

BEST NEWS STORY - (W-1)

WINNER:  James Pilcher & Jason Williams, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Hopple Street Bridge Collapse"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "Enlightening analysis of a tragic accident and how it happened."

FINALIST:  The Cincinnati Enquirer Staff   

ENTRY:  "We Lost A  Brother:  The Shooting of Officer Sonny Kim"

FINALIST:  Greg Noble, wcpo.com

ENTRY:  "A True Hero:  Thousands Honor Daryl Gordon"


BEST NEWS FEATURE/NEWSMAKER PROFILE - (W-2)

WINNER:  Nick Swartsell, CityBeat

ENTRY:  "Welcome To Millvale/Seeking Refuge"

FINALIST:  Greg Noble, wcpo.com

ENTRY:  "Ed Vodicka:  Bengals Tailgaters Embrace Lone Chiefs Fan In The Hours Before He Died"

FINALIST:  Chrissie Thompson, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "The Certainty, Candor and Curious Freshness of the New Kasich"


BEST BEAT REPORTING - (W-3)

WINNER :  James Pilcher, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Compilation of Work"

JUDGE COMMENT: "In-depth use of records and data paired with excellent writing.  Important stories told very well."

FINALIST:  Dan Horn, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Compilation of Work"

FINALIST:  Nick Swartsell, CityBeat

ENTRY:  "Stories On Urban Development


 BEST INVESTIGATIVE/ENTERPRISE/DATABASE REPORTING - (W-4)

WINNER:  Carrie Blackmore Smith, Sharon Coolidge, James Pilcher --

The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Cincinnati Parks"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "The story package told of a board out of control.

FINALIST:  Nick Swartsell, CityBeat

ENTRY:  "That Which Divides Us"


 BEST CONTINUING COVERAGE OR SERIES - (W-5)

WINNER:  The Cincinnati Enquirer Staff

ENTRY:  "Sam DuBose's Death"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "Thorough and fearless coverage.  Great background reporting and use of records."

FINALIST:   Terry DeMio; and Dan Horn -- The Cincinnati Enquirer  

ENTRY:  "Battling Heroin"

FINALIST:  John Faherty, James Pilcher, Paul Daugherty, Jim Owczarski,

C. Trent Rosecrans, Chris Graves, Kate Murphy -- The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Pete Rose's Quest For Reinstatement


BEST BUSINESS NEWS STORY - (W-6)

WINNER:  Steve Watkins, Cincinnati Business Courier

ENTRY:  "IP NO:  Why IPO's Aren't Happening In Cincinnati"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "Story approaches a trend that many businesses might now consider, but it's a trend that opens up the spectrum of business in the area.

 BEST BUSINESS FEATURE/ANALYSIS/COLUMN - (W-7)

WINNER:  Jenny Burman, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "One Bottle To Rule Them All"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "Features like this tale of a legendary bourbon pulls the reader into a very personal business story."

FINALIST:  Cedric Rose, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "Big Data Gets Personal"


 BEST NEWS COLUMN - (W-8)

WINNER:  Kathy Y. Wilson, CityBeat

ENTRY:  "Body of Work"

FINALIST:  Chris Graves, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Body of Work"


 BEST EDITORIAL - (W-9)

WINNER:  Jeremy Fugleberg, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Jeremy Fugleberg's Work"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "This man attacks the toughest problems faced by Cincinnati in 2015 -- and he tells the problems through the lives of individuals.  This makes the situations real and compelling."


 BEST SPORTS STORY - (W-10)

WINNER:  Justin Williams, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "Got To Have It!"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "A detailed an enjoyable look at an unexpected member of the Bengal team.  Well told, good collection of interviews and anecdotes.

FINALIST:  Jonathan Coleman, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "Make Way For Rose Lavelle"

FINALIST:  Paul Daugherty, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "The Boy From Braddock Street"


BEST GOVERNMENT ISSUES STORY - (W-11)

WINNER:  Dan Horn & Terry DeMio, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Heroin Is Bad.  We're Making It Worse."

JUDGE COMMENT:  "I couldn't stop reading.  This story by Dan Horn and Terry DeMio skilfully balance heartbreaking and honest personal narratives with policy political questions.  Well written and reported, attractive presentation.

