Judge Grants Injunction Against Indiana's So-Called "Buffer Law"

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and a coalition of plaintiffs that includes the Indiana Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, secured a preliminary injunction in the state’s so-called “Buffer Law.” 

U.S. Southern District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II found the 25-foot Buffer Law is unconstitutionally vague. 

“Simply being within twenty-five feet of a police officer is not a crime, and indeed, important First Amendment rights are regularly exercised within twenty-five feet of law enforcement every single day,” Sweeney said. 

The Buffer Law went into effect in 2023 despite strong objection from private citizens, members of the media and organizations including the ACLU.  

In his decision, Sweeney wrote “Plaintiffs have shown that they are likely to succeed on their claim that the Buffer Law is void for vagueness and therefore unconstitutional.”

Sweeney granted the injunction September 27. 

The Indiana Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists applauds this action.  

Click here to read the judge’s decision.

Indiana Pro SPJ Chapter Announces A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism

The Indiana Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to announce the Best in Indiana Journalism A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism. Winners will be awarded prizes totaling $15,000.

The Indiana Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists has partnered with the A-Mark Foundation to honor the state’s best investigative journalism. The goal of this new award is to reward and promote topnotch journalists and encourage more to dig deeper into the stories impacting Indiana communities. Awards will be presented at the yearly Best in Indiana banquet. You can read more about how to enter and the prizes on our awards site here.

Decision 2024 — Key Tips on Covering Elections

On September 17, a panel of journalists gave their expert advice on covering politics, politicians, and elections in the current landscape. If you missed, you can watch the event here.

SPJ board member Lisa Green, managing editor at the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, put together a best practices list for journalists when it comes to covering the election. You can download that document here.

Below are some key takeaways from the conversation with Dan Spehler, Dave McKinney, Niki Kelly, and Oseye Boyd.

SPJ EVENT: Responsibly reporting on issues affecting trans people

On June 13th, Indiana Pro SPJ and the Trans Journalists Association partnered for a free, virtual panel discussion about how to responsibly report on issues affecting trans people. Below are links of resources from panelists.

Resources and advice referenced during the panel:

More recommended resources: 

Coverage by and/or recommended by panelists: 

Indiana Pro SPJ honors 2023 Best in Indiana Journalism

At its annual awards banquet on April 26, 2024, the Indiana Pro SPJ chapter honored the best Indiana journalists from across the state. Top honors went to journalists of The Indianapolis Star, WFYI, and the Indiana Daily Student.

Dan Byron and the Indiana Public Access Counselor’s Office were awarded special honors for their contributions to journalism.

Students from Indiana University and Butler University received the chapter’s scholarships.

You can read more about the awards and see a full list of winners in the awards winners section.

SPJ Hosts Statewide Cameras in the Courtroom Discussion

On April 26, 2023, the Indiana Professional SPJ Board hosted a Facebook live discussion about Indiana’s new rule allowing cameras in Indiana courtrooms. Bob Donaldson, of CBS4, moderated the conversation and shared questions from our journalists watching online.

The panel included :

  • Judge Marc Rothenberg, Marion Superior Court

  • Retired Judge Marianne Vorhees, Delaware Circuit Court

  • Kathryn Dolan, Chief Public Information Officer, Indiana Supreme Court

  • Amanda Wishin, Supervising Attorney, Indiana Office of Court Services

  • David Kuhnz, Staff Attorney, Office of Communication, Education, & Outreach, Indiana Supreme Court

You can watch the full discussion on our Indiana Pro SPJ Facebook page.

2022 Best of Indiana Journalism Contest Winners

2022 BEST OF INDIANA JOURNALISM

 

PRESENTED APRIL 21, 2023, AT INDIANA SPJ BANQUET

 

 

SPECIAL HONORS

INDIANA STORY OF THE YEAR

 

BINGHUI HUANG, KRISTINE PHILLIPS and MYKAL McELDOWNEY

 

Bottom Line

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGING COMMENT: Bottom Line, the series of stories about lax oversight from Indiana OSHA, is well written and deeply reported, blending powerful statistics while putting a human face on the issue. The stories revealed a shocking inside look at what transpired in meat-packing plants during the COVID-19 pandemic to the shoddy work conditions at some of the state’s biggest motor home industry. The fact that IOSHA only inspected 44 of the 600 complaints is disturbing as is the lack of inspections at the Tyson plant even though four people died. This is the agency entrusted to ensure workers are in a safe environment. Yet it failed on many levels. The workers’ stories were heartbreaking, showing the price human beings pay when a state agency that is supposed to protect Hoosiers does not uphold its mission and is woefully underfunded and understaffed. This series fulfilled the journalists’ role as a watchdog in an exceptional way.

 

 

INDIANA JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

 

DANA HUNSINGER BENBOW

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGING COMMENT: Dana has a collection of stories demonstrating that sports reporting isn’t about all games and numbers. Her range is unmatched and her stories explore issues and people away from the sports pages. Through her reporting and writing, she brings the subjects of her diverse stories to life with heart and feeling. By the end of her stories, you know her subjects and understand the issues. Her Title IX stories were especially well done, covering territory that few others have explored. She dug into issue facing basketball players from the old ABA who were sick and dying without the healthcare and pensions they earned, and she touched us deeply with the story about football player Ryan Kelly and his wife’s tragedy. Her body of work is outstanding.

 

 

INDIANA STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

 

CATE CHARRON

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

JUDGING COMMENT: Cate Charron’s reporting is thorough and well-written, a series of accountability stories that speak to the difficulty of student discipline as well as the impact on victims and the campus. She provided solid, in-depth reporting around the various issues as she covered a case involving a star in one of the university’s premier programs. She showed persistence as she followed the stories for six months, challenging the policy of her college administration and providing a variety of student perspectives. Excellent work.

