INSIDE: COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS AND JUDGES COMMENTS - Presented April 30, 2022 - NENPA
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INSIDE: COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS AND JUDGES COMMENTS
Presented April 30, 2022
CONGRATULATIONS
NEW ENGLAND
BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
AWARD WINNERS
This year’s competition drew nearly 2,000 entries that were published during the contest year August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021.
The entries were evaluated by the New England Newspaper & Press Association’s distinguished panel of judges. The results of the
competition listed here recognize the excellent revenue and audience building activities that are taking place throughout New
England — the finalists and winners are listed, along with the judges’ comments.
NENPA is proud to celebrate this truly extraordinary work!
Entries were judged in six categories:
Daily Newspapers with circulation up to 15,000 Weekly Newspapers with circulation up to 5,000
Daily Newspapers with circulation more than 15,000 Weekly Newspapers with circulation more than 5,000
Specialty and Niche Publications News Services and Online News Sites
Contents
N EWS R EPORTING Editorial/Commentary Page Sports Video
Arts and Entertainment Reporting Front Page Spot News Video
Business/Economic Reporting Living Page or Section
Best Coverage of Coronavirus P HOTOGRAPHY
Special Section or Supplement Feature Photo
Coverage of Protests or Rallies
Sports Section News Feature Photo
Crime and Courts Reporting
Education Reporting Special Sports Section General News Photo
Environmental Reporting Pandemic Photo
E DITORIAL
General News Story Personality Photo
Editorial Writing
Government Reporting Photo Illustration
Commentary
Health Reporting Photo Series
Editorial Cartoon
History Reporting Photo Story
Human Interest Feature Story C OLUMNS Pictorial Photo
Investigative Reporting Humor Columnist Portrait Photo
Local Election Coverage Political Columnist Sports Action Photo
Local Personality Profile Serious Columnist Sports Feature Photo
Obituaries Sports Columnist Spot News Photo
Presidential Election Coverage
Racial, Ethnic or Gender Issue Coverage D ESIGN S PECIAL R ECOGNITION
Reporting on Religious Issues Illustration/Infographics Outstanding Newsletter
Science/Technology Reporting Front Page Best Niche Publication (Editorial)
Social Issues Feature Story Overall Design and Presentation Best Solutions Journalism Project
Sports Feature Story Excellence in Newsroom Collaboration
Sports Story D IGITAL P UBLISHING Innovator Award
Spot News Story Multimedia Coverage Digital Strategy Excellence
Transportation Reporting Website Interactivity and Engagement Rookie of The Year
Climate Change and Weather Coverage Best Podcast Reporter of The Year
Audience/Community Involvement Best Infographic on Website Photojournalist of the Year
Headline Writing Best Overall Website
Right-to-Know Best Overall Mobile Product G ENERAL E XCELLENCE
Best use of Social Media in Breaking News
P AGES AND S ECTIONS
News Video
Arts and Entertainment Section
Entertainment Video
Business Page or Section
Feature Video
Food Page or Section
3
NEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION AWARD WINNERS
NEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
1|Page
NEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Daily 2
REPORTING 1st Place: Richard Duckett,
Telegram & Gazette
'What the Nazis Stole from Richard
Daily 1
Neumann (and the search to get it back)'
1st Place: Alisha Saint-Ciel, opening at WAM
The Enterprise, Brockton This arts & culture feature could be the
Blinded by society Cape Verdean artist in foundation of a screenplay - the writer
Brockton achieves his dream effectively weaves together multiple story
An immediately engaging, can't stop lines skating to but not past,, the edge of
reading profile of an intriguing - decidedly complexity keeping the reader hooked to
contemporary artist and deep dive analysis the final sentence and likely driving many to
of his roots, inspirations and creative spirit. access this exhibit.
2nd Place: Megan Fernandes, 2nd Place: Kathi Scrizzi Driscoll,
Fosters Daily Democrat Cape Cod Times
Kevin Eastman reminisces about time in Our Story: The Wampanoag Tribe and the
Dover, birth of ‘Ninja Turtles’ Pilgrims Who Followed
A fantastic and compelling read that A very important feature chronicling the
localizes and reflects on the humble historic shift between the museum's
beginnings of a pop cultural phenomenon original 'racist' historical exhibit and its
and the individuals who envisioned it, more honest and historically accurate first-
successfully developed a global brand, and person perspective. Not just an important
ended up spawning generation-spanning promotion for the museum, but an
franchise with grit, talent, networking, and important story about lessons learned and
humility - without sacrificing their artistic one institution's successful attempt to
innocence and sense of humor. The writer illustrate the truth. Fantastic storytelling
captured a spectacular level of detail that should have driven both increased
through their research and interviews. attention and attendance!
3rd Place: Steve Pfarrer, 3rd Place: Ray Kelly, The Republican
Daily Hampshire Gazette East Longmeadow animator Sue Nichols
With a little help from his friends Maciorowski to be honored posthumously
Delightful reporting on a personality and for work on Disney
talent who is at an age very challenging to Wonderfully readable tribute that delves
capture and relate to a broad audience. into the comprehensive back story of this
Regardless, this writer does an admirable dedicated hometown talent who connected
job of scripting a feature that leaves the with her faith and community before her
reader informed, inspired to seek out the untimely passing.
artist, and very much looking forward to
what lies in store for him in the future.
4|PageNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Specialty
REPORTING, (continued) 1st Place: Victor Infante,
Worcester Magazine
News Services and Online News Sites The Great WoMag Disco Challenge!
One of the most ambitious pieces of
1st Place: Michael Jonas,
entertainment reporting ever - with a
CommonWealth Magazine
concept that is pure genius and presumably
Fitchburg pinning revival hopes on arts and
generated by the author. Before you ever
culture
get to sampling all 50+ artists involved,
From the exceptional lede through this
readers got an extremely detailed insight
deep dive analysis on tapping arts nd
into how musicians experienced or
culture as a primary means of economic
interpreted one of the more historic genres
development - the writer delivers an
of modern music.
engaging and highly informative feature
that provides a great service to the
2nd Place (tie): Victor Infante,
community as well as all Commonwealth
Worcester Magazine
Magazine readers.
