2022 Best of Indiana Journalism Contest Winners

2022 BEST OF INDIANA JOURNALISM

 

PRESENTED APRIL 21, 2023, AT INDIANA SPJ BANQUET

 

 

SPECIAL HONORS

INDIANA STORY OF THE YEAR

 

BINGHUI HUANG, KRISTINE PHILLIPS and MYKAL McELDOWNEY

 

Bottom Line

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGING COMMENT: Bottom Line, the series of stories about lax oversight from Indiana OSHA, is well written and deeply reported, blending powerful statistics while putting a human face on the issue. The stories revealed a shocking inside look at what transpired in meat-packing plants during the COVID-19 pandemic to the shoddy work conditions at some of the state’s biggest motor home industry. The fact that IOSHA only inspected 44 of the 600 complaints is disturbing as is the lack of inspections at the Tyson plant even though four people died. This is the agency entrusted to ensure workers are in a safe environment. Yet it failed on many levels. The workers’ stories were heartbreaking, showing the price human beings pay when a state agency that is supposed to protect Hoosiers does not uphold its mission and is woefully underfunded and understaffed. This series fulfilled the journalists’ role as a watchdog in an exceptional way.

 

 

INDIANA JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

 

DANA HUNSINGER BENBOW

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGING COMMENT: Dana has a collection of stories demonstrating that sports reporting isn’t about all games and numbers. Her range is unmatched and her stories explore issues and people away from the sports pages. Through her reporting and writing, she brings the subjects of her diverse stories to life with heart and feeling. By the end of her stories, you know her subjects and understand the issues. Her Title IX stories were especially well done, covering territory that few others have explored. She dug into issue facing basketball players from the old ABA who were sick and dying without the healthcare and pensions they earned, and she touched us deeply with the story about football player Ryan Kelly and his wife’s tragedy. Her body of work is outstanding.

 

 

INDIANA STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

 

CATE CHARRON

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

JUDGING COMMENT: Cate Charron’s reporting is thorough and well-written, a series of accountability stories that speak to the difficulty of student discipline as well as the impact on victims and the campus. She provided solid, in-depth reporting around the various issues as she covered a case involving a star in one of the university’s premier programs. She showed persistence as she followed the stories for six months, challenging the policy of her college administration and providing a variety of student perspectives. Excellent work.

 

 

INDIANA JOURNALISM COURAGE AWARD

 

SHARI RUDAVSKY

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

SLAYMAKER SERVICE TO JOURNALISM AWARD

 

INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING

 

 

CHAPTER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

 

MARISSA MEADOR

 

Indiana University

 

 

RYAN COSTELLO

 

Indian University

 

 

PROFESSIONAL: TELEVISION

BEST NEWSCAST (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

13NEWS TEAM

 

13News at 5

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Wide range of news for this regularly scheduled broadcast which included breaking news, an investigative report, ongoing coverage updates of a 2017 murder in Delphi as well as drone footage to help viewers understand the scene as stated in legal affidavit.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

FOX59 STAFF

 

FOX59 News at 10

 

WXIN

 

3RD PLACE

 

AL CARL, BRADY GIBSON, ADAM KRENT and MAGGIE CONNELLY

 

WISH-TV News 8 at 6

 

WISH-TV

 

BEST NEWSCAST (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WANE STAFF

 

Mayor Arrest Video

 

WANE

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This was a very competitive category with several stations entering "big story" coverage. One station's coverage edged out the others with its comprehensive coverage of the arrest of the Fort Wayne mayor and the release of officer body cam video. The team had to comb through hours of footage released that morning and produced well-executed team coverage. Great planning and execution by all involved.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WNDU STAFF

 

16 News Now at 11: Remembering Rep. Jackie Walorski

 

WNDU

 

3RD PLACE

 

WTHI-TV STAFF

 

News 10 This Morning: Winter storm blasts the Wabash Valley

 

WTHI

 

 

BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

13NEWS TEAM

 

Walmart Warehouse Fire

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Outstanding news reporting and amazing live streaming of Walmart warehouse fire as firefighters were just starting to fight the fire, the safety of the employees was still unknown and the reporters were hearing explosions from inside the building. The drone footage cam coverage showing the damage was outstanding in relaying aerial images.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

Walmart Warehouse Fire

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

FOX59 STAFF

 

Hearing on Delphi Documents

 

WXIN

 

 

BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WNDU STAFF

 

Jackie Walorski Killed in Crash

 

WNDU

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The entry demonstrated how the WNDU team mobilized to cover a big breaking news story and how the coverage unfolded in real-time. The coverage of Rep. Jackie Walorski's death and that of 3 others was handled with compassion and reflected the tenure of their staff on-air and behind-the-scenes, as well as their deep knowledge of the community they serve. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

WNDU STAFF

 

Delphi murders arrest

 

WNDU

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

BLAKE DOLLIER

 

"He's coming our way!" Semi passenger reacts after nearly being hit head-on in a high-speed chase

 

WTHI

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

BOB SEGALL, RYAN THEDWALL AND SUSAN BATT

 

Heart Broken

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Fantastic investigation that revealed much more than what you would typically read in a lawsuit. The reporter and videographer delivered power interviews, essential and detailed graphics, a creative and explanatory standup that really educated viewers, along with tight writing and terrific editing. 

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

STEVE BROWN, JAMIE SUITER and TIM O'BRIEN

 

Protective Orders & GPS Stalking

 

WXIN

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY and BRAD FORESTAL

 

Justice Delayed

 

WRTV

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ANGELICA PICKENS, KARLI VAN CLEAVE, IAN HOOVER and TYLOR BRUMMETT

 

Fight for Public Records after Mayor's Drunk Driving Arrest

 

WPTA

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This team gets kudos for their dogged pursuit of public records the city tried hard to prevent them from getting. Their months-long effort paid off -- resulting in video showing the mayor abusing his power during a drunk driving arrest. This was a great accountability story.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

CARLI LUCA, CHRISTINE KARSTEN, DON SCHOENFELD, JAKE BILLER, CALEB STEENSMA and ERIC WINTER

 

How Safe Are Our Schools?

 

WNDU

 

3RD PLACE

 

MONICA MURPHY, MELISSA PARISH and JORDAN GOULD

 

Uncovering the bullying problem in local schools

 

WNDU

 

 

FEATURE STORY (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CHUCK LOFTON, STEVE RHODES and MEGAN SIMPSON

 

Dog Mountain

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Visually stunning piece on man's best friend. Great job!

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

SCOTT SWAN AND STEVE RHODES

 

Wok Lady

 

WTHR

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

KELSEY ANDERSON and SHEA GOODPASTER

 

500 Pit Crew

 

WRTV

 

 

FEATURE STORY (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

SADDAM ABBAS AL-ZUBAIDI

 

Carved to Last

 

WTIU

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This is a visually stunning homage to old world architecture, the techniques used to produce it, and those who buck modern trends to hold fast to skilled craftsmanship. The dreamy quality of this piece was still somehow captivating and overall a pleasure to watch.

 

2ND PLACE

 

TOM POWELL and BRENNEN WALTON

 

Last Chance for Justice

 

WPTA

 

3RD PLACE

 

ALYSSA IVANSON

 

Princess Olivia

 

WANE

 

 

DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ALEXIS ROGERS, JOY HERNANDEZ and TROY BUTLER

 

The Living Truth: The Emmett Till Special

 

WISH-TV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This entry showed the reporter's dogged pursuit of a story for decades across state lines and her refusal to accept empty and vague answers from law enforcement. Great use of file footage and photos to showcase this years-long investigation. Powerful interviews. An outstanding effort to shed light on a dark chapter in American history.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

13NEWS TEAM

 

13News Special: Delphi Murders Arrest

 

WTHR

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

Fed Ex: One Year Later

 

WRTV

 

DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

14 NEWS TEAM

 

Rise Up: Remembering the December 10, 2022, Tornado

 

WFIE

 

2ND PLACE

 

WANE STAFF

 

Inside Electric Works

 

WANE

 

3RD PLACE

 

WANE STAFF

 

Veterans' Voices

 

WANE

 

 

CONTINUING COVERAGE (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RICHARD ESSEX and BRADY GIBSON

 

The Delphi Murders

 

WISH-TV

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

FOX59 STAFF

 

The Delphi Murders: 5 Years Unsolved & Finally an Arrest

 

WXIN

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

KAITLYN KENDALL

 

Officer Burton

 

WRTV

 

 

CONTINUING COVERAGE (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WPTA STAFF

 

21Alive Continuing Coverage: Fort Wayne's Deadly Derecho

 

WPTA

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This team provided informative coverage of a weather event that impacted the entire community. Well done.

 

2ND PLACE

 

HEATHER GOOD and JAREN WEST

 

Fears history is repeating, Ukrainians watch war from afar

 

WTHI

 

3RD PLACE

 

WANE STAFF

 

Allen County Jail -- From Lawsuit to Land Purchase

 

WANE

 

 

COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

13 INVESTIGATES TEAM

 

13 Investigates: Government Watchdog

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This team’s work was thorough, in-depth, and exposed a vital issue impacting the public. The investigation was not only impactful, but well written, shot and edited bringing an otherwise boring topic to life with great storytelling and use of natural sound.

 

2ND PLACE

 

DAN SPEHLER, JAMIE SUITER, TYLER TEAL and MEGAN KRAMER

 

Questioning the Lawmakers

 

WXIN

 

3RD PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY and BRAD FORESTAL

 

Profiting From a Nonprofit

 

WRTV

 

BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ANGELA BRAUER

 

Fighting for Indiana Consumers

 

WTTV

 

2ND PLACE

 

ALLISON GORMLY, BOB SEGALL and THE 13NEWS TEAM

 

Saving You Money

 

WTHR

 

3RD PLACE

 

TANNER HOLBROOK

 

Grounded: Few Flights, Fewer Options

 

WFIE

 

EDUCATION COVERAGE (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY and BRAD FORESTAL

 

Threats to Our Schools

 

WRTV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: WRTV's entries stood out from the competition because of the station's use of graphics/music combined with in-depth reporting.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KAITLYN KENDALL and DAVE FRANKLIN

 

Education in and beyond the classroom

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

RICH NYE

 

Schools still coping with COVID

 

WTHR

 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ANGELA GANOTE and JAMIE SUITER

 

Indiana Family Learns Life-Changing News

 

WXIN

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This in-depth look at an unresolved issue was not only interesting but beautifully written and edited.

 

2ND PLACE

 

BEAIRSHELLE EDMÉ, PATRICK LYNCH and ANTHONY MOBLEY

 

Bail For One & For All

 

WXIN

 

3RD PLACE

 

KELSEY ANDERSON, JONATHON CHRISTIANS, ELDON WHEELER and MEGAN SHINN

 

No Charges in Deadly Crash

 

WRTV

 

 

COVERAGE OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CIERRA PUTMAN, DUSTIN GROVE and THE 13NEWS TEAM

 

Kids on the Edge

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Kids on the Edge is a well done, collaborative effort examining an issue that is often ignored or dismissed. The packages were not only enlightening but also shot and edited beautifully. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JEANIE LINDSAY and ALAN MBATHI

 

Rural communities rally as COVID-19 worsens child care crisis

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

3RD PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY and BRAD FORESTAL

 

Operating Without a License

 

WRTV

 

 

COVERAGE OF RACE AND DIVERSITY ISSUES (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ALIA BLACKBURN and TYLER TEAL

 

Missing Black Hoosier Women

 

WXIN

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Missing Black Hoosier Women not only investigates an issue that is underreported but do so with great storytelling and dynamic shooting and editing.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KATIERA WINFREY

 

WISH-TV

 

3RD PLACE

 

13NEWS TEAM

 

Spotlight on Women

 

WTHR

 

 

COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

EMILY LONGNECKER, CLINT ERBACHER and JOSH BLANKENSHIP

 

Giving Birth in Shackles

 

WTHR-TV

 

2ND PLACE

 

RACHAEL WILKERSON

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

PAT BEANE

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

ELECTION AND CAMPAIGN COVERAGE (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

EMILY LONGNECKER, RUSS GOVERT, RYAN THEDWALL and ADAM PYLE

 

Indiana's U.S. Senate Race

 

WTHR-TV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The Indiana Senate race coverage by WTHR was both thorough and balanced, had writing and editing that was compelling, and kept me engaged throughout.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

WRTV Election Coverage

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

WTIU NEWS

 

Young voters showed up for the 2020 election. Can they keep it up?

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

 

MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ANGELA BRAUER

 

Where are the female crash test dummies?

 

WTTV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: An important story, well-produced with superb editing.

 

2ND PLACE

 

TRICIA SLOMA, JAKE BILLER and ERIC WINTER

 

Deadly Routine: Baby Bedtime Dangers

 

WNDU

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

REBECCA THIELE and ALAN MBATHI

 

With so much support, who wants to phase out rooftop solar incentives? Answer: Indiana utilities

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This report fully explains the benefits behind the cost savings of using solar panels on your home and businesses when using net metering gains; furthermore, it also exposes the reason why Indiana utility companies have spent $3.5 million on lobbyists to discourage lawmakers from continuing solar incentives for residents.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WTIU NEWS

 

One year later: Clear Creek residents worry about future flooding

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

3RD PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY AND BRAD FORESTAL

 

Water Hogs

 

WRTV

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

13NEWS TEAM

 

Athletes to Remember

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: WTHR's selection of stories demonstrates their ability to tell stories that connect with sports fans and non-sports fans equally. The stories are people-centered and reflect the spirit of sport. Well done.