 

 

INDIANA JOURNALISM COURAGE AWARD

 

SHARI RUDAVSKY

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

SLAYMAKER SERVICE TO JOURNALISM AWARD

 

INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING

 

 

CHAPTER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

 

MARISSA MEADOR

 

Indiana University

 

 

RYAN COSTELLO

 

Indian University

 

 

PROFESSIONAL: TELEVISION

BEST NEWSCAST (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

13NEWS TEAM

 

13News at 5

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Wide range of news for this regularly scheduled broadcast which included breaking news, an investigative report, ongoing coverage updates of a 2017 murder in Delphi as well as drone footage to help viewers understand the scene as stated in legal affidavit.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

FOX59 STAFF

 

FOX59 News at 10

 

WXIN

 

3RD PLACE

 

AL CARL, BRADY GIBSON, ADAM KRENT and MAGGIE CONNELLY

 

WISH-TV News 8 at 6

 

WISH-TV

 

BEST NEWSCAST (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WANE STAFF

 

Mayor Arrest Video

 

WANE

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This was a very competitive category with several stations entering "big story" coverage. One station's coverage edged out the others with its comprehensive coverage of the arrest of the Fort Wayne mayor and the release of officer body cam video. The team had to comb through hours of footage released that morning and produced well-executed team coverage. Great planning and execution by all involved.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WNDU STAFF

 

16 News Now at 11: Remembering Rep. Jackie Walorski

 

WNDU

 

3RD PLACE

 

WTHI-TV STAFF

 

News 10 This Morning: Winter storm blasts the Wabash Valley

 

WTHI

 

 

BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

13NEWS TEAM

 

Walmart Warehouse Fire

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Outstanding news reporting and amazing live streaming of Walmart warehouse fire as firefighters were just starting to fight the fire, the safety of the employees was still unknown and the reporters were hearing explosions from inside the building. The drone footage cam coverage showing the damage was outstanding in relaying aerial images.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

Walmart Warehouse Fire

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

FOX59 STAFF

 

Hearing on Delphi Documents

 

WXIN

 

 

BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WNDU STAFF

 

Jackie Walorski Killed in Crash

 

WNDU

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The entry demonstrated how the WNDU team mobilized to cover a big breaking news story and how the coverage unfolded in real-time. The coverage of Rep. Jackie Walorski's death and that of 3 others was handled with compassion and reflected the tenure of their staff on-air and behind-the-scenes, as well as their deep knowledge of the community they serve. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

WNDU STAFF

 

Delphi murders arrest

 

WNDU

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

BLAKE DOLLIER

 

"He's coming our way!" Semi passenger reacts after nearly being hit head-on in a high-speed chase

 

WTHI

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

BOB SEGALL, RYAN THEDWALL AND SUSAN BATT

 

Heart Broken

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Fantastic investigation that revealed much more than what you would typically read in a lawsuit. The reporter and videographer delivered power interviews, essential and detailed graphics, a creative and explanatory standup that really educated viewers, along with tight writing and terrific editing. 

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

STEVE BROWN, JAMIE SUITER and TIM O'BRIEN

 

Protective Orders & GPS Stalking

 

WXIN

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY and BRAD FORESTAL

 

Justice Delayed

 

WRTV

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ANGELICA PICKENS, KARLI VAN CLEAVE, IAN HOOVER and TYLOR BRUMMETT

 

Fight for Public Records after Mayor's Drunk Driving Arrest

 

WPTA

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This team gets kudos for their dogged pursuit of public records the city tried hard to prevent them from getting. Their months-long effort paid off -- resulting in video showing the mayor abusing his power during a drunk driving arrest. This was a great accountability story.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

CARLI LUCA, CHRISTINE KARSTEN, DON SCHOENFELD, JAKE BILLER, CALEB STEENSMA and ERIC WINTER

 

How Safe Are Our Schools?

 

WNDU

 

3RD PLACE

 

MONICA MURPHY, MELISSA PARISH and JORDAN GOULD

 

Uncovering the bullying problem in local schools

 

WNDU

 

 

FEATURE STORY (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CHUCK LOFTON, STEVE RHODES and MEGAN SIMPSON

 

Dog Mountain

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Visually stunning piece on man's best friend. Great job!

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

SCOTT SWAN AND STEVE RHODES

 

Wok Lady

 

WTHR

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

KELSEY ANDERSON and SHEA GOODPASTER

 

500 Pit Crew

 

WRTV

 

 

FEATURE STORY (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

SADDAM ABBAS AL-ZUBAIDI

 

Carved to Last

 

WTIU

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This is a visually stunning homage to old world architecture, the techniques used to produce it, and those who buck modern trends to hold fast to skilled craftsmanship. The dreamy quality of this piece was still somehow captivating and overall a pleasure to watch.

 

2ND PLACE

 

TOM POWELL and BRENNEN WALTON

 

Last Chance for Justice

 

WPTA

 

3RD PLACE

 

ALYSSA IVANSON

 

Princess Olivia

 

WANE

 

 

DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ALEXIS ROGERS, JOY HERNANDEZ and TROY BUTLER

 

The Living Truth: The Emmett Till Special

 

WISH-TV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This entry showed the reporter's dogged pursuit of a story for decades across state lines and her refusal to accept empty and vague answers from law enforcement. Great use of file footage and photos to showcase this years-long investigation. Powerful interviews. An outstanding effort to shed light on a dark chapter in American history.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

13NEWS TEAM

 

13News Special: Delphi Murders Arrest

 

WTHR

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

Fed Ex: One Year Later

 

WRTV

 

DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

14 NEWS TEAM

 

Rise Up: Remembering the December 10, 2022, Tornado

 

WFIE

 

2ND PLACE

 

WANE STAFF

 

Inside Electric Works

 

WANE

 

3RD PLACE

 

WANE STAFF

 

Veterans' Voices

 

WANE

 

 

CONTINUING COVERAGE (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RICHARD ESSEX and BRADY GIBSON

 

The Delphi Murders

 

WISH-TV

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

FOX59 STAFF

 

The Delphi Murders: 5 Years Unsolved & Finally an Arrest

 

WXIN

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

KAITLYN KENDALL

 

Officer Burton

 

WRTV

 

 

CONTINUING COVERAGE (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WPTA STAFF

 

21Alive Continuing Coverage: Fort Wayne's Deadly Derecho

 

WPTA

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This team provided informative coverage of a weather event that impacted the entire community. Well done.

 

2ND PLACE

 

HEATHER GOOD and JAREN WEST

 

Fears history is repeating, Ukrainians watch war from afar

 

WTHI

 

3RD PLACE

 

WANE STAFF

 

Allen County Jail -- From Lawsuit to Land Purchase

 

WANE

 

 

COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

13 INVESTIGATES TEAM

 

13 Investigates: Government Watchdog

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This team’s work was thorough, in-depth, and exposed a vital issue impacting the public. The investigation was not only impactful, but well written, shot and edited bringing an otherwise boring topic to life with great storytelling and use of natural sound.