In defense of television: Worcester shares
its pandemic-driven viewing habits
2nd Place: Cate Hewitt,
An extremely well-written 'page scroller' of
The Connecticut Examiner
a feature, incorporating countless insights
The 'Secular Religion' of Jennifer Grotz
not only regarding who's watching what on
Hewitt delivers a deliciously brief interview
TV, but also offering many insights on what
packed with insights about the subject and
TV is, and what it means. I dare say every
how she is inspired to craft her work - along
reader of this excellent feature saw
with some of the best advice (and insight)
themselves in at least one of this reporter's
for those who might otherwise be put off,
subjects.
or genuinely afraid of exploring poetry.
2nd Place (tie): Richard Duckett,
3rd Place: Peter Chianca, Boston.com
Worcester Magazine
The 10 best Boston references on the new
Looking for signs
Dropkick Murphys album
A wonderful piece on the development and
An extremely home grown reference fest,
roll-out of this public art project, laced with
as entertaining for Dropkick Murphys fans
an interesting array of sources and details
as it is for any resident or Boston lover who
about how these works arrived at the right
is familiar with any of the sites or situations
time to perk-up and involve the entire
laced into these songs.
community.
5|PageNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 3rd Place: Kate Cough,
The Ellsworth American
REPORTING, (continued)
Flute-maker
A wonderful piece detailing how music and
3rd Place: Kris Olson,
an instrument changed and gave true
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
meaning and purpose to a local personality.
Lawyer, wife reopen theater complex
The rapport between the writer and subject
bought just before pandemic hit
is evident in the narrative, delivering a well-
This would be a great read in any
balanced and entertaining read.
newspaper or magazine, but its emergence
from something of a trade publication
makes it an even better find. The
appropriateness and ties between the ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SECTION
subject and subject matter make this
feature even more entertaining and award Combined
worthy. 1st Place: Saskia Maxwell Keller,
Provincetown Independent
Weekly Provincetown Independent Arts & Minds
1st Place: Dan Bolles, Seven Days section, 7-22-21, Saskia Maxwell Keller
Banjo Great Gordon Stone Celebrated With The Provincetown Independent created an
Posthumous Album outstanding section for its vibrant arts
A good feature can lead the reader to learn community.
something, to become more appreciative of
a subject or genre — and in rare occasions 2nd Place: The Berkshire Eagle
open a door to a whole new level of Berkshire Landscapes, July 17-18, 2021
appreciation of a particular art form or Navigating the arts and entertainment
subject they never knew, understood, or “landscape” in Western Massachusetts is a
heard of before. This writer accomplishes joy with this section. Interesting editorial
all three in this informative, easy reading throughout, and the pink artwork
tribute that probably helped expose the immediately grabs the reader!
subject to new audiences in his own home
state and neighborhood. 3rd Place: Letitia Baldwin,
The Ellsworth American.
2nd Place: Saskia Maxwell Keller, Arts & Leisure
Provincetown Independent Jennifer Skiff’s Love Letter was beautiful
“Painting in the Key of Blue, à la Judith and heartbreaking. The section layout was
Rothschild” well done and visually appealing.
One of the most unique examples of arts
reporting, not only providing engaging,
readable insight about a unique creative,
but developing and contributing a hands-on
component that can help readers better
understand and appreciate that subject’s
genius.
6|PageNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BEST COVERAGE OF summation of a frightening and oft-
confusing year which changed our lives
CORONAVIRUS
forever. Whereas other entries in this
category used the "series" label to brand
Daily 1
what more properly was a loose collection
1st Place: Staff, The Day, New London of COVID-related stories published over
The Lost Year time, The Patriot Ledger shows what can be
Consisting of both an October 2020 special done with meticulous planning and by
section and a March 2021 anniversary keeping everyone’s eyes firmly on the ball.
series, The Day’s coronavirus coverage Still, with multiple moving parts, a project
follows in the best traditions of community like this relies on structure, organization
journalism. The former, an engaging and and institutional gravity to keep things
visually attractive special section, covers all together. Its covers much of the same
the tried & true pandemic bases – ground as other entries – the pandemic’s
chronicling the impact on nursing homes impact on education, municipal budgets,
and assisted living facilities, the regional mental health, family dynamics, etc. – but
entertainment industry, high school the Ledger’s team of staff writers are skilled
athletics and graduation ceremonies, enough to explore more complex and
workplace and labor market, etc. But it also nuanced issues, some of a technical nature,
includes some creative thinking – stories on without losing their audience in the weeds.
hiking and other outdoor pastimes, random Smart, intelligent writing elevates our
acts of goodwill, excerpts from editorials understanding of the subject matter rather
published in recent months and capsules on than burying readers in an avalanche of
some of those who lost their lives to the statistics, so even though these five
virus. Plenty of advertising support installments are dense and loaded with
enhances the presentation, with ad layouts detail, unhurried and deliberate pacing
as compelling as the editorial design. Titled keeps things on track. Sources speak of
“The Lost Year,” The Day’s week-long series their COVID experiences with authority,
commenced on Sunday March 7 with a insight and occasional poignancy,
striking front-page infographic consisting of emphasizing the human dimension of the
one-sentence testimonials to every COVID- ongoing crisis.
19 victim from New London County. In that
same issue, The Day reflects on the prior 3rd Place (tie): Hadley Barndollar and
year in editorials, sports and feature stories. Deb Cram, Portsmouth Herald
A praise-worthy effort. The Last Responder
Many media outlets profiled funeral
2nd Place: The Patriot Ledger directors as part of their ongoing coverage
One year of COVID-19: What we’ve of the COVID-19 crisis. However, most
learned; doctors reflect barely scratch the surface of this complex
Serving as a launchpad for The Patriot and multi-layered topic, instead focusing on
Ledger’s five-part series on the COVID-19 restrictions that led to scaled-back, or even
pandemic, staff writer Joe Defazio’s virtual, bereavement or funeral services.
opening five paragraphs probably represent
the best, and certainly most succinct,
7|PageNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BEST COVERAGE OF students. All speak with sincerity and
genuine concern for those back home.
CORONAVIRUS, (continued)
Nicely done.