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ZACH GROTH and DANIEL BEALS

 

Dash for Dad

 

WPTA

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

CHRIS RYAN

 

WPTA

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

WANE STAFF

 

Highlight Zone

 

WANE

 

 

GENERAL NEWS OR SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

BRAD FORESTAL

 

WRTV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Brad's work reflects creativity, artistry and a deep commitment to the craft of storytelling. He clearly goes above and beyond (literally) to get shots that not just visualize a story but add to the viewer's understanding of an issue.

 

 

GENERAL NEWS OR SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ZACH GROTH

 

WPTA

 

2ND PLACE

 

SADDAM ABBAS AL-ZUBAIDI

 

WTIU

 

FEATURES NEWS VIDEOGRAPHY (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

STEVE RHODES

 

Chuck's Big Adventure -- New England

 

WTHR-TV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The winning entry grabbed me from the beginning. Well shot, well put together, very strong story telling.

 

2ND PLACE

 

STEVE RHODES

 

Spirit of China

 

WTHR-TV

 

 

FEATURES NEWS VIDEOGRAPHY (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

BRIAN CISSELL

 

WFIE

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The stories moved very well. Loved the shot selection, the use of natural sound. The piano man story was amazing. These pieces stood out in my mind more than anything. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DON SCHOENFELD

 

WNDU

 

3RD PLACE

 

DANIEL BEALS

 

21Country

 

WPTA

 

PROFESSIONAL: PRINT AND DIGITAL DIVISION

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

INDYSTAR STAFF

 

Greenwood Park Mall shooting

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Breaking news reported at its best, in-depth, informational and well told.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KIM DUNLAP

 

Delphi murders

 

Kokomo Tribune

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CASEY SMITH

 

Judge issues injunction, pausing Indiana’s near-total abortion ban

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

 

 

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

HALEY PRITCHETT

 

Impending abortion ban fills Statehouse with voices desperate to be heard

 

The Statehouse File

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Great lead and fair, unbiased reporting of a controversial subject.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

MICHELLE L. QUINN

 

Hobart apartment building shut down as uninhabitable

 

Post-Tribune

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TODD GOLDEN

 

Early morning crash kills 3 ISU students

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ADAM WREN

 

The Pursuits of Liberty

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This category was a close one to judgeWhat stood out for the winner was its sophisticated level of research and use of narrative journalism for storytelling. It was well done and the best in the category.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

Susan Orr

 

Fishers man accused of selling $230 million in dubious financial products

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Digging into PFAS and GHGs

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JAYDEN KENNETT

 

Conditions at apartment complex create health hazards

 

Indianapolis Recorder

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MARGARET CHRISTOPHERSON

 

Close relationships between Purdue, business endeavors examined

 

Lafayette Journal & Courier

 

 

NON-DEADLINE STORY OR SERIES (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ASHLEY SLOBODA

 

Subject Matters: Diversity in Schools

 

The Journal Gazette

 

JUDGE COMMENT: I love how the author immediately humanizes each story before quickly getting to the news hook. I also appreciate how she weaves together a mix of human voices and valuable data throughout the articles, making them easier to digest. Each story includes diverse perspectives, and the author adds context whenever possible. The series covers an important topic in a skillful manner.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

TONY COOK and KAITLIN LANGE

 

Coverage of BMV chief’s resignation

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

AMELIA PAK-HARVEY and CAM RODRIGUEZ

 

Coverage of Rebuilding Stronger

 

Chalkbeat Indiana

 

 

COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services, digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CASEY SMITH, WHITNEY DOWNARD and LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ

 

Coverage of 2022 Special Session

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

 

2ND PLACE

 

ALEKSANDRA APPLETON

 

Education issues at the Statehouse

 

Chalkbeat Indiana

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

PETER BLANCHARD

 

Indiana state government coverage

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

State Decisions, Local Effect

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

JUDGE COMMENT: These articles emphasize in easy-to-read language the impact that state legislation would have on the environment. This batch of entries stands out from the rest in this contest's category because of that.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JORDAN MOREY, MARILYN ODENDAHL and KATIE STANCOMBE

 

Abortion law spurs wide-ranging impacts

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

RON WILKINS

 

Investigations into and legislation addressing township trustees

 

Lafayette Journal & Courier

 

 

BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RAY COUTURE

 

Home improvement fraud

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

PETER DORFMAN

 

A Tale of Two Afghan Brothers and Their B-town Restaurants

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

The Environmental Side of Business Decisions

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

ROB BURGESS

 

Wabash Plain Dealer

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CHLOE MCGOWAN

 

Black-owned botanical shop

 

Indianapolis Recorder

 

 

EDUCATION REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ARIKA HERRON

 

Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Exceptional reporting on numerous topics that Indiana schools, boards and legislature faced in 2022 that included full coverage of the anti-CRT national political movement and the possible implementation of "divisive concepts" policies teachers were facing. Great investigation work on Purdue University’s possible IPA violations against out-of-state students. Cultivated a wide variety of great sources and interviews of experts, school officials, academics, teachers, and parents for these articles.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

AMELIA PAK-HARVEY

 

Covering students in Indianapolis

 

Chalkbeat Indiana

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

LEE V. GAINES

 

WFYI

 

 

EDUCATION REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ZACH PIATT

 

Richmond Palladium-Item

 

2ND PLACE

 

MARILYN ODENDAHL

 

Changes coming to U.S. News law school rankings

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

TONY COOK, RYAN MARTIN and DAYEON EOM

 

Two young mothers died of overdoses

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Exceptional criminal justice reporting outside the realm of law enforcement as the key source for information. The Indy Star reporters, the family members of the victims and local Fox News partnership were instrumental in recognizing that the deaths were possible homicides rather than accidental overdoses of drugs. The reporting was thorough with eyewitness reports and creating a timeline with the use of social media posts with family members/friends.

 

2ND PLACE

 

HOUSTON HARWOOD, THOMAS B. LANGHORNE and JON WEBB

 

Was an attorney's arrest covered up?

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

3RD PLACE

 

SARAH NELSON

 

Indianapolis Star

 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

OLIVIA COVINGTON

 

Indianapolis attorney charged in Capitol riot

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Olivia Covington explicitly meet her readership's need for full and detailed information on the Indianapolis lawyer who was charged in Capitol riot. From the introduction of the charges, the defendant's attorney ask for criminal charges to be dropped to the lawyer’s decision to request a bench trial was reported in a timely and steadfast manner.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DOUGLAS WALKER

 

Muncie Star Press

 

 

COVERAGE OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES (Publication circulation 10,000+, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

DYLAN PEERS MCCOY and KATRINA PROSS

 

Juvenile detention in Indiana

 

WFYI

 

JUDGE COMMENT: In an excellent category, this two-part series on juvenile justice particularly shines. Vivid comments from young people and their families give the issues urgency and humanity.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JEANIE LINDSAY, ALAN MBATHI

 

Rural Hoosier communities rally as COVID-19 worsens child care crisis for parents, providers

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CASEY SMITH

 

Indiana lawmakers weigh increased funding for school districts with at-risk, low-income students

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

 

 

COVERAGE OF RACE AND DIVERSITY ISSUES (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services, digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

SUSAN ORR, MICKEY SHUEY, SAM STALL and TAYLOR WOOTEN

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

2ND PLACE

 

CARMEN SIERING

 

The Eaglesons: A Legendary Black Family

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

COVERAGE OF RACE AND DIVERSITY ISSUES (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MICHELLE L. QUINN

 

Purdue Northwest chancellor under fire for crude Asian impression

 

Post-Tribune

 

JUDGE COMMENT: I feel all of the topics in this section are great, with Michelle L. Quinn's work having the best quality of journalism. Her series follows one event and the subsequent repercussions.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

SUE LOUGHLIN

 

Polarized politics roil debate over transgender rights

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

 

COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JOSEPH S. PETE

 

Union issues

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Powerful series covering the efforts of local unions. Great work.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

SUSAN M. BRACKNEY

 

What to Do if You or a Friend is About to Become Homeless

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CAROLE CARLSON

 

Title IX at 50: Women have come a long way in sports -- but there's still a glaring need for progress

 

Post-Tribune

 

 

COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Hoosiers Facing Environmental Injustice

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Strong, powerful coverage of such important and emotional social issues. Inspired.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

RECORDER STAFF

 

Herman Whitfield III

 

Indianapolis Recorder

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

LAURA LANE

 

The Herald Times

 

 

ELECTION AND CAMPAIGN COVERAGE (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

THOMAS B. LANGHORNE

 

Vanderburgh County prosecutor re-election

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Langhorne's coverage of a Vanderburgh County prosecutor up for reelection is a great example of local political reporting. This is where so many local politicians get away with corruption. The less funding in local newspapers, the more we will see this is our elected leaders. Langhorne did a great job following this story. 

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

CARLEY LANICH

 

Conservative challengers to Penn-Harris-Madison school board

 

South Bend Tribune

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TOM DAVIES

 

Republican establishment holds off Indiana legislative challengers

 

The Associated Press

 

 

MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WHITNEY DOWNARD

 

Indiana’s EMS falls short in covering rural areas

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KYLIE VELETA

 

The Business of Science

 

Inside Indiana Business

 

 

MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

JUDGE COMMENT: What stood out for the winner was the environmental impact and public health threat of the subject he covered, PFAS. The work was extensive and compelling. One focused specifically on those in most danger — children. Another provided a broader scope of the problem. Well done.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JACK SELLS

 

More pregnancies will mean more deaths -- but numbers are difficult to pin down

 

The Statehouse File

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

ROB BURGESS

 

Wabash Plain Dealer

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

REBECCA THIELE and ALAN MBATHI

 

With so much support, who wants to phase out rooftop solar incentives? Answer: Indiana utilities

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

2ND PLACE

 

CASEY SMITH

 

Midwest environmental reporting

 

The Associated Press

 

3RD PLACE

 

LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Tracking the Hoosier State's Environmental Problems and Decisions

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

JUDGE COMMENT: All entrants provided well written and researched work. What stood out for the winner was the environmental impact and public health threat of the subjects he covered: toxic air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, water pollution, wetlands protection, and PFAS chemicals. The work was extensive and compelling.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

ROB BURGESS

 

Wabash Plain Dealer

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JAYDEN KENNETT

 

Coal ash landfill in Michigan City

 

Indianapolis Recorder

 

 

FEATURES WRITING (Newspapers circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RORY APPLETON

 

The beer helped!

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This piece is entertaining, memorable and ridiculous. Great job!

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

TIM EVANS

 

Who Killed Ann?

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JERRY DAVICH

 

The story of Lily, a baby born to teen parents only to die in infancy

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

 

FEATURES WRITING (Magazines and non-daily newspapers)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JOHN LINNEMEIER

 

Traveling to Nonexistent Countries

 

The Ryder Magazine

 

JUDGE COMMENT: A thoroughly entertaining look into the travels of one man who is reluctantly approaching "geezerhood."

 

2ND PLACE

 

CARMEN SIERING

 

75 Years Ago, Bloomington Was the Sex Capital of America

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MARY MILZ

 

A Tragic Symmetry

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

 

PERSONALITY PROFILE (Magazines and non-daily newspapers)

 

1ST PLACE

 

PETER DORFMAN

 

All About Joe Lee

 

Bloom Magazine

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This entry is a well written and in depth look into the entertaining life and experiences of Joe Lee.

 

2ND PLACE

 

NANCY HENDERSON

 

Providence Over Coincidence

 

Super Lawyers Magazine

 

 

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING (Publication circulation above 10,000, wire services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RORY APPLETON

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

TONY REHAGEN

 

Fabio Goes Shopping

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JOSEPH S. PETE

 

Sparkle House and other arts initiatives

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

 

EDITORIAL WRITING (All publications and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

GREG WEAVER

 

It's time to raise the cigarette tax

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The point of the editorial was quite clear from the beginning and throughout the article; need to help stop Hoosiers from smoking and can help by raising cigarette tax. Great call to action by author; provided strong solutions and provided statistical information to substantiate the findings.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

GREG WEAVER

 

Pharmacy middlemen merit tougher scrutiny, regulations

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

SCOTT L. MILEY

 

How did legislators deal with some fears, duties

 

The Herald Bulletin

 

 

COLUMN WRITING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JERRY DAVICH

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Excellent at-the-scene, enterprise reporting in the Gary neighborhood where shootings took place.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KELLY HAWES

 

CNHI News Indiana

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JULIA SPALDING

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

 

COLUMN WRITING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

LISA RENZE-RHODES

 

Offer It Up: An essay on gratitude

 

Indy Maven

 

JUDGE COMMENT: A touching story of how a mother's love and life lessons span generations even decades after her death.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOHN KRULL

 

The Statehouse File

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MARK BENNETT

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, wire services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAVID WOODS

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: It's one thing to be handed a shocking story like the charges of abuse at Huntington University. It's another to do the massive legwork, breaking down barriers to get people to talk, the way David Woods did. His work still wasn't done. He had to explain it in a readable fashion, laying out the facts in such a way that one paragraph was more shocking than the one before, while not going overboard. No question the best single piece of all the entries.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

NATHAN BROWN

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JOEL ERICKSON

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ZACH PIATT

 

Richmond Palladium-Item

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

COREY STOLZENBACH

 

Dubois County Herald

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

DAN HARNEY

 

Hagerstown Baseball Little League World Series

 

Western Wayne News

 

 

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

GREGG DOYEL

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: It's virtually unheard of to see NFL owners opening up the way the Irsays did for Gregg Doyel on a personal, important topic. Great use of strong quotes that can only come from asking the right questions.