 

2ND PLACE

 

DAN SPEHLER, JAMIE SUITER, TYLER TEAL and MEGAN KRAMER

 

Questioning the Lawmakers

 

WXIN

 

3RD PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY and BRAD FORESTAL

 

Profiting From a Nonprofit

 

WRTV

 

BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ANGELA BRAUER

 

Fighting for Indiana Consumers

 

WTTV

 

2ND PLACE

 

ALLISON GORMLY, BOB SEGALL and THE 13NEWS TEAM

 

Saving You Money

 

WTHR

 

3RD PLACE

 

TANNER HOLBROOK

 

Grounded: Few Flights, Fewer Options

 

WFIE

 

EDUCATION COVERAGE (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY and BRAD FORESTAL

 

Threats to Our Schools

 

WRTV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: WRTV's entries stood out from the competition because of the station's use of graphics/music combined with in-depth reporting.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KAITLYN KENDALL and DAVE FRANKLIN

 

Education in and beyond the classroom

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

RICH NYE

 

Schools still coping with COVID

 

WTHR

 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ANGELA GANOTE and JAMIE SUITER

 

Indiana Family Learns Life-Changing News

 

WXIN

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This in-depth look at an unresolved issue was not only interesting but beautifully written and edited.

 

2ND PLACE

 

BEAIRSHELLE EDMÉ, PATRICK LYNCH and ANTHONY MOBLEY

 

Bail For One & For All

 

WXIN

 

3RD PLACE

 

KELSEY ANDERSON, JONATHON CHRISTIANS, ELDON WHEELER and MEGAN SHINN

 

No Charges in Deadly Crash

 

WRTV

 

 

COVERAGE OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CIERRA PUTMAN, DUSTIN GROVE and THE 13NEWS TEAM

 

Kids on the Edge

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Kids on the Edge is a well done, collaborative effort examining an issue that is often ignored or dismissed. The packages were not only enlightening but also shot and edited beautifully. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JEANIE LINDSAY and ALAN MBATHI

 

Rural communities rally as COVID-19 worsens child care crisis

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

3RD PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY and BRAD FORESTAL

 

Operating Without a License

 

WRTV

 

 

COVERAGE OF RACE AND DIVERSITY ISSUES (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ALIA BLACKBURN and TYLER TEAL

 

Missing Black Hoosier Women

 

WXIN

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Missing Black Hoosier Women not only investigates an issue that is underreported but do so with great storytelling and dynamic shooting and editing.

 

2ND PLACE

 

KATIERA WINFREY

 

WISH-TV

 

3RD PLACE

 

13NEWS TEAM

 

Spotlight on Women

 

WTHR

 

 

COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

EMILY LONGNECKER, CLINT ERBACHER and JOSH BLANKENSHIP

 

Giving Birth in Shackles

 

WTHR-TV

 

2ND PLACE

 

RACHAEL WILKERSON

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

PAT BEANE

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

ELECTION AND CAMPAIGN COVERAGE (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

EMILY LONGNECKER, RUSS GOVERT, RYAN THEDWALL and ADAM PYLE

 

Indiana's U.S. Senate Race

 

WTHR-TV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The Indiana Senate race coverage by WTHR was both thorough and balanced, had writing and editing that was compelling, and kept me engaged throughout.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

WRTV Election Coverage

 

WRTV

 

3RD PLACE

 

WTIU NEWS

 

Young voters showed up for the 2020 election. Can they keep it up?

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

 

MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ANGELA BRAUER

 

Where are the female crash test dummies?

 

WTTV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: An important story, well-produced with superb editing.

 

2ND PLACE

 

TRICIA SLOMA, JAKE BILLER and ERIC WINTER

 

Deadly Routine: Baby Bedtime Dangers

 

WNDU

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (Any Indiana station)

 

1ST PLACE

 

REBECCA THIELE and ALAN MBATHI

 

With so much support, who wants to phase out rooftop solar incentives? Answer: Indiana utilities

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This report fully explains the benefits behind the cost savings of using solar panels on your home and businesses when using net metering gains; furthermore, it also exposes the reason why Indiana utility companies have spent $3.5 million on lobbyists to discourage lawmakers from continuing solar incentives for residents.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WTIU NEWS

 

One year later: Clear Creek residents worry about future flooding

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

3RD PLACE

 

KARA KENNEY AND BRAD FORESTAL

 

Water Hogs

 

WRTV

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

13NEWS TEAM

 

Athletes to Remember

 

WTHR

 

JUDGE COMMENT: WTHR's selection of stories demonstrates their ability to tell stories that connect with sports fans and non-sports fans equally. The stories are people-centered and reflect the spirit of sport. Well done.

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ZACH GROTH and DANIEL BEALS

 

Dash for Dad

 

WPTA

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

CHRIS RYAN

 

WPTA

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

WANE STAFF

 

Highlight Zone

 

WANE

 

 

GENERAL NEWS OR SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

BRAD FORESTAL

 

WRTV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Brad's work reflects creativity, artistry and a deep commitment to the craft of storytelling. He clearly goes above and beyond (literally) to get shots that not just visualize a story but add to the viewer's understanding of an issue.

 

 

GENERAL NEWS OR SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ZACH GROTH

 

WPTA

 

2ND PLACE

 

SADDAM ABBAS AL-ZUBAIDI

 

WTIU

 

FEATURES NEWS VIDEOGRAPHY (Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

STEVE RHODES

 

Chuck's Big Adventure -- New England

 

WTHR-TV

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The winning entry grabbed me from the beginning. Well shot, well put together, very strong story telling.