But in his lengthy profile of Maine funeral
Daily 2
director Jeffrey Pelkey, Gannett staff writer
Hadley Barndollar goes deeper to provide a 1st Place: Staff, Republican-American
behind-the-scenes look at a critical industry. Coverage of the Coronavirus
Demonstrating a keen eye for detail, There is much to admire in The Waterbury
Barndollar touches all the bases in spinning Republican’s diverse and far-reaching
a narrative that breathes life into the coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Culled
business of death. Even without the added from a 10-month period beginning in
dimension of COVID-19 this would be a August 2020, the varied elements included
compelling read, but the author’s ability to in this entry showcase community journalist
explain procedures rarely seen by the at its finest – compelling, consistent,
public, while also chronicling near-heroic comprehensive and contextual. Thoughtful
efforts to preserve dignity amidst appalling in both planning and execution, the
circumstances, is exemplary. Barndollar Republican never loses focus in detailing
neither minces words, nor wastes them. He the profound and evolving ways that COVID
is perfectly comfortable letting the details – has affected our lives. Highlights include
and quotes – speak for themselves. Also Tracey O’Shaughnessy’s Aug. 30 column
speaking loudly, from a visual point of view, which – in 23 exquisite paragraphs – evokes
are Deb Cram’s nuanced photos, displayed the misery, bravery and absurdity of the
with sensitivity and tact as the story pandemic; the seven-part “People of the
unwinds through multiple jumps. The Pandemic” series by Steve Barlow which
jumps, while a distraction, can’t diminish forces readers to contemplate human
the overall impact of this powerful package. triumphs and tragedies occurring on more
or less a daily basis; and the top-notch lead
3rd Place (tie): Olivia Belanger and to Michael Puffer’s Aug. 2 news feature
Paul Cuno-Booth, The Keene Sentinel about area teachers demanding classroom
For many in Monadnock Region, India's safety measures. Like many outlets, the
COVID crisis hits close to home Republican also published a 1-year
In a category with multiple outlets pursuing retrospective in early March 2021 titled
similar angles on COVID-related topics, The “Life with COVID,” then followed it up a
Keene Sentinel manages to dig up an week later with an even more ambitious
entirely fresh take by localizing the take on vaccinations. These and other
pandemic’s devastating effects on the subsequent “Focus” packages from the
India/Nepal region. Stronger editing would Sunday paper are remarkable in their own
have helped here, as composition is clunky right, each delivering and multi-faceted
at times. But give staff writers Paul Cuno- take on a different COVID-related topic.
Booth and Olivia Belanger credit for Taken in its entirety, the Republican’s
unearthing a range of local sources with ties efforts stand head and shoulders above the
to the subcontinent – from physicians to competition, regardless of circulation class.
convenience store owners to college
8|PageNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BEST COVERAGE OF struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic,
his effort is more perceptive than most –
CORONAVIRUS, (continued)
thanks largely to the insights of
restaurateurs operating in and around the
2nd Place: Cynthia McCormick,
Pittsfield area. In particular, he deserves
Cape Cod Times
credit for showing readers how sometimes-
COVID hits Cape Cod
overlapping, other-times inconsistent and
This entry is distinctive in that it showcases
ever-changing local and state health policies
ongoing work from a single staffer, reporter
have affected these small business owners
Cynthia McCormick, throughout the COVID-
and their employees. Not the most stylish
19 pandemic. While not part of a series or
writer, Dobrowolski seems more than
special project, these nine stories reflect
content to let his quotes do the talking. In
McCormick’s journalistic versatility and
this case, that’s a good thing because they
ability to write with nuance and
speak volumes – especially when sources
sophistication. Although many outlets
opine on delicate matters like requiring
published an obligatory high school prom
establishments to enforce contentious
story, for example, McCormick elevates her
policies involving masks, scaled-back
narrative by interviewing a prom-goer in
seating capacity and limits on dining time.
search for a color coordinated dress/mask
Editors likewise deserve credit for a clever
ensemble. Other stories emphasize more
headline.
provocative COVID angles. The most
haunting of these chronicles the overdose
News Services and Online News Sites
death of a Cape Cod teen two weeks after a
district court judge rejected her parents’ 1st Place: Staff, The Connecticut Mirror
request for in-patient treatment – his ruling How Connecticut battled the coronavirus
was made on the basis of court filings at a Entry consists of six different stories
time pandemic safety restrictions showcasing excellent long-form journalism
prevented parents from making their case characterized by strong graphics and
in person. Another original storyline uses relentless use of statistical research to tell
USPS data to detail an influx of at-home the tales. Story on nursing home staffing
workers, newly untethered from their challenges documents factors which
respective workplaces, migrating to new contribute to erosion among front-line
homes and virtual careers on the Cape. health care workers, while a piece on the
McCormick also does solid work helping early days of Connecticut’s vaccine rollout
readers highly technical efforts to sequence shows how minority populations were often
the viral genomes of emerging variants. last in line for available shots (quite an irony
in light of subsequent resistance to
3rd Place: Francesca Paris, vaccinations, often among those same
The Berkshire Eagle populations). News feature on COVID-19
Health care workers receive first deaths in the state prison system was
vaccinations with fear, hope, relief exceptional, and heartbreaking – showing
While Troy Dobrowolski was one of many how most inmates died alone, with family
community journalists assigned to chronicle members notified only when a final decision
the restaurant industry’s well-documented
9|PageNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BEST COVERAGE OF lose everything. All your things, everything
that you have done in your life you'll lose,
CORONAVIRUS, (continued)
and eventually you'll lose it all.”
was needed to terminate life support.
3rd Place (tie): Roberta Baker,
Writing could have been tighter at times,
Granite State News Collaborative
but extended narratives are digestible,
Nursing home social life during COVID
linear and rarely wander. Quotes are never
Plenty of news outlets reported on
gratuitous, and well positioned to help
conditions in area nursing homes and
provide context for readers.
assisted living facilities during the COVID-19
pandemic. Suffice it to say, few had staff
2nd Place: Staff, VTDigger.org
writers like Roberta Baker – who deserves
Coronavirus in Vermont
recognition on the strength of her writing
On a strictly professional level, the 16
alone. Baker’s lead on the “Things get
individual stories comprising VTDigger’s
wacky” story is a delight, capturing the zany
coronavirus coverage reflect a deep-seated
essence of costumed staffers at the N.H.
and abiding commitment to good
Veterans Home who, by all appearances,
journalism. The digital news outlet’s more
will stop at nothing to elicit a smile from
significant contribution, however, is
dispirited elders. Baker skillfully
simpler: helping improve the quality of life
intersperses a brisk narrative with quotes
in northern Vermont – a laudable goal
from both residents and staff. Her upbeat –
made even more pressing by the COVID-19
dare we say, fun – approach stands in
pandemic. There’s nothing particular new
contrast to numerous other entries which
or groundbreaking here, with staff writers
focused on the grim monotony in such
tackling familiar angles on changes to rural
facilities, with residents isolated, family
policing, remote employment trends,
members unable to visit in person and staff
navigating holes in the state unemployment
morale at a low ebb. Thank you, Roberta,
safety net and challenges experienced at
for helping us remember the power of
the state’s lone testing lab – all from a
positive thinking – even in a pandemic.
