BEST OF INDIANA JOURNALISM
2021 AWARD WINNERS
SPECIAL HONORS
INDIANA STORY OF THE YEAR
TIM EVANS, RYAN MARTIN, ROBERT SCHEER AND KO LYN CHEANG
Death Sentence
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Comprehensive. Compeling. The reporters use a combination of records, interviews and great story telling to make this a fascinating read.
INDIANA JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
LAUREN CHAPMAN
Indiana Public Broadcasting
JUDGE’S COMMENT: In a very, very close competition, Lauren Chapman wins for her dogged, relevant, detailed, human coverage of Covid. It's the story that affected (and still does) almost everyone in her area, the USA and the world. From guidelines (and their changes), to tragic facts about infections and deaths, charts and maps she provided the info people needed -- and she worked to dispel misinformation. Further, she built a digital tracker to report racial and gender groups in coverage -- and she made it available to other reporters in the state. Her work was crisp, concise, easy to grasp.
INDIANA STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
ENTERPRISE DESK
Indiana Daily Student
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The Indiana Daily Student Enterprise desk does amazing work. The ability to employee in-depth reporting with sophisticated presentations would be the envy of most top collegiate newsrooms in the nation.
SLAYMAKER SERVICE TO JOURNALISM AWARD
STEVE KEY
Hoosier State Press Association
FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD
MARK WILSON
Evansville Courier & Press
INDIANA JOURNALISM COURAGE AWARD
STEVE SANDERS
Indiana University
PROFESSIONAL: PRINT AND DIGITAL DIVISION
BREAKING NEWS REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
INDIANAPOLIS STAR STAFF
Shooting at FedEx facility near Indianapolis Airport
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The Star’s coverage was massive, thorough and timely. In addition to reporting the facts -- lots of them -- reporters painted portraits of the victims, four of them from the Sikh community. The profiles were very good; the sadness was very obvious.
2ND PLACE
CASEY SMITH AND RICK CALLAHAN
Indianapolis FedEx shooting
The Associated Press
3RD PLACE
JOSEPH S. PETE
Kyrin Carter search ends in tragedy
The Times of Northwest Indiana
BREAKING NEWS REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
HERALD-TIMES STAFF
June flood
The Herald-Times
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Among several solid entries in this category, The Herald-Times staff coverage of the June flood stands out. Reporters hustled to report the event live, then chased multiple angles as the water receded. The Herald-Times coverage of this event reveals a care for and knowledge of its community.
2ND PLACE
LISA TRIGG
Police officer shot, killed
Tribune-Star
3RD PLACE
MARILYN ODENDAHL
Prosecutor drops death penalty in death of Southport officer
Indiana Lawyer
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
TIM EVANS, RYAN MARTIN, KO LYN CHEANG AND ROBERT SCHEER
Death Sentence
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This comprehensive series sheds light on a horrible problem and does so with finesse and compassion. Even those who haven’t thought twice about how offenders are treated will agree what’s happening in Indiana jails isn’t right after reading about Jerod Draper. The combination of storytelling, video and interviews knocks it out of the park.
2ND PLACE
STEPHANIE WANG
Charter school pitch left out lawsuits, touted questionable degrees
Chalkbeat
3RD PLACE
MICHAEL RUBINO, JULIA SPALDING AND DEREK ROBERTSON
Half Baked
Indianapolis Monthly
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
LAURA LANE
The life and death of Malik Malik
The Herald-Times
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The reporting on the Malik Malik case was thorough and shined a light on not only what happened when he died in the fiery crash but also what transpired before and after his death. Great job piecing together what really happened in the hectic sequence of events of the chase, the fire and his death. Efficient use of public records digging contributed greatly to the story told.
2ND PLACE
ENRIQUE SAENZ
Tracking how HUD failed thousands of needy residents
Indiana Environmental Reporter
3RD PLACE
RON WILKINS
Trustee Teising found guilty of 21 counts of theft
Lafayette Journal & Courier
NON-DEADLINE STORY OR SERIES (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
HOLLY HAYS
No sanctuary
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent investigative journalism that spurred meaningful change; thorough and well reported; good use of open records to obtain documentation of claims; the sidebar stories added clarity and provided readers with information they needed to understand a sensitive and complicated issue
2ND PLACE
VIC RYCKAEERT
The short, tragic life of Nakota Kelly
WRTV
3RD PLACE
Jill Sheridan
Here's What Being Done To End Homelessness In Indianapolis
WFYI
NON-DEADLINE STORY OR SERIES (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
TYLER FENWICK, BREANNA COOPER, OSEYE BOYD
Poverty: ‘It takes a toll’
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The thorough examination of the complex but incredibly important issue of poverty earned top honors in this competitive category.
2ND PLACE
OLIVIA COVINGTON, MARILYN ODENDAHL AND KATIE STANCOMBE
The law and the FedEx shooter
Indiana Lawyer
3RD PLACE
REBECCA R. BIBBS
General Motors Black History Month Package
The Herald Bulletin
COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
JANET WILLIAMS, BILL THEOBALD AND KEVIN MORGAN
Indiana Citizen Redistricting Project
The Indiana Citizen
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This is a thorough job explaining Indiana's redistricting -- the process, the consequences and more.
2ND PLACE
SARAH BOWMAN AND LONDON GIBSON
Politics and the Environment
The Indianapolis Star
3RD PLACE
TOM DAVIES
Indiana's Redistricting Turmoil
The Associated Press
COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
MARILYN ODENDAHL
The politics of confirmation
Indiana Lawyer
JUDGE’S COMMENT: "The politics of confirmation" introduced readers to a process that matters to everyone but which so few know anything about. Well explained. Thorough. Detailed.
2ND PLACE
MARILYN ODENDAHL
The redistricting process
Indiana Lawyer
3RD PLACE
OLIVIA COVINGTON AND MARILYN ODENDAHL
Changes to judicial selection in northern Indiana
Indiana Lawyer
BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
KO LYN CHEANG
Lakeside Pointe
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Cheang's reporting is at once deeply emotional, showing the plight of some of Indiana's least-resourced people having to live in squalid conditions due to an absentee landlord. It's also a strong analysis of landlord-friendly laws that make it hard for even the chief legal officer of the state to make sure the state's residents aren't living in dangerous and miserable conditions.
2ND PLACE
JOSEPH S. PETE
Franciscan Health Hospital to be shrunk
The Times of Northwest Indiana
3RD PLACE
MICKEY SHUEY
Tourism and development coverage
Indianapolis Business Journal
BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
CARSON GERBER
Beck's Hybrids
Kokomo Tribune
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Gerber's story on this land sale shows what local business journalism can excel at: taking complex economic factors well beyond the city or county lines and explain how they affect people living within those lines. He blends a lively narrative lede with an explanation the broader factors of how the bidders ended up having to shell out for this piece of prime land.
2ND PLACE
BORIS LADWIG
Adapting to supply and labor shortages
The Herald-Times
3RD PLACE
ENRIQUE SAENZ
Tracking the Business Side of Environmental Affairs
Indiana Environmental Reporter
EDUCATION REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
LEE V. GAINES, DYLAN PEERS MCCOY
Indiana violated federal law with emergency special ed licenses
WFYI
JUDGE’S COMMENT: McCoy and Gaines reported that Indiana granted thousands of emergency special education teaching licenses over four years -- in violation of the law. Officials checked and answered: "Oversight." But one emergency teacher offered a bit more insight: "I was scared to death. There was no training, and you were just put in a room, and you were on your own."
