Alaska Press Club Awards 2009
Congratulations to these worthy competitors and to all journalists who work hard to produce informative news in radio, television, print and on the web all over Alaska!
2008 Alaska Press Club Winning Entries
Judges’ results broadcast and all media 2007 (announced April 19, 2008)
RADIO
CATEGORY 37: BREAKING NEWS
First place: Charles Homans, KIAL/Unalaska Community Broadcasting, “Fire on the Stellar Sea.”
Comments: Even though the initial drama of the fire was over by the time the processor made port, Homans managed to convey it through interviews with two crewmembers. He went further, and got an analyst to reflect on what the temporary loss of the processor could mean for local fishermen. The story was well-reported, well-recorded, nicely produced, written, and delivered.
Second Place: David Shurtleff, Alaska Public Radio Network, “FBI Raids Home of Senator Ted Stevens”
Comments: APRN deserves kudos for getting someone to the scene as the raid took place. Having done that, it’s difficult to get a lot of information at the scene in a short time. Since he’d spoken to neighbors, Shurtleff might have done well to hand the phone to one of them. It was a good call to use the sound from Stevens’ recent presser.
Third place: No award given.
Judge: Corey Flintoff is a familiar voice to Alaskans. He got his start in radio at KYUK in Bethel and also worked for KSKA in Anchorage and later for APRN. He is currently a State Department and Intelligence Community correspondent with NPR, where he has reported from Iraq.
CATEGORY 38: BEST SINGLE STORY
First Place: Libby Casey, KUAC, “Iraq war widow chooses in vitro”
Comments: Wonderful storytelling. A relevant subject, great sound, characters and tension.
Second Place: Rebecca Sheir, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Selling the U.S. One Inch at a time”
Comments: Great ability to tell a story with just one character. Wonderful delivery and writing.
Third Place: Matt Lichtenstein, KPSK, “Record Snowfall”
Comments: Can’t believe record snowfall would be an issue in Alaska, but this story was good. Good hook in the beginning.
Judge: Susanna Capelouto is the news director of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s 15-station radio network. Her areas of special interest are state politics, education, religion and race relations. Susanna has been honored with awards from the Georgia Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Georgia Bar Association.
CATEGORY 39: COMPREHENSIVE
First Place: Coast Alaska Public Radio, “Voices of Tongass”
Comments: The series took an age old conundrum for rural areas: ‘How do you balance the economic needs of a community while conserving the environment for future generations.’ The first story was a bit dense but told me why I needed to care and what was at stake. The second and third stories put me in the communities having to deal with this issue. The stories had good writing, wonderful sound and great interviews. It really put the listener in the scene.
Second Place: David Shertleff, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Alaska Corruption Trials”
Comments: This was a good recap of the bribery scandal that shook Alaska’s Capitol. Part of me wished I heard all of the entries because it would have given me a greater sense of the background. What prevented this entry from taking the top spot was the lack of context. I was hoping for a nut graf or greater background into what made this a big story. Remember, it’s always useful to remind the listener about the charges and background. Good writing and presentation.
Third Place: John Ryan, KTOO-FM, “Avalanche Series”
Comments: This was an interesting topic to cover. There was some solid writing and use of sound. I wish the reporter would have given me a sense of “Why should I care” in the earlier stories. That would have made the pieces/series more relevant.
Judge: Tom Scheck covers politics for Minnesota Public Radio. He has won several state, regional and national awards on issues involving Minnesota’s fractured mental health system.
CATEGORY 40: ONGOING PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM
First place: Maggie Wall, http://www.leghead.com, “The Leg Head Report”
Comments: Useful and informative. Direct and to the point, no drowning in talking heads for an hour.
Second place: Dixie Hutchinson, KNBA, “Out-migration”
Comments: Good and useful, though not necessarily uplifting information.
Third place: Casey Kelly, KMXT, “The Alaska Fisheries Report”
Judge: Mark Moran reported from Alaska during the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. He is a regular voice from Arizona on NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered, reporting on a range of issues. Moran is the recipient of several Edward R. Murrow awards.
