The News-Register has emerged victorious at the inaugural Pacific Northwest News Contest, taking home the prestigious General Excellence Award for newspapers of its size across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The competition, which took place on July 18, showcased the best in journalism from the region and highlighted the News-Register’s dedication to journalistic excellence.
A Clean Sweep of Awards
Organized by the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association, the contest drew entries from newspapers of all sizes, representing the diverse media landscape of the Pacific Northwest. The News-Register’s performance was particularly noteworthy, exceeding expectations with a total of 17 awards. In addition to the coveted General Excellence Award, the publication received six first-place awards, six second-place awards, and five third-place awards. This impressive haul underscores the paper’s commitment to providing high-quality journalism across a wide range of categories and demonstrates the talent and dedication of its staff.
Recognizing Individual Excellence
The News-Register’s success at the contest was not solely a result of collective achievement; individual staff members were also recognized for their outstanding contributions. Steve Bagwell secured the award for Best Editorial, with his insightful piece focusing on the critical issue of medical choice. His writing provided a nuanced perspective on a complex topic, demonstrating his ability to inform and engage readers on important matters. This win highlights the importance of opinion pieces in a good newspaper.
The Viewpoints section staff also received well-deserved recognition, winning Best Editorial Page. This award is a testament to the team’s ability to curate a space for diverse opinions and thoughtful discussion. The editorial page serves as a vital platform for community voices and critical analysis, reflecting the values of open dialogue that the newspaper upholds.
Kirby Neumann-Rea’s work was also celebrated, with his story on Third Street earning him the Best Feature award. Neumann-Rea’s feature provided an in-depth look at the heart of the city and its community. His ability to capture the essence of the location and the spirit of its people earned him the coveted first place.
Starla Pointer added to the list of honors by winning Best Editorial Coverage for her story on Career-Tech Education facilities at Dayton High School. Her comprehensive reporting on this important subject offered a crucial service to the public by informing them on the value of career-based education programs. The recognition for her work confirms the publication’s efforts to report on essential issues in the area.
Rounding out the list of individual awards, Rachel Thompson’s Best Photo Essay, featuring stunning images of McMinnville’s Lunar New Year Celebration, captured the vibrancy and cultural richness of the event. Her photographs told a compelling story, demonstrating her exceptional skills in visual storytelling. The photo essay allowed people to experience the Lunar New Year Celebration firsthand.
Significance of the Achievement
The General Excellence Award is a significant honor, recognizing the News-Register’s overall quality, from its news reporting and editorial content to its design and community engagement. This award, the numerous first-place finishes and the other awards, underscore the newspaper’s commitment to serving its readership with accuracy, integrity, and insightful coverage. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire staff, from the reporters and editors to the designers and support personnel. The News-Register’s victory at the inaugural Pacific Northwest News Contest sets a high standard for journalistic excellence in the region and promises further achievements in the years to come.
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