2ND PLACE
STEPHANIE WANG
Education coverage
Chalkbeat
3RD PLACE
ALEKSANDRA APPLETON
Education coverage
Chalkbeat
EDUCATION REPORTING (PUBLICATION CIRCULATION BELOW 30,000)
1ST PLACE
SUE LOUGHLIN
Education Reporting
Tribune-Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: A nice mix of stories showing this reporter's depth in education reporting. Solid writing just adds to the strength of the entry
2ND PLACE
ROB BURGESS
Education Reporting
Wabash Plain Dealer
3RD PLACE
TYLER FENWICK
Incident with officer left Black teacher ‘stressed and anxious’
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
TONY COOK AND JOHNNY MAGDALENO
Red Flagged
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Red Flag laws can sound like better ideas than they prove to be. Tony Cook and Johnny Magdaleno summed it up in the chilling words a couple heard when their 16-year-old granddaughter called: "Dad shot Mom."
2ND PLACE
MARK WILSON
The Cost of Freedom
Evansville Courier & Press
3RD PLACE
SARAH NELSON
Public safety reporting
The Indianapolis Star
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
LAURA LANE
The Herald-Times
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Lane excels at amplifying the voice of community sources in her reporting. Her reporting provides the essential facts of the crimes she reports, but it goes much deeper, bringing out the personalities involved and the human experience of the cases.
2ND PLACE
AMY LaVALLEY
Seen at the Capitol riot: Hammond man awaits drug sentencing
Post-Tribune
3RD PLACE
DOUGLAS WALKER
Criminal Justice in Delaware County
Muncie Star Press
COVERAGE OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
CARTER BARRETT
Series on children's mental health
WFYI - Side Effects, Bridge Michigan
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Carter Barrett did a fine job of telling us what we don't want to hear: "Mom, I don't know why I'm crying," the young person says, typifying the growing need for mental health services for the young. Want to sign up? Good luck. Get ready for lengthy searches, waitlists, retiring medical professionals, etc. And then came Covid.
2ND PLACE
HOLLY HAYS
Children issues coverage
The Indianapolis Star
3RD PLACE
CARSON TERBUSH
Kindergarten summer program gives kids an edge
Chalkbeat
COVERAGE OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
FARAH YOUSRY
To raise kids around here, ‘It takes a little love, lots of prayer’ and a football coach who cares
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Farah Yousry described the difficulty for a man who grew up in a minority neighborhood: "It takes a little love, lots of prayer," and a football coach who cares. For her subject, that was a winning formula.
2ND PLACE
TYLER FENWICK
‘I hate COVID’: Younger children roll up their sleeves for vaccine
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
3RD PLACE
MARILYN ODENDAHL
Mom celebrates reunification with son after 10-year battle
Indiana Lawyer
COVERAGE OF MINORITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ISSUES (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ
Indianapolis Business Journal
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This sustained and thorough reporting on business-related diversity and inclusion issues was clear, compelling and factually researched and cited. The body of work is effective at increasing awareness of the need for increased equity and access.
2ND PLACE
KAITLIN LANGE
Race and the Indiana General Assembly
The Indianapolis Star
3RD PLACE
ALEXANDRIA BURRIS
Homeowner fights for fair home appraisal
The Indianapolis Star
COVERAGE OF MINORITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ISSUES (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
CARMEN SIERING AND TRACY ZOLLINGER TURNER
Black Women of Bloomington: Recognizing Their Accomplishments & Contributions
Bloom Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENT: What a triumphant, comprehensive series of profiles of outstanding Black Women in Bloomington. Culturally competent amplification of these women's voices. Very timely, interesting and accessible.
2ND PLACE
CARMEN SIERING
Bloomington's Latino Community
Bloom Magazine
3RD PLACE
CAROL KUGLER
Transgender Baptist ordained
The Herald-Times
MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
LONDON GIBSON AND JENNA WATSON
Joy In Jeopardy
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: In a category with many outstanding entries, "Joy in Jeopardy" stood out for shining a light on a long-overlooked issue illuminated by harrowing personal stories.
2ND PLACE
FARAH YOUSRY
WFYI - Side Effects
3RD PLACE
SHARI RUDAVSKY
The Indianapolis Star
MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
LAURA LANE
COVID and malpractice
The Herald-Times
2ND PLACE
TYLER JURANOVICH
Hospital costs
Kokomo Tribune
COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
KO LYN CHEANG, BINGHUI HUANG, ALEXANDRIA BURRIS AND AMELIA PAK-HARVEY
Indiana Evictions
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: A comprehensive look at a disturbing issue. Great job breaking down the causes and effects of the compounding problems in this series exploring the unusually high number of evictions. Great job showing the human cost – moms pleading to have more time to make rent payments for the sake of their babies. Overall, really solid reporting, showing the thin line some people have between one financial strain and losing a home.
COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
ENRIQUE SAENZ
Tracking how HUD failed East Chicago residents
Indiana Environmental Reporter
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent example of in-depth reporting to expose a public health threat that was systematically ignored and that predominantly affected People of Color. Great use of documents, research and data to expose the pattern of neglect and failure to act.
2ND PLACE
BREANNA COOPER
Indianapolis Public Library leadership accused of racism
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
3RD PLACE
BREANNA COOPER
‘It makes our jobs harder’: police in emergency rooms
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
Sarah Bowman
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Bowman's work shows depth, variety and facile explanatory journalism. The coal ash story is shocking and a good model for reporters in other states to follow; the vulture story was fascinating. A well-executed mix of toxins, creatures, and apparent regulatory disasters keeps the reader and the reporter interested in the beat.
2ND PLACE
SAM STALL, LESLIE BONILLA, JOHN RUSSELL
Indianapolis Business Journal
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
ENRIQUE SAENZ
Tracking Indiana Environmental Policies
Indiana Environmental Reporter
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Saenz covers an impressive variety of key topics with sharp newswriting and clear explanatory journalism.
2ND PLACE
CAROL KUGLER
The Herald-Times
3RD PLACE
BETH EDWARDS
Indiana Environmental Reporter
FEATURES WRITING (newspapers circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
ALEXANDRIA BURRIS
Cento Shoes must carry on without beloved owner
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The profile of the Cento family and what happened to their lives and business during Covid and mental health crises was tremendously detailed, honest, and fair. It was a riveting look at the people behind a storefront downtown people pass every day without knowing who's struggling to keep it together behind the scenes.
2ND PLACE
JOSEPH S. PETE
Brewery cat leaves mousing for sunbeams, social media fame
The Times of Northwest Indiana
3RD PLACE
SUSAN ORR
Hardware store tries to Amazon-proof its business
Indianapolis Business Journal
FEATURES WRITING (newspapers circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
ALEXANDRA KUKULKA
Series on woman facing eviction during COVID-19 pandemic
Post-Tribune
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The series on facing eviction was a great example of what features can be -- "feature" can be strong news, in-depth news, deep reporting, not just a light people story. I appreciated the effort it took to get not just her side but also the landlord's side, on the record, with specific dollar figures as well, which greatly enrich the story and the way it sticks with you.