 

2ND PLACE

 

MIKE LOPRESTI

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MIKE BERARDINO

 

South Bend Tribune

 

PROFESSIONAL: PHOTOGRAPHY, DESIGN AND GRAPHICS

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JEREMY HOGAN

 

Captured!

 

Bloom Magazine

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This photo is a high energy image of many elements of breaking news photography including a suspect, police officers, emergency vehicles and bystanders. Exceptional work with a telephoto lens to gather all elements into one photo.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JEREMY HOGAN

 

The Big Picture: "Work-In"

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TIM BATH

 

Kokomo Tribune

 

 

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Loviscek Funeral

 

The Herald Times

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This photo shows a lot of respect from the photojournalist in that it was shot far enough away not to interfere with the funeral. So many great stories in this photo from the grieving family members to the man saluting in the background. Well-composed photo; respectfully taken.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Homeless Vigil

 

The Herald Times

 

 

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JENNA WATSON

 

College Football Playoff National Championship

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: While sports photography is about action, it's also about drama. Those rare photos that can capture both deserve high praise. In this case, a unique angle and a rare moment of pure joy is enough.

 

2ND PLACE

 

MICHELLE PEMBERTON

 

Girl kicker

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

GRACE HOLLARS

 

Take the field

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RACHEL HILLIGOSS MOORE

 

Walk-Off Feeling

 

Western Wayne News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The best photos integrate seamlessly into a story, and the design here is as much a winner as the shot. But they play so well together, the results dare you not to dive into the words nearby.

 

2ND PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

DJ Matthews Eyes Catch

 

The Herald Times

 

3RD PLACE

 

BOBBY GODDIN

 

Baseball Slide

 

The Herald-Times

 

 

FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

KELLY WILKINSON

 

Eid Al-Fitr

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

2ND PLACE

 

JEREMY HOGAN

 

Flipped Off

 

Bloom Magazine

 

3RD PLACE

 

MACABE BROWN

 

Rain-soaked graduate

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

 

FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Champagne Popping at Sample Gates

 

The Herald Times

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The winning photography told a whole story in one photo.

 

2ND PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Luna Magick

 

The Herald Times

 

 

NEWSPAPER PAGE ONE DESIGN (all newspapers)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MAX GERSH

 

Greenwood Park Mall shooting

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: In just one photo, the Star managed to convey so much more than any other entrants.

 

2ND PLACE

 

AUDREY PELSOR AND SARAH ELLIS

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

3RD PLACE

 

ALICIA MORGAN

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

 

MAGAZINE COVER DESIGN (all magazines or periodicals)

 

1ST PLACE

 

STEPHANIE REEVES AND JOE LEE

 

Bloom Magazine

 

2ND PLACE

 

TODD URBAN

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

3RD PLACE

 

ALICIA MORGAN

 

Terre Haute Living

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

 

DESIGN OTHER THAN COVER (All print media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

TODD URBAN

 

The Ups and Downs of Daniel Larsen

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Clean. Simple. Easy to view with a strong focal point.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ALICIA MORGAN

 

Legislative graphic

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

STEPHANIE REEVES

 

All About Joe Lee

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JOE LEE

 

Joe Lee's Triple Self-Portrait

 

Bloom Magazine

 

2ND PLACE

 

MIKE CAGLE

 

Can We Keep Him, Mom? Please??

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MELANIE ROBERTS

 

PFAS Sources

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

2ND PLACE

 

MELANIE ROBERTS

 

Monarch Butterfly Waystations

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

3RD PLACE

 

BRAD TURNER

 

Algorithmic accountability

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

MULTIPLE PICTURE GROUP (All publications)

 

1ST PLACE

 

GRACE HOLLARS

 

Month of May

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Excellent variety that show strong composition and rule of thirds. Nice job with captions to support a strong month of producing reader friendly photographs.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DENNY SIMMONS

 

Battling Back

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

3RD PLACE

 

DENNY SIMMONS

 

So Many Cats

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

PROFESSIONAL: BOOKS

NON-FICTION BOOK

 

1ST PLACE

 

NICOLE MARTINEZ-LeGRAND and DANIEL GONZALES

 

Hoosier Latinos: A Century of Struggle, Service, and Success

 

Indiana Historical Society Press

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The entrants in this category demonstrated impressive prowess in Non-Fiction Book writing. The first-place winner, Hoosier Latinos: A Century of Struggle, Service, and Success, is a highly informative, well written and researched book on the struggles and accomplishments of Indiana’s Latino community. The subject was expertly handled by the writers.

2ND PLACE

 

JOSEPH S. PETE

 

Secret Northwest Indiana

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

PROFESSIONAL: ONLINE / MULTIMEDIA

BEST NEWSLETTER

 

1ST PLACE

 

INDY MAVEN STAFF

 

Indy Maven Newsletter

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Clean, creative and fun -- an easy, interesting read.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

INDIANA LAWYER STAFF

 

Indiana Lawyer Daily

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CHALKBEAT INDIANA STAFF

 

Chalkbeat Indiana newsletters

 

 

BEST PODCAST

 

1ST PLACE

 

HERMAN "BUTCH" SLAUGHTER, KYLE LONG

 

Echoes of Indiana Avenue

 

WFYI

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This podcast, chock full of historical information, is a music lover's dream.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

MASON KING

 

IBJ Podcast

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MICHAEL ROBERTS, ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

On Air with IER

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

 

BEST JOURNALISM WEBSITE

 

1ST PLACE

 

NIKI KELLY, CASEY SMITH, WHITNEY DOWNARD and LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Clean design and strong coverage -- overall, easy to navigate with great balance of multimedia elements.

 

2ND PLACE

 

INDY MAVEN STAFF

 

Indy Maven

 

3RD PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

WRTV

 

 

BEST ONLINE MULTIMEDIA

 

1ST PLACE

 

LAUREN CHAPMAN

 

2022 Indiana Voting Guide

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

JUDGE COMMENT: A true multifaceted voting guide - definition of an online multimedia piece. 

 

 

BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

 

1ST PLACE

 

KYRA HOWARD, MAGGIE MCGUIRE, JACK SELLS, SYDNEY BYERLY and TABBY FITZGERALD

 

TheStatehouseFile.com on Twitter: Election Night 2022

 

TheStatehouseFile.com

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The Statehouse File's social media presence managed to use less words and bulky text while offering more personality and piquing more interest.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WFYI STAFF

 

WFYI Twitter Spaces

 

WFYI

 

PROFESSIONAL: RADIO DIVISION

RADIO BEST NEWSCAST

 

1ST PLACE

 

CHRIS DAVIS, DONNIE BURGESS, MATT BAIR

 

WIBC

 

JUDGE COMMENT: On-the-scene reporting, very local, and with an appropriate sense of immediacy.

 

 

RADIO BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE

 

1ST PLACE

 

MICHAEL GALLENBERGER

 

Franciscan's Hammond ER Shuts Down

 

Lakeshore Public Radio

 

 

RADIO IN-DEPTH REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

DONNIE BURGESS

 

Child Sex Crimes in Indiana

 

WIBC

 

2ND PLACE

 

WFIU NEWS

 

Travel nurses thrive as hospitals budget third-party staffing fees

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

3RD PLACE

 

WFIU NEWS

 

One year later: Clear Creek residents worry about future flooding

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

 

RADIO CONTINUING COVERAGE

 

1ST PLACE

 

INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING NEWS

 

Coverage of Indiana's abortion debate 2022

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

ELIZABETH GABRIEL

 

Indianapolis Public Schools' major overhaul faces opposition

 

WFYI

 

3RD PLACE

 

WIBC STAFF

 

Roe v. Wade and Indiana

 

WIBC

 

 

RADIO PUBLIC AFFAIRS

 

1ST PLACE

 

LEE V. GAINES, ELIZABETH GABRIEL, AMELIA PAK-HARVEY AND CAM RODRIGUEZ

 

Politics and non-partisan school board elections collide

 

WFYI

 

2ND PLACE

 

BOB ZALTSBERG, SARA WITTMEYER, NATHAN MOORE AND CATHY KNAPP

 

Air pollution, rising temperatures and more have many asking what can we do

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

 

RADIO FEATURE STORY

 

1ST PLACE

 

WFIU NEWS TEAM

 

The "Goldfish Capital of the World" might be closer than you think

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This well-produced piece explores the nearly forgotten history of the goldfish industry.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

AMY GASTELUM

 

The Healing Garden

 

Making Contact / International Media Project

 

3RD PLACE

 

SARAH VAUGHAN

 

"BioBlitz" finds new inhabitants at Beanblossom preserve

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

 

RADIO DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL

 

1ST PLACE

 

CLARENCE BOONE AND LIZ MITCHELL

 

Police Shootings and the Black Community

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

2ND PLACE

 

CHRIS DAVIS

 

EF4: The Power of the Henryville Tornado

 

WIBC

 

3RD PLACE

 

MIA BEACH, HUGH FARRELL

 

Partisan Gardens: The Farmworker Caravan

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

STUDENT: PRINT AND DIGITAL DIVISION

STUDENT BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

Man identified, charged after hours long underground barricade

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

EXPONENT STAFF

 

Student allegedly stabs roommate to death

 

Purdue Exponent

 

 

STUDENT NON-DEADLINE NEWS

 

1ST PLACE

 

NIC NAPIER

 

‘We have seen the worst’: Bloomington nurses face pandemic burnout, pushing some to leave

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOE DUHOWNIK

 

Fentanyl: Hidden poison hits home

 

Purdue Exponent

 

 

STUDENT INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

CATE CHARRON

 

Dissonance in due process

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Excellent in-depth reporting and follow ups. A lot of voice represented for a well-rounded story.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOE DUHOWNIK

 

A mysterious death

 

Purdue Exponent

 

 

STUDENT COVERAGE OF RACE AND DIVERSITY ISSUES

 

1ST PLACE

 

EXPONENT STAFF

 

Black student accuses Purdue officer of using excessive force

 

Purdue Exponent

 

 

STUDENT FEATURE STORY

 

1ST PLACE

 

GRAYSON JOSLIN

 

Mapping Out Munseetown

 

Ball State Daily News

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

LAUREN ULRICH

 

She dreams of Afghanistan

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

STUDENT SPORTS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

NIC NAPIER AND NADIA SCHARF

 

Big Bucks, Big Buyouts: Big Ten schools spend millions clearing coaching rosters

 

Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

EVAN GERIKE

 

‘The program is doomed’: Players say Indiana volleyball coach Steve Aird created a culture of fear

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

STUDENT EDITORIAL WRITING

 

1ST PLACE

 

KAITLYN RADDE

 

‘Shame on their lawyers’ IU’s violations of public access laws show contempt for transparency

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The winning entry demonstrates a level of reporting that far exceeds that of a standard newspaper. The writer has a bright future in courts and editorial reporting.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

HANNAH HADLEY

 

Student government needs to advocate for students–not just put on events

 

The Reflector

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

OLIVIA PASTRICK

 

Are UIndy meal plans worth the money?

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT COLUMN WRITING

 

1ST PLACE

 

GRAYSON JOSLIN

 

Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The winning submission is at once brave, thoughtful and important, and boasts a strong command of language and syntax. I look forward to seeing this writer’s work on a bigger platform.

 

 

STUDENT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

ELI HOUSER

 

Latinxpalooza during Ball State’s 2022 Unity Week

 

Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Good composition adds to the action caught in the photograph to help tell the story. Nice contrast in the color and content of the image.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ELIOT AUST

 

Tai Verdes veers from Valpo Vibes contract

 

The Torch

 

3RD PLACE

 

ELIOT AUST

 

Valparaiso President Padilla on the Scene

 

The Torch

 

STUDENT SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

GABE EASTRIDGE

 

Toriano Clinton

 

The Reflector

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DAVID HICKEY

 

Emily Mathews tracks a loose ball

 

Purdue Exponent

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

ELIOT AUST

 

MVC Conference Champions

 

The Torch

 

 

STUDENT FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

RYLAN CAPPER

 

From Humble Beginnings

 

Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Good use of lighting to add a soft effect to the mood of the photograph.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

NATHAN ABBOTT

 

Earthen Exploration

 

Ball Bearings Magazine

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

KALENGA JUMA

 

Freshman braiding business

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT PAGE ONE OR COVER DESIGN

 

1ST PLACE

 

ALEX BRACKEN

 

The Senses Issue

 

Ball Bearings Magazine

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Strong visual impact with the cropping and colorization of the image. Excellent contrast in the colors to catch the reader's eye. Well done!