Green Mountain perspective. What is
notable, however, is the consistency of
3rd Place (tie): Heather Morrison,
writing and presentation over an extended
MassLive
period. Rather than bludgeoning its
Mass. private schools see uptick in interest
audience with long-form treatments, the
following plans for public schools to go
VTDigger staff manages to find a series of
remote
home-grown sources who help readers
Lengthy, but solid treatment which traces
make sense of complex, multi-layered
the migration of Bay State families from
issues. Kudos, also, to photographer Glenn
public to private schools – ostensibly to
Russell, whose images of Vermonters –
escape remote- or hybrid-learning models
some hardscrabble and others not – reflect
implemented during the COVID-19
perfectly the grim resignation evoked by
pandemic. Although staff writer Heather
the lengthy pandemic. As an unemployed
Morrison focuses primarily on diocesan
homebuilder from Newport Center, Vt.
schools in Boston, Springfield and
observes: “When you lose your income, you
10 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BEST COVERAGE OF paying rents while state restrictions on
indoor dining were in effect.) Other
CORONAVIRUS, (continued)
highlights tackle the thorny issue of
mandatory workplace vaccinations, new
Worcester, she explores other classroom
rules to fast-track bankruptcy filings, the
alternatives as well. Despite its daunting
fairness of conducting suppression hearings
length, Morrison’s narrative keeps things
and other proceedings via Zoom and more
moving, introducing readers to parents
mundane matters like the return of jury
struggling with difficult – and expensive –
trials to the federal courthouse. Very
choices in a rapidly-shifting educational
impressive and deserving of top honors.
landscape. Her sourcing is exhaustive, but
always balanced and even-handed, with the
2nd Place: Staff, Providence Business News
only agenda a desire by parents to improve
PBN coronavirus coverage
on a bad situation.
Working with a pared-down staff owing to
declining revenues during the COVID-19
Specialty
pandemic, Providence Business Journal still
1st Place: Pat Murphy, Kris Olson, manages to deliver a series of feature-
and Barry Bridges, length packages that document the
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly pandemic’s effects on the city’s retail, real
coronavirus coverage estate, health care, hospitality and tourism
Although Mass. Lawyers Weekly serves a sectors, among others. Although such topics
narrow readership of legal professionals, might be a dry read in less capable hands,
the 16 stories which encompass its COVID the staff at PBJ strives for just the right
coverage entry certainly reinforce one amount of leavening. For example, an
attorney’s observation that the COVID-19 October feature on virtual employment
pandemic “upended the practice of law foresees the gradual emergence of
more dramatically than any other permanent hybrid workplaces, while also
development since the billable hour was exploring the trickle-down effects on a
introduced 100 years ago.” By rigorously Pawtucket dog-boarding, grooming and
avoiding legalese in favor of style and daycare business. Turning its attention to
language familiar to a general audience, nursing homes – a thematic lodestar for
staff writers Pat Murphy, Kris Olson and news outlets during the pandemic – PBJ
Barry Bridges earn their stripes by deftly steers clear of the usual tropes and instead
exploring the legal implications of pandemic shows how increased PPE and supply costs,
policy and practices – usually with far- combined with declining occupancy rates,
reaching consequences for the rest of us. have siphoned away profits and sapped
Some of these, like Olson’s Oct. 8 story employee morale. The likely upshot is an
detailing efforts by landlords to develop a industry shakeout with state government
constitutional challenge to the channeling funds to home-care options.
Massachusetts eviction moratorium, are Weighty stuff well handled.
fascinating solely on their merits. (Ditto for
a related piece by Murphy that focused on
more successful challenges by commercial
tenants, especially restaurants, to avoid
11 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BEST COVERAGE OF 3rd Place: Courtney Lamdin, Chelsea Edgar,
Sasha Goldstein, Seven Days
CORONAVIRUS, (continued)
Fleeing COVID-19, Newcomers Find
Temporary — or Permanent — Refuge in
3rd Place: Staff, Boston Business Journal
Vermont
Uncertain returns
Consisting of a single installment of
“Recover Boston,” a series of special reports
looking at the local economy and BEST INFOGRAPHIC ON WEBSITE
workplaces, Boston Business Journal Daily 2
expertly focuses on the cascading effects of 1st Place: Francesca Paris,
pandemic-related disruptions on business The Berkshire Eagle
relationships of long standing, gradually The time we saved in the Berkshires (and
eroding he interdependence critical to a are still saving) with remote work
healthy economy. Like other publications, Good information here, packaged well, easy
BBJ packages stories and sidebars to to read.
document the looming consequences facing
different financial sectors – including higher
education, a key cog to Boston’s economy. BEST NICHE PUBLICATION
More sobering is reporting on the Daily
pandemic’s financial effects on health care, 1st Place: Marcia Passos and
especially hospitals, which typically Douglas Anderson, The Keene Sentinel
generate the bulk of their profits through Monadnock Table
elective procedures which were curbed The Keene Sentinel has targeted a niche
during the COVID surges. audience with an outstanding publication.
All local artwork and editorial celebrating
Weekly local and rural culture.
1st Place: Chelsea Edgar, Seven Days
Mother Load: A Year in the Life of Three 2nd Place: Michelle Johnson and
Single Moms in Vermont Curtis Panlilio, The Republican
Few pieces of feature writing have captured A Ballooning Life The Nine Lives of J.
the anxiety, the downs and the occasional Michael Wallace
ups as well as this piece. Captivating and visually stunning!
2nd Place: Chelsea Edgar, Seven Days Specialty
After a Year in Hotels, Homeless 1st Place: Lisa Lynn, David Pollard, and
Vermonters Prepare to Live in Tents and Angelo Lynn, VT Ski & Ride
Cars Vermont Ski + Ride Magazine
Excellent niche publication – exceptional
photography and editorial content.
12 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BEST NICHE PUBLICATION, 2nd Place (tie): The Inquirer and Mirror
(continued) Nantucket Today
Island life displayed in a beautiful
2nd Place (tie): N-Magazine publication. Well done!
N, Nantucket Magazine
Wonderful publication celebrating life in 3rd Place: The Martha's Vineyard Times
Nantucket – the photography of the island M.V. Bluedot Living (At Home on Earth)
is remarkable! Though this publication is still in its infancy,
it’s already extraordinary. Beautiful, clean
2nd Place (tie): Lisa Lynn, Shawn Braley, design, and full of much needed
and Angelo Lynn, Vermont Sports information. Congratulations!
