2024 Golden Press Card: Newspapers (Large) - East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists

Here are the 2024 Golden Press Card winners in the Newspaper (Large) category. The entries were judged by the Oklahoma SPJ Pro Chapter.

PERSONAL COLUMNS/REVIEW/CRITICISM (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: How music and sports can bring Knoxville together
Entry Credit: Ryan Wilusz
Links: See entry, See entry, See entry
Judge Comments: More than just commentary, this writer showed effort in reporting as well. The articles were interesting and helpful to readers. Great job.

Second Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Ideas at the Leading Edge
Entry Credit: Mark Harmon
Judge Comments: I really liked all the columns this writer wrote. He shows passion, yet lays out his arguments and positions well.

HURRICANE HELENE IN-DEPTH COVERAGE (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Government response
Entry Credit: Allie Feinberg
Links: See entry, See entry
Judge Comments: Great watchdog reporting

Second Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: From climate causes to community meetings in the aftermath
Entry Credit: Daniel Dassow
Links: See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry

FEATURE REPORTING (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Gatlinburg’s charm makes it home away from home for many. For 3,577 people, it’s just home
Entry Credit: Hayden Dunbar, Caitie McMekin, Angelina Alcantar
Links: See entry
Judge Comments: I loved the angle of looking at the regular residents of a tourist town. The historic context and information woven throughout was well done and interesting. Thanks for giving us a peek underneath Gatlinburg’s skirts, so to speak!

Category Comments: Every story in this category deserved an honor. It was an enjoyable afternoon reading all the different angles and story topics.

Second Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: How does Habitat for Humanity build much-needed homes in Knoxville where the median price is $400K?
Entry Credit: Devarrick Turner, Hannah Mattix
Links: See entry
Judge Comments: This story effectively combined business and real estate reporting with a feature-like twist that made it both entertaining and educational to read. Neat angle.

HURRICANE HELENE BREAKING COVERAGE (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Helping people navigate the damage
Entry Credit: Knox News staff
Links: See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry
Judge Comments: Tons of usable, important information and great storytelling about how Helene affected the communities. This entry showed dedication to not only informing readers, but inspiring and educating them as well. Stellar job.

Second Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: How plant that produces radioactive nuclear fuel weathered Helene
Entry Credit: Daniel Dassow
Links: See entry
Judge Comments: What an important topic to write about following a disaster. The reporting was clean, concise and full of information. I am positive this story probably relieved a lot of people.

GENERAL REPORTING (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Knox County lacks sidewalks, yet kids must walk to school
Entry Credit: Areena Arora, Angelina Alcantar
Links: See entry
Judge Comments: The reporter demonstrates a good eye for an issue that impacts the community at large. The article is strong with solid data, expert sources and those affected by a key issue overlooked by policy makers. The story also presented readers with solutions for potential actions to bring officials.

Second Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Muslims say religious freedom violated by sheriff’s office after University of Tennessee arrest
Entry Credit: Angela Dennis

SPORTS REPORTING (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Zack Dobson was fueled by brother’s death for 5 years before spiraling. Then Eric Berry ’saved my life
Entry Credit: Angela Dennis
Judge Comments: The story flowed smoothly, interlacing nostalgia and his life today. The quotes were used well to add perspective, and the organization made the piece easy to follow and engaging.

Second Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Hits Close to Home’
Entry Credit: Adam Sparks
Links: See entry
Judge Comments: This story is a well-crafted blend of nostalgia and news. The narrative flows smoothly, the quotes are purposeful and personal, and the structure allows readers to clearly see how one image became the catalyst for a powerful branding decision. The narrative could be tightened in places. While the story is rich with detail, some sections could benefit from more concise language to maintain momentum and keep the reader fully engaged.

CONTINUING COVERAGE (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: After the collapse of I-40, when – and how – will the major route reopen?
Entry Credit: Allison Kiehl, Caitie McMekin
Links: See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry
Judge Comments: In addition to my other comments, this series of articles informed the community of the travel restrictions after Hurricane Helene. Seeing the news on TV is one thing. Reading about it in greater detail was the achievement of this series. Thanks.

