2021 Golden Press Card: Newspaper (Non-Metro) - East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists

Here are the winners in the Newspaper (Non-Metro) categories. The entries were judged by the Greater Cincinnati SPJ Professional Chapter.

DEADLINE/BREAKING NEWS REPORTING – Newspaper (Non-Metro)

First Place
Contestant Name: The Crossville Chronicle
Entry Title: Tornado strikes without warning
Entry Credit: Michael R. Moser
Links: See entry, See entry, See entry

Second Place
Contestant Name: The Crossville Chronicle
Entry Title: I-40 chase ends with crash, shooting
Entry Credit: Michael R. Moser
Links: See entry, See entry

EDITORIAL WRITING – Newspaper (Non-Metro)

First Place
Contestant Name: The Crossville Chronicle
Entry Title: Heather Mullinix
Entry Credit: Heather Mullinix
Judge Comments: The Crossville Chronicle takes several issues head-on. Especially important was the editorial on open meetings, which makes a case for revisions to a proposal in the state legislature that would allow meetings outside the public’s eye. COVID-19 open-meetings changes, which allowed public officials to meet electronically, is becoming a permanent excuse to continue such meetings. Newspapers must demand that meetings be in person—and if they’re not, accommodations must be made to allow the public to know what’s happening. Keep up the pressure, Crossville Chronicle!

FEATURE REPORTING -Newspaper (Non-Metro)

First Place
Contestant Name: The Crossville Chronicle
Entry Title: Student gains teaching experience
Entry Credit: Heather Mullinix
Judge Comments: This was a great example of the classic newspaper feature story: one that has broad appeal, is written in an engaging way and that covers a topic of wide interest to a local audience. Well-done!

GENERAL REPORTING – Newspaper (Non-Metro)

First Place
Contestant Name: The Crossville Chronicle
Entry Title: Michael R. Moser
Entry Credit: Michael R. Moser
Judge Comments: Great to see a reporter tackle the issue of addiction and then provide a clear description of how the court system is handling the issue. Solid reporting.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS REPORTING – Newspaper (Non-Metro)

First Place
Contestant Name: The Crossville Chronicle
Entry Title: Sexual harassment lawsuit
Entry Credit: Heather Mullinix
Judge Comments: Good government watchdog reporting on sexual harassment claims in a county office. Readers can find multiple areas of interest in not only the details of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s investigation, but also in the costs to the county and the upcoming trial of the accused. The trial of the former Cumberland County solid waste director will provide even more interest.

PERSONAL COLUMNS/REVIEW/CRITICISM – Newspaper (Non-Metro)

First Place
Contestant Name: BLANK Newspaper
Entry Title: AMPLIFY: A place to call home
Entry Credit: Brandon Gibson
Links: See entry
Judge Comments: The writing is clear and very explanatory. An interesting subject was presented perfectly and chock full of detalls for an enjoyable read.

SERIES/PACKAGE/PROJECT WRITING – Newspaper (Non-Metro)

First Place
Contestant Name: BLANK Newspaper
Entry Title: BLANK’s Best of 2020
Entry Credit: Matt Rankin, Matt Miller, John Flannagan
Links: See entry
Judge Comments: Whether you agree or disagree with the “Best of” picks, you have to say this is an interesting package of pop-culture review writing. The artwork for each category is attractive as well.