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

RYLAN CAPPER

 

'Truly Overwhelmed'

 

Ball State Daily News

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

HOLLY GASKILL AND MARKUS MILLER

 

The Echo Front Page

 

The Echo

 

 

STUDENT BEST DESIGN OTHER THAN PAGE ONE OR COVER

 

1ST PLACE

 

MAGGIE GETZIN

 

Brain Drain

 

Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Good perspective and contrast between the designed/art headline and the illustrations. Nice use of the folding pages to pull the reader into the package. Good visual design for the definition of brain drain to contrast the pulled quote and story. Nice job of packaging.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KAELYNN SHULTZ

 

Winter Fashion

 

The Echo

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MIA LEHMKUHL

 

Nov. 9 Opinion Page

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT GRAPHICS OR ILLUSTRATION

 

1ST PLACE

 

MAGGIE GETZIN

 

Memorializing Black Mamba

 

Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Excellent research that is highlighted with good contrast in the type and information to pull you through the infographic. Well done job of packaging with a strong focal point and eye flow to pull you through the package.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

BREANNA EMMETT

 

Inflation infographic

 

The Reflector

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JULIETTE ALBERT

 

Mellow teenage rebellion

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

STUDENT BEST JOURNALISM WEBSITE

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

idsnews.com

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Newsy. Easy to navigate. Excellent variety of stories with good breakers for presentation. Great to see the diversity in the coverage.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DAILY NEWS STAFF

 

ballstatedailynews.com

 

Ball State Daily News

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

SEAN ENGLISH

 

Purdue FastTrack News

 

 

STUDENT BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

Man identified, charged after hours long underground barricade

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Excellent use of Twitter by the Indiana Daily Student to cover an ongoing and breaking news. Impressive 24 tweets.

 

 

STUDENT BEST NEWSLETTER

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

IDS IU Basketball Newsletter

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The winner's newsletter provided a great balance between text, links, and images, providing an all-around better reading experience.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

IDS Daily Rundown

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

STUDENT: TELEVISION

STUDENT TELEVISION BEST NEWSCAST

 

1ST PLACE

 

NEWSLINK INDIANA STAFF

 

Special Report: Senate Bill One

 

NewsLink Indiana

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Newslink presented a well-done student production. Well explained stories, interesting soundbites, good energy from anchors and reporters. The newscast also featured nice production values.

 

2ND PLACE

 

GILLIAN LINTZ and MASON FRIDLEY

 

Andersonian Newscast

 

The Andersonian

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION NEWS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

ANNA CHALKER

 

Muncie 4-year-old's accidental death

 

NewsLink Indiana

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Well-done, thorough reporting delivered in an engaging manner. Appropriate energy.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ABBY MYERS, MADDIE KAMATS, JAEDEN ROUSSEY and STAFF

 

Purdue Police Incident with Black Student

 

Purdue University Fast Track News

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION FEATURES REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

NAOMI YODER, ETHAN COPPEL and TREVOR CEBULSKIE

 

Laurie

 

Taylor University

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Many good entries in this category. "Laurie" was just a slight cut above. Very heartwarming story told through a series of soundbites. Beautifully shot and edited. Very well done.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

EMILY CROSIER, NICOLE BIRKEY and BLAKE FAUGHNAN

 

Six Feet Above

 

Taylor University

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

DAULTON COX

 

A Set Above: Quinn Isaacson

 

Ball State Sports Link

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION SPORTS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY BROADCASTING STAFF

 

Sports Buzz

 

Vincennes University Broadcasting

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION VIDEOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

PEYTON MONNELL

 

Ball State Sports Link

 

STUDENT: RADIO

STUDENT RADIO NEWS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

ADELE REICH

 

This Indiana fall brings dry conditions and dry rivers

 

Indiana Public Radio

 

 

STUDENT RADIO SPORTS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

ONYI AFOAKU

 

50 Years of Title IX: IU’s Mission to Support Women’s Sports

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

2ND PLACE

 

ONYI AFOAKU

 

Local Researcher Hopes Head Trauma Study Will Make High School Football Safer

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

3RD PLACE

 

ISREAL HALE

 

David Letterman announces partnership with Ball State Esports and racing team

 

Indiana Public Radio

 

 

STUDENT RADIO FEATURES REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

KAYAN TARA

 

Ongoing complications with rezoning potential new jail leaves little hope

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

Cameras in Courtroom Discussion

On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is hosting a conversation about the cameras being allowed in the courtroom on May 1, 2023 under the amended Rule 2.17.

Marion County Judge Marc Rothenberg, Delaware County Judge Marianne Vorhees, and administrative officials from the Indiana Supreme Court will be answering your questions about the rule and the procedures.

The conversation will stream live on the Indiana Pro SPJ Facebook page starting at 7 p.m. Journalists will be able to share their questions during the discussion, which will be moderated by CBS4’s Bob Donaldson.

Be sure to join the discussion so you can be prepared for the rules and regulations when courtrooms start allowing cameras on May 1.

Tickets on Sale Now for the 2022 Best in Indiana Journalism Awards Banquet

Thanks to everyone who submitted entries for this year's Best in Indiana journalism contest. It was another great showing and the competition was fierce! Most of the winner notifications have been delivered. Please check your spam filters. 

Ticket sales are now open for the awards banquet on Friday, April 21 at the 502 East event center in Carmel, IN. This is a chance to reconnect with professional and student colleagues from broadcast, print and online newsrooms as we celebrate Indiana's best journalism work. 

Buy your tickets or table today so we can guarantee your place. It's still only $50 for pro tickets or $45 for student tickets. Reserve a sponsor table of 10 seats for $500. The deadline for tickets is April 10, 2023.

Indy Pro SPJ celebrates the 2021 award winners

BEST OF INDIANA JOURNALISM

 

2021 AWARD WINNERS

 

 

SPECIAL HONORS

INDIANA STORY OF THE YEAR

 

TIM EVANS, RYAN MARTIN, ROBERT SCHEER AND KO LYN CHEANG

 

Death Sentence

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Comprehensive. Compeling. The reporters use a combination of records, interviews and great story telling to make this a fascinating read.

 

 

INDIANA JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

 

LAUREN CHAPMAN

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: In a very, very close competition, Lauren Chapman wins for her dogged, relevant, detailed, human coverage of Covid. It's the story that affected (and still does) almost everyone in her area, the USA and the world. From guidelines (and their changes), to tragic facts about infections and deaths, charts and maps she provided the info people needed -- and she worked to dispel misinformation. Further, she built a digital tracker to report racial and gender groups in coverage -- and she made it available to other reporters in the state. Her work was crisp, concise, easy to grasp. 

 

 

INDIANA STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

 

ENTERPRISE DESK 

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The Indiana Daily Student Enterprise desk does amazing work. The ability to employee in-depth reporting with sophisticated presentations would be the envy of most top collegiate newsrooms in the nation.

 

 

SLAYMAKER SERVICE TO JOURNALISM AWARD

 

STEVE KEY

 

Hoosier State Press Association

 

 

FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD

 

MARK WILSON

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

 

INDIANA JOURNALISM COURAGE AWARD

 

STEVE SANDERS

 

Indiana University

 

 

PROFESSIONAL: PRINT AND DIGITAL DIVISION

 

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

INDIANAPOLIS STAR STAFF

 

Shooting at FedEx facility near Indianapolis Airport

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The Star’s coverage was massive, thorough and timely. In addition to reporting the facts -- lots of them -- reporters painted portraits of the victims, four of them from the Sikh community. The profiles were very good; the sadness was very obvious.

 

2ND PLACE

 

CASEY SMITH AND RICK CALLAHAN

 

Indianapolis FedEx shooting

 

The Associated Press

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JOSEPH S. PETE

 

Kyrin Carter search ends in tragedy

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

 

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

HERALD-TIMES STAFF

 

June flood

 

The Herald-Times

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Among several solid entries in this category, The Herald-Times staff coverage of the June flood stands out. Reporters hustled to report the event live, then chased multiple angles as the water receded. The Herald-Times coverage of this event reveals a care for and knowledge of its community. 

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

LISA TRIGG

 

Police officer shot, killed

 

Tribune-Star

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MARILYN ODENDAHL

 

Prosecutor drops death penalty in death of Southport officer

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

TIM EVANS, RYAN MARTIN, KO LYN CHEANG AND ROBERT SCHEER

 

Death Sentence

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This comprehensive series sheds light on a horrible problem and does so with finesse and compassion. Even those who haven’t thought twice about how offenders are treated will agree what’s happening in Indiana jails isn’t right after reading about Jerod Draper. The combination of storytelling, video and interviews knocks it out of the park. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

STEPHANIE WANG

 

Charter school pitch left out lawsuits, touted questionable degrees

 

Chalkbeat

 

3RD PLACE

 

MICHAEL RUBINO, JULIA SPALDING AND DEREK ROBERTSON

 

Half Baked

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

LAURA LANE

 

The life and death of Malik Malik

 

The Herald-Times

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The reporting on the Malik Malik case was thorough and shined a light on not only what happened when he died in the fiery crash but also what transpired before and after his death. Great job piecing together what really happened in the hectic sequence of events of the chase, the fire and his death. Efficient use of public records digging contributed greatly to the story told.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Tracking how HUD failed thousands of needy residents

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

3RD PLACE

 

RON WILKINS

 

Trustee Teising found guilty of 21 counts of theft

 

Lafayette Journal & Courier

 

 

NON-DEADLINE STORY OR SERIES (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

HOLLY HAYS

 

No sanctuary

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent investigative journalism that spurred meaningful change; thorough and well reported; good use of open records to obtain documentation of claims; the sidebar stories added clarity and provided readers with information they needed to understand a sensitive and complicated issue

 

2ND PLACE

 

VIC RYCKAEERT

 

The short, tragic life of Nakota Kelly

 

WRTV

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

Jill Sheridan

 

Here's What Being Done To End Homelessness In Indianapolis

 

WFYI

 

 

NON-DEADLINE STORY OR SERIES (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

TYLER FENWICK, BREANNA COOPER, OSEYE BOYD

 

Poverty: ‘It takes a toll’

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The thorough examination of the complex but incredibly important issue of poverty earned top honors in this competitive category.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

OLIVIA COVINGTON, MARILYN ODENDAHL AND KATIE STANCOMBE

 

The law and the FedEx shooter

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

REBECCA R. BIBBS

 

General Motors Black History Month Package

 

The Herald Bulletin

 

 

COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JANET WILLIAMS, BILL THEOBALD AND KEVIN MORGAN

 

Indiana Citizen Redistricting Project

 

The Indiana Citizen

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This is a thorough job explaining Indiana's redistricting -- the process, the consequences and more.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

SARAH BOWMAN AND LONDON GIBSON

 

Politics and the Environment

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TOM DAVIES

 

Indiana's Redistricting Turmoil

 

The Associated Press

 

 

COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MARILYN ODENDAHL

 

The politics of confirmation

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: "The politics of confirmation" introduced readers to a process that matters to everyone but which so few know anything about. Well explained. Thorough. Detailed.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

MARILYN ODENDAHL

 

The redistricting process

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

OLIVIA COVINGTON AND MARILYN ODENDAHL

 

Changes to judicial selection in northern Indiana

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

KO LYN CHEANG

 

Lakeside Pointe

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Cheang's reporting is at once deeply emotional, showing the plight of some of Indiana's least-resourced people having to live in squalid conditions due to an absentee landlord. It's also a strong analysis of landlord-friendly laws that make it hard for even the chief legal officer of the state to make sure the state's residents aren't living in dangerous and miserable conditions.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOSEPH S. PETE

 

Franciscan Health Hospital to be shrunk

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

3RD PLACE

 

MICKEY SHUEY

 

Tourism and development coverage

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CARSON GERBER

 

Beck's Hybrids

 

Kokomo Tribune

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Gerber's story on this land sale shows what local business journalism can excel at: taking complex economic factors well beyond the city or county lines and explain how they affect people living within those lines. He blends a lively narrative lede with an explanation the broader factors of how the bidders ended up having to shell out for this piece of prime land.

 

2ND PLACE

 

BORIS LADWIG

 

Adapting to supply and labor shortages

 

The Herald-Times

 

3RD PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Tracking the Business Side of Environmental Affairs

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

 

EDUCATION REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

LEE V. GAINES, DYLAN PEERS MCCOY

 

Indiana violated federal law with emergency special ed licenses

 

WFYI

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: McCoy and Gaines reported that Indiana granted thousands of emergency special education teaching licenses over four years -- in violation of the law. Officials checked and answered: "Oversight." But one emergency teacher offered a bit more insight: "I was scared to death. There was no training, and you were just put in a room, and you were on your own."

 

2ND PLACE

 

STEPHANIE WANG

 

Education coverage

 

Chalkbeat

 

3RD PLACE

 

ALEKSANDRA APPLETON

 

Education coverage

 

Chalkbeat

 

 

EDUCATION REPORTING (PUBLICATION CIRCULATION BELOW 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

SUE LOUGHLIN

 

Education Reporting

 

Tribune-Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: A nice mix of stories showing this reporter's depth in education reporting. Solid writing just adds to the strength of the entry

 

2ND PLACE

 

ROB BURGESS

 

Education Reporting 

 

Wabash Plain Dealer

 

3RD PLACE

 

TYLER FENWICK

 

Incident with officer left Black teacher ‘stressed and anxious’

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

TONY COOK AND JOHNNY MAGDALENO

 

Red Flagged

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Red Flag laws can sound like better ideas than they prove to be. Tony Cook and Johnny Magdaleno summed it up in the chilling words a couple heard when their 16-year-old granddaughter called: "Dad shot Mom."

 

2ND PLACE

 

MARK WILSON

 

The Cost of Freedom

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

SARAH NELSON

 

Public safety reporting

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

LAURA LANE

 

The Herald-Times

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Lane excels at amplifying the voice of community sources in her reporting. Her reporting provides the essential facts of the crimes she reports, but it goes much deeper, bringing out the personalities involved and the human experience of the cases. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

AMY LaVALLEY

 

Seen at the Capitol riot: Hammond man awaits drug sentencing

 

Post-Tribune

 

3RD PLACE

 

DOUGLAS WALKER

 

Criminal Justice in Delaware County

 

Muncie Star Press

 

 

COVERAGE OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CARTER BARRETT

 

Series on children's mental health

 

WFYI - Side Effects, Bridge Michigan

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Carter Barrett did a fine job of telling us what we don't want to hear: "Mom, I don't know why I'm crying," the young person says, typifying the growing need for mental health services for the young. Want to sign up? Good luck. Get ready for lengthy searches, waitlists, retiring medical professionals, etc. And then came Covid.