2ND PLACE
KELLY LAFFERTY GERBER
Long overdue
Kokomo Tribune
3RD PLACE
REBECCA PATRICK AND ANTHONY SCHOETTLE
SPAC Attack
BizVoice
FEATURES WRITING (magazines and non-daily newspapers)
1ST PLACE
ROBERT ANNIS
Eroded Myths
Hidden Compass
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Eroded Myths is a moving combination of personal history and U.S. history, and the upheavals of reckoning with both. The author makes a convincing case that examining the past on both fronts is difficult but essential. Overall, this was a strong category, and Indiana is benefitting from these stories and their storytellers.
2ND PLACE
BREANNA COOPER
Possible son of Thomas Jefferson called Indiana home
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
3RD PLACE
TYLER FENWICK, BREANNA COOPER AND OSEYE BOYD
Diabetes: A crisis in plain sight
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
PERSONALITY PROFILE (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
RORY APPLETON
Ben lives on through his music and his dad's love
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: With suicide at the heart of this story, the writer did a great job focusing on the positive and let the victim's musical theme carry the narrative.
2ND PLACE
JOSEPH S. PETE
Father overcomes addiction to get chance to raise daughter
The Times of Northwest Indiana
3RD PLACE
DANA HUNSINGER BENBOW
The tragic ending to ABA superstar George Carter's life
The Indianapolis Star
PERSONALITY PROFILE (newspapers circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
LAURA LANE
Difficult work, low pay, no glamour for rural county coroners
The Herald-Times
JUDGE’S COMMENT: A fascinating look at rural county coroners — the work they do and what it takes to do the job. A story that most wouldn't even think of pursuing.
2ND PLACE
BETH EDWARDS
Kharbanda to Step Down from Hoosier Environmental Council
Indiana Environmental Reporter
3RD PLACE
ROB BURGESS
Much more than just the best bartender
Wabash Plain Dealer
PERSONALITY PROFILE (magazines and non-daily newspapers)
1ST PLACE
LILI WRIGHT
Tok of the Town
Indianapolis Monthly
JUDGE’S COMMENT: With writing that feels swift and is a pleasure to read, Lili Wright deftly drops readers inside the complicated life of a young TikTok star. Wright takes this material seriously and handles it well.
2ND PLACE
ADAM WREN
Keeping Up With the Joneses
Indianapolis Monthly
3RD PLACE
REBECCA R. BIBBS
Just a Matter of Time: Belford "Sinky" Hendricks
Traces magazine
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
MEGAN FERNANDEZ
As Seen On TV
Indianapolis Monthly
JUDGE’S COMMENT: What stands out more than anything in the "As Seen On TV" entry is the writing’s consistently punchy appeal. From the opening vignette of the crew learning that "Good Bones" was approved for a seventh season to the kicker about excited fans at the end, the prose rewards the reader with confident and engaging style.
2ND PLACE
DOMENICA BONGIOVANNI
Indianapolis area culture coverage
The Indianapolis Star
3RD PLACE
ANTHONY DECURTIS
Ain't Even Done
Indianapolis Monthly
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
BREANNA COOPER
Film review: ‘Mass’ a haunting, powerful slow burn
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Cooper's writing is crisp and engaging. Cooper conveyed the film's tension starting with the first line and kept my attention until the last sentence. Excellent work.
2ND PLACE
BREANNA COOPER
Civic Theatre production features all-Black ensemble in 30 years
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
3RD PLACE
MASON CASSADY
Experiencing Bob Ross in Indiana: Person, Painter and Perm
The Ryder Magazine
EDITORIAL WRITING (all publications and digital media)
1ST PLACE
GREG WEAVER
Where's the real punishment for FBI?
Indianapolis Business Journal
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This editorial demanding a full criminal investigation of FBI staff who failed in their handling of the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse case was clearly structured, compelling and backed up with evidence. Concise, effective and persuasive.
2ND PLACE
OSEYE BOYD
It’s on you, white America
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
3RD PLACE
KELLY HAWES
Map reform advocates shouldn't give up
The Herald Bulletin
COLUMN WRITING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
James Briggs
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: James Briggs' writing rose to the top in this category. Clean, bright writing on a variety of topics. Engaging, doesn't pull punches. Excellent work.
2ND PLACE
Suzette Hackney
Fourth & Goal
The Indianapolis Star
COLUMN WRITING (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
JERRY DAVICH
Post Tribune
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Wide variety of columns here. Engaging writing and interesting topics all around.
2ND PLACE
KELLY HAWES
The Herald Bulletin
3RD PLACE
HANK NUWER
Near Darke (Union City and Randolph County column)
Daily Advocate
SPORTS REPORTING (publication circulation above 30,000, wire services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
NATHAN BROWN
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: In an extremely close and talented field, Nathan Brown's auto racing work distinguished itself for its deep dives, authoritative tone and engaging narrative style. Brown's consistent command of his subject came through in every story and inched him ahead of the field in this competitive category.
2ND PLACE
KYLE NEDDENRIEP
The Indianapolis Star
3RD PLACE
MICHAEL MAROT
The Associated Press
SPORTS REPORTING (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
ZACH PIATT
Richmond Palladium-Item
2ND PLACE
DUSTIN DOPIRAK
The Herald-Times
3RD PLACE
TYLER FENWICK
‘I still had stuff to achieve’: Indianapolis sprinter readies for Paralympics
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
SPORTS COLUMN WRITING (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
GREGG DOYEL
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Gregg Doyel's work combines keen observation, complete reporting and -- just as significant -- a distinctive and engaging style. His submissions covered a broad collection of subjects and demonstrated his ability to delve deep into his topics. A sportswriter at the top of his game.
2ND PLACE
MARK MONTIETH
Indianapolis Business Journal
3RD PLACE
MIKE LOPRESTI
Indianapolis Business Journal
SPORTS COLUMN WRITING (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
JERRY DAVICH
Dan Hampton’s brush with the law: ‘Too many stupid mistakes’
Post Tribune
JUDGE’S COMMENT: A dramatic story told well with great details and impact.
2ND PLACE
JEREMY PRICE
Hoosier Perspective
The Herald-Times
3RD PLACE
TODD GOLDEN
Tribune-Star
PROFESSIONAL: PHOTOGRAHY, DESIGN AND GRAPHICS
NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
GRACE HOLLARS
Sikh community mourns
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Grace Hollars' visual reporting captures the grief and loss Indianapolis’ Sikh community experienced in the days after the mass shooting at a FedEx facility. Using powerful imagery of both individuals and groups at the Sikh Satsang, the photo story shows the gravity of the situation with empathetic reporting.
2ND PLACE
JENNA WATSON
Raising Charlotte alone
The Indianapolis Star
NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
JONAH HINEBAUGH
Cpl. Sanchez funeral
Pharos-Tribune
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This moment is full of powerful emotion and composed expertly.