 

2ND PLACE

 

STEVE RHODES

 

Spirit of China

 

WTHR-TV

 

 

FEATURES NEWS VIDEOGRAPHY (Outside Indianapolis market)

 

1ST PLACE

 

BRIAN CISSELL

 

WFIE

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The stories moved very well. Loved the shot selection, the use of natural sound. The piano man story was amazing. These pieces stood out in my mind more than anything. 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DON SCHOENFELD

 

WNDU

 

3RD PLACE

 

DANIEL BEALS

 

21Country

 

WPTA

 

PROFESSIONAL: PRINT AND DIGITAL DIVISION

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

INDYSTAR STAFF

 

Greenwood Park Mall shooting

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Breaking news reported at its best, in-depth, informational and well told.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KIM DUNLAP

 

Delphi murders

 

Kokomo Tribune

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CASEY SMITH

 

Judge issues injunction, pausing Indiana’s near-total abortion ban

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

 

 

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

HALEY PRITCHETT

 

Impending abortion ban fills Statehouse with voices desperate to be heard

 

The Statehouse File

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Great lead and fair, unbiased reporting of a controversial subject.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

MICHELLE L. QUINN

 

Hobart apartment building shut down as uninhabitable

 

Post-Tribune

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TODD GOLDEN

 

Early morning crash kills 3 ISU students

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ADAM WREN

 

The Pursuits of Liberty

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This category was a close one to judgeWhat stood out for the winner was its sophisticated level of research and use of narrative journalism for storytelling. It was well done and the best in the category.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

Susan Orr

 

Fishers man accused of selling $230 million in dubious financial products

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Digging into PFAS and GHGs

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JAYDEN KENNETT

 

Conditions at apartment complex create health hazards

 

Indianapolis Recorder

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MARGARET CHRISTOPHERSON

 

Close relationships between Purdue, business endeavors examined

 

Lafayette Journal & Courier

 

 

NON-DEADLINE STORY OR SERIES (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ASHLEY SLOBODA

 

Subject Matters: Diversity in Schools

 

The Journal Gazette

 

JUDGE COMMENT: I love how the author immediately humanizes each story before quickly getting to the news hook. I also appreciate how she weaves together a mix of human voices and valuable data throughout the articles, making them easier to digest. Each story includes diverse perspectives, and the author adds context whenever possible. The series covers an important topic in a skillful manner.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

TONY COOK and KAITLIN LANGE

 

Coverage of BMV chief’s resignation

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

AMELIA PAK-HARVEY and CAM RODRIGUEZ

 

Coverage of Rebuilding Stronger

 

Chalkbeat Indiana

 

 

COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services, digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

CASEY SMITH, WHITNEY DOWNARD and LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ

 

Coverage of 2022 Special Session

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

 

2ND PLACE

 

ALEKSANDRA APPLETON

 

Education issues at the Statehouse

 

Chalkbeat Indiana

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

PETER BLANCHARD

 

Indiana state government coverage

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

State Decisions, Local Effect

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

JUDGE COMMENT: These articles emphasize in easy-to-read language the impact that state legislation would have on the environment. This batch of entries stands out from the rest in this contest's category because of that.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JORDAN MOREY, MARILYN ODENDAHL and KATIE STANCOMBE

 

Abortion law spurs wide-ranging impacts

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

RON WILKINS

 

Investigations into and legislation addressing township trustees

 

Lafayette Journal & Courier

 

 

BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RAY COUTURE

 

Home improvement fraud

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

PETER DORFMAN

 

A Tale of Two Afghan Brothers and Their B-town Restaurants

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

The Environmental Side of Business Decisions

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

ROB BURGESS

 

Wabash Plain Dealer

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CHLOE MCGOWAN

 

Black-owned botanical shop

 

Indianapolis Recorder

 

 

EDUCATION REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ARIKA HERRON

 

Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Exceptional reporting on numerous topics that Indiana schools, boards and legislature faced in 2022 that included full coverage of the anti-CRT national political movement and the possible implementation of "divisive concepts" policies teachers were facing. Great investigation work on Purdue University’s possible IPA violations against out-of-state students. Cultivated a wide variety of great sources and interviews of experts, school officials, academics, teachers, and parents for these articles.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

AMELIA PAK-HARVEY

 

Covering students in Indianapolis

 

Chalkbeat Indiana

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

LEE V. GAINES

 

WFYI

 

 

EDUCATION REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ZACH PIATT

 

Richmond Palladium-Item

 

2ND PLACE

 

MARILYN ODENDAHL

 

Changes coming to U.S. News law school rankings

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

TONY COOK, RYAN MARTIN and DAYEON EOM

 

Two young mothers died of overdoses

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Exceptional criminal justice reporting outside the realm of law enforcement as the key source for information. The Indy Star reporters, the family members of the victims and local Fox News partnership were instrumental in recognizing that the deaths were possible homicides rather than accidental overdoses of drugs. The reporting was thorough with eyewitness reports and creating a timeline with the use of social media posts with family members/friends.

 

2ND PLACE

 

HOUSTON HARWOOD, THOMAS B. LANGHORNE and JON WEBB

 

Was an attorney's arrest covered up?

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

3RD PLACE

 

SARAH NELSON

 

Indianapolis Star

 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

OLIVIA COVINGTON

 

Indianapolis attorney charged in Capitol riot

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Olivia Covington explicitly meet her readership's need for full and detailed information on the Indianapolis lawyer who was charged in Capitol riot. From the introduction of the charges, the defendant's attorney ask for criminal charges to be dropped to the lawyer’s decision to request a bench trial was reported in a timely and steadfast manner.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DOUGLAS WALKER

 

Muncie Star Press

 

 

COVERAGE OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES (Publication circulation 10,000+, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

DYLAN PEERS MCCOY and KATRINA PROSS

 

Juvenile detention in Indiana

 

WFYI

 

JUDGE COMMENT: In an excellent category, this two-part series on juvenile justice particularly shines. Vivid comments from young people and their families give the issues urgency and humanity.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JEANIE LINDSAY, ALAN MBATHI

 

Rural Hoosier communities rally as COVID-19 worsens child care crisis for parents, providers

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CASEY SMITH

 

Indiana lawmakers weigh increased funding for school districts with at-risk, low-income students

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

 

 

COVERAGE OF RACE AND DIVERSITY ISSUES (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services, digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

SUSAN ORR, MICKEY SHUEY, SAM STALL and TAYLOR WOOTEN

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

2ND PLACE

 

CARMEN SIERING

 

The Eaglesons: A Legendary Black Family

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

COVERAGE OF RACE AND DIVERSITY ISSUES (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MICHELLE L. QUINN

 

Purdue Northwest chancellor under fire for crude Asian impression

 

Post-Tribune

 