Category Comments: It is always difficult to judge so many great entries. I wish I could award each of you a first prize. Since I cannot, I will do my best to identify the top two. Thanks!

Second Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Honeybee loses its ‘hiveminds’ in bizzare biz shakeup
Entry Credit: Daniel Dassow
Links: See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry
Judge Comments: Good to see the local community come together to help a company. The community realized how important the coffee house was to its employees and customers. It provides a story of resiliency against the odds.

DEADLINE/BREAKING NEWS REPORTING (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: French company announces major investment in nuclear enrichment plant
Entry Credit: Daniel Dassow
Links: See entry, See entry
Judge Comments: Having access to an embargoed press release and gaining information in time and in sync with the announcement of the business coming to town is not always an easy process to complete. This type of news story can be one of the most complicated ones because how such actions can influence the marketplace and investments. The page views speak to the the people who were concerned and interested in this topic. Thanks!

Category Comments: For all of the entries that I am judging, again, I would like to award each and every entry. When I did do my best to single out the top two, the articles on the new company coming to town and the NIL lawsuit from the Attorney’s General office were the winners for me. Thanks.

Second Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Tennessee AG sues NCAA over NIL-recruiting ban
Entry Credit: Adam Sparks
Links: See entry
Judge Comments: The NIL story is an example of a very complicated story that the reporter did a good job explaining. I imagine the reporter will consider establishing a timeline that will give a perspective to what happened involving the UT redshirted QB’s interesting relationship with the university. The topic is a complicated one that is still evolving. Thanks.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS REPORTING (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: The politics of power, from TVA to Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Entry Credit: Daniel Dassow
Links: See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry
Judge Comments: The Tennessee Valley Authority and Department of Energy subject has a regional and strategic national implications. The reporter helped to keep the public informed of the project. It was great that the reporter saw the topic was not being covered by other outlets.

Category Comments: Every entry is providing light on subjects that the public needs to know. I wish each entry could be a winner. After reviewing the entries, I selected the Tennessee Valley Authority and Project 2025 articles to be winners in this category. Thanks!

Second Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: What would Project 2025 do for education: Why the conservative plan may not sound new in Tennessee
Entry Credit: Areena Arora
Links: See entry
Judge Comments: Because Project 2025’s report is voluminous, it was ideal that the reporter identified a section related to the state. The information was presented in digestible portions for the reader. It will be interesting to see if the parallels between Project 2025 and the governor’s education agenda continue. Thanks.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: A station in a shakeup, WUTK evolves while losing its leader
Entry Credit: Keenan Thomas, Ryan Wilusz
Links: See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry
Judge Comments: The reporter traced the story from its beginning to its unfortunate end with the former general manager. I am glad the students have been able to resurrect or continue the radio programming. Unfortunately, accounting procedures were not communicated effectively to this university program. The reporter did a great job following the story as far as he went with it. Thanks.

SERIES/PACKAGE/PROJECT WRITING (Newspaper – Large)

First Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Black in Business: The lifeline and lifeblood of Knoxville’s Black community
Entry Credit: Reporters: Daniel Dassow, Keenan Thomas, Devarrick Turner, Ryan Wilusz , Photographers: Hannah Mattix, Caitie McMekin, Brianna Paciorka, (Knox News editing, planning, reporting and visuals staff)
Links: See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry
Judge Comments: I was impressed with the depth and breadth of the reporting on identifying minority businesses contributing to the local economy. It shared the successes and challenges of operating a business. I believe the community appreciated the in-depth coverage. Thanks.

Category Comments: The entries merited awards and recognition for their extensive coverage. I wish each entry could receive a number one rating. I thank each applicant for the presentation and delivery of great work! Thanks.

Second Place
Contestant Name: News Sentinel
Entry Title: Knox County Schools promised raises for all staff. Some got just a few cents more
Entry Credit: Areena Arora
Links: See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry