The Citizen news staff has been honored with five awards in the 2014 Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
Members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association reviewed 3,417 entries submitted by 119 Michigan newspapers in this year’s contest, which covers a wide range of categories. Papers compete in divisions according to circulation and whether they are daily or weekly. The Citizen competes in Weekly B division, amongst publications with circulation between 10,000 and 24,999. Announcement of winners coincides with National Newspaper Week, Oct. 5-12.
The Citizen Editor David Fleet and Staff Writer Susan Bromley took first place out of 23 entries in the spot news category this year for their team coverage on the story, ‘I’m so grateful they got out of there alive,? which chronicled the tornado that tore through Atlas Township, destroying a home on May 28, 2013. Judges commented, ‘Excellent reporting. Loved the interviews with the survivors. The stories they tell are amazing. Good job.?
Judges had a difficult time choosing winners for the feature story category, saying there were ‘so many interesting and well-written stories,? but chose David Fleet for second place out of 56 entries in the category for ‘When they were soldiers,? in which local veterans Michael Berg, James Cummings, and Richard Horton recount tales from the respective wars’Vietnam, Korean, and World War II? in which they served. Commented a judge on the piece, ‘I very much enjoyed reading the stories of these men who had such different experiences during the different wars in which they served.?
Judges noted they also had many fine, continuing coverage stories in the news enterprise reporting category, which recognizes stories or series that demonstrate in-depth exploration of an issue with strong news value that helps the reader better understand a facet of life, the community, or issues surrounding news events. Susan Bromley was honored with third place out of 24 entries in the weekly B division for ‘Fight for marriage equality,? a series of stories covering the battle for legal recognition of same-sex marriage.
‘Stories make the debate over marriage personal,? wrote judges. ‘Good job at highlighting the various points in the public discussion.?
Photographer Patrick McAbee wrapped up The Citizen’s 2014 awards by taking both first and third place in feature photos. In ‘Blackhawks Move On,? the first place photo, a little girl is seen jumping into the arms of a Brandon High School graduate. Judges commented, ‘Sweet moment is a nice change from tossing the cap graduation pics. Getting down to their level helped bring me into the frame.?
The third place winner for McAbee was ‘Frog on lily,? which a judge called a ‘neat find.?
The five wins in the 2014 Better Newspaper Contest extends The Citizen’s MPA awards streak to six consecutive years. Since 2005, The Citizen staff has won 26 awards in this contest, all in weekly B division competition. The Citizen staff is honored to have the opportunity to tell your stories. If you have a story to share, please contact us at 248-627-4332 or by e-mail at citnews@citnewspaper.com.