JUDGE COMMENT: I feel all of the topics in this section are great, with Michelle L. Quinn's work having the best quality of journalism. Her series follows one event and the subsequent repercussions.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

SUE LOUGHLIN

 

Polarized politics roil debate over transgender rights

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

 

COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JOSEPH S. PETE

 

Union issues

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Powerful series covering the efforts of local unions. Great work.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

SUSAN M. BRACKNEY

 

What to Do if You or a Friend is About to Become Homeless

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CAROLE CARLSON

 

Title IX at 50: Women have come a long way in sports -- but there's still a glaring need for progress

 

Post-Tribune

 

 

COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Hoosiers Facing Environmental Injustice

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Strong, powerful coverage of such important and emotional social issues. Inspired.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

RECORDER STAFF

 

Herman Whitfield III

 

Indianapolis Recorder

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

LAURA LANE

 

The Herald Times

 

 

ELECTION AND CAMPAIGN COVERAGE (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

THOMAS B. LANGHORNE

 

Vanderburgh County prosecutor re-election

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Langhorne's coverage of a Vanderburgh County prosecutor up for reelection is a great example of local political reporting. This is where so many local politicians get away with corruption. The less funding in local newspapers, the more we will see this is our elected leaders. Langhorne did a great job following this story. 

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

CARLEY LANICH

 

Conservative challengers to Penn-Harris-Madison school board

 

South Bend Tribune

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TOM DAVIES

 

Republican establishment holds off Indiana legislative challengers

 

The Associated Press

 

 

MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

WHITNEY DOWNARD

 

Indiana’s EMS falls short in covering rural areas

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KYLIE VELETA

 

The Business of Science

 

Inside Indiana Business

 

 

MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

JUDGE COMMENT: What stood out for the winner was the environmental impact and public health threat of the subject he covered, PFAS. The work was extensive and compelling. One focused specifically on those in most danger — children. Another provided a broader scope of the problem. Well done.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JACK SELLS

 

More pregnancies will mean more deaths -- but numbers are difficult to pin down

 

The Statehouse File

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

ROB BURGESS

 

Wabash Plain Dealer

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

REBECCA THIELE and ALAN MBATHI

 

With so much support, who wants to phase out rooftop solar incentives? Answer: Indiana utilities

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

2ND PLACE

 

CASEY SMITH

 

Midwest environmental reporting

 

The Associated Press

 

3RD PLACE

 

LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

Tracking the Hoosier State's Environmental Problems and Decisions

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

JUDGE COMMENT: All entrants provided well written and researched work. What stood out for the winner was the environmental impact and public health threat of the subjects he covered: toxic air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, water pollution, wetlands protection, and PFAS chemicals. The work was extensive and compelling.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

ROB BURGESS

 

Wabash Plain Dealer

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JAYDEN KENNETT

 

Coal ash landfill in Michigan City

 

Indianapolis Recorder

 

 

FEATURES WRITING (Newspapers circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RORY APPLETON

 

The beer helped!

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This piece is entertaining, memorable and ridiculous. Great job!

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

TIM EVANS

 

Who Killed Ann?

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JERRY DAVICH

 

The story of Lily, a baby born to teen parents only to die in infancy

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

 

FEATURES WRITING (Magazines and non-daily newspapers)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JOHN LINNEMEIER

 

Traveling to Nonexistent Countries

 

The Ryder Magazine

 

JUDGE COMMENT: A thoroughly entertaining look into the travels of one man who is reluctantly approaching "geezerhood."

 

2ND PLACE

 

CARMEN SIERING

 

75 Years Ago, Bloomington Was the Sex Capital of America

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MARY MILZ

 

A Tragic Symmetry

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

 

PERSONALITY PROFILE (Magazines and non-daily newspapers)

 

1ST PLACE

 

PETER DORFMAN

 

All About Joe Lee

 

Bloom Magazine

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This entry is a well written and in depth look into the entertaining life and experiences of Joe Lee.

 

2ND PLACE

 

NANCY HENDERSON

 

Providence Over Coincidence

 

Super Lawyers Magazine

 

 

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING (Publication circulation above 10,000, wire services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RORY APPLETON

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

TONY REHAGEN

 

Fabio Goes Shopping

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JOSEPH S. PETE

 

Sparkle House and other arts initiatives

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

 

EDITORIAL WRITING (All publications and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

GREG WEAVER

 

It's time to raise the cigarette tax

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The point of the editorial was quite clear from the beginning and throughout the article; need to help stop Hoosiers from smoking and can help by raising cigarette tax. Great call to action by author; provided strong solutions and provided statistical information to substantiate the findings.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

GREG WEAVER

 

Pharmacy middlemen merit tougher scrutiny, regulations

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

SCOTT L. MILEY

 

How did legislators deal with some fears, duties

 

The Herald Bulletin

 

 

COLUMN WRITING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JERRY DAVICH

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Excellent at-the-scene, enterprise reporting in the Gary neighborhood where shootings took place.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KELLY HAWES

 

CNHI News Indiana

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JULIA SPALDING

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

 

COLUMN WRITING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

LISA RENZE-RHODES

 

Offer It Up: An essay on gratitude

 

Indy Maven

 

JUDGE COMMENT: A touching story of how a mother's love and life lessons span generations even decades after her death.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOHN KRULL

 

The Statehouse File

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MARK BENNETT

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (Publication circulation above 10,000, wire services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAVID WOODS

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: It's one thing to be handed a shocking story like the charges of abuse at Huntington University. It's another to do the massive legwork, breaking down barriers to get people to talk, the way David Woods did. His work still wasn't done. He had to explain it in a readable fashion, laying out the facts in such a way that one paragraph was more shocking than the one before, while not going overboard. No question the best single piece of all the entries.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

NATHAN BROWN

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JOEL ERICKSON

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

SPORTS REPORTING (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

ZACH PIATT

 

Richmond Palladium-Item

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

COREY STOLZENBACH

 

Dubois County Herald

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

DAN HARNEY

 

Hagerstown Baseball Little League World Series

 

Western Wayne News

 

 

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

GREGG DOYEL

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: It's virtually unheard of to see NFL owners opening up the way the Irsays did for Gregg Doyel on a personal, important topic. Great use of strong quotes that can only come from asking the right questions.