2ND PLACE
RICH JANZARUK
Homeless People Camp Eviction
The Herald-Times
3RD PLACE
RICH JANZARUK
Whitten Tears Up During Standing Ovation
The Herald-Times
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
MYKAL MCELDOWNEY
Landis Sims
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great lighting and scene placement in the first-place photo. The subject's and photographer's choice of expression speaks the volume of determination, despite barriers.
2ND PLACE
GRACE HOLLARS
Muddy kiss
The Indianapolis Star
3RD PLACE
JENNA WATSON
Colts leap
The Indianapolis Star
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
JEFF BROWN
Colts pour it on 49ers
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Nice image of football action in the rain with the player's facial expression cleanly exposed.
2ND PLACE
JOSEPH C. GARZA
No fear
Tribune-Star
3RD PLACE
RICH JANZARUK
Regional Champs
The Herald-Times
FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
MYKAL MCELDOWNEY
No hoop? No problem.
The Indianapolis Star
2ND PLACE
JENNA WATSON
Play time
The Indianapolis Star
3RD PLACE
MICHELLE PEMBERTON
Wearable art
The Indianapolis Star
FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
RICH JANZARUK
Dance Practice
The Herald-Times
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The ballroom dancing photo captured the movement of the subjects and interesting reflections. The Krampus fireball photo - wow! What a striking image. Good focus in a challenging, dark shooting situation.
2ND PLACE
RICH JANZARUK
Krampus Fireball
The Herald-Times
3RD PLACE
MARTIN BOLING
A Fascination with Model Trains Is Alive and Well in Bloomington
Bloom Magazine
MULTIPLE PICTURE GROUP (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
MYKAL MCELDOWNEY
Fourth & Goal
The Indianapolis Star
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The dedication it took to follow and tell this story is evident. From the first powerful image to the last hopeful scene, the photographer took care to give a complete story.
2ND PLACE
KAITI SULLIVAN
Outside the Box
Indianapolis Monthly
3RD PLACE
GRACE HOLLARS
Grieving Keon
The Indianapolis Star
MULTIPLE PICTURE GROUP (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
DENNY SIMMONS
Twisted Lives
Courier & Press
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Photographers are coached from Day One to show readers something that they would never have the access to see. The winning entry shows the skill and dedication to documenting a tragedy in a way that shows the devastation, the emotion and the hope in rebuilding.
2ND PLACE
JONAH HINEBAUGH
Cpl. Sanchez funeral
Pharos-Tribune
3RD PLACE
RICH JANZARUK
Transgender Baptist Minister Ordained
The Herald-Times
NEWSPAPER PAGE ONE DESIGN (all newspapers)
1ST PLACE
AUDREY PELSOR
Indianapolis Business Journal
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Elegant. Along with great use of photos and its captions.
2ND PLACE
ALICIA MORGAN
Tribune-Star
3RD PLACE
JULIE KIRKENDOLL
Indiana Lawyer
MAGAZINE COVER DESIGN (all magazines or periodicals)
1ST PLACE
STEPHANIE WATTERS FLORES
Punk Rocker Turned Priest
The Ryder Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The Ryder Magazine's cover design for its lead story "Confessions of a punk rocker turned priest” is everything you want in a magazine cover: eye-catching, descriptive and just vague enough to make you pick it up.
2ND PLACE
TODD URBAN
Indianapolis Monthly (May, July, and October)
Indianapolis Monthly
3RD PLACE
RODNEY OGLE
Heartland magazine
Kokomo Tribune
DESIGN OTHER THAN COVER (all print media)
1ST PLACE
STEPHANIE REEVES
The IU Jacobs School of Music: Making Beautiful Music for 100 Years
Bloom Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The design of this section on the 100th anniversary of the IU Jacobs School of Music does a fabulous job of leading readers through the historical and current photos. The music staff and notes help tie the section together.
2ND PLACE
AUDREY PELSOR
Indiana Lawyer Open House Feature
IBJ Media - Indiana Lawyer
3RD PLACE
AUDREY PELSOR
Pandemic stories
Indianapolis Business Journal
GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS (publication circulation above 30,000, news services and digital media)
1ST PLACE
BRAD TURNER
Hospital readmissions
Indianapolis Business Journal
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Brad Turner's illustration conceptualizes the revolving door of readmitted hospital patients. Turner illustrates the inevitability of readmitted patients by using a conveyor belt between a "discharges" and "admission" door. The illustration is minimalistic yet impactful and grabs the attention of readers.
2ND PLACE
SARAH ELLIS
Indianapolis sports timeline
Indianapolis Business Journal
3RD PLACE
BRAD TURNER
Gov. Holcomb's emergency powers
Indianapolis Business Journal
GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS (publication circulation below 30,000)
1ST PLACE
MIKE CAGLE
Bloomington: Dog-Friendliest Town in the Entire Universe
Bloom Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This illustration is eye-catching, interesting, clear and informative. Very effective, attractive design.
2ND PLACE
DANIELLE KAY LUCAS
Remembering Rudy Pozzatti
The Ryder Magazine
3RD PLACE
ALICIA MORGAN
COVID-19 Vigo County in 2020
Tribune-Star
PROFESSIONAL: TELEVISION
BEST NEWSCAST (Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
WTHR NEWS TEAM
13News at 11
WTHR
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The added production value and attention to emotional connection put 13News at 11 at the top of the rankings. Good work.
2ND PLACE
WISH-TV STAFF
WISH-TV Daybreak
WISH-TV
3RD PLACE
BEAIRSHELLE EDMÉ, MONICA ALBERS, ALLISON KOONTZ AND FOX59 STAFF
Newspoint at 11
WXIN
BEST NEWSCAST (Outside Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
WANE 15 STAFF
Snow Day
WANE-TV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This WANE15 newscast moved well -- great pace, great use of live coverage of the weather and good execution overall -- nice production quality.
2ND PLACE
WPTA STAFF
ABC21 News Weekend
WPTA
3RD PLACE
WEVV-44NEWS TEAM
Massive Fire at Salvage Yard shuts down Evansville's Westside
WEVV-44News
BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE (Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
WTHR News Team
WTHR FedEx Shooting
WTHR
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Comprehensive and meaningful coverage of a tragic and chaotic scene. Excellent interviews, context and perspective. Well done.
2ND PLACE
STAFF
WRTV FedEx Shooting Coverage
WRTV
BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE (Outside Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
44NEWS TEAM
Deadly Tornadoes
WEVV-44News
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great analysis from multiple perspectives about the tornado. High utility reporting
2ND PLACE
WANE 15 STAFF
Quadruple Homicide
WANE-TV
3RD PLACE
BRITT SALAY AND JEREMY MAGERS
Train Derailment in DeKalb County
WANE 15
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
KARA KENNEY AND BRAD FORESTAL
Where There's Smoke, There's Overtime
WRTV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent work digging through the documents and analyzing the data.
2ND PLACE
BRADY GIBSON, RICHARD ESSEX AND JASMINE MINOR
I-Team 8: Unemployment Crisis in Indiana
WISH-TV
3RD PLACE
BEAIRSHELLE EDMÉ, JAMIE SUITER, ADAM ROTH AND ASHLEY SMITH
Cost of Excessive Force: $16 Million and Counting
WXIN
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (Outside Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
JOSHUA SHORT, JULIAN SHORT AND KARYN LACEY
Why Shoot?
WNDU-TV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Good enterprise story looking at the foundational problems behind gun violence.
2ND PLACE
VALERIE LYONS AND TRAVIS ONYETT
Multiple Victims Accuse Massage Parlor Employee of Sexual Assault
WEVV-44News
3RD PLACE
CARLI LUCA AND JAKE BILLER
16 News Now Investigates: Answers for Asaiah
WNDU-TV
SPORTS REPORTING (Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
DAVE CALABRO AND RYAN THEDWALL
Off the Track
WTHR
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great use of video and sound to really dig into the subject of the package. Good look at his life. The package is light and flows well to keep viewer engaged.
2ND PLACE
DAVE CALABRO, MATT WHISNER AND STEVE RHODES
Peyton Manning: From NOLA to HOF
WTHR
3RD PLACE
SAMANTHA HORTON
Majority-Women Team Makes History At Indianapolis 500
Indiana Public Broadcasting News
SPORTS REPORTING (Outside Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
REUBEN BROWNING, SADDAM AL-ZUBAIDI AND
JAKE LINDSAY
Journey Indiana: Indy Pickleball Club
WTIU
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Really solid reporting with the subjects leading the conversation. A lot of different looks of the game, such as drones, to give the viewer a complete view of the sport
2ND PLACE
JASON PEAR AND JACOB LINDAUER
Journey Indiana: Defining Success
WTIU
3RD PLACE
JUSTIN PRINCE
Decatur community remembers 3 killed in crash with Wiffle Ball Tourney
WFFT-TV FOX 55
FEATURE STORY (Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
MIKE SULLIVAN AND TYLER TEAL
Future of the Squared Circle In The Circle City
WXIN
2ND PLACE
EMILY LONGNECKER
You're Never Too Old to Turn Up
WTHR-TV
3RD PLACE
HANNA MORDOH
The Light for Levi
WISH-TV
FEATURE STORY (Outside Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
BRADY WILLIAMS
Little Boy Organ Donor
WFIE
2ND PLACE
ALYSSA IVANSON
Boys Bracelet Business
WANE-TV
3RD PLACE
TOM POWELL
Paralympic Athlete
Fort Wayne's NBC
DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL (Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
WRTV STAFF
Indiana State Fair Tragedy: 10 Years Later
WRTV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Indiana State Fair Tragedy: 10 Years Later provided a comprehensive look at how an extreme weather event and a lack of preparedness changed the events industry and how it impacted local people's lives in Indiana. The follow-up with the people impacted was impressive and emotional. The educational content surrounding the changes to emergency preparedness and the outdoor events industry was in depth and easy to understand. Excellent work from this team
2ND PLACE
BRADY GIBSON
WISH-TV Vaccine Central Town Hall
WISH-TV
DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL (Outside Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
GLENN MARINI
Summit City Hardball History
WANE-TV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Summit City Hardball History presented an inclusive story of the contributions of diverse individuals and groups to the sport of baseball in Fort Wayne. The segments incorporated significant historical events, contributions of women and people of color to the sport, and also how baseball continues to have a presence in the community in the present day.
2ND PLACE
TODD GOULD, RON PRICKEL AND ROB ANDERSON
Singing Winds: The Life & Works of T.C. Steele
WTIU
3RD PLACE
DANIEL BEALS, BRIEN MCELHATTEN AND KRISTA MILLER
A 21Country Christmas
WPTA
CONTINUING COVERAGE (Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
WTHR NEWS TEAM
The Shooting at FedEx
WTHR
2ND PLACE
WRTV STAFF
Camp Atterbury Afghan Refugees
WRTV
3RD PLACE
RICH NYE
Mother Conquers COVID to Meet her Baby
WTHR
CONTINUING COVERAGE (Outside Indianapolis market)
1ST PLACE
CARLI LUCA, JAKE BILLER, JACK SPRINGGATE AND IBRAHIM SAMRA
16 News Now Investigates: Barn Burnings
WNDU-TV
2ND PLACE
KARLI VANCLEAVE AND IAN HOOVER
Missing the Call
Fort Wayne's NBC
3RD PLACE
44NEWS TEAM
Clean-up Process Following Deadly Tornadoes
WEVV-44News
COVERAGE OF GOVERNMENT OR POLITICS (Any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
13 INVESTIGATES TEAM
13 Investigates Government Watchdog
WTHR
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great reporting, use of documents and storytelling.
2ND PLACE
JENNIE RUNEVITCH, JOHN DUONG
QAnon Fractures Hoosier Families
WTHR
3RD PLACE
BRIEN MCELHATTEN, IAN HOOVER, DANIEL BEALS AND CHRIS BROWN
Political Radar
WPTA
BUSINESS OR CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTING (Any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
WTHR NEWS TEAM
13News Consumer Concerns
WTHR
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Four stories in this "13 Investigates Consumer Concerns" display a continuous focus on consumers' needs in real life. All four topics are tightly related to customers' everyday life, which is looked into via a niche lens. Each short story contains multiple perspectives of the same relevant issue.
2ND PLACE
ANGELA BRAUER AND JAMIE SUITER
The BMV Sells Your Info
WTTV
3RD PLACE
JESSICA HARTMAN AND KORY KEMPF
Connecting Farmers
WEVV-44News
EDUCATION COVERAGE (Any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
JEANIE LINDSAY, ALAN MBATHI
As COVID-19 Spurs Workers' Calls For Higher Pay, Kokomo School Staff Continue Union Push
Indiana Public Broadcasting
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This story clearly demonstrated the fighting process of an underrepresented group in school systems. This coverage can be easily connected to others regarding the shortage of bus drivers and longer time for students staying in school buses. The coverage weaved both ongoing group effort and personal emotions, which makes it convincing and touching.
2ND PLACE
KARA KENNEY AND BRAD FORESTAL
Passing the Trash: A Broken System
WRTV
3RD PLACE
RICH NYE
School returns to in-person learning, tries to stay that way
WTHR
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING (Any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
DEMIE JOHNSON AND BRADY GIBSON
The Delphi Link
WISH-TV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Important work in searching public records to find a link between two murders and a child pornography case.
2ND PLACE
ANGELA GANOTE, RYAN LIGGETT, SHAUN MURPHY, ASHLEY SMITH
My Son Should've Been Red Flagged
WXIN
3RD PLACE
BEAIRSHELLE EDMÉ, JAMIE SUITER, TOM SHEEHAN, NICHOLAS ALEXANDER
Longtime Residents & Gun Violence
WXIN
COVERAGE OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES (any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
CHRISTINE KARSTEN
Addiction & Michiana's Youngest Victims
WNDU-TV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This is a touching story. Its effectiveness has been shown in its one-sentence introduction: "resulted in at least 14 people seeking treatment." The 3-parts organization is clear and helpful for audiences to think about this critical issue when watching the series. The reporter made a great effort in finding relevant individuals around the same topic.
2ND PLACE
KARA KENNEY AND BRAD FORESTAL
Failing to Protect Children
WRTV
3RD PLACE
DANIEL BEALS, TONY BETTON JR., BRIAN GILLETT, ELIZABETH VORNDRAN
Grant Me Hope
WPTA
COVERAGE OF MINORITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ISSUES (Any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
KATIERA WINFREY
Housing Discrimination in Indiana
WISH-TV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This was really great in-depth reporting. The reporter was able to uncover an important issue and followed it until there was a resolution. Also a great display of emotional storytelling and letting people tell the story.
