2019 MNA Better Newspaper Contest

Editorial Page as a Whole ( 3,001 to 7,000)Back

  • Place Name: First Place
    Contestant Name: Hutchinson Leader
    Entry Title: Editorial Page as a Whole - Hutchinson Leader
    Entry Credit: Staff
    Judge Comment: Vivid, enticing opinion pages by the Leader. Staff-written columns and editorials touch on community issues. Stephen Wiblemo's column on the gun debate, paired with the editorial stands out in the field. The readers' poll and graphic, along with the "Cheers" piece enliven the pages. Well done.
  • Place Name: Second Place
    Contestant Name: Red Wing Republican Eagle
    Entry Title: Red Wing Republican Eagle Editorial Page as a Whole
    Entry Credit: Republican Eagle Staff
    Judge Comment: The effort to put variety in the Eagle's opinion pages shows. The staff editorials, including one with a newsy photo, are solid. "Ask the Chief" is an interesting element, though it might create awkward conflicts with a letter or editorial that criticizes a local police decision. The Ernie Pyle retrospective adds to the readability, along with solid letters.
  • Place Name: Third Place
    Contestant Name: Chaska Herald
    Entry Title: Chaska Herald editorial page
    Entry Credit: Chaska Herald
    Judge Comment: Pages are designed smartly. They lean on columns from contributors in public offices or service roles, which may be a necessity. It was pleasing to see the community reporter's column on the journalism project.
  • Competition Comment: Several newspaper staffs in this division showed a willingness to include special elements to the opinion pages. The Hutchinson Leader served as a model example.