 

2ND PLACE

 

MIKE LOPRESTI

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MIKE BERARDINO

 

South Bend Tribune

 

PROFESSIONAL: PHOTOGRAPHY, DESIGN AND GRAPHICS

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JEREMY HOGAN

 

Captured!

 

Bloom Magazine

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This photo is a high energy image of many elements of breaking news photography including a suspect, police officers, emergency vehicles and bystanders. Exceptional work with a telephoto lens to gather all elements into one photo.

 

2ND PLACE

 

JEREMY HOGAN

 

The Big Picture: "Work-In"

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

TIM BATH

 

Kokomo Tribune

 

 

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Loviscek Funeral

 

The Herald Times

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This photo shows a lot of respect from the photojournalist in that it was shot far enough away not to interfere with the funeral. So many great stories in this photo from the grieving family members to the man saluting in the background. Well-composed photo; respectfully taken.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Homeless Vigil

 

The Herald Times

 

 

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JENNA WATSON

 

College Football Playoff National Championship

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: While sports photography is about action, it's also about drama. Those rare photos that can capture both deserve high praise. In this case, a unique angle and a rare moment of pure joy is enough.

 

2ND PLACE

 

MICHELLE PEMBERTON

 

Girl kicker

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

GRACE HOLLARS

 

Take the field

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

 

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RACHEL HILLIGOSS MOORE

 

Walk-Off Feeling

 

Western Wayne News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The best photos integrate seamlessly into a story, and the design here is as much a winner as the shot. But they play so well together, the results dare you not to dive into the words nearby.

 

2ND PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

DJ Matthews Eyes Catch

 

The Herald Times

 

3RD PLACE

 

BOBBY GODDIN

 

Baseball Slide

 

The Herald-Times

 

 

FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

KELLY WILKINSON

 

Eid Al-Fitr

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

2ND PLACE

 

JEREMY HOGAN

 

Flipped Off

 

Bloom Magazine

 

3RD PLACE

 

MACABE BROWN

 

Rain-soaked graduate

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

 

FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Champagne Popping at Sample Gates

 

The Herald Times

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The winning photography told a whole story in one photo.

 

2ND PLACE

 

RICH JANZARUK

 

Luna Magick

 

The Herald Times

 

 

NEWSPAPER PAGE ONE DESIGN (all newspapers)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MAX GERSH

 

Greenwood Park Mall shooting

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: In just one photo, the Star managed to convey so much more than any other entrants.

 

2ND PLACE

 

AUDREY PELSOR AND SARAH ELLIS

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

3RD PLACE

 

ALICIA MORGAN

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

 

MAGAZINE COVER DESIGN (all magazines or periodicals)

 

1ST PLACE

 

STEPHANIE REEVES AND JOE LEE

 

Bloom Magazine

 

2ND PLACE

 

TODD URBAN

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

3RD PLACE

 

ALICIA MORGAN

 

Terre Haute Living

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

 

DESIGN OTHER THAN COVER (All print media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

TODD URBAN

 

The Ups and Downs of Daniel Larsen

 

Indianapolis Monthly

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Clean. Simple. Easy to view with a strong focal point.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ALICIA MORGAN

 

Legislative graphic

 

Terre Haute Tribune-Star

 

3RD PLACE

 

STEPHANIE REEVES

 

All About Joe Lee

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS (Publication circulation above 10,000, news services and digital media)

 

1ST PLACE

 

JOE LEE

 

Joe Lee's Triple Self-Portrait

 

Bloom Magazine

 

2ND PLACE

 

MIKE CAGLE

 

Can We Keep Him, Mom? Please??

 

Bloom Magazine

 

 

GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS (Publication circulation below 10,000)

 

1ST PLACE

 

MELANIE ROBERTS

 

PFAS Sources

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

2ND PLACE

 

MELANIE ROBERTS

 

Monarch Butterfly Waystations

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

3RD PLACE

 

BRAD TURNER

 

Algorithmic accountability

 

Indiana Lawyer

 

 

MULTIPLE PICTURE GROUP (All publications)

 

1ST PLACE

 

GRACE HOLLARS

 

Month of May

 

The Indianapolis Star

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Excellent variety that show strong composition and rule of thirds. Nice job with captions to support a strong month of producing reader friendly photographs.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DENNY SIMMONS

 

Battling Back

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

3RD PLACE

 

DENNY SIMMONS

 

So Many Cats

 

Evansville Courier & Press

 

PROFESSIONAL: BOOKS

NON-FICTION BOOK

 

1ST PLACE

 

NICOLE MARTINEZ-LeGRAND and DANIEL GONZALES

 

Hoosier Latinos: A Century of Struggle, Service, and Success

 

Indiana Historical Society Press

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The entrants in this category demonstrated impressive prowess in Non-Fiction Book writing. The first-place winner, Hoosier Latinos: A Century of Struggle, Service, and Success, is a highly informative, well written and researched book on the struggles and accomplishments of Indiana’s Latino community. The subject was expertly handled by the writers.

2ND PLACE

 

JOSEPH S. PETE

 

Secret Northwest Indiana

 

The Times of Northwest Indiana

 

PROFESSIONAL: ONLINE / MULTIMEDIA

BEST NEWSLETTER

 

1ST PLACE

 

INDY MAVEN STAFF

 

Indy Maven Newsletter

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Clean, creative and fun -- an easy, interesting read.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

INDIANA LAWYER STAFF

 

Indiana Lawyer Daily

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

CHALKBEAT INDIANA STAFF

 

Chalkbeat Indiana newsletters

 

 

BEST PODCAST

 

1ST PLACE

 

HERMAN "BUTCH" SLAUGHTER, KYLE LONG

 

Echoes of Indiana Avenue

 

WFYI

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This podcast, chock full of historical information, is a music lover's dream.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

MASON KING

 

IBJ Podcast

 

Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MICHAEL ROBERTS, ENRIQUE SAENZ

 

On Air with IER

 

Indiana Environmental Reporter

 

 

BEST JOURNALISM WEBSITE

 

1ST PLACE

 

NIKI KELLY, CASEY SMITH, WHITNEY DOWNARD and LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Clean design and strong coverage -- overall, easy to navigate with great balance of multimedia elements.