 

2ND PLACE

 

HOLLY HAYS

 

Children issues coverage

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

CARSON TERBUSH

 

Kindergarten summer program gives kids an edge

 

Chalkbeat

 

 

COVERAGE OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

FARAH YOUSRY

 

To raise kids around here, ‘It takes a little love, lots of prayer’ and a football coach who cares

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Farah Yousry described the difficulty for a man who grew up in a minority neighborhood: "It takes a little love, lots of prayer," and a football coach who cares. For her subject, that was a winning formula.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

TYLER FENWICK

 

‘I hate COVID’: Younger children roll up their sleeves for vaccine

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

3RD PLACE

 

MARILYN ODENDAHL

 

Mom celebrates reunification with son after 10-year battle

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

COVERAGE OF MINORITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ISSUES (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This sustained and thorough reporting on business-related diversity and inclusion issues was clear, compelling and factually researched and cited. The body of work is effective at increasing awareness of the need for increased equity and access.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KAITLIN LANGE

 

Race and the Indiana General Assembly

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

ALEXANDRIA BURRIS

 

Homeowner fights for fair home appraisal

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

COVERAGE OF MINORITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ISSUES (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CARMEN SIERING AND TRACY ZOLLINGER TURNER

 

Black Women of Bloomington: Recognizing Their Accomplishments & Contributions

 

Bloom Magazine

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: What a triumphant, comprehensive series of profiles of outstanding Black Women in Bloomington. Culturally competent amplification of these women's voices. Very timely, interesting and accessible.

 

2ND PLACE

 

CARMEN SIERING

 

Bloomington's Latino Community

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CAROL KUGLER

 

Transgender Baptist ordained

 

The Herald-Times

 

 

MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

LONDON GIBSON AND JENNA WATSON

 

Joy In Jeopardy

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: In a category with many outstanding entries, "Joy in Jeopardy" stood out for shining a light on a long-overlooked issue illuminated by harrowing personal stories. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

FARAH YOUSRY

 

WFYI - Side Effects

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

SHARI RUDAVSKY

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

LAURA LANE

 

COVID and malpractice

 

The Herald-Times

 

2ND PLACE

 

TYLER JURANOVICH

 

Hospital costs

 

Kokomo Tribune

 

 

 

COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

KO LYN CHEANG, BINGHUI HUANG, ALEXANDRIA BURRIS AND AMELIA PAK-HARVEY

 

Indiana Evictions

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: A comprehensive look at a disturbing issue. Great job breaking down the causes and effects of the compounding problems in this series exploring the unusually high number of evictions. Great job showing the human cost – moms pleading to have more time to make rent payments for the sake of their babies. Overall, really solid reporting, showing the thin line some people have between one financial strain and losing a home.

 

COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Tracking how HUD failed East Chicago residents

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent example of in-depth reporting to expose a public health threat that was systematically ignored and that predominantly affected People of Color. Great use of documents, research and data to expose the pattern of neglect and failure to act.

 

2ND PLACE

 

BREANNA COOPER

 

Indianapolis Public Library leadership accused of racism

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

3RD PLACE

 

BREANNA COOPER

 

‘It makes our jobs harder’: police in emergency rooms

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

Sarah Bowman

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Bowman's work shows depth, variety and facile explanatory journalism. The coal ash story is shocking and a good model for reporters in other states to follow; the vulture story was fascinating. A well-executed mix of toxins, creatures, and apparent regulatory disasters keeps the reader and the reporter interested in the beat. 

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

SAM STALL, LESLIE BONILLA, JOHN RUSSELL

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Tracking Indiana Environmental Policies

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Saenz covers an impressive variety of key topics with sharp newswriting and clear explanatory journalism. 

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

CAROL KUGLER

 

The Herald-Times

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

BETH EDWARDS

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

 

FEATURES WRITING (newspapers circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ALEXANDRIA BURRIS

 

Cento Shoes must carry on without beloved owner

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The profile of the Cento family and what happened to their lives and business during Covid and mental health crises was tremendously detailed, honest, and fair. It was a riveting look at the people behind a storefront downtown people pass every day without knowing who's struggling to keep it together behind the scenes. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOSEPH S. PETE

 

Brewery cat leaves mousing for sunbeams, social media fame

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

3RD PLACE

 

SUSAN ORR

 

Hardware store tries to Amazon-proof its business

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

FEATURES WRITING (newspapers circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ALEXANDRA KUKULKA

 

Series on woman facing eviction during COVID-19 pandemic 

 

Post-Tribune

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The series on facing eviction was a great example of what features can be -- "feature" can be strong news, in-depth news, deep reporting, not just a light people story. I appreciated the effort it took to get not just her side but also the landlord's side, on the record, with specific dollar figures as well, which greatly enrich the story and the way it sticks with you.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KELLY LAFFERTY GERBER

 

Long overdue

 

Kokomo Tribune

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

REBECCA PATRICK AND ANTHONY SCHOETTLE 

 

SPAC Attack

 

BizVoice

 

 

 

FEATURES WRITING (magazines and non-daily newspapers)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ROBERT ANNIS

 

Eroded Myths

 

Hidden Compass

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Eroded Myths is a moving combination of personal history and U.S. history, and the upheavals of reckoning with both. The author makes a convincing case that examining the past on both fronts is difficult but essential. Overall, this was a strong category, and Indiana is benefitting from these stories and their storytellers.

 

2ND PLACE

 

BREANNA COOPER

 

Possible son of Thomas Jefferson called Indiana home

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TYLER FENWICK, BREANNA COOPER AND OSEYE BOYD

 

Diabetes: A crisis in plain sight

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

 

PERSONALITY PROFILE (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RORY APPLETON

 

Ben lives on through his music and his dad's love

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: With suicide at the heart of this story, the writer did a great job focusing on the positive and let the victim's musical theme carry the narrative.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOSEPH S. PETE

 

Father overcomes addiction to get chance to raise daughter

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

DANA HUNSINGER BENBOW

 

The tragic ending to ABA superstar George Carter's life

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

PERSONALITY PROFILE (newspapers circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

LAURA LANE

Difficult work, low pay, no glamour for rural county coroners

 

The Herald-Times

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: A fascinating look at rural county coroners — the work they do and what it takes to do the job. A story that most wouldn't even think of pursuing.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

BETH EDWARDS

 

Kharbanda to Step Down from Hoosier Environmental Council

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

ROB BURGESS

 

Much more than just the best bartender

 

Wabash Plain Dealer

 

 

PERSONALITY PROFILE (magazines and non-daily newspapers)

 

1ST PLACE

 

LILI WRIGHT

 

Tok of the Town

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: With writing that feels swift and is a pleasure to read, Lili Wright deftly drops readers inside the complicated life of a young TikTok star. Wright takes this material seriously and handles it well.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ADAM WREN

 

Keeping Up With the Joneses

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

REBECCA R. BIBBS

 

Just a Matter of Time: Belford "Sinky" Hendricks

 

Traces magazine

 

 

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MEGAN FERNANDEZ

 

As Seen On TV

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: What stands out more than anything in the "As Seen On TV" entry is the writing’s consistently punchy appeal. From the opening vignette of the crew learning that "Good Bones" was approved for a seventh season to the kicker about excited fans at the end, the prose rewards the reader with confident and engaging style. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DOMENICA BONGIOVANNI

 

Indianapolis area culture coverage

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

ANTHONY DECURTIS

 

Ain't Even Done

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

 

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

BREANNA COOPER

 

Film review: ‘Mass’ a haunting, powerful slow burn

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Cooper's writing is crisp and engaging. Cooper conveyed the film's tension starting with the first line and kept my attention until the last sentence. Excellent work.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

BREANNA COOPER

 

Civic Theatre production features all-Black ensemble in 30 years

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MASON CASSADY

 

Experiencing Bob Ross in Indiana: Person, Painter and Perm

 

The Ryder Magazine

 

 

EDITORIAL WRITING (all publications and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

GREG WEAVER

 

Where's the real punishment for FBI?

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This editorial demanding a full criminal investigation of FBI staff who failed in their handling of the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse case was clearly structured, compelling and backed up with evidence. Concise, effective and persuasive.  

 

2ND PLACE

 

OSEYE BOYD

 

It’s on you, white America

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

KELLY HAWES

 

Map reform advocates shouldn't give up

 

The Herald Bulletin

 

 

COLUMN WRITING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

James Briggs

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: James Briggs' writing rose to the top in this category. Clean, bright writing on a variety of topics. Engaging, doesn't pull punches. Excellent work.

 

2ND PLACE

 

Suzette Hackney

 

Fourth & Goal

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

COLUMN WRITING (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JERRY DAVICH

 

Post Tribune 

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Wide variety of columns here. Engaging writing and interesting topics all around.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KELLY HAWES

 

The Herald Bulletin

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

HANK NUWER

 

Near Darke (Union City and Randolph County column)

 

Daily Advocate

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, wire services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

NATHAN BROWN

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: In an extremely close and talented field, Nathan Brown's auto racing work distinguished itself for its deep dives, authoritative tone and engaging narrative style. Brown's consistent command of his subject came through in every story and inched him ahead of the field in this competitive category.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KYLE NEDDENRIEP

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MICHAEL MAROT

 

The Associated Press

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ZACH PIATT

 

Richmond Palladium-Item

 

2ND PLACE

 

DUSTIN DOPIRAK

 

The Herald-Times

 

3RD PLACE

 

TYLER FENWICK

 

‘I still had stuff to achieve’: Indianapolis sprinter readies for Paralympics

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

 

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

GREGG DOYEL

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Gregg Doyel's work combines keen observation, complete reporting and -- just as significant -- a distinctive and engaging style. His submissions covered a broad collection of subjects and demonstrated his ability to delve deep into his topics. A sportswriter at the top of his game.

 

2ND PLACE

 

MARK MONTIETH

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

3RD PLACE

 

MIKE LOPRESTI

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JERRY DAVICH

 

Dan Hampton’s brush with the law: ‘Too many stupid mistakes’

 

Post Tribune 

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: A dramatic story told well with great details and impact.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JEREMY PRICE

 

Hoosier Perspective

 

The Herald-Times 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TODD GOLDEN

 

Tribune-Star

 

 

PROFESSIONAL: PHOTOGRAHY, DESIGN AND GRAPHICS

 

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

GRACE HOLLARS

 

Sikh community mourns

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Grace Hollars' visual reporting captures the grief and loss Indianapolis’ Sikh community experienced in the days after the mass shooting at a FedEx facility. Using powerful imagery of both individuals and groups at the Sikh Satsang, the photo story shows the gravity of the situation with empathetic reporting.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JENNA WATSON

 

Raising Charlotte alone

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JONAH HINEBAUGH

 

Cpl. Sanchez funeral

 

Pharos-Tribune

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This moment is full of powerful emotion and composed expertly.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Homeless People Camp Eviction

 

The Herald-Times

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Whitten Tears Up During Standing Ovation

 

The Herald-Times

 

 

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MYKAL MCELDOWNEY

 

Landis Sims

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great lighting and scene placement in the first-place photo. The subject's and photographer's choice of expression speaks the volume of determination, despite barriers.

 

2ND PLACE

 

GRACE HOLLARS

 

Muddy kiss

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

JENNA WATSON

 

Colts leap

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JEFF BROWN

 

Colts pour it on 49ers

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Nice image of football action in the rain with the player's facial expression cleanly exposed.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOSEPH C. GARZA

 

No fear

 

Tribune-Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Regional Champs

 

The Herald-Times

 

 

FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MYKAL MCELDOWNEY

 

No hoop? No problem.

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

2ND PLACE

 

JENNA WATSON

 

Play time

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

MICHELLE PEMBERTON

 

Wearable art

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Dance Practice

 

The Herald-Times

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The ballroom dancing photo captured the movement of the subjects and interesting reflections. The Krampus fireball photo - wow! What a striking image. Good focus in a challenging, dark shooting situation.

 

2ND PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Krampus Fireball

 

The Herald-Times

 

3RD PLACE

 

MARTIN BOLING

 

A Fascination with Model Trains Is Alive and Well in Bloomington

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

MULTIPLE PICTURE GROUP (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MYKAL MCELDOWNEY

 

Fourth & Goal

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The dedication it took to follow and tell this story is evident. From the first powerful image to the last hopeful scene, the photographer took care to give a complete story.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KAITI SULLIVAN

 

Outside the Box

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

3RD PLACE

 

GRACE HOLLARS

 

Grieving Keon

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

MULTIPLE PICTURE GROUP (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

DENNY SIMMONS

 

Twisted Lives

 

Courier & Press

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Photographers are coached from Day One to show readers something that they would never have the access to see. The winning entry shows the skill and dedication to documenting a tragedy in a way that shows the devastation, the emotion and the hope in rebuilding.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JONAH HINEBAUGH

 

Cpl. Sanchez funeral

 

Pharos-Tribune

 

3RD PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Transgender Baptist Minister Ordained

 

The Herald-Times

 

 

NEWSPAPER PAGE ONE DESIGN (all newspapers)

 

1ST PLACE

 

AUDREY PELSOR

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Elegant. Along with great use of photos and its captions.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ALICIA MORGAN

 

Tribune-Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

JULIE KIRKENDOLL

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

MAGAZINE COVER DESIGN (all magazines or periodicals)

 

1ST PLACE

 

STEPHANIE WATTERS FLORES

 

Punk Rocker Turned Priest

 

The Ryder Magazine

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The Ryder Magazine's cover design for its lead story "Confessions of a punk rocker turned priest” is everything you want in a magazine cover: eye-catching, descriptive and just vague enough to make you pick it up. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

TODD URBAN

 

Indianapolis Monthly (May, July, and October)

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

3RD PLACE

 

RODNEY OGLE

 

Heartland magazine

 

Kokomo Tribune

 

 

DESIGN OTHER THAN COVER (all print media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

STEPHANIE REEVES

 

The IU Jacobs School of Music: Making Beautiful Music for 100 Years

 

Bloom Magazine

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The design of this section on the 100th anniversary of the IU Jacobs School of Music does a fabulous job of leading readers through the historical and current photos. The music staff and notes help tie the section together.