CATEGORY 41: DOCUMENTARY
No awards given.
CATEGORY 42: GOVERNMENT /POLITICAL REPORTING
First Place: David Shurtleff, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Congressional Picnic Gone Wrong”
Comments: David Shurtleff’s wry, punchy story made me smile and even laugh out loud – the first news piece in a long time that grabbed and held me. This was radio reporting at its best: spare, lively writing; clever use of audio that puts us at the scene (the on-mike arguments and unhappy child show that Shurtleff must have waded fearlessly into the fray); and great pacing.
Second place: Leah Mann, KCAW-Raven Radio, “Youth Election”
Comments: Leah Mann reminds us that “attitude” can bring a story alive – when in other hands, it might have been dull and predictable. I love the way she tells this story, in a clear, chatty style, as though we’re sitting at the dinner table; Mann doesn’t sound, as many reporters do, as if she’s plodding through a script in an isolated studio. (My only note of caution: there’s a fine line between being irreverent and editorializing, and Mann’s news stories will be even more effective if she doesn’t stray over it.)
Third place: No award given.
Judge: Daniel Zwerdling’s acclaimed investigative and documentary reports appear on all of NPR’s major news shows. In late 2006 and 2007, he revealed that officers at Fort Carson, Colorado, were punishing soldiers who’d come back from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress disorder and other serious mental health problems — even kicking them out of the Army. As a result of Zwerdling’s reports, the U.S. Senate, the Pentagon and the Government Accountability Office all launched separate investigations, and commanders at the Army base vowed to treat soldiers better.
CATEGORY 43: BUSINESS REPORTING
First place: Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska, “Real Estate Boom”
Comments: A well-structured story, which grabs the listener’s attention right off the top with an interesting piece of actuality, and returns to the same scene at the end. Good use of sound and well-recorded actualities. It avoids sounding boosterish (as many stories about real-estate booms do) by considering the negatives of rising home prices and more part-time residents for a community, as well as the positives. Ed’s writing is good, appropriate for radio, easy to follow; his read is also good although he could work on varying rhythm and pitch a little bit more; in particular, work on not going to the same pitch at the end.
Second place: Joe Viechnicki/KFSK-FM, “Rural Hospital Connections”
Comments: A thorough and well-researched story on an important topic. Good writing for radio. The sound was well-recorded and the actualities well-chosen. The scene of the doctor showing the X-ray was good and added liveliness; it might have been nice to get an additional scene of a patient or other hospital sound.
Third place: Jay Barrett, KMXT Radio, “Beer Supply in Danger”
Comments: Very well-written story, and Jay’s delivery of the copy is excellent. The topic is interesting and unusual — I can imagine listeners talking about it at work the next day.
Judge: Nina Thorsen is a radio producer currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She produced and edited the series “Pacific Time” dealing with Asian and Asian American issues, and was deputy foreign editor for public radio’s business program “Marketplace.”
CATEGORY 44: ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
First place: Charles Homans, KIAL, Unalaska
Fish Drift from Familiar Alaska Waters”
Comments: This is a really good, narrative story. There are interesting bits of
ear-catching sound. The writing is clear and linear. The issue is
fascinating - at least to an old fish reporter like myself.
(Actually, my wife Susan was folding laundry while I auditioned it and
she was fascinated too.) I also really like reporters enterprising
their work to the NPR level. Some might see the NPR-connection as an
unfair advantage. But I think this kind of partnership allows
reporters the resources and editorial support necessary to take things
up a notch. The bottom line? Regardless of how it was produced, this
was the top story in the pile.
Second place: Dixie Hutchinson, KNBA, “Anchorage
Running Clean”
Comments: I really loved this story. The voices are beautiful, vivid. Nice
flavors of ambient sound. A few bits of confusing tape, but also some
very nice transitions. I wanted a bit more scene painting: describe
the scene, the faces, the classroom, the river, etc.