2ND PLACE
BEAIRSHELLE EDMÉ, JAMIE SUITER, TOM SHEEHAN AND FOX59 STAFF
Roadblocks to Hoosier Health
WXIN
3RD PLACE
WRTV STAFF
Lost Barrio of Indianapolis
WRTV
MEDICAL OR SCIENCE REPORTING (Any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
WTHR NEWS TEAM
The Human Cost
WTHR
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent and effective storytelling describe this contest submission. From emotional, impactful storytelling about what's happening in the ICU to unexpected angles of stories that make people aware of the unexpected impact of COVID-19. Definitely deserving of a first place award and recognition.
2ND PLACE
LAUREN CHAPMAN, ALAN MBATHI
Faith, medicine and COVID-19: Why do religious vaccine exemptions exist?
Indiana Public Broadcasting
3RD PLACE
TRICIA SLOMA, BEN PATRICK AND ERIC WINTER
Covid Reality: Road to Recovery
WNDU-TV
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (Any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
BOB SEGALL AND 13INVESTIGATES TEAM
Dumped
WTHR
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great investigation and context given into the problem of recycling shingles.
2ND PLACE
REBECCA THIELE, ALAN MBATHI
Cook plant emits cancer-causing chemical but state, federal regulators didn't notify residents
Indiana Public Broadcasting
3RD PLACE
LINDSEY EATON, JAMIE SUITER
Tornado Sirens
WXIN
COVERAGE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES (Any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
WRTV STAFF
Asian American Violence
WRTV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Excellent coverage of the vitriol and violence encountered by Asian Americans in the U.S. Plenty of voices from the local community represented.
2ND PLACE
KATIERA WINFREY
One Year After George Floyd's Death
WISH-TV
3RD PLACE
MITCH LEGAN
Indiana resettlement groups busy with Afghan evacuee cases
WFIU/WTIU News
GENERAL NEWS OR SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY (Any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
JASON THOMPSON
WISH-TV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great visuals that tell the sports stories in this entry.
2ND PLACE
SHEA GOODPASTER
WRTV
3RD PLACE
BRAD FORESTAL
WRTV
FEATURES NEWS VIDEOGRAPHY (Any Indiana station)
1ST PLACE
DANIEL BEALS
21Country
WPTA
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Beautiful shots that move with the script. This is an example of superb storytelling.! One thing that really separated this entry from the rest was the built-in surprise
2ND PLACE
SADDAM AL-ZUBAIDI
Journey Indiana: My Own Little World: Brox Glass
WTIU
3RD PLACE
JOHN TIMM AND JAKE LINDSAY
Journey Indiana: The Sanatorium Project
WTIU
PROFESSIONAL: RADIO DIVISION
RADIO BEST NEWSCAST
1ST PLACE
JOHN HERRICK, KURT DARLING, CHRIS DAVIS
The FedEx Shooting April 15, 2021, 7 a.m.
WIBC
2nd PLACE
STEPHANIE WIECHMANN
"All Things Considered," September 15, 2021
WBST-FM
RADIO BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE
1ST PLACE
MITCH LEGAN AND GEORGE HALE
Bloomington Residents Hurting After Flash Flood
WFIU/WTIU News
2ND PLACE
STEPHANIE WIECHMANN
Former Muncie mayor sentenced to federal prison for taking bribe
WBST-FM
3RD PLACE
Jakob Lazzaro
St. Joseph County Commissioners pass controversial redistricting plan, but may soon face lawsuits
88.1 WVPE
RADIO SPORTS REPORTING
1ST PLACE
SAMANTHA HORTON
Majority-Women Team To Make History At This Year's Indianapolis 500, Part Of Broader Effort
Indiana Public Broadcasting
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Good story topic with sound to match the great reporting. Loved it!
2ND PLACE
KADE YOUNG, BENEDICT JONES
Can Sports Change the World?
WFHB Community Radio
3RD PLACE
TOMMY WILLIAMS
Lakeshore Sports
WLPR-FM
RADIO IN-DEPTH REPORTING
1ST PLACE
DYLAN PEERS MCCOY
How will Indiana schools spend $3 billion in COVID relief?
WFYI
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Good use of natural sound, interviews and data to present a story important to the community. The reporting was lively and flowed well.
2ND PLACE
JILL SHERIDAN
Here's What the City, Nonprofits and Individuals Are Doing To End Homelessness In Indianapolis
WFYI
3RD PLACE
GEMMA DICARLO
A Look at the Bill Black Lawmakers Were 'Booed' For Calling Discriminatory
WVPE-FM
RADIO FEATURE STORY
1ST PLACE
GEMMA DICARLO
South Bend’s Crossroads Solar employs only former felons to manufacture solar panels
WVPE-FM
2ND PLACE
DONNIE BURGESS
A Bar for the Ages
WIBC
3RD PLACE
MITCH LEGAN
Facing Injustice: Terre Haute, Vigo County to Acknowledge Lynching History
WFIU/WTIU News
RADIO DOCUMENTARY OR SPECIAL
1ST PLACE
EMILY MILES
Winter Food
In This Climate
2ND PLACE
MIA BEACH, HUGH FARRELL
The Dystopic and Exceptional Pawpaw
WFHB Community Radio
3RD PLACE
CLARENCE BOONE, WILLIAM HOSEA, CHANTALLE LAFONTANT
Blacks in Nazi Concentration Camps
WFHB Community Radio
RADIO CONTINUING COVERAGE
1ST PLACE
JUSTIN HICKS
Struggles Surrounding Unemployment Benefits in Indiana
Indiana Public Broadcasting
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Impressive work across multiple outlets. Voices of workers and thorough accountability reporting.
2ND PLACE
MITCH LEGAN
The needle exchange, credited with stopping Indiana's worst HIV outbreak, is in jeopardy
WFIU/WTIU News
3RD PLACE
ELIZABETH GABRIEL, LEE V. GAINES, DYLAN PEERS MCCOY
Pandemic jolts Indiana students and schools
WFYI
RADIO PUBLIC AFFAIRS
1ST PLACE
JUSTIN HICKS
Hoosier Workers Series
Indiana Public Broadcasting News
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The production on these non-narrated pieces was compelling, with a creative approach to including context about each subject's life while also sharing their reflections. The diversity of both people and jobs showcased was also notable.
2ND PLACE
HOLDEN ABSHIER, BENTE BOUTHIER, BOB ZALTSBERG, SARA WITTMEYER
Remembering The 9/11 Attacks 20 Years Later
WFIU/WTIU News
3RD PLACE
MICHAEL PUENTE
Off Mic: St. Catherine Hospital and the Future of Health Care in East Chicago
Lakeshore Public Radio
PROFESSIONAL: BOOKS
NON-FICTION BOOK
1ST PLACE
KEITH ROYSDON AND DOUGLAS WALKER
The Westside Park Murders: Muncie’s Most Notorious Cold Case
History Press
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This book shows the writers' outstanding tenacity in chronicling attempts to solve the 1985 murders of two teens in Muncie. The writing makes readers feel like they're reading a who-dun-it novel, yet it is completely fact-based.