FINALIST:  Linda Vaccariello, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "Reefer Madness"

FINALIST:  Chrissie Thompson, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:   "Abortion -- The Most Important Decision of Her Life"


BEST EDUCATION STORY - (W-12)

WINNER:  Sharon Coolidge & Liz Dufour, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "When There's Not Enough"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "This category was punctuated by entries about the best schools and programs that money can buy.  But, in the tradition of journalism that seeks for solutions and community action, Sharon Coolidge and Liz Dufour of The Cincinnati Enquirer took readers to a school that would never be on any of those "best schools" lists.  Ethel M. Tayor Academy is home to some of the most heart-wretching stories in education.  A yearlong commitment to storytelling about teachers and educators who do their best in class.  'When There's Not Enough' is about heroes.  For every Ethel M. Taylor Academy, there are another 100 with similar issues, but Coolidge and Dufour opened up readers eyes.  Let's hope the public glance will not just focus on 'Best Schools' but to those most in need.  Bravo!"

FINALIST:  Jene Galvin, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "We Camped Out To Get Our Kids Into A Magnet School and Áll We Got Was This Lousy Headache."


BEST HEALTH/MEDICAL STORY - (W-13)

WINNER:  Linda Viccariello, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "This Is How We Lose Them"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "In most of the developed world, high rates of birth and infant mortality are an anachronism.  But, in parts of Cincinnati these issues remain a critical health concern.  This explainer is not just good storytelling, but Cincinnati Magazine has helped awareness and solutions for those willing to read.  It shines a light on a social problem in the best tradition of journalism.  As the story's headline says, 'Infant Mortality Is A Lot More Complicated -- and Tougher -- Than It Looks.'  Cincinnati Magazine is the clear winner for tackling this important health issue that's so intertwined with other social, economic and health issues."


BEST LIFESTYLE FEATURE - (W-14)

WINNER:  Anne Saker, Meg Vogel and; Amanda Rossmann,

The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Transgender In Cincinnati"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "In an introductory column, editor Carolyn Washburn said the Enquirer's goal was to help readers 'walk a mile in their neighbors' shoes.'  They surpassed that goal.   Through five installments about being transgender in Cincinnati they gave readers an enlightening and moving work of journalism.  Writer Ann Saker and photojournalists Meg Vogel and Amanda Rossman take readers on a fascinating journey through the struggles of transgender people at work, at places of worship and on campus.  Also, the storytelling about Zay Crawford's growing up transgender and a local clinic that helps in the process was an important way to make the issue 'real.'"

FINALIST:  Amy Brownlee, Adam Flango, Alyssa Konermann &

Justin Williams, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "How Cincy Works"


BEST COMMUNITY ISSUES STORY - (W-15)

WINNER:  Sharon Coolidge & Meg Vogel, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "No Place Is Home"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "An outstanding story of a family living on the edge.  Well crafted and thought-provoking."

FINALIST:  Dan Horn & Cara Owsley, The Cincinnati Enquirer
ENTRY:  "Finding Her Way"

FINALIST:  Julie Irwin Zimmerman, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "# No News Is Bad News"

FINALIST:  Nick Swartsell, CityBeat

ENTRY:  "Disappearing DIY"


BEST ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT STORY - (W-16)

WINNER:  David Lyman, Cincy Magazine

ENTRY:  "True Story"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "Lyman uses 'True Story's' own technique to demonstrate its unique mode of performance art to the read.  Well done."

FINALIST:  Janelle Gelfand, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Inside A  Symphony Audition"

FINALIST:  Carol Motsinger, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "From Cuba, With Love and Few Regrets"


BEST ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT CRITIQUE - (W-17)

WINNER:  Steve Rosen, City Beat 

ENTRY:  "The Big Picture"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "Rosen makes the work in question come alive in his column in such a way that the reader not only feels his enthusiasm for the museum's new acquisition, but also understands the basis for that enthusiasm (and wants to go see the photo to experience it for himself).


BEST NEWSPAPER SPECIAL SECTION - (W-18)

WINNER:  Jesse Fox, Jennifer Hoffman, Maija Zummo & Staff, CityBeat

ENTRY:  "Annual Manual"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "A strong category with great entries.  This entry seemed very all-inclusive of the attractions and activities of Cincinnati.  Very well done visitor guide."


BEST NEWSPAPER - (W-19)

WINNER:   Cincinnati Business Courier Staff

ENTRY:  "Cincinnati Business Courier"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "Although not a general circulation newspaper, I found the coverage and the journalism extremely well done -- better than other entries in the category."