Vermont Sports.
This publication knows its audience and
serves it well! This is a must read for Weekly 2
athletes living in, or visiting, Vermont. 1st Place: The Mountain Times
Covid Guides
3rd Place: Mainebiz Kudos to The Mountain Times for producing
4 editions of excellence this much-needed guide to educate the
Every aspect of local, regional and public! The design is attractive (even fun)
statewide business is covered in Mainebiz. and the information is relevant and
Engaging editorial content, well written presented clearly.
profiles and good infographics.
2nd Place: Seven Days
Staytripper
Weekly 1 We loved this “staycation” publication!
1st Place: Greg Popa, Stowe Reporter Wonderful profiles and resources presented
Stowe magazine in a lively design.
Phenomenal publication! There is nothing
canned in this magazine – it’s all local. 3rd Place: Vineyard Gazette
Beautiful design, and full of interesting The Vine
editorial – this is a must read for visitors. What a treat this publication is for islanders
and visitors alike!
2nd Place (tie): Stowe Reporter
Stowe Weddings / Green Mountain
Weddings
Wonderful resource displaying the beauty
and charm of the area for weddings.
Fantastic promotion for local vendors and
couples alike.
BEST OVERALL MOBILE PRODUCT
13 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
Combined Weekly 1
1st Place: The Day, New London 1st Place: The Martha's Vineyard Times
The Day's mobile site The MVTimes website
This clean design of this site makes it easy
to navigate. 2nd Place: The Vermont Standard
Thevermontstandard.com
2nd Place: MassLive
Best Mobile Product 3rd Place: Mount Desert Islander
Clear, clean menus to access sections. Mount Desert Islander
3rd Place: MV Bluedot Living
MV Bluedot Living mobile website Weekly 2
Clean consistent design, easy to navigate. 1st Place: Graham Smith, Vineyard Gazette
vineyardgazette.com
2nd Place: Seven Days
BEST OVERALL WEBSITE Sevendays.com
Daily
1st Place: The Day, New London
theday.com
BEST PODCAST
2nd Place: The Berkshire Eagle Combined
berkshireeagle.com 1st Place: Peter Huoppi, Taylor Hartz, Sten
Spinella, The Day, New London
Looking for the Todt Family
News Services and Online News Sites This intriguing podcast about the murder of
1st Place: Boston.com a Connecticut family is the clear winner.
boston.com Congratulations to The Day!
2nd Place: MassLive 2nd Place: Vineyard Gazette
masslive.com Shed: Conversations about race
Effective podcast discussing race with
honest engaging conversations.
Specialty
1st Place: Providence Business News 3rd Place: Mainebiz
PBN website The Day That Changed Everything
Interesting concept, and really well done!
2nd Place: MV Bluedot Living
MV Bluedot Living
14 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BEST SOLUTIONS JOURNALISM 3rd Place: Granite State News
Collaborative and Partners,
PROJECT
Restorative Justice Project
Daily
This project about diversion and restorative
1st Place: Jack Rooney, Meg McIntyre, justice programs in Vermont offers insight
The Keene Sentinel on current and potential alternatives to
Pandemic Parenting traditional criminal justice.
During an unprecedented time when
nobody knew what to do, the Keene
Sentinel offered much needed insight and
guidance to parents.
BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
IN BREAKING NEWS
2nd Place: Michael Cousineau, News Services and Online News Sites
New Hampshire Union Leader 1st Place: Mike Dougherty, VTDigger.org
What's Working Vermont's Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout
Focusing on “What’s Working” is an VTDigger quickly and effectively used all
intriguing project that looks at a variety of their social media channels to inform their
workforce issues and potential solutions. readers of the state's vaccine schedule.
Offering insight on “what’s working” in
other communities, this reporting is a true
service to the community. BUSINESS PAGE OR SECTION
Combined
3rd Place: Paul Cuno-Booth,
1st Place:The Ellsworth American.
The Keene Sentinel
Overview
Better Judgment
This robust Overview section is a
Fascinating series on restorative justice
tremendous service to the readers and the
program. Well researched and well sourced.
business community, full of valuable
information. Designed to be saved and
referred to throughout the year, it's also
News Service / Online
appealing to advertisers.
1st Place: Douglas Hook, MassLive
Court of Hope 2nd Place: The Berkshire Eagle
Captivating series on diversion programs Berkshire Business Insider and Careers,
offering alternative solutions to the criminal April 3, 2021: Getting Back to Business
justice system. A compelling section that reviews the
effects of the pandemic on the area as well
2nd Place: Granite State News as economic expectations as the pandemic
Collaborative subsides. Beautiful layout.
Remote Learning Progress Report
Compelling report on how school systems
responded to student needs during the
pandemic, offering potential
improvements.
15 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BUSINESS/ECONOMIC REPORTING 3rd Place: Nicole Shih, Telegram & Gazette
A FRESH START
Daily 1
News Services and Online News Sites
1st Place: Charles Winokoor,
1st Place: Christopher Gavin, Boston.com
The Herald News
What does a future of remote work look
SUCESS FOR THE CITY
like for Massachusetts?
Intriguing package describes how a local
Gavin provides a compelling look at
business owner went from refugee to
potantial impacts on Massachusetts
successful entrepreneur, and how his
workforce with the expanded remote
business impacts the local community.
availability.
2nd Place: Joe Wojtas,
2nd Place: Mark Pazniokas,
The Day, New London
The Connecticut Mirror
Local seafood rushed to markets near and
The problem of problem gambling
far
3rd Place (tie): Cate Hewitt,
3rd Place: Caleb Symons,
The Connecticut Examiner
The Keene Sentinel
Vincent Marks Gains in Norwich
Former Koffee Kup employees say
Redevelopment
paychecks issued, then rescinded
3rd Place (tie): Roberta Baker,
Granite State News Collaborative
Daily 2
How to find New Hampshire's real estate
1st Place: Michael Cousineau, bargains
New Hampshire Union Leader
What's Working
Michael Cousineau’s series on “what’s Weekly 1
working” is excellent. It offers thorough
1st Place: Ryan Spencer,
reporting and engaging content to engage
The Mashpee Enterprise
the community in potential solutions.
Shellfisherman’s Blues
Cape Cod oyster industry hit hard by covid
2nd Place (tie): Tony Dobrowolski,
lockdown. Excellent micro and macro
The Berkshire Eagle
coverage of this topic. Multiple sources.
