C.J. Carnacchio, editor of The Oxford Leader, brought home the gold April 15 by winning a total of six Excellence in Journalism Awards from the Detroit Society of Professional Journalists.
‘It’s truly an honor to be recognized by your peers ? fellow professionals in the industry who truly understand real journalism in all its facets from opinion writing to photography,? said the 33-year-old Oxford resident. ‘I’m humbled.?
Surrounded by print and broadcast journalists from around the Metro Detroit area, Carnacchio was honored during the Detroit SPJ’s annual banquet at the San Marino Club in Troy.
All of Carnacchio’s awards were in the Print Class C classification, which consists of non-daily newspaper, magazine or trade publications with circulations of less than 50,000.
Carnacchio was up against journalists from the Detroit Jewish News, Grosse Pointe News, Crain’s Detroit Business, C&G Newspapers and Hour Detroit magazine.
Carnacchio won first place in editorial writing for his July 30, 2008 editorial ‘Vote No on Cityhood for Oxford Village.?
Judges called the editorial ‘strong, definitive, (and) persuasive.?
He took second place in the news columnist category for his long-running, weekly column ‘My Way,? which has previously garnered three awards from the Michigan Press Association.
Writing wasn’t the only thing Carnacchio was honored for as he received four awards related to his photojournalism skills.
In the news photo category, the editor took both first and second place for his photos entitled ‘Giving Thanks? (a little girl praying during a Memorial Day ceremony) and ‘Good Game Little Man? (a Detroit Lion slapping hands with a Jr. Wildcat football player).
Carnacchio’s photo entitled ‘Houston, We Have Lift-off? (an OHS track team member competing in the long jump) received second place in the sports photo category.
And finally, it was Carnacchio’s photo of a guitarist playing his heart out at Oxford’s Hot Blues and BBQ festival that earned him third place in the feature photo category.
Entries in this year’s competition were judged by members of the SPJ North Central Florida Pro Chapter, SPJ Minnesota Pro Chapter and Chicago Headline Club.
Judges took the SPJ Code of Ethics into consideration when evaluating all entries.
Since joining the Leader back in May 1999, Carnacchio has now received a grand total of 30 awards ? 22 from the MPA and eight from the Detroit SPJ.