 

2ND PLACE

 

INDY MAVEN STAFF

 

Indy Maven

 

3RD PLACE

 

WRTV STAFF

 

WRTV

 

 

BEST ONLINE MULTIMEDIA

 

1ST PLACE

 

LAUREN CHAPMAN

 

2022 Indiana Voting Guide

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

JUDGE COMMENT: A true multifaceted voting guide - definition of an online multimedia piece. 

 

 

BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

 

1ST PLACE

 

KYRA HOWARD, MAGGIE MCGUIRE, JACK SELLS, SYDNEY BYERLY and TABBY FITZGERALD

 

TheStatehouseFile.com on Twitter: Election Night 2022

 

TheStatehouseFile.com

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The Statehouse File's social media presence managed to use less words and bulky text while offering more personality and piquing more interest.

 

2ND PLACE

 

WFYI STAFF

 

WFYI Twitter Spaces

 

WFYI

 

PROFESSIONAL: RADIO DIVISION

RADIO BEST NEWSCAST

 

1ST PLACE

 

CHRIS DAVIS, DONNIE BURGESS, MATT BAIR

 

WIBC

 

JUDGE COMMENT: On-the-scene reporting, very local, and with an appropriate sense of immediacy.

 

 

RADIO BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE

 

1ST PLACE

 

MICHAEL GALLENBERGER

 

Franciscan's Hammond ER Shuts Down

 

Lakeshore Public Radio

 

 

RADIO IN-DEPTH REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

DONNIE BURGESS

 

Child Sex Crimes in Indiana

 

WIBC

 

2ND PLACE

 

WFIU NEWS

 

Travel nurses thrive as hospitals budget third-party staffing fees

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

3RD PLACE

 

WFIU NEWS

 

One year later: Clear Creek residents worry about future flooding

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

 

RADIO CONTINUING COVERAGE

 

1ST PLACE

 

INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING NEWS

 

Coverage of Indiana's abortion debate 2022

 

Indiana Public Broadcasting

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

ELIZABETH GABRIEL

 

Indianapolis Public Schools' major overhaul faces opposition

 

WFYI

 

3RD PLACE

 

WIBC STAFF

 

Roe v. Wade and Indiana

 

WIBC

 

 

RADIO PUBLIC AFFAIRS

 

1ST PLACE

 

LEE V. GAINES, ELIZABETH GABRIEL, AMELIA PAK-HARVEY AND CAM RODRIGUEZ

 

Politics and non-partisan school board elections collide

 

WFYI

 

2ND PLACE

 

BOB ZALTSBERG, SARA WITTMEYER, NATHAN MOORE AND CATHY KNAPP

 

Air pollution, rising temperatures and more have many asking what can we do

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

 

RADIO FEATURE STORY

 

1ST PLACE

 

WFIU NEWS TEAM

 

The "Goldfish Capital of the World" might be closer than you think

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

JUDGE COMMENT: This well-produced piece explores the nearly forgotten history of the goldfish industry.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

AMY GASTELUM

 

The Healing Garden

 

Making Contact / International Media Project

 

3RD PLACE

 

SARAH VAUGHAN

 

"BioBlitz" finds new inhabitants at Beanblossom preserve

 

WFIU/WTIU

 

 

RADIO DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL

 

1ST PLACE

 

CLARENCE BOONE AND LIZ MITCHELL

 

Police Shootings and the Black Community

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

2ND PLACE

 

CHRIS DAVIS

 

EF4: The Power of the Henryville Tornado

 

WIBC

 

3RD PLACE

 

MIA BEACH, HUGH FARRELL

 

Partisan Gardens: The Farmworker Caravan

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

STUDENT: PRINT AND DIGITAL DIVISION

STUDENT BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

Man identified, charged after hours long underground barricade

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

EXPONENT STAFF

 

Student allegedly stabs roommate to death

 

Purdue Exponent

 

 

STUDENT NON-DEADLINE NEWS

 

1ST PLACE

 

NIC NAPIER

 

‘We have seen the worst’: Bloomington nurses face pandemic burnout, pushing some to leave

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOE DUHOWNIK

 

Fentanyl: Hidden poison hits home

 

Purdue Exponent

 

 

STUDENT INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

CATE CHARRON

 

Dissonance in due process

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Excellent in-depth reporting and follow ups. A lot of voice represented for a well-rounded story.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

JOE DUHOWNIK

 

A mysterious death

 

Purdue Exponent

 

 

STUDENT COVERAGE OF RACE AND DIVERSITY ISSUES

 

1ST PLACE

 

EXPONENT STAFF

 

Black student accuses Purdue officer of using excessive force

 

Purdue Exponent

 

 

STUDENT FEATURE STORY

 

1ST PLACE

 

GRAYSON JOSLIN

 

Mapping Out Munseetown

 

Ball State Daily News

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

LAUREN ULRICH

 

She dreams of Afghanistan

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

STUDENT SPORTS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

NIC NAPIER AND NADIA SCHARF

 

Big Bucks, Big Buyouts: Big Ten schools spend millions clearing coaching rosters

 

Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

EVAN GERIKE

 

‘The program is doomed’: Players say Indiana volleyball coach Steve Aird created a culture of fear

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

STUDENT EDITORIAL WRITING

 

1ST PLACE

 

KAITLYN RADDE

 

‘Shame on their lawyers’ IU’s violations of public access laws show contempt for transparency

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The winning entry demonstrates a level of reporting that far exceeds that of a standard newspaper. The writer has a bright future in courts and editorial reporting.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

HANNAH HADLEY

 

Student government needs to advocate for students–not just put on events

 

The Reflector

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

OLIVIA PASTRICK

 

Are UIndy meal plans worth the money?

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT COLUMN WRITING

 

1ST PLACE

 

GRAYSON JOSLIN

 

Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The winning submission is at once brave, thoughtful and important, and boasts a strong command of language and syntax. I look forward to seeing this writer’s work on a bigger platform.