Pandemic sends building material costs
Very informative and clearly presented
soaring, keeps contractors guessing
2nd Place (tie): Michael Puffer,
Republican-American
The Fourth Estate’s future
16 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BUSINESS/ECONOMIC REPORTING 1st Place (tie): Noah Asimow,
(continued) Maia Coleman, Vineyard Gazette
Real Estate/Construction Boom
2nd Place: Avalon Styles-Ashley, Another gem from the Vineyard Gazette
The Other Paper staff. Great quotes, good local examples,
SheFly smashes the pants patriarchy and broader trends of vacation destinations
This story is a gem. Fantastic tale of a becoming hot spots for "secondary primary
startup business with a generous helping of homes" for wealthy urban dwellers. The
moxie, social awareness, humor and series of stories covers different aspects of
humanity. Story could have benefitted with the white-hot Vineyard real estate market,
a few more financial details. But the topic, from sales to renovations, to super-sizing
the subjects and the breezy writing style are residential properties. All contributed to
winners. eye-popping increases in average home
sales.
3rd Place: Christine Legere,
Provincetown Independent 1st Place (tie): Noah Asimow,
The Affordable Housing Challenge Aaron Wilson, and Maia Coleman,
Good detail on the financial hurdles that Vineyard Gazette
limit the number of developers interested Heart of Main Streets
in building affordable housing on the Outer This series on how Main Street businesses
Cape. The series lacks a narrative arc or the navigated the challenges of retail sales in
point of view of residents trying to find the time of COVID is a perfect companion to
affordable housing in Provincetown. the other two Vineyard Gazette entries in
this business category. This series goes to
the heart of what makes local journalism so
Weekly 2 essential to the welfare of the communities
it serves. The Gazette staff has a well-honed
1st Place (tie): Maia Coleman,
sense of place. The business owners' quotes
Vineyard Gazette
in this series are frank and unvarnished.
Summer Rental Market
Excellent, comprehensive and beautifully
Perfect season-opener story from the
crafted local news coverage from this
Vineyard Gazette that informs the locals
outstanding publication. I am grouping all
what to expect in terms of summer crowds
three of the Vineyard Gazette entries into a
for 2021. Rich in data detail, alive with
collective 1st place prize. All three stories
substantive quotes from rental, real estate
are directly linked by the impact on real
and ferry officials, this story paints a picture
estate and local businesses by COVID.
of a tourist area about to have a robust
recovery from Co=OID-plagues 2020. Sure-
footed writing paired with flawless editing.
A real winning combination.
17 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
BUSINESS/ECONOMIC REPORTING 3rd Place: Felix Carroll and Greta Jochem,
(continued) The Berkshire Eagle
Farmers dealing with 'emergency' as near-
2nd Place: Derek Brouwer, Seven Days record totals keep fields drenched
Flight Path: BTV’s Beta Technologies Is on
the Cusp of a Breakthrough for Electric News Services and Online News Sites
Aviation 1st Place: Jan Ellen Spiegel,
Top shelf reporting on an emerging The Connecticut Mirror
Vermont startup Beta Technologies. The Climate change in Connecticut
company hopes to build a better electric Fascinating series on how climate change
drone that can transport people or cargo affects everything –bugs, drought, flooding
for hundreds of miles between charges. – and the role politics plays.
Well written and thorough reporting.
2nd Place: Jackson Cote, MassLive
rd
3 Place: Lauren Clem, Valley Breeze Why are we not talking about the drought?
Selling the farm
Wonderful tale of a Rhode Island farming 3rd Place: Brendan Crowley,
family that is calling it quits after three The Connecticut Examiner
generations on the land. Rich data detail on A Will But Not a Way for Lamont’s
how this story has played out in Rhode Transportation and Climate Initiative
island and throughout New England. Great
quotes woven into a well-told tale.
Weekly
1st Place: Kevin McCallum and Ken Picard,
CLIMATE CHANGE OR WEATHER Seven Days
REPORTING Trickle to Torrent: The Climate Crisis Brings
Both Deluges and Droughts to Vermont
Seven Days presents a fascinating a look at
Daily the effects of climate change on Vermont –
1st Place: Doug Fraser, Cape Cod Times from flooding to droughts. McCallum and
Winds of Change Picard’s reporting on the aging water
Doug Fraser’s “Winds of Change” wins for systems and potential for indoor farming is
this in depth piece about the environmental top notch.
and political impacts from off shore energy
plans. 2nd Place: Nancy Lavin,
Providence Business News
2nd Place: Hadley Barndollar, Surge Mentality: New warning sounded on
The Patriot Ledger Providence's widespread flood risks
'By design or neglect': Flood, climate
hazards threaten MA's redlined 3rd Place: Paul Benson,
neighborhoods Provincetown Independent
“Before the Deluge: Plans for Commercial
Street”
18 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
COMBATING MISINFORMATION 2nd Place: Ian Diamondstone,
The Commons
AND RESTORING TRUST
‘I understood why she felt the way she did,
Combined
and I knew no one would ever change her’
1st Place: Record-Journal Ian Diamondstone eloquently introduces
Record-Journal - Providing Trusted COVID- readers to the long-time owner of a local
19 Vaccine Information for Latino lodge.
Communities
The effort and impact of this project are 3rd Place: Felix Carroll, The Berkshire Eagle
inspiring and impressive. A community with The day I met Donald Trump
traditionally low trust in news was given a Felix Carroll takes the readers along on his
real public service by the newsroom — at a "weird experience" meeting Donald trump.
time when trusting information was an
actual matter of life or death. Very well
done.
COMMUNITY/AUDIENCE
2nd Place: Peter Huoppi, Karen Florin, INVOLVEMENT
The Day, New London Combined
The Day's trust efforts 1st Place: The Day, New London
The Day's ongoing commitment to Pizza Madness Bracket
explaining their values and processes is Fun and effective audience engagement!
impressive. These entries display a real
personal touch, using columns and a 2nd Place: Emily Turner and Zipporah Osei,
podcast to humanize the news. Very well Boston.com
done. "Readers Weigh In"
3rd Place: Paula Routly, Seven Days 3rd Place: The Harvard Press
Notes from publisher Paula Routly Feature: In this time of pandemic, what
Having a regular habit of talking directly to have you learned?
your audience is a great way to build trust,
and these columns do an especially nice job
of communicating the newsroom's mission
and philosophy.