 

2ND PLACE

 

AUDREY PELSOR

 

Indiana Lawyer Open House Feature

 

IBJ Media - Indiana Lawyer

 

3RD PLACE

 

AUDREY PELSOR

 

Pandemic stories

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

BRAD TURNER

 

Hospital readmissions

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Brad Turner's illustration conceptualizes the revolving door of readmitted hospital patients. Turner illustrates the inevitability of readmitted patients by using a conveyor belt between a "discharges" and "admission" door. The illustration is minimalistic yet impactful and grabs the attention of readers.

 

2ND PLACE

 

SARAH ELLIS

 

Indianapolis sports timeline

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

3RD PLACE

 

BRAD TURNER

 

Gov. Holcomb's emergency powers

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS (publication circulation below 30,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MIKE CAGLE

 

Bloomington: Dog-Friendliest Town in the Entire Universe

 

Bloom Magazine

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This illustration is eye-catching, interesting, clear and informative. Very effective, attractive design.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DANIELLE KAY LUCAS

 

Remembering Rudy Pozzatti

 

The Ryder Magazine

 

3RD PLACE

 

ALICIA MORGAN

 

COVID-19 Vigo County in 2020

 

Tribune-Star

 

PROFESSIONAL: TELEVISION

BEST NEWSCAST (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WTHR NEWS TEAM

 

13News at 11

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The added production value and attention to emotional connection put 13News at 11 at the top of the rankings. Good work.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WISH-TV STAFF

 

WISH-TV Daybreak

 

WISH-TV

 

3RD PLACE

 

BEAIRSHELLE EDMÉ, MONICA ALBERS, ALLISON KOONTZ AND FOX59 STAFF

 

Newspoint at 11

 

WXIN

 

 

BEST NEWSCAST (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WANE 15 STAFF

 

Snow Day

 

WANE-TV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This WANE15 newscast moved well -- great pace, great use of live coverage of the weather and good execution overall -- nice production quality.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WPTA STAFF

 

ABC21 News Weekend

 

WPTA

 

3RD PLACE

 

WEVV-44NEWS TEAM

 

Massive Fire at Salvage Yard shuts down Evansville's Westside

 

WEVV-44News

 

 

BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WTHR News Team

 

WTHR FedEx Shooting

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Comprehensive and meaningful coverage of a tragic and chaotic scene. Excellent interviews, context and perspective. Well done.

 

2ND PLACE

 

STAFF

 

WRTV FedEx Shooting Coverage

 

WRTV

 

 

BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

44NEWS TEAM

 

Deadly Tornadoes 

 

WEVV-44News

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great analysis from multiple perspectives about the tornado. High utility reporting

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

WANE 15 STAFF

 

Quadruple Homicide

 

WANE-TV

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

BRITT SALAY AND JEREMY MAGERS

 

Train Derailment in DeKalb County

 

WANE 15

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY AND BRAD FORESTAL 

 

Where There's Smoke, There's Overtime

 

WRTV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent work digging through the documents and analyzing the data.

 

2ND PLACE

 

BRADY GIBSON, RICHARD ESSEX AND JASMINE MINOR

 

I-Team 8: Unemployment Crisis in Indiana

 

WISH-TV

 

3RD PLACE

 

BEAIRSHELLE EDMÉ, JAMIE SUITER, ADAM ROTH AND ASHLEY SMITH

 

Cost of Excessive Force: $16 Million and Counting

 

WXIN

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JOSHUA SHORT, JULIAN SHORT AND KARYN LACEY

 

Why Shoot?

 

WNDU-TV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Good enterprise story looking at the foundational problems behind gun violence.

 

2ND PLACE

 

VALERIE LYONS AND TRAVIS ONYETT

 

Multiple Victims Accuse Massage Parlor Employee of Sexual Assault

 

WEVV-44News

 

3RD PLACE

 

CARLI LUCA AND JAKE BILLER

 

16 News Now Investigates: Answers for Asaiah

 

WNDU-TV

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAVE CALABRO AND RYAN THEDWALL

 

Off the Track

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great use of video and sound to really dig into the subject of the package. Good look at his life. The package is light and flows well to keep viewer engaged.

 

2ND PLACE

 

DAVE CALABRO, MATT WHISNER AND STEVE RHODES

 

Peyton Manning: From NOLA to HOF

 

WTHR

 

3RD PLACE

 

SAMANTHA HORTON

 

Majority-Women Team Makes History At Indianapolis 500

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting News

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

REUBEN BROWNING, SADDAM AL-ZUBAIDI AND 

JAKE LINDSAY

 

Journey Indiana:  Indy Pickleball Club

 

WTIU

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Really solid reporting with the subjects leading the conversation. A lot of different looks of the game, such as drones, to give the viewer a complete view of the sport

 

2ND PLACE

 

JASON PEAR AND JACOB LINDAUER

 

Journey Indiana:  Defining Success

 

WTIU

 

3RD PLACE

 

JUSTIN PRINCE

 

Decatur community remembers 3 killed in crash with Wiffle Ball Tourney

 

WFFT-TV FOX 55

 

 

FEATURE STORY (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MIKE SULLIVAN AND TYLER TEAL

 

Future of the Squared Circle In The Circle City

 

WXIN

 

2ND PLACE

 

EMILY LONGNECKER

 

You're Never Too Old to Turn Up

 

WTHR-TV

 

3RD PLACE

 

HANNA MORDOH

 

The Light for Levi

 

WISH-TV

 

 

FEATURE STORY (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

BRADY WILLIAMS 

 

Little Boy Organ Donor

 

WFIE

 

2ND PLACE

 

ALYSSA IVANSON

 

Boys Bracelet Business

 

WANE-TV

 

3RD PLACE

 

TOM POWELL

 

Paralympic Athlete

 

Fort Wayne's NBC

 

 

DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

Indiana State Fair Tragedy: 10 Years Later

 

WRTV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Indiana State Fair Tragedy: 10 Years Later provided a comprehensive look at how an extreme weather event and a lack of preparedness changed the events industry and how it impacted local people's lives in Indiana. The follow-up with the people impacted was impressive and emotional. The educational content surrounding the changes to emergency preparedness and the outdoor events industry was in depth and easy to understand. Excellent work from this team

 

2ND PLACE

 

BRADY GIBSON

 

WISH-TV Vaccine Central Town Hall

 

WISH-TV

 

 

DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

GLENN MARINI

 

Summit City Hardball History

 

WANE-TV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Summit City Hardball History presented an inclusive story of the contributions of diverse individuals and groups to the sport of baseball in Fort Wayne. The segments incorporated significant historical events, contributions of women and people of color to the sport, and also how baseball continues to have a presence in the community in the present day. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

TODD GOULD, RON PRICKEL AND ROB ANDERSON

 

Singing Winds: The Life & Works of T.C. Steele

 

WTIU

 

3RD PLACE

 

DANIEL BEALS, BRIEN MCELHATTEN AND KRISTA MILLER

 

A 21Country Christmas

 

WPTA

 

 

CONTINUING COVERAGE (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WTHR NEWS TEAM

 

The Shooting at FedEx

 

WTHR

 

2ND PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

Camp Atterbury Afghan Refugees

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

RICH NYE

 

Mother Conquers COVID to Meet her Baby

 

WTHR

 

 

CONTINUING COVERAGE (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CARLI LUCA, JAKE BILLER, JACK SPRINGGATE AND IBRAHIM SAMRA

 

16 News Now Investigates: Barn Burnings

 

WNDU-TV

 

2ND PLACE

 

KARLI VANCLEAVE AND IAN HOOVER

 

Missing the Call

 

Fort Wayne's NBC

 

3RD PLACE

 

44NEWS TEAM

 

Clean-up Process Following Deadly Tornadoes

 

WEVV-44News

 

 

COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

13 INVESTIGATES TEAM

 

13 Investigates Government Watchdog

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great reporting, use of documents and storytelling.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JENNIE RUNEVITCH, JOHN DUONG

 

QAnon Fractures Hoosier Families

 

WTHR

 

3RD PLACE

 

BRIEN MCELHATTEN, IAN HOOVER, DANIEL BEALS AND CHRIS BROWN

 

Political Radar

 

WPTA

 

 

BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WTHR NEWS TEAM

 

13News Consumer Concerns

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Four stories in this "13 Investigates Consumer Concerns" display a continuous focus on consumers' needs in real life. All four topics are tightly related to customers' everyday life, which is looked into via a niche lens. Each short story contains multiple perspectives of the same relevant issue. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

ANGELA BRAUER AND JAMIE SUITER

 

The BMV Sells Your Info

 

WTTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

JESSICA HARTMAN AND KORY KEMPF

 

Connecting Farmers

 

WEVV-44News

 

 

EDUCATION COVERAGE (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JEANIE LINDSAY, ALAN MBATHI

 

As COVID-19 Spurs Workers' Calls For Higher Pay, Kokomo School Staff Continue Union Push

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This story clearly demonstrated the fighting process of an underrepresented group in school systems. This coverage can be easily connected to others regarding the shortage of bus drivers and longer time for students staying in school buses. The coverage weaved both ongoing group effort and personal emotions, which makes it convincing and touching. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY AND BRAD FORESTAL 

 

Passing the Trash: A Broken System

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

RICH NYE

 

School returns to in-person learning, tries to stay that way 

 

WTHR

 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

DEMIE JOHNSON AND BRADY GIBSON

 

The Delphi Link

 

WISH-TV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Important work in searching public records to find a link between two murders and a child pornography case.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ANGELA GANOTE, RYAN LIGGETT, SHAUN MURPHY, ASHLEY SMITH

 

My Son Should've Been Red Flagged

 

WXIN

 

3RD PLACE

 

BEAIRSHELLE EDMÉ, JAMIE SUITER, TOM SHEEHAN, NICHOLAS ALEXANDER

 

Longtime Residents & Gun Violence

 

WXIN

 

COVERAGE OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES (any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CHRISTINE KARSTEN

 

Addiction & Michiana's Youngest Victims

 

WNDU-TV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This is a touching story. Its effectiveness has been shown in its one-sentence introduction: "resulted in at least 14 people seeking treatment." The 3-parts organization is clear and helpful for audiences to think about this critical issue when watching the series. The reporter made a great effort in finding relevant individuals around the same topic.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY AND BRAD FORESTAL

 

Failing to Protect Children 

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

DANIEL BEALS, TONY BETTON JR., BRIAN GILLETT, ELIZABETH VORNDRAN

 

Grant Me Hope

 

WPTA

 

 

COVERAGE OF MINORITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ISSUES (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

KATIERA WINFREY

 

Housing Discrimination in Indiana

 

WISH-TV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This was really great in-depth reporting. The reporter was able to uncover an important issue and followed it until there was a resolution. Also a great display of emotional storytelling and letting people tell the story.

 

2ND PLACE

 

BEAIRSHELLE EDMÉ, JAMIE SUITER, TOM SHEEHAN AND FOX59 STAFF

 

Roadblocks to Hoosier Health

 

WXIN

 

3RD PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

Lost Barrio of Indianapolis

 

WRTV

 

 

MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WTHR NEWS TEAM

 

The Human Cost

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent and effective storytelling describe this contest submission. From emotional, impactful storytelling about what's happening in the ICU to unexpected angles of stories that make people aware of the unexpected impact of COVID-19. Definitely deserving of a first place award and recognition.

 

2ND PLACE

 

LAUREN CHAPMAN, ALAN MBATHI

 

Faith, medicine and COVID-19: Why do religious vaccine exemptions exist?

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

3RD PLACE

 

TRICIA SLOMA, BEN PATRICK AND ERIC WINTER

 

Covid Reality: Road to Recovery 

 

WNDU-TV

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

BOB SEGALL AND 13INVESTIGATES TEAM

 

Dumped

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great investigation and context given into the problem of recycling shingles.

 

2ND PLACE

 

REBECCA THIELE, ALAN MBATHI

 

Cook plant emits cancer-causing chemical but state, federal regulators didn't notify residents

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

3RD PLACE

 

LINDSEY EATON, JAMIE SUITER

 

Tornado Sirens

 

WXIN

 

 

COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

Asian American Violence

 

WRTV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent coverage of the vitriol and violence encountered by Asian Americans in the U.S. Plenty of voices from the local community represented.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KATIERA WINFREY

 

One Year After George Floyd's Death

 

WISH-TV

 

3RD PLACE

 

MITCH LEGAN

 

Indiana resettlement groups busy with Afghan evacuee cases

 

WFIU/WTIU News

 

 

GENERAL NEWS OR SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JASON THOMPSON

 

WISH-TV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great visuals that tell the sports stories in this entry.