2ND PLACE
ASHLEY PETRY
Indianapolis: An Illustrated Timeline
Reedy Press
PROFESSIONAL: ONLINE / MULTIMEDIA
BEST JOURNALISM WEBSITE
1ST PLACE
WRTV STAFF
WRTV.com
WRTV
JUDGE’S COMMENT: All of the entries are impressive, and the line between first, second and third was really too close to call. Loved the COVID database put together by WRTV.
2ND PLACE
WFYI STAFF
WFYI.org
WFYI
3RD PLACE
SCOTT HUMS, PHIL CANNELONGO AND
CAMILLE STEPHENS
WTHR.com
WTHR
BEST ONLINE MULTIMEDIA
1ST PLACE
ROBERT SCHEER
Death Sentence
The Indianapolis Star
2ND PLACE
MYKAL MCELDOWNEY
Fourth & Goal
The Indianapolis Star
3RD PLACE
MYKAL MCELDOWNEY
Big Indiana Gyms
The Indianapolis Star
BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
1ST PLACE
STAFF
"Because of COVID" Facebook live events hosted by Side Effects
WFYI - Side Effects
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Impressive reach for these Facebook Live events
BEST NEWSLETTER
1ST PLACE
STAFF
Sick Newsletter
WFYI - Side Effects
JUDGE’S COMMENT: All of these are so impressive in terms of links, photos and podcasts.
2ND PLACE
BREANNA COOPER
Indianapolis Recorder newsletter
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper
3RD PLACE
INDY MAVEN
Indy Maven "Uncovered" Newsletter
Indy Maven
BEST PODCAST
LAUREN BAVIS, JAKE HARPER
Sick Podcast Season Two
WFYI - Side Effects
2ND PLACE
KYLIE CONWAY
News 8 Daily 8
WISH-TV
3RD PLACE
ANGELA B. FREEMAN AND LESLEY WEIDENBENER
The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman
Indianapolis Business Journal
BEST COVID-19 INITIATIVE
1ST PLACE
WRTV STAFF
Faces of COVID
WRTV
2ND PLACE
WFYI NEWS, SIDE EFFECTS PUBLIC MEDIA AND IPB NEWS
Reflections: COVID-19
WFYI/ Side Effects and Indiana Public Broadcasting
3RD PLACE
INDIANAPOLIS STAR STAFF
NCAA Tournament During A Pandemic
The Indianapolis Star
STUDENT: PRINT AND DIGITAL DIVISION
STUDENT BREAKING NEWS REPORTING
1ST PLACE
GRACE MCCORMICK AND MAYA WILKINS
Ball State experiences campus-wide internet outage to block potential intrusion
The Ball State Daily News
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Grace McCormick and Maya Wilkins did a thorough job talking to different sources – students, instructors, school officials and community members – about the impact of an almost six-hour campus-wide internet outage. The story explained how a potential security threat led university administrators to implement the shutdown to block any intrusion.
STUDENT NON-DEADLINE NEWS
1ST PLACE
KAITLYN RADDE AND CARSON TERBUSH
In the dark: Transparency rule fails to shed light on costs for IU Health Bloomington patients
Indiana Daily Student
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Using real-life examples, this entry shows patients are still being surprised by medical bills that reach thousands of dollars despite new federal rule on disclosing the cost in advance of treatment. Radde and TerBush do a good job at explaining the complexities of pricing in this informative article.
2ND PLACE
JOE DUHOWNIK
Chasing highs, living low
The Exponent
3RD PLACE
PHYLLIS CHA
Fentanyl-laced prescription counterfeits a life-or-death gamble
Indiana Daily Student
STUDENT INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
1ST PLACE
JORDAN SMITH AND ALEX WELIEVER
Aviation alumni, former faculty fear privatization of pro-flight
The Exponent
JUDGE’S COMMENT: In this winning entry, Jordan Smith and Alex Weliever detail concerns that the influence of a top donor could affect the reputation of Purdue University’s aviation school and the safety of its students. Their interviews with insiders make this an interesting look at the issue of public-private partnerships in higher education.
2ND PLACE
MATT COHEN
Former members of Bloomington church allege abuse, cover-up
Indiana Daily Student
3RD PLACE
TYLER TACHMAN
Law professor battles IU over reporting on presidential search
Indiana Daily Student
STUDENT COVERAGE OF MINORITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ISSUES
1ST PLACE
MATT COHEN
Indignity in Death
Indiana Daily Student
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This longform story on the disproportionate unmarked graves of Black individuals in Bloomington is an ambitious project.The story is well researched and shines light on an undercovered topic. Cohen successfully covers the large-scale issue of unmarked graves while maintaining a hyperlocal angle.
2ND PLACE
LIZZIE KABOSKI
Being heard
Indiana Daily Student
3RD PLACE
DAVID WOLFE BENDER, PHYLLIS CHA AND KAITLYN RADDE
Anger, grief as city votes down protections for homeless camps
Indiana Daily Student
STUDENT FEATURE STORY
1ST PLACE
PHYLLIS CHA AND HANNAH DAILEY
After the Audition
Indiana Daily Student
JUDGE’S COMMENT: This double story about the mental health challenges of students at a prestigious music school is exemplary of high quality, clear, and engaging feature writing. Compelling, well-written and well-structured.
2ND PLACE
EMMA UBER
The Scarlet 'E': How eviction can haunt tenants forever
Indiana Daily Student
3RD PLACE
JAZLYN GOMEZ
Alum nominated for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year Award
The Reflector
STUDENT SPORTS REPORTING
1ST PLACE
MATT COHEN
‘Worth the risks’: An inside look at IU football’s pandemic season
Indiana Daily Student
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Great writing, whether sports, news or feature, begins with great reporting. The stories that had more sources also had more depth and more to work with.
2ND PLACE
Ian Hansen
The circle of life: One decision at age 6 shaped Haven Fields into more than an athlete
The Ball State Daily News
3RD PLACE
JACOB WALTON
Dana Youssef: Excellence in both academics, athletics
The Reflector
STUDENT EDITORIAL WRITING
1ST PLACE
JOE DUHOWNIK
How Purdue's trustees operate in secret
The Exponent
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Well-crafted argument, clear, compelling and backed up with evidence.
2ND PLACE
OLIVIA CAMERON
U.S. needs paid parental leave for everyone
The Reflector
3RD PLACE
HOLLY GASKILL
Does your music pass the Bechdel Test?
The Echo News
STUDENT COLUMN WRITING
1ST PLACE
JACLYN FERGUSON
Black Voices Columns
Indiana Daily Student
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Black Voices is some fine writing, taking readers through deep arguments and making solid points in a most readable way. Ferguson has a bright future in journalism if she wants it.
2ND PLACE
JOHN LYNCH
The Ball State Daily News
3RD PLACE
KATIE PFOTZER
Modern Solutions Required
The Echo News
STUDENT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST PLACE
ALEX DERYN AND MALLOREY DAUNHAUER
Indianapolis mourns
Indiana Daily Student
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Deryn and Daunhauer took well composed photos of a vigil for the victims of the Indianapolis mass shooting at a FedEx center. The two photographers tackled difficult story with grace and respect while making compelling images.