COMMENTARY
Combined
1st Place: Mitchell Chapman,
The Berkshire Eagle
Addressing America's ugly duality
Mitchell Chapman's thoughtful writing
takes a deeper dive on the criticism of
America's Founding Fathers and their
shortcomings on race.
19 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES PHOTO 3rd Place: Mark Alan Lovewell,
Vineyard Gazette
Daily Bikers navigate unexpected water
Nice image
1st Place: Stephanie Zollshan,
The Berkshire Eagle
A wave of concern blankets homeless
Well done COVERAGE OF PROTESTS OR
RALLIES
2nd Place: Marc Vasconcellos, Daily
The Enterprise, Brockton 1st Place: Taylor Hartz,
Dual Rally: Counterprotesters crash Legion The Day, New London
Field Spring FREE Rally How a New London woman found her
Good image voice as an activist
This story takes first place because it offers
3rd Place: Steve Heaslip, Cape Cod Times a unique perspective from the other entries
Extinction Rebellion that offers insights that educate the reader.
nice Too often protesters are painted as
stereotypes. In this instance we learn of a
woman's journey from sitting on the
News Services and Online News Sites sidelines to leading protests with hundreds
1st Place: Glenn Russell, VTDigger.org of people and willing to put her personal
Police protest safety at risk. Much protest reporting
Great expressions merely describes events without attempting
to explore the personal motivations of the
2nd Place: Glenn Russell, VTDigger.org participants. This article is the exception.
Covid unemployed
Nice 2nd Place: Susannah Sudborough,
Taunton Daily Gazette
3rd Place: Yehyun Kim, CLASH ON THE GREEN Taunton BLM and
The Connecticut Mirror pro-police groups face off
Stuck in the hospital This story stands our from the others
because of its effort to engage with the
Weekly participants from both sides and report
1st Place: Gary Higgins, their points of view so that readers gain a
Boston Business Journal better understanding of their perspectives
Street ministry in New Haven and motivations. Frequently, protest
Nice reporting takes a 10,000-foot view, focusing
only on the crowd-size, the chants and the
2nd Place: David Sokol, Somerville Journal speeches. This article breaks from that mold
Zoom School and offers a sense the reporter was truly
Interesting curious about the event beyond the
pageantry.
20 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
COVERAGE OF PROTESTS OR the protests were augmented by the
pandemic. A lesson that these
RALLIES (continued)
demonstrations do not happen in a
vacuum.
3rd Place: Kerri Tallman,
The Standard-Times
3rd Place: Robert Cocuzzo, N-Magazine
NBPS paraprofessionals seek higher wages
Petitioning Justice
This article reminds us that protests go
This article adeptly explored how the death
beyond issues we've become accustomed
of George Floyd rekindled smoldering racial
to the past couple of years. This series
frustrations in a town proud of its veneer of
deserves credit because it examines a topic
inclusiveness. It separated itself from the
- education paraprofessional compensation
other entries because it smartly wove
- that few people know about and therefore
historical context with contemporary
increases community awareness of an
conflict and raised issues that should make
important issue.
everyone in town a little uneasy.
Weekly
1st Place: Chelsea Edgar, Seven Days
CRIME AND COURTS REPORTING
Daily 1
Fault Lines Over Trump, Racism and Justice
Divide the Town of Johnson 1st Place: Julie Manganis, The Salem News
This entry takes first place because it does Where's Jonathan
the most thorough and skillful job of The winner in this category examines
meeting the category's criteria of showing complicated case of Jonathan Jutras to
the effects political/social protests on a show how the current system denies justice
community - it this case, tearing it apart. It for everyone involved. This journalist
also excels by bringing in a multitude of approaches this story with a thoroughness
voices and perspectives that reveal the and sensitivity that, in the end, lets the
many nuances of the community's divide. power of the facts shine through.
Well-crafted, empathetic and even-handed
writing. 2nd Place: Kyle Stucker,
Burlington Free Press
2nd Place: Nancy Lavin, Stuck in limbo
Providence Business News
Protests put businesses in a tough spot 3rd Place: The Herald News
This article is unique in this category Coverage of the trial of former Fall River
because it's the only one to explore how Mayor Jasiel Correia II
the protests for racial justice affected local
businesses by heightening fears of an
unsafe downtown. There is far too little of
this kind of reporting that explores the
unintended consequences of well-meaning
civil unrest. Important too is that the article
also pointed out how the fears created by
21 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
CRIME AND COURTS REPORTING 3rd Place: Granite State News
(continued) Collaborative
Restorative Justice Project
Daily 2
1st Place: Stephanie Barry, The Republican
Weekly
Do You Think I Killed Him
A haunting tale of how a determined police 1st Place: Colin Flanders, Seven Days
detective did all he could to reveal the truth Case Dismissed? Questions Persist About
about the five-decades-old murder of a 13- Police Investigation Into Ralph Jean-
year-old boy. The journalist skillfully shifts Marie's Disappearance
the story through time and employ the This story exemplifies the importance of
chilling dialogue between the detective and accountability journalism as it puts a harsh
the defrocked priest at the center of the light on local police for the failures to
investigation. thoroughly investigate a local man's
disappearance. The journalist moves
2nd Place: Cynthia McCormick, beyond the official story from police to
Cape Cod Times point to unexplored paths — and then
Tatiana overdose delivers the evidence-driven story in a way
that cannot be ignored.
3rd Place: Brad Petrishen,
Telegram & Gazette 2nd Place: Lauren Clem, Valley Breeze
T&G lawsuit for public records access In Woonsocket, threat of gun violence hits
close to home
News Services and Online News Sites 3rd Place: Lauren Clem, Valley Breeze
Family demanding answers in Logee Street
1st Place: Kelan Lyons,
murder case
The Connecticut Mirror
Cash bail in the COVID era
In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic
pushed a strained courts system to the EDITORIAL CARTOON
breaking point. This story shows the Combined
personal and human costs, raising serious 1st Place: A. Crock (Adam Graham),
questions about the possibility for justice Provincetown Independent
while pointing to the need for potential “Lobster Man Roll”
reforms. A humorous and effective take on a big
news event both in the area and worldwide.
2nd Place: Anna Elizabeth,
The Connecticut Examiner 2nd Place: Tim Newcomb, Seven Days
A Year Without Jury Trials Trump cuts Vermont's vaccine allotment
Simple artwork makes the point most
effectively.