 

2ND PLACE

 

SHEA GOODPASTER

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

BRAD FORESTAL

 

WRTV

 

 

FEATURES NEWS VIDEOGRAPHY (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

DANIEL BEALS

 

21Country

 

WPTA

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Beautiful shots that move with the script. This is an example of superb storytelling.! One thing that really separated this entry from the rest was the built-in surprise

 

2ND PLACE

 

SADDAM AL-ZUBAIDI

 

Journey Indiana: My Own Little World: Brox Glass

 

WTIU

 

3RD PLACE

 

JOHN TIMM AND JAKE LINDSAY

 

Journey Indiana: The Sanatorium Project

 

WTIU

 

PROFESSIONAL: RADIO DIVISION

RADIO BEST NEWSCAST 

 

1ST PLACE

 

JOHN HERRICK, KURT DARLING, CHRIS DAVIS

 

The FedEx Shooting April 15, 2021, 7 a.m.

 

WIBC

 

 

2nd PLACE

 

STEPHANIE WIECHMANN

 

"All Things Considered," September 15, 2021

 

WBST-FM

 

 

RADIO BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE 

 

1ST PLACE

 

MITCH LEGAN AND GEORGE HALE

 

Bloomington Residents Hurting After Flash Flood

 

WFIU/WTIU News

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

STEPHANIE WIECHMANN

 

Former Muncie mayor sentenced to federal prison for taking bribe

 

WBST-FM

 

3RD PLACE

 

Jakob Lazzaro

 

St. Joseph County Commissioners pass controversial redistricting plan, but may soon face lawsuits 

 

88.1 WVPE

 

 

RADIO SPORTS REPORTING 

 

1ST PLACE

 

SAMANTHA HORTON

 

Majority-Women Team To Make History At This Year's Indianapolis 500, Part Of Broader Effort

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Good story topic with sound to match the great reporting. Loved it!

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KADE YOUNG, BENEDICT JONES

 

Can Sports Change the World?

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TOMMY WILLIAMS

 

Lakeshore Sports

 

WLPR-FM

 

 

RADIO IN-DEPTH REPORTING 

 

1ST PLACE

 

DYLAN PEERS MCCOY

 

How will Indiana schools spend $3 billion in COVID relief?

 

WFYI

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Good use of natural sound, interviews and data to present a story important to the community. The reporting was lively and flowed well.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JILL SHERIDAN

 

Here's What the City, Nonprofits and Individuals Are Doing To End Homelessness In Indianapolis

 

WFYI

 

3RD PLACE

 

GEMMA DICARLO

 

A Look at the Bill Black Lawmakers Were 'Booed' For Calling Discriminatory

 

WVPE-FM

 

 

RADIO FEATURE STORY 

 

1ST PLACE

 

GEMMA DICARLO

 

South Bend’s Crossroads Solar employs only former felons to manufacture solar panels

 

WVPE-FM

 

2ND PLACE

 

DONNIE BURGESS

 

A Bar for the Ages

 

WIBC

 

3RD PLACE

 

MITCH LEGAN

 

Facing Injustice: Terre Haute, Vigo County to Acknowledge Lynching History 

 

WFIU/WTIU News

 

RADIO DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL 

 

1ST PLACE

 

EMILY MILES

 

Winter Food

 

In This Climate

 

2ND PLACE

 

MIA BEACH, HUGH FARRELL

 

The Dystopic and Exceptional Pawpaw

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

3RD PLACE

 

CLARENCE BOONE, WILLIAM HOSEA, CHANTALLE LAFONTANT

 

Blacks in Nazi Concentration Camps

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

 

RADIO CONTINUING COVERAGE 

 

1ST PLACE

 

JUSTIN HICKS

 

Struggles Surrounding Unemployment Benefits in Indiana 

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Impressive work across multiple outlets. Voices of workers and thorough accountability reporting.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

MITCH LEGAN

 

The needle exchange, credited with stopping Indiana's worst HIV outbreak, is in jeopardy

 

WFIU/WTIU News

 

3RD PLACE

 

ELIZABETH GABRIEL, LEE V. GAINES, DYLAN PEERS MCCOY

 

Pandemic jolts Indiana students and schools

 

WFYI

 

 

RADIO PUBLIC AFFAIRS

 

1ST PLACE

 

JUSTIN HICKS

 

Hoosier Workers Series

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting News

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The production on these non-narrated pieces was compelling, with a creative approach to including context about each subject's life while also sharing their reflections. The diversity of both people and jobs showcased was also notable. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

HOLDEN ABSHIER, BENTE BOUTHIER, BOB ZALTSBERG, SARA WITTMEYER

 

Remembering The 9/11 Attacks 20 Years Later

 

WFIU/WTIU News

 

3RD PLACE

 

MICHAEL PUENTE 

 

Off Mic: St. Catherine Hospital and the Future of Health Care in East Chicago

 

Lakeshore Public Radio 

 

PROFESSIONAL: BOOKS

NON-FICTION BOOK

 

1ST PLACE

 

KEITH ROYSDON AND DOUGLAS WALKER

 

The Westside Park Murders: Muncie’s Most Notorious Cold Case

 

History Press

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This book shows the writers' outstanding tenacity in chronicling attempts to solve the 1985 murders of two teens in Muncie. The writing makes readers feel like they're reading a who-dun-it novel, yet it is completely fact-based.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ASHLEY PETRY

 

Indianapolis: An Illustrated Timeline

 

Reedy Press

 

PROFESSIONAL: ONLINE / MULTIMEDIA

BEST JOURNALISM WEBSITE

 

1ST PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

WRTV.com

 

WRTV

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: All of the entries are impressive, and the line between first, second and third was really too close to call. Loved the COVID database put together by WRTV.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WFYI STAFF

 

WFYI.org

 

WFYI

 

3RD PLACE

 

SCOTT HUMS, PHIL CANNELONGO AND 

CAMILLE STEPHENS

 

WTHR.com

 

WTHR

 

 

BEST ONLINE MULTIMEDIA

 

1ST PLACE

 

ROBERT SCHEER

 

Death Sentence

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

2ND PLACE

 

MYKAL MCELDOWNEY

 

Fourth & Goal

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

MYKAL MCELDOWNEY

 

Big Indiana Gyms

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA 

 

1ST PLACE

 

STAFF

 

"Because of COVID" Facebook live events hosted by Side Effects

 

WFYI - Side Effects

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Impressive reach for these Facebook Live events

 

 

BEST NEWSLETTER 

 

1ST PLACE

 

STAFF

 

Sick Newsletter

 

WFYI - Side Effects

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: All of these are so impressive in terms of links, photos and podcasts.

 

2ND PLACE

 

BREANNA COOPER

 

Indianapolis Recorder newsletter

 

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

 

3RD PLACE

 

INDY MAVEN 

 

Indy Maven "Uncovered" Newsletter 

 

Indy Maven

 

 

BEST PODCAST 

 

LAUREN BAVIS, JAKE HARPER

 

Sick Podcast Season Two

 

WFYI - Side Effects

 

2ND PLACE

 

KYLIE CONWAY

 

News 8 Daily 8

 

WISH-TV

 

3RD PLACE

 

ANGELA B. FREEMAN AND LESLEY WEIDENBENER

 

The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

BEST COVID-19 INITIATIVE

 

1ST PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

Faces of COVID

 

WRTV

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

WFYI NEWS, SIDE EFFECTS PUBLIC MEDIA AND IPB NEWS

 

Reflections: COVID-19

 

WFYI/ Side Effects and Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

3RD PLACE

 

INDIANAPOLIS STAR STAFF

 

NCAA Tournament During A Pandemic

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

STUDENT: PRINT AND DIGITAL DIVISION

 

STUDENT BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

GRACE MCCORMICK AND MAYA WILKINS 

 

Ball State experiences campus-wide internet outage to block potential intrusion

 

The Ball State Daily News 

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Grace McCormick and Maya Wilkins did a thorough job talking to different sources – students, instructors, school officials and community members – about the impact of an almost six-hour campus-wide internet outage. The story explained how a potential security threat led university administrators to implement the shutdown to block any intrusion.

 

STUDENT NON-DEADLINE NEWS

 

1ST PLACE

 

KAITLYN RADDE AND CARSON TERBUSH

 

In the dark: Transparency rule fails to shed light on costs for IU Health Bloomington patients

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Using real-life examples, this entry shows patients are still being surprised by medical bills that reach thousands of dollars despite new federal rule on disclosing the cost in advance of treatment. Radde and TerBush do a good job at explaining the complexities of pricing in this informative article.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOE DUHOWNIK 

 

Chasing highs, living low 

 

The Exponent 

 

3RD PLACE

 

PHYLLIS CHA

 

Fentanyl-laced prescription counterfeits a life-or-death gamble

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

STUDENT INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

JORDAN SMITH AND ALEX WELIEVER 

 

Aviation alumni, former faculty fear privatization of pro-flight

 

The Exponent 

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: In this winning entry, Jordan Smith and Alex Weliever detail concerns that the influence of a top donor could affect the reputation of Purdue University’s aviation school and the safety of its students. Their interviews with insiders make this an interesting look at the issue of public-private partnerships in higher education.

 

2ND PLACE

 

MATT COHEN

 

Former members of Bloomington church allege abuse, cover-up

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TYLER TACHMAN

 

Law professor battles IU over reporting on presidential search 

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

STUDENT COVERAGE OF MINORITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ISSUES 

 

1ST PLACE

 

MATT COHEN

 

Indignity in Death

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This longform story on the disproportionate unmarked graves of Black individuals in Bloomington is an ambitious project.The story is well researched and shines light on an undercovered topic. Cohen successfully covers the large-scale issue of unmarked graves while maintaining a hyperlocal angle. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

LIZZIE KABOSKI

 

Being heard

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

3RD PLACE

 

DAVID WOLFE BENDER, PHYLLIS CHA AND KAITLYN RADDE

 

Anger, grief as city votes down protections for homeless camps

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

STUDENT FEATURE STORY

 

1ST PLACE

 

PHYLLIS CHA AND HANNAH DAILEY

 

After the Audition

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: This double story about the mental health challenges of students at a prestigious music school is exemplary of high quality, clear, and engaging feature writing. Compelling, well-written and well-structured.

 

2ND PLACE

 

EMMA UBER

 

The Scarlet 'E': How eviction can haunt tenants forever

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

3RD PLACE

 

JAZLYN GOMEZ

 

Alum nominated for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year Award

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT SPORTS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

MATT COHEN

 

‘Worth the risks’: An inside look at IU football’s pandemic season

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great writing, whether sports, news or feature, begins with great reporting. The stories that had more sources also had more depth and more to work with.

 

2ND PLACE

 

Ian Hansen 

 

The circle of life: One decision at age 6 shaped Haven Fields into more than an athlete

 

The Ball State Daily News 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JACOB WALTON

 

Dana Youssef: Excellence in both academics, athletics

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT EDITORIAL WRITING

 

1ST PLACE

 

JOE DUHOWNIK 

 

How Purdue's trustees operate in secret

 

The Exponent 

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Well-crafted argument, clear, compelling and backed up with evidence.

 

2ND PLACE

 

OLIVIA CAMERON

 

U.S. needs paid parental leave for everyone

 

The Reflector

 

3RD PLACE

 

HOLLY GASKILL

 

Does your music pass the Bechdel Test?

 

The Echo News

 

 

STUDENT COLUMN WRITING

 

1ST PLACE

 

JACLYN FERGUSON

 

Black Voices Columns

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Black Voices is some fine writing, taking readers through deep arguments and making solid points in a most readable way. Ferguson has a bright future in journalism if she wants it.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOHN LYNCH 

 

The Ball State Daily News 

 

3RD PLACE

 

KATIE PFOTZER

 

Modern Solutions Required

 

The Echo News

 

 

STUDENT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

ALEX DERYN AND MALLOREY DAUNHAUER

 

Indianapolis mourns

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Deryn and Daunhauer took well composed photos of a vigil for the victims of the Indianapolis mass shooting at a FedEx center. The two photographers tackled difficult story with grace and respect while making compelling images.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JACOB MUSSELMAN 

 

Enough is Enough 

 

The Ball State Daily News 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JACOB WALTON

 

Koebe Celebration of Life

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

JACOB WALTON

 

Men's Soccer NCAA Regional Win

 

The Reflector

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Jacob Walton photographed a celebration after the men's soccer team's NCAA Regional win. Walton demonstrated attention to action and photography in challenging lighting scenarios.

 

STUDENT FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

Rylan Capper 

 

Just Swingin' 

 

The Ball State Daily News 

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Rylan Capper photographed under high speed and low light conditions in his photo of a young boy on a fair ride at the Muncie Mall Spring Fair.

 

 

STUDENT PAGE ONE OR COVER DESIGN

 

1ST PLACE

 

MAGGIE GETZIN AND ALEX HINDENLANG

 

A moment of silence

 

The Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Getzin and Hindenlang designed a simple yet somber cover for a story on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. They demonstrated a good use of space and skills in typography in the less-is-more cover design.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KASSANDRA DARNELL

 

Sept. 29 Front Page

 

The Reflector

 

3RD PLACE

 

KIARA CONLEY

 

March 10 Front Page

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT BEST DESIGN OTHER THAN PAGE ONE OR COVER

 

1ST PLACE

 

KAMRYN TOMLINSON AND RYLAN CAPPER 

 

Unspoken Truths 

 

The Ball State Daily News 

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The winning entries here had a strong focus and all of the elements worked toward a single message.