Third place: Ed Schoenfeld, Coast Alaska, “Yakutat Hubbard Glacier”
Comments: Really nice sound. Conversational delivery. A nice cumulative, narrative style. I thought there was an opportunity to question a
little more deeply what it means to have an economic reliance on a
thing that is essentially “wild.” But the piece gets very close to
that in fascinating ways. It introduces the complex differences
between long-term vs. short-term perspectives. Some interesting and
well-explained scientific issues raised.
Judge: Brian Mann began his public radio career in Alaska, working for KCAW, KRBD, and later the Alaska Public Radio Network. He currently works for North Country Public Radio in northern New York where he is a frequent contributor to NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Mann has won two national Edward R. Murrow Awards, including an award for innovative coverage of the Iraq War.
CATEGORY 45: BEST REPORTING ON CRIME OR COURTS
First place: Len Anderson, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Fred the Bailsman”
Comments: Good human interest report. Good job of letting sound clips bring the emotion, while Anderson provided the facts. Editing is smooth. An excellent job of wordsmithing that invites one to keep listening.
Second Place: Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Exxon Payback”
Comments: An excellent report on what is a complicated case. Good writing and good voicing. There is a good use of the language that maintains one’s interest throughout this report.
Third Place: David Shurtleff, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Feds Outline Case Against Kott”
Comments: An interesting report with a good use of sound. The script and sound meld together to form a coherent and interesting story.
Judge: Richard Baker Baker is a professor in the Department of Communications in the College of Agriculture and an adjunct professor in the school of Journalism and Mass Communications. He is also the news director at K-State and produces a syndicated public affairs program heard on 45 radio stations throughout Kansas.
CATEGORY 46: BEST EDUCATION REPORTING
No results as of press time.
CATEGORY 47: BEST REPORTING ON HEALTH OR SCIENCE
First place: Alaska Teen Media Institute, Anchorage for “Teen Stress”
Comments: Creative and effective use of the radio medium resulting in first-person
understanding of a complex and wide-spread health problem. Lots of complicated information, and good advice is compressed in a short time. High points for entertainment, accuracy, and relevance.
Second Place: Len Anderson, KSKA-Anchorage “Traditional Healers”
Comments: A news story of how and why traditional healing methods are relevant to
medical practice today. An issue that is rarely reported in a way that transmits this level of understanding of the healing and cultural interfaces between traditional healing and Western medicine.
Third Place: Mike Dzurisin aka Mike Lord, KRUA-Anchorage “88 Seconds of News: Pandemic Practice”
Comments: It’s wonderful to hear, within a very brief news spot, science and health stories treated intelligently, and in ways that are relevant and important to the local audience. The award goes to the Pandemic Practice story for clear explanation, news-you-can-use, and interviews that convey information about multiple angles: Government/preparedness, university/research, citizen self-interest.
Judge: Adi Givens won a Peabody for work she produced with Laurie Garrett. She works as a researcher with the DNA files and director of the Science Literacy Project, which among other things provides training for radio journalists covering science.
CATEGORY 48: BEST FEATURE
First place: Charles Homans, KIAL, “End of an era in Unalaska”
Comments: By a huge amount the truly best of the bunch: nothing else comes close. Wonderful writing, terrific use of sound, well structured, a wonderful ear for details, marvelous storytelling. If only all radio sounded this good! (Though, of course, not all subjects lend themselves so well to radio as a bar closing.)
Second place Annie Feidt, APRN, “Arctic Ocean”
Comments: Reporters are using sound well, for the most part, and recognize that it’s what makes radio radio.
Third place: Robert Woolsey, KCAW, “Yaadaas”
Comments: There’s lots of sound and decent production.
Judge: Karen Michel, former award-winning journalist in Alaska with many fellowships and awards including a Peabody, a Fubright and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships. A contributor to NPR, founder of the Association of Independent Radio, she is a visiting professor at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
CATEGORY 49: BEST PROFILE
First place: Celeste Novak, Mike Mason, KBBI, “Howard Hedges Obituary”
Comments: An obituary of a local man with a colorful past (Alaskan residents all seem to have these colorful pasts!). Reporter blended in music from the subject underneath much of the piece, incorporated numerous compelling community voices into the story so that we had a real sense of the impact of this man’s life and the legacy he left behind. The piece was characterized by nice writing, lovely voices, texture, structure and feeling. All the different voices really conveyed a sense of community and belonging.