22 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
EDITORIAL WRITING 3rd Place: Angelo Lynn and staff,
Combined Addison County Independent
Editorial pages Feb. 25, 2021
1st Place: George Brennan,
A pleasing winter image is the focal point of
The Martha's Vineyard Times
this attractive opinion page.
Editorials
When this newspaper takes an editorial
stand, it uses sharp, emphatic language and
pulls nopunches. EDUCATION REPORTING
Daily 1
2nd Place: Gregory Stroud, 1st Place: Lindsay Tice, Sun Journal
The Connecticut Examiner Education under siege: A Sun Journal
Three Editorials investigation
Timely and blunt. I like that the writer isn't Outstanding use of data to connect the dots
afraid to identify himself. and tell an important story.
3rd Place: Staff, The Berkshire Eagle 2nd Place: Kerri Tallman,
Berkshire Eagle, Editorial Writing, April 16, The Standard-Times
March 19, 2021, Oct. 17, 2020 ‘It’s unacceptable, there’s no excuse’ New
The editorial castigating the police Bedford Public Schools misreports 16
department is longer than the paper's other school-based arrests
submissions, but was gripping and factual. Great use of reporting, data journalism and
The others, though shorter, made their really clear explanation of how things work.
points clearly.
3rd Place: Susannah Sudborough,
Taunton Daily Gazette
Hope for students struggling with dyslexia
EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY PAGE
The challenges some Taunton students
Combined
face, and ...
1st Place: Jeff Potter, editor, The Commons Great storytelling on a very important
‘Insurrection’ subject. The writing really keeps the
Laid-back makeup helps make a powerful reader's attention throughout the article.
statement about the events of January 6.
2nd Place: Staff, The Republican Daily 2
Traitors
1st Place: Jessica Hill, Cape Cod Times
The commentary is encompassed in a page
Racial disparity in school discipline
dominated by pictures of those the paper
Outstanding reporting on an important
deemed traitors for their roles on and
issue, all backed up with graphics, data and
about January 6.
strong photography.
23 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
EDUCATION REPORTING in some of the stories and fewer usual
(continued) suspects. Still outstanding work!
2nd Place: Greta Jochem and 2nd Place: Philip Marcelo, Steven Senne
Francesca Paris, The Berkshire Eagle and Rodrique Ngowi, The Associated Press
Berkshire public schools lost hundreds of For Native Americans, Harvard and other
students during the pandemic. colleges fall short
Packed with great reporting, all the This story takes a look at an often-
information a parent would need and overlooked population in reporting -- Native
supported with graphics. Really great work. Americans -- and raises important questions
about the role of colleges in their social
3rd Place: Michael Gagne, Record-Journal mobility. As the story says, during the
The state of local schools amid pandemic pandemic, Native students experienced the
Great series that covered topics important sharpest college enrollment decline of any
to the community in an easy to understand racial or ethnic group, as economic
way. hardships, health disparities and the
challenges of remote learning in isolated
tribal communities forced many students to
News Services and Online News Sites quit school. Kudos for elevating these
challenges to enhance readers'
1st Place (tie): Jacqueline Rabe Thomas,
understanding.
The Connecticut Mirror
School construction and segregation
This is a tie with the NH news collaborative
Weekly 1
series on Covid learning.The Mirror takes an
in-depth look at an issue that is so 1st Place: Ross Cristantiello, Joy Hosford
important to education equity. Looking at and Mike Gaffney, Lexington Minuteman
the history -- and present -- of segregated Pandemic effects linger at technical
schools in CT is powerful and should serve schools
as a wakeup call for CT leaders. These Really good team effort on reporting. Lots
stories are well told and packed with helpful of different voices elevated. Good detail
information and graphics. about what makes CTE a special challenge
for students. Well reported.
1st Place (tie): GSNC Reporters,
Granite State News Collaborative 2nd Place: Matthew Nadler, Trevor Hass,
Remote Learning Progress Report Duxbury Clipper
This project is a tour de force, covering DHS football team antisemitism
nearly every remote learning/hybrid controversy
learning challenge you can think of. The fact Good job sticking with a story that broke on
that it is a collaboration makes it even the beat and finding angles to write about.
better at this moment in the news business. The pieces do not shy away from exposing
Love the solutions focus. One pet peeve, the concerning developments on the team,
there could be more students and parents but also do a good job of showing the rift in
the community, without sensationalizing.
24 | P a g eNEW ENGLAND BETTER NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
EDUCATION REPORTING ENTERTAINMENT VIDEO
(continued) Combined
1st Place: Eva Sollberger, Seven Days
3rd Place: Dean Geddes, Winter Dipping With Katharine
The Inquirer and Mirror Montstream and the Red Hot Chilly
Balancing Act: Teachers Juggle In-Class and Dippers
Remote Learning Red Hot Chili Dippers - beautifully shot and
This story is well written and does a good captures the intensity of this community of
job of explaining the challenges that dippers. The love affair with the lake fueling
teachers face in hybrid learning. I would Monstream's painting shone through. The
have liked to see some comments from paint effects in the video were an added
students on the impact of the teachers' bonus!
juggling.
2nd Place: Peter Huoppi, Rick Koster,
The Day, New London
Weekly 2 The secret to finding a parking spot in
1st Place: Alison Novak, Courtney Lamdin, Mystic
Seven Days Fun, quirky video about finding parking in
PCBs at Burlington High School Mystic.
Such a great package of stories for readers.
They put the students at the center of the
issue and do a great job of amplifying ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
student concerns. While the subject matter Daily 1
can be technical, the writers took great
1st Place: Paul Leighton, The Salem News
pains to make the information clear and
Still Dirty
understandable. An impressive effort on a
Impressive effort by the news organization
huge community story.
to hold authorities accountable for ensuring
the continued protection of residents
2nd Place: Chelsea Edgar, Seven Days
harmed by an environmental problem.
Norwich University’s President Decamps to
Information led to action by the
COVID-19 Front Line — a Dorm Room
government.
This is such a great profile! You really get to
know the president and what made him tick
2nd Place: Susannah Sudborough,
during a challenging time for the college.
Taunton Daily Gazette
Great details, like the Post Malone song
Scientists weigh in on Taunton gasification
make this a fun and delightful read.
Solid effort by the news organization to
independently ask important questions
3rd Place: Olga Peters, The Commons
about a proposal that has potential health
Educating hand-in-hand with uncertainty
and environmental impact on community.
Story is well written with lots of interesting
details. The only criticism is the lack of
student voices.
25 | P a g eYou can also read