 

2ND PLACE

 

Abby Carmichael

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

3RD PLACE

 

Kaelynn Shultz

 

Fall Fashion 2021

 

The Echo News

 

 

STUDENT GRAPHICS OR ILLUSTRATION

 

1ST PLACE

 

MAGGIE GETZIN 

 

Red Planet Pursuit 

 

The Ball State Daily News 

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Maggie Getzin created a graphic for The Ball State Daily News detailing U.S. space missions. The graphic is as informative as it is visually interesting.

 

2ND PLACE

 

VIVEK RAO AND CARSON TERBUSH

 

The president’s speeches

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

STUDENT BEST JOURNALISM WEBSITE

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

idsnews.com

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Indiana Student Daily's website is the clear leader with variety of current news, compelling stories, photos, graphics, calendar and in-depth reporting.  

 

2ND PLACE

 

STAFF OF THE BALL STATE DAILY NEWS 

 

Ballstatedaily.com

 

The Ball State Daily News 

 

3RD PLACE

 

THE STAFF OF THE REFLECTOR

 

The Reflector Online

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT BEST ONLINE MULTIMEDIA

 

1ST PLACE

 

PHYLLIS CHA, HANNAH DAILEY, IZZY MYSZAK AND  ETHAN LEVY

 

After the audition

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Amazing mix of text, photos and videos. Great storytelling package.

 

 

STUDENT: BROADCAST

STUDENT TELEVISION BEST NEWSCAST

 

1ST PLACE

 

GRIFFIN GONZALEZ, ELLA RHOADES, DEREK DECKER, ANNA BLACK

 

IU NewsNet September 30

 

Indiana University

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: I loved the look behind the scenes at the end so much. Meanwhile Mary Claire and Anna and Will all did excellent work. Enjoyed the rapport with Griffin and Derek. Literally all of you should have bright futures. Exceptional work. Better than many professional local news stations I've seen around the country. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

ANNIE KEISTER, LOGAN SALZBRENNER, ANNA CHALKER AND LINDSAY KENDALL

 

Former Muncie Mayor Goes to Court

 

NewsLink Indiana

 

3RD PLACE

 

GILLIAN LINTZ, MILES MOREY, CONNOR CARR AND

BECCA GREGG

 

The Andersonian

 

Anderson University

 

 

STUDENT RADIO BEST NEWSCAST

 

1ST PLACE

 

TILLY ROBINSON

 

Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Continue

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Good writing about complexity of useful public information. Excellent work. Up against tough competition this really stood out as the clear First Place selection.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KIELYNN TALLY

 

WICR Information Update

 

University of Indianapolis

 

3RD PLACE

 

ANDREW NEWLAND

 

95.7 The Spin Morning Newscast

 

University of Southern Indiana

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION NEWS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

ELLA RHOADES

 

Black Mold at the Dillon: Part 1

 

Indiana University

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Very good investigative journalism that uncovers harm to students.

 

2ND PLACE

 

MARY CLAIRE MOLLOY

 

The Red Zone: Part 1

 

Indiana University

 

3RD PLACE

 

ALEX ALMANZA

 

BSU Students receive $365 electric bill

 

NewsLink Indiana - Ball State University

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION FEATURES REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

FAITH MARSH, FRANKLIN SNYDER AND ABBY GOEBEL

 

Safe Haven

 

Taylor University

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: A very compelling and touching story about turning life challenges into a lifesaving "mission."

 

2ND PLACE

 

FAITH DENIG AND CHARLIE MAURER

 

The Flip: Sterling McIlravy

 

Ball State Sports Link

 

3RD PLACE

 

DARIEN TAYLOR, HANNAH CARUANA, JON BOMERS AND MARISSA WILLIAMS

 

Kojak: A Fuller Life

 

Taylor University

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION VIDEOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

GABRIEL BURCH, ANNA RODMAN, LUKE ZOBEL AND ETHAN OCHS

 

Lizzi: Deeper Than Water

 

Taylor University

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: The short documentary “Lizzi: Deeper Than Water” plays like a video produced and filmed by seasoned professionals. The film follows Paralympic swimmer Lizzi Smith and retells the challenges she faced as a competitor without a left forearm due to amniotic band syndrome. Quality videography for interviews, documentation and drone aerial shots are stunning. Audio and music are clean, clear and placed appropriately. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOSIAH CROASDELL, ANDREW EDWARDS, SARAH BURNS AND LUISA DUGAN

 

Homefront

 

Taylor University

 

3RD PLACE

 

FAITH DENIG

 

Ball State Sports Link

 

 

STUDENT RADIO NEWS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

KAYAN TARA

 

Indiana University Graduate Workers Continue Fight to Unionize

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

JUDGE’S COMMENT: Reporting has interesting storytelling with natural sound and nice interviews with participants.

 

2ND PLACE

 

MAX CAMPBELL

 

Loophole in Red Flag Law Exploited by Shooter, Expert Says

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

 

STUDENT RADIO FEATURES REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

NATHANIEL WEINZAPFEL

 

Senate Bill 389: The Modification of Wetlands & Its Impacts

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

JUDGE’S WORK: This is all good work, but the top piece combined in-depth reporting with good production. The birds were lovely.

 

2ND PLACE

 

BRIANNA DEVIN

 

Environmental Activism in Bloomington: The History of PCB Contamination

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

3RD PLACE

 

NATHANIEL WEINZAPFEL

 

The Sunrise Movement Rises over Bloomington

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

 

 

Indy Pro SPJ offers internship opportunity

Job Description

The Indy Pro SPJ chapter is looking for a qualified intern to update and maintain our website,including limited basic coding and content creation. The intern will receive guidance from the chapter board relative to content updates, and will be asked, among other tasks to create blog posts, share event information and help engage the membership. The intern should be prepared to be self-guided, and will finish the internship having gained broad experience in various aspects of web development, marketing and public relations and multimedia storytelling.

About the Indy Pro SPJ chapter

As part of the national Society of Professional Journalists, the Indy Pro SPJ chapter works on behalf of its members to promote and protect First Amendment freedoms, offer college scholarships, sponsor the annual “Best of Indiana” journalism contest and conduct professional development programs.

Responsibilities

In concert with the chapter board, the intern will:

• Update and maintain website layout/user interface by using standard HTML/CSS practices within the Square Space framework of the existing site.

• Keep up to date into emerging technologies/industry trends and apply them into operations and activities.

• Create monthly blog posts on topics critical to the chapter membership.

• Share content and additional information about events, and other chapter activities.

• Create and curate engaging content.

• Communicate and build relationships with membership and partner organizations.

• Effectively utilize chapter’s social media and blogs.

• Create a newsletter (frequency TBD) on chapter news and professional industry trends.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of modern HTML/CSS.

• A solid understanding of how web applications work including security, session managementand best development practices.

• Basic knowledge of search engine optimization process.

• Aggressive problem diagnosis and creative problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge in Square Space (or similar) theme development.

• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.

• Strong organizational skills to juggle multiple tasks within the constraints of timelines.

• Ability to work and thrive in a self-guided environment.

• Solid understanding of the different social networks and respective audience engagement.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong command of AP style.

• Solid fact checking and reporting skills.

• Candidates must be attending a four-year college or university; undergrad or graduate status.

Additional Info

• $1500 stipend (half paid mid-semester, remainder paid at end of semester).

• Weekly hours can be coordinated to match school internship credit requirements.

• Remote work, though weekly check-ins with internship coordinator.

• Send resume, cover letter, link to online portfolio and letter of recommendation to:

Lisa Renze, president

Indy Pro SPJ Board

lrenze@bsu.edu

Deadline

Jan. 10, 2022

Indiana Pro SPJ's letter to Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita concerning Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Oct. 15, 2021

 

TO:         Indiana Attorney General’s Office

                AG Todd Rokita

 

From:    Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists

                Board of Directors

 

RE: Abdul-Hakim Shabazz media credentials, admittance to public press conference

 

Attorney General Rokita,  

 

The Indiana Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists finds your decision to deny longtime political journalist Abdul-Hakim Shabazz admittance to an Oct. 14 government press conference reckless and unconstitutional.

 

According to Mr. Shabazz, your staff specifically barred entrance because you believe him to be uncredentialed media. Mr. Shabazz is in fact credentialed via the state’s own Department of Administration. So why deny admittance?

 

Your office sent out the press release to state and local media, and requested journalists to RSVP if they wished to attend your event in person. As a journalist, Mr. Shabazz received that information and responded in kind. So again we ask, why deny admittance?

 

There simply is not a legitimate reason.

 

These actions reflect a cavalier and indifferent regard for not only the First Amendment, but the Indiana state laws which you are sworn to uphold.

 

We find these actions to be a threat to press freedom, and to our very democracy.

 

We demand an apology for Mr. Shabazz and for his credentials to once again be recognized by your office, as they have been by countless other elected and appointed officials throughout his 30-year career.

Additionally, we would like to invite you into a larger conversation about protecting and preserving press freedom in Indiana.

 

We are respectfully,

 

The Board of the Indiana Pro Chapter

Society of Professional Journalists

 Michael Puente

Board President

Update on annual banquet in response to coronavirus pandemic

Thank you for the hundreds of entries that were submitted for this year's Best of Indiana Journalism contest. 

We're sorry to say that the coronavirus pandemic has forced the decision to not hold our annual awards banquet this year. 

The Indiana Pro Chapter of SPJ will be announcing all the contest winners in the coming weeks as well as how we will distribute plaques and certificates to recognize those achievements. Your contest entries showed outstanding work by broadcast, print and online professional and collegiate journalists across our state. 

We'll also have an exciting announcement coming soon about winners of the chapter’s college scholarships. The scholarships are made possible by contest entry proceeds -- so we appreciate everyone who participated in our contest. 

We know this is a stressful time for all of us, but we are seeing outstanding journalism throughout the state about the pandemic’s impact on Hoosiers. We look forward to gathering again next year to celebrate the Best of Indiana Journalism!

Coffee with a Journalist

INDIANAPOLIS – A September 2019 Gallup poll found only 4 in 10 people have a “great deal” or “fair amount of trust” in mass media to report the news “fully, accurately and fairly.” Whether it’s a report from Capitol Hill or the Capital Grill, Americans should have more trust in journalists.

If not trust, perhaps a better understanding of what reporters, writers, editors, producers and photographers consider when going after a story or asking that ill-timed, embarrassing, even crass question to a politician or sports figure.

To help lay the groundwork for better understanding, the Indiana Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will begin an initiative called “Coffee with a Journalist.”

Simply put, it’s sharing a cup of joe or tea or hot chocolate or even water with those who live and work in your community and who cover your community.

“Journalism is facing a crisis. If people don’t believe or trust what we’re reporting, that’s a problem,” Indiana Pro SPJ chapter president Michael Puente said. “Perhaps just reintroducing who we are and what we do will help in rebuilding trust with Americans, especially Hoosiers. We can explain what we do and why we do it.”

Indiana Pro SPJ members will gather in coffee shops throughout Indiana in the month of March 2020, the month that includes Sunshine Week, which celebrates access to public information.

“We plan to meet with Hoosiers from Gary to Evansville, from Terre Haute to Muncie and of course Indianapolis,” Puente, a reporter who covers Northwest Indiana for Chicago-based WBEZ Radio, said. “Journalists aren’t perfect people but perhaps with simply talking to those who we want to inform will go a long way in building understanding and increasing trust. We may not change someone’s mind but dialogue never hurt anyone, especially when it’s coupled with a hot cup of coffee.”

For more information, visit Indiana Pro SPJ’s Facebook page or contact Michael Puente at michael.puente86@gmail.com or call (312) 342-0056. 

The Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists promotes the development of current and future journalists by offering training and networking opportunities and college journalism scholarships.

An open letter to Gov. Holcomb denouncing the Use of cease-and-desist

Dec. 3, 2019

Honorable Eric J. Holcomb
Governor of Indiana
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Dear Gov. Holcomb:

The Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists takes exception to your call for the Indianapolis Star and Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting to cease and desist reporting stories about your administration’s handling of worker safety investigations at Amazon facilities in Indiana.

Our organization, which represents professional journalists throughout Indiana, feels this move is a threat to press freedom.

According to Article I, section 9 of the Indiana Constitution: “No law shall be passed restraining the free interchange of thought and opinion, or restricting the right to speak, write, or print, freely, on any subject whatever: but for the abuse of that right, every person shall be responsible.”

In our view, your cease-and-desist letters, issued on Nov. 29, are designed to intimidate reporters and journalists looking into your administration. The letters also add to the overall climate in the nation that looks to undermine the credibility of journalists and media outlets.

Although you might not agree with the contents or conclusions of the report in Reveal and the Indianapolis Star, an unusual call by your office for a cease-and-desist order against the media could chill efforts to report an ongoing story.

Indiana Pro SPJ stands behind the efforts of local and national journalism outlets to report issues of public importance and hold leaders accountable. If there are disputes over accuracy, there are ways to address those concerns without issuing a cease-and-desist order.

Indiana should set an example for the rest of the nation to follow when it comes to press freedom. Our officers would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss this issue further.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors
Indiana Professional Chapter
Society of Professional Journalists

For more information, please contact:

John Russell, chapter president
(317) 250-6261

Michael Puente, chapter vice president
(312) 342-0056