 

 

STUDENT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

ELI HOUSER

 

Latinxpalooza during Ball State’s 2022 Unity Week

 

Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Good composition adds to the action caught in the photograph to help tell the story. Nice contrast in the color and content of the image.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ELIOT AUST

 

Tai Verdes veers from Valpo Vibes contract

 

The Torch

 

3RD PLACE

 

ELIOT AUST

 

Valparaiso President Padilla on the Scene

 

The Torch

 

STUDENT SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

GABE EASTRIDGE

 

Toriano Clinton

 

The Reflector

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DAVID HICKEY

 

Emily Mathews tracks a loose ball

 

Purdue Exponent

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

ELIOT AUST

 

MVC Conference Champions

 

The Torch

 

 

STUDENT FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

RYLAN CAPPER

 

From Humble Beginnings

 

Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Good use of lighting to add a soft effect to the mood of the photograph.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

NATHAN ABBOTT

 

Earthen Exploration

 

Ball Bearings Magazine

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

KALENGA JUMA

 

Freshman braiding business

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT PAGE ONE OR COVER DESIGN

 

1ST PLACE

 

ALEX BRACKEN

 

The Senses Issue

 

Ball Bearings Magazine

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Strong visual impact with the cropping and colorization of the image. Excellent contrast in the colors to catch the reader's eye. Well done!

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

RYLAN CAPPER

 

'Truly Overwhelmed'

 

Ball State Daily News

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

HOLLY GASKILL AND MARKUS MILLER

 

The Echo Front Page

 

The Echo

 

 

STUDENT BEST DESIGN OTHER THAN PAGE ONE OR COVER

 

1ST PLACE

 

MAGGIE GETZIN

 

Brain Drain

 

Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Good perspective and contrast between the designed/art headline and the illustrations. Nice use of the folding pages to pull the reader into the package. Good visual design for the definition of brain drain to contrast the pulled quote and story. Nice job of packaging.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

KAELYNN SHULTZ

 

Winter Fashion

 

The Echo

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

MIA LEHMKUHL

 

Nov. 9 Opinion Page

 

The Reflector

 

 

STUDENT GRAPHICS OR ILLUSTRATION

 

1ST PLACE

 

MAGGIE GETZIN

 

Memorializing Black Mamba

 

Ball State Daily News

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Excellent research that is highlighted with good contrast in the type and information to pull you through the infographic. Well done job of packaging with a strong focal point and eye flow to pull you through the package.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

BREANNA EMMETT

 

Inflation infographic

 

The Reflector

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

JULIETTE ALBERT

 

Mellow teenage rebellion

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

 

STUDENT BEST JOURNALISM WEBSITE

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

idsnews.com

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Newsy. Easy to navigate. Excellent variety of stories with good breakers for presentation. Great to see the diversity in the coverage.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DAILY NEWS STAFF

 

ballstatedailynews.com

 

Ball State Daily News

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

SEAN ENGLISH

 

Purdue FastTrack News

 

 

STUDENT BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

Man identified, charged after hours long underground barricade

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Excellent use of Twitter by the Indiana Daily Student to cover an ongoing and breaking news. Impressive 24 tweets.

 

 

STUDENT BEST NEWSLETTER

 

1ST PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

IDS IU Basketball Newsletter

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

JUDGE COMMENT: The winner's newsletter provided a great balance between text, links, and images, providing an all-around better reading experience.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

DAILY STUDENT STAFF

 

IDS Daily Rundown

 

Indiana Daily Student

 

STUDENT: TELEVISION

STUDENT TELEVISION BEST NEWSCAST

 

1ST PLACE

 

NEWSLINK INDIANA STAFF

 

Special Report: Senate Bill One

 

NewsLink Indiana

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Newslink presented a well-done student production. Well explained stories, interesting soundbites, good energy from anchors and reporters. The newscast also featured nice production values.

 

2ND PLACE

 

GILLIAN LINTZ and MASON FRIDLEY

 

Andersonian Newscast

 

The Andersonian

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION NEWS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

ANNA CHALKER

 

Muncie 4-year-old's accidental death

 

NewsLink Indiana

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Well-done, thorough reporting delivered in an engaging manner. Appropriate energy.

 

2ND PLACE

 

ABBY MYERS, MADDIE KAMATS, JAEDEN ROUSSEY and STAFF

 

Purdue Police Incident with Black Student

 

Purdue University Fast Track News

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION FEATURES REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

NAOMI YODER, ETHAN COPPEL and TREVOR CEBULSKIE

 

Laurie

 

Taylor University

 

JUDGE COMMENT: Many good entries in this category. "Laurie" was just a slight cut above. Very heartwarming story told through a series of soundbites. Beautifully shot and edited. Very well done.

 

 

2ND PLACE

 

EMILY CROSIER, NICOLE BIRKEY and BLAKE FAUGHNAN

 

Six Feet Above

 

Taylor University

 

 

3RD PLACE

 

DAULTON COX

 

A Set Above: Quinn Isaacson

 

Ball State Sports Link

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION SPORTS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY BROADCASTING STAFF

 

Sports Buzz

 

Vincennes University Broadcasting

 

 

STUDENT TELEVISION VIDEOGRAPHY

 

1ST PLACE

 

PEYTON MONNELL

 

Ball State Sports Link

 

STUDENT: RADIO

STUDENT RADIO NEWS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

ADELE REICH

 

This Indiana fall brings dry conditions and dry rivers

 

Indiana Public Radio

 

 

STUDENT RADIO SPORTS REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

ONYI AFOAKU

 

50 Years of Title IX: IU’s Mission to Support Women’s Sports

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

2ND PLACE

 

ONYI AFOAKU

 

Local Researcher Hopes Head Trauma Study Will Make High School Football Safer

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

3RD PLACE

 

ISREAL HALE

 

David Letterman announces partnership with Ball State Esports and racing team

 

Indiana Public Radio

 

 

STUDENT RADIO FEATURES REPORTING

 

1ST PLACE

 

KAYAN TARA

 

Ongoing complications with rezoning potential new jail leaves little hope

 

WFHB Community Radio

 

Cameras in Courtroom Discussion

On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is hosting a conversation about the cameras being allowed in the courtroom on May 1, 2023 under the amended Rule 2.17.

Marion County Judge Marc Rothenberg, Delaware County Judge Marianne Vorhees, and administrative officials from the Indiana Supreme Court will be answering your questions about the rule and the procedures.

The conversation will stream live on the Indiana Pro SPJ Facebook page starting at 7 p.m. Journalists will be able to share their questions during the discussion, which will be moderated by CBS4’s Bob Donaldson.

Be sure to join the discussion so you can be prepared for the rules and regulations when courtrooms start allowing cameras on May 1.