The News-Register has emerged victorious at the inaugural Pacific Northwest News Contest, claiming the coveted General Excellence Award for newspapers of its size across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The announcement was made at the annual Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association (ONPA) conference, held on July 18. This year marked a significant shift for the competition, broadening its scope to include newspapers of all sizes from the three states, resulting in a dynamic new contest. The News-Register’s comprehensive performance underscored its dedication to journalistic excellence.
A Testament to Comprehensive Excellence
The General Excellence Award recognizes a newspaper’s overall quality, considering its content, writing, photography, and overall appearance. The News-Register’s triumph in this category highlights the consistent high standards maintained across all its departments. The prestigious award reflects the dedication of the entire staff in delivering a product that resonates with its readership. The judges’ decision confirmed the News-Register’s prominent place within the region’s media landscape, setting the standard for community journalism.
Accolades Across Multiple Categories
Beyond the General Excellence Award, the News-Register garnered a multitude of other accolades, further solidifying its standing. The newspaper secured six first-place awards, six second-place awards, and five third-place awards. This impressive haul demonstrates the depth and breadth of talent within the publication, showcasing the team’s versatility and commitment to quality across various facets of journalism.
Individual Honors: Recognizing Excellence
The competition also celebrated individual achievements. Viewpoints Editor Steve Bagwell was awarded first place for Best Editorial. His winning piece explored the crucial question of who should make important decisions for individuals, particularly focusing on medical choices. Bagwell’s editorial, titled “Leave medical choices to us, without political interference,” was recognized for its insightful perspective and compelling arguments. The Viewpoints section staff’s collaborative efforts also earned them first place for Best Editorial Page, a testament to the section’s editorial quality and community impact.
Highlighting Local Stories
The News-Register’s focus on local stories and in-depth reporting was another key factor in its success. Kirby Neumann-Rea earned first place in the Best Feature category for his captivating narrative on what transpires on Third Street between 1 and 2 a.m. The piece was part of the staff’s comprehensive ’24 Hours in Yamhill County project, demonstrating the newspaper’s commitment to delivering a detailed look at its community. This type of in-depth reporting allows readers to connect with the local happenings on a deeper level.
Shining a Light on Education and Community
Reporter Starla Pointer’s work was also recognized with a first-place award for Best Editorial Coverage. Her story delved into the new Career-Tech Education facilities and programs at Dayton High School. Pointer’s coverage provided crucial insight into the educational opportunities available to students and the positive impact on the community. This exemplifies the News-Register’s commitment to reporting on issues of importance to its readership.
Visual Storytelling at Its Finest
Photographer Rachel Thompson’s work was also honored with first place in the Best Photo Essay category, celebrating her photographs of McMinnville’s Lunar New Year Celebration. Thompson’s photographs captured the vibrancy and cultural significance of the event, showcasing the power of visual storytelling. Her win is a demonstration of the newspaper’s outstanding visual journalism and the ability to tell a story through compelling imagery.
Looking Ahead
The News-Register’s outstanding performance at the Pacific Northwest News Contest underscores its commitment to excellence in journalism. The awards are a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the entire team and solidify its position as a leading voice in the region. The success at the competition serves as a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation in the future.
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