Second place: Charles Homans, KIAL, “Dr. David Baines”
Comments: Another colorful Alaskan, really brought to life nicely with descriptions (his braids and tattoos) and personal history. Reporter moved skillfully to blend in scenes from the health clinic and ended the piece with a nice long segment of the character teaching traditional songs to children. Very nicely done.
Third place: Ellen Lockyer and Moses Obeidi
Comments: A pretty simple piece with only the voice of the narrator and the character, but a lovely voice, and a great story from a Palestinian immigrant to Anchorage. He was such a great character that he told the story himself, but the reporter’s writing and transitions in and out of tape really helped give the piece texture and strength.
Judge: Alisa Barba is the Western bureau chief for NPR and a former television producer with KPBS, ABC News in New York and Beijing and a reporter and producer at the NewsHour for PBS.
CATEGORY 50: BEST SPORTS STORY
First place: Rebecca Sheir, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Keeping Up With The Jumpers: Competitive Rope Skipping in the Last Frontier”
Comments: I liked everything about this piece. Overall, it was lively; it moved at a good pace. The writing was relaxed and conversational - so too was Rebecca’s delivery. Her writing in and out of tape was well done...it kept the piece moving. The production was very good and seamless. A few highlights: I liked her introduction to the first bit of sound of a whirring jump rope...and the sound itself was vivid. I liked the description of jumpers in one event doing a “hyper-caffeinated jog.” And the ending was strong with the fun anecdote about the book of world records. I listened to the piece twice...and liked it even better the second time. This definitely deserved the first-place prize.
Second place: Annie Feidt, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Risking It on Denali”
Comments: This was a very strong piece and had some of the nice qualities of Rebecca’s first-place story. Good writing. Good transitions from script to tape and back to script. It was well produced, with a couple of scenes - one at the beginning gave us a nice unexpected moment (the climber talking about his coffee drink); the one with the French climbers was not as lively, but it provided a break in the rhythm of the piece. The people on tape told dramatic stories.
Third place: Dixie Hutchinson, KNBA, “WEIO Kickoff.”
Comments: The subject matter was compelling — it’s what I want to hear out of Alaska. To those of us in the Lower 48, Alaska is an exotic place, with people and cultures different than anyplace else in the U.S. I enjoyed hearing about some of those differences in Dixie’s piece. I give it high marks for originality…an effort to give the listener a sense of place and culture.
Judge: Tom Goldman, NPR sports correspondent, used to work as a reporter and producer for APRN.
CATEGORY 51: BEST ARTS REPORTING
First place: Charles Homans, KIAL/Unalaska Community Broadcasting, “Philippines Pop in Unalaska”
Comments: Charles Homans takes an unusual event, a performance by a major Philippino pop star in a town in the Aleutian Islands, and not only describes the show, but gets into the drama of the risks involved for the promoter, and what the event means to the local immigrant community. It’s a story filled with surprises, written in a way that seizes a listeners ear, and never lets go until it’s done. A great piece of radio.
Second place: Rebecca Shier, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Alaska in da Bronx”
Comments: Rebecca Shier introduces listeners to a singular collector with an Alaskan obsession, even though he lives in the LaGuardia flight path. Great writing brings out the personality of this Alaskana specialist, while also digging a little into the strange ideas non-Alaskans project onto the state.
Third place: Annie Feidt, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Prison Music”
Comments: Annie Feidt explores the importance of live music performances in prison, their legacy, and why performers keep returning. Well written and mixed.
Judge: Euan Kerr is a senior news editor at Minnesota Public Radio. He has worked for MPR, KFAI-FM, and the BBC, and filed for a variety of NPR shows. In recent years he has worked primarily with reporters covering rural Minnesota while also coordinating arts coverage for MPR News.