2ND PLACE
JACOB MUSSELMAN
Enough is Enough
The Ball State Daily News
3RD PLACE
JACOB WALTON
Koebe Celebration of Life
The Reflector
STUDENT SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST PLACE
JACOB WALTON
Men's Soccer NCAA Regional Win
The Reflector
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Jacob Walton photographed a celebration after the men's soccer team's NCAA Regional win. Walton demonstrated attention to action and photography in challenging lighting scenarios.
STUDENT FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST PLACE
Rylan Capper
Just Swingin'
The Ball State Daily News
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Rylan Capper photographed under high speed and low light conditions in his photo of a young boy on a fair ride at the Muncie Mall Spring Fair.
STUDENT PAGE ONE OR COVER DESIGN
1ST PLACE
MAGGIE GETZIN AND ALEX HINDENLANG
A moment of silence
The Ball State Daily News
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Getzin and Hindenlang designed a simple yet somber cover for a story on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. They demonstrated a good use of space and skills in typography in the less-is-more cover design.
2ND PLACE
KASSANDRA DARNELL
Sept. 29 Front Page
The Reflector
3RD PLACE
KIARA CONLEY
March 10 Front Page
The Reflector
STUDENT BEST DESIGN OTHER THAN PAGE ONE OR COVER
1ST PLACE
KAMRYN TOMLINSON AND RYLAN CAPPER
Unspoken Truths
The Ball State Daily News
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The winning entries here had a strong focus and all of the elements worked toward a single message.
2ND PLACE
Abby Carmichael
Indiana Daily Student
3RD PLACE
Kaelynn Shultz
Fall Fashion 2021
The Echo News
STUDENT GRAPHICS OR ILLUSTRATION
1ST PLACE
MAGGIE GETZIN
Red Planet Pursuit
The Ball State Daily News
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Maggie Getzin created a graphic for The Ball State Daily News detailing U.S. space missions. The graphic is as informative as it is visually interesting.
2ND PLACE
VIVEK RAO AND CARSON TERBUSH
The president’s speeches
Indiana Daily Student
STUDENT BEST JOURNALISM WEBSITE
1ST PLACE
DAILY STUDENT STAFF
idsnews.com
Indiana Daily Student
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Indiana Student Daily's website is the clear leader with variety of current news, compelling stories, photos, graphics, calendar and in-depth reporting.
2ND PLACE
STAFF OF THE BALL STATE DAILY NEWS
Ballstatedaily.com
The Ball State Daily News
3RD PLACE
THE STAFF OF THE REFLECTOR
The Reflector Online
The Reflector
STUDENT BEST ONLINE MULTIMEDIA
1ST PLACE
PHYLLIS CHA, HANNAH DAILEY, IZZY MYSZAK AND ETHAN LEVY
After the audition
Indiana Daily Student
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Amazing mix of text, photos and videos. Great storytelling package.
STUDENT: BROADCAST
STUDENT TELEVISION BEST NEWSCAST
1ST PLACE
GRIFFIN GONZALEZ, ELLA RHOADES, DEREK DECKER, ANNA BLACK
IU NewsNet September 30
Indiana University
JUDGE’S COMMENT: I loved the look behind the scenes at the end so much. Meanwhile Mary Claire and Anna and Will all did excellent work. Enjoyed the rapport with Griffin and Derek. Literally all of you should have bright futures. Exceptional work. Better than many professional local news stations I've seen around the country.
2ND PLACE
ANNIE KEISTER, LOGAN SALZBRENNER, ANNA CHALKER AND LINDSAY KENDALL
Former Muncie Mayor Goes to Court
NewsLink Indiana
3RD PLACE
GILLIAN LINTZ, MILES MOREY, CONNOR CARR AND
BECCA GREGG
The Andersonian
Anderson University
STUDENT RADIO BEST NEWSCAST
1ST PLACE
TILLY ROBINSON
Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Continue
WFHB Community Radio
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Good writing about complexity of useful public information. Excellent work. Up against tough competition this really stood out as the clear First Place selection.
2ND PLACE
KIELYNN TALLY
WICR Information Update
University of Indianapolis
3RD PLACE
ANDREW NEWLAND
95.7 The Spin Morning Newscast
University of Southern Indiana
STUDENT TELEVISION NEWS REPORTING
1ST PLACE
ELLA RHOADES
Black Mold at the Dillon: Part 1
Indiana University
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Very good investigative journalism that uncovers harm to students.
2ND PLACE
MARY CLAIRE MOLLOY
The Red Zone: Part 1
Indiana University
3RD PLACE
ALEX ALMANZA
BSU Students receive $365 electric bill
NewsLink Indiana - Ball State University
STUDENT TELEVISION FEATURES REPORTING
1ST PLACE
FAITH MARSH, FRANKLIN SNYDER AND ABBY GOEBEL
Safe Haven
Taylor University
JUDGE’S COMMENT: A very compelling and touching story about turning life challenges into a lifesaving "mission."
2ND PLACE
FAITH DENIG AND CHARLIE MAURER
The Flip: Sterling McIlravy
Ball State Sports Link
3RD PLACE
DARIEN TAYLOR, HANNAH CARUANA, JON BOMERS AND MARISSA WILLIAMS
Kojak: A Fuller Life
Taylor University
STUDENT TELEVISION VIDEOGRAPHY
1ST PLACE
GABRIEL BURCH, ANNA RODMAN, LUKE ZOBEL AND ETHAN OCHS
Lizzi: Deeper Than Water
Taylor University
JUDGE’S COMMENT: The short documentary “Lizzi: Deeper Than Water” plays like a video produced and filmed by seasoned professionals. The film follows Paralympic swimmer Lizzi Smith and retells the challenges she faced as a competitor without a left forearm due to amniotic band syndrome. Quality videography for interviews, documentation and drone aerial shots are stunning. Audio and music are clean, clear and placed appropriately.
2ND PLACE
JOSIAH CROASDELL, ANDREW EDWARDS, SARAH BURNS AND LUISA DUGAN
Homefront
Taylor University
3RD PLACE
FAITH DENIG
Ball State Sports Link
STUDENT RADIO NEWS REPORTING
1ST PLACE
KAYAN TARA
Indiana University Graduate Workers Continue Fight to Unionize
WFHB Community Radio
JUDGE’S COMMENT: Reporting has interesting storytelling with natural sound and nice interviews with participants.
2ND PLACE
MAX CAMPBELL
Loophole in Red Flag Law Exploited by Shooter, Expert Says
WFHB Community Radio
STUDENT RADIO FEATURES REPORTING
1ST PLACE
NATHANIEL WEINZAPFEL
Senate Bill 389: The Modification of Wetlands & Its Impacts
WFHB Community Radio
JUDGE’S WORK: This is all good work, but the top piece combined in-depth reporting with good production. The birds were lovely.
2ND PLACE
BRIANNA DEVIN
Environmental Activism in Bloomington: The History of PCB Contamination
WFHB Community Radio
3RD PLACE
NATHANIEL WEINZAPFEL
The Sunrise Movement Rises over Bloomington
WFHB Community Radio