BEST MAGAZINE STORY - (W-20)

WINNER:  Alyssa Konermann, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "Will Walnut Hills Rise Again?"

FINALIST:  Peter Bronson, Cincy Magazine

ENTRY:  "Cold Case"

FINALIST:  Justin Williams, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "Got To Have It"


BEST MAGAZINE INVESTIGATIVE STORY - (W-21)

WINNER:  Linda Vaccariello, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "This Is How We Lose Them"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "It did the best job explaining the problem and efforts for a solution."

FINALIST:  Bill Ferguson, Jr., Cincy Magazine

ENTRY:  "Rating The Burbs"


BEST MAGAZINE - (W-22)

WINNER:  Cincinnati Magazine Editorial Staff

ENTRY:  "Cincinnati Magazine"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "Strong photography and fun features made this a good read and a good feel."

FINALIST:  Cincy Magazine Editorial Staff

ENTRY:  "Cincy Magazine"

BEST WEB SITE - (W-23)

WINNER:   The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "cincinnati.com"

FINALIST:  Amy Brownlee & Cincinnati Magazine Editorial Staff

ENTRY:  "cincinnatimagazine.com"


BEST NEWS/SPORTS BLOG - (W-24)

TIE:

WINNER:  Adam Flango &  Justin Williams, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "Nuxhall Way"

   and;

WINNER:  Adam Flango & Justin Williams, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "Fulcher 2 Stay"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "High-quality and engaging writing from both of these ongoing blogs.  Healthy and interesting diversity of topics covered and new content is published frequently during the season.  The sites are attractive and functional."


BEST NEWSPAPER/MAGAZINE DESIGN - (W-25)

WINNER:  Kevin Cox, Cincinnati Business Courier

ENTRY:  "Joint Venture"


BEST NEWSPAPER/MAGAZINE GRAPHIC - (W-26)

WINNER:  Kevin Cox, Cincinnati Business Courier

ENTRY:  "Let's Play Sin City"


BEST WEB SITE DESIGN - (W-27)

WINNER:  Cincinnati Magazine Editorial Staff

ENTRY:  "cincinnatimagazine.com"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "Attractive and functional web site."


BEST WEB GRAPHIC - (W-28)

WINNER:  Mike Nyerges, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Every Cincinnati Opening Day"

JUDGE COMMENT:  "Not every Reds fan is out there looking for details about every opening day the team has had, but for those who are, they will find a treasure here.  It was interactivity that brought this entry to the top of some very qualified candidates.  This simple and attractive graphic unlocks a huge trove of data that tells a story by itself as readers explore.  Graphic functioned well, though there were some elements that seemed less visually sharp than other areas, including text alongside it."

FINALIST:  Mike Nyerges, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "What Do You Remember About Ki-Jana Carter?"

FINALIST:  Megan Scherer, Cincinnati Magazine

ENTRY:  "Field Guide:  Ohio Wildflowers"


VISUAL COMMUNICATION


BEST SPORTS NEWS/FEATURE - (V-9)

WINNER:  Michael Nyerges, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Baseball's Battle Of Ohio"

FINALIST:  Michael Nyerges, The Cincinnti Enquirer

ENTRY:  "What Do You Remember About Ki-Jana Carter? "


BEST NEWS/FEATURE/SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY - (V-10)

WINNER:  Kareem Elgazzar, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Sports Photo:  Moment of Impact"

FINALIST:  Sam Greene, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Sports Photo:  Andy Dalton Fumble"

FINALIST:  Sam Greene, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Sports Photo:  Leaping Player"

FINALIST:  Cara Owsley, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Feature Photo:  Life After A Pit Bull Attack"

FINALIST:  Amanda Rossman, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Feature Photo:  Protester In The Street"


BEST VIDEOGRAPHY - (V-11)

WINNER:  Meg Vogel, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Zay Crawford:  Transgendered 12 Year Old"


BEST PHOTO OR ART ILLUSTRATION - (V-12)

WINNER:  Michael Nyerges, The Cincinnati Enquirer

ENTRY:  "Pete Rose By The Numbers"


PLEASE JOIN US ON THURSDAY, JUNE 23rd FOR THE ANNUAL EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARDS PROGRAM AND
INDUCTION CEREMONIES FOR THE 
GREATER CINCINNATI JOURNALISM HALL OF FAME

Thursday, June 23, 2016 -- 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.