CATEGORY 52: BEST DAILY NEWS PROGRAM
First place: KMXT Midday Report with Jay Barrett, KMXT Radio
No second or third place awarded.
Judge: Karen Michel, former award-winning journalist in Alaska with many fellowships and awards including a Peabody, a Fubright and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships. A contributor to NPR, founder of the Association of Independent Radio, she is a visiting professor at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
TELEVISION
CATEGORY 53: BEST BREAKING NEWS
First place: Megan Baldino and Daniel Hernandez, KTUU, “Park Place Condo Fire”
Second place: Bill McAllister, KTUU, “Kott Verdict”
Third place: Rebecca Palsha and Jason Kohler, KTUU, “Caribou Hills Wildfire”
Judge: Al Tompkins is the broadcast/online group leader at the Poynter Institute and a broadcast veteran with myriad consulting clients.
CATEGORY 54: BEST SINGLE STORY
First place: Megan Baldino and Daniel Hernandez, KTUU, “Day 1 of the Hunt”
Comments: Nice photography and nat sound off the top and throughout the piece. The story was informative and educational. I thought, given the subject matter, The reporter could have evoked a bit more emotion… more sots of how this hunt makes people feel, especially after a kill. That would have made this piece much more effective.
Using the graphic information in the middle of the piece slowed it down. In the future, I would suggest perhaps using graphic information, but full-screening it over more video of the bears… especially of cubs. I would imagine that there is more file video of bears to use. I would have liked to see more of that.
But, overall, the piece made me wonder why the park service has this policy, and what will happen next. Perhaps not many residents outside Alaska understand what a great loss this is to the habitat and wildlife.
Judge: Julia Yarbough is an Emmy Award winner who co-anchors the NBC 6 News in Miami.
CATEGORY 55: BEST SERIES REPORTING
First place: Jill Burke and Scott Jensen, KTUU, “Our Garden is Our Ocean”
Second place: Megan Baldino and Scott Jensen, KTUU, “Iditarod”
Third place: Rhonda McBride and Phil Walczak, KTUU, “Diabetes”
Judge: Al Tompkins is the broadcast/online group leader at the Poynter Institute and a broadcast veteran with myriad consulting clients.
CATEGORY 56: BEST LIVE SHOT
First place: WEIO Blanket Toss, Angela Blanchard, Jason Kohler and Shane Pike.
Second place: No award given.
Third place: No award given.
Comments: It was a very fine, entertaining, and high energy shot…and we award it a first place.
Judge: Michael Todd is the assistant news director at WSMV-TV in Nashville, Tenn.
CATEGORY 57: BEST DOCUMENTARY
First place: Steve McDonald and Rich Jordan, KTUU
Second place: Katie Bausler, “Alaska College Track”
Judge: Al Tompkins is the broadcast/online group leader at the Poynter Institute and a broadcast veteran with myriad consulting clients.
CATEGORY 58: BEST REPORTING ON HEALTH OR SCIENCE
First place: Mike Ross and Eric Sowl, KTUU, “Medicare Mess”
Comments: Very thorough reporting on an issue relevant to a growing number of viewers. Interviews did a nice job of supporting key points and providing emotional input. Solid editing with good use of natural sound. Clear, easy-to-read graphics.
Second place: Jill Burke and Phil Walczak, KTUU, “Emma and Chuck’s Silent Curse.”
Comments: Well-researched topic with compelling interviews. Children provided a good, emotional hook to the story.
Third place: No award given.
Judge: Karen Larsen anchors KJRH Channel 2 News in Tulsa. She has earned three Emmy Awards and honors from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.
CATEGORY 59: BEST EDUCATION REPORTING
First Place: Rhonda McBride and Scott Jensen, KTUU, ”The Right Stuff”
Comments: Reporter did a nice job of setting up the story. Solid writing with good audio/video linkage. Alliteration helped underscore key points and provide compelling text. Excellent photography and use of natural sound.
No second- or third-place awards given.
Judge: Karen Larsen anchors KJRH Channel 2 News in Tulsa. She has earned three Emmy Awards and honors from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.
CATEGORY 60: BEST