Government/Public Affairs Reporting ( 10,000 and Over Dailies,5,000 - 10,000 Dailies,Under 5,000 Dailies)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: St. Cloud Times Entry Title: Diversity is growing in St. Cloud — but not necessarily on elected bodies. Does that matter? Entry Credit: Jenny Berg, Nora Hertel, Erik Newland, Anna Haecherl Judge Comment: I liked the idea and the way the issue was covered. Fair and balanced for sure. And, even though the survey was unscientific, it pointed to inconsistencies and challenges to diversity in states where white, male majority rules. Some relevant, vibrant voices. Well done art and graphics, adding up to a well-told story in print and online.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Virginia - Mesabi Daily News Entry Title: Teamsters Local 320 go on strike Entry Credit: Eric Killelea, Jerry Burnes Judge Comment: The time-period of this series - one week or so, made it so engaging - I looked forward to the next "chapter". The reporting was clear, fair to all sides, presented many voices on the issue, and let the reader in on an often tense situation with dollars, lives and relationships at stake.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Grand Forks Herald Entry Title: Thief River Falls Airport: Boutique Air letter of concern Judge Comment: I can't help but think this issue would have passed under the radar, that all parties involved would not have been in the public eye and been encouraged to work toward the public good without the concerted, in-depth coverage of this issue. Well written, clear, interesting. Small airports are so important to and for the local economy.
Competition Comment: It was really hard reviewing the series stories, so comprehensive and in-depth, against the single-issue entries. It is hard not to lean toward the concerted works.
Overall, a these newspapers covered a variety of issues that I think represent the state and its many voices and issues.
I am not a fan of not sourcing, attributing data, even if the reporter has depth and breadth of the subject. I ask writers to consider how readers feel when information is not sourced. It leads to those "fake news" accusations so prevalent today- that should fall silent when sources, data are present.
Overall, I found the writing unbiased and fair in reporting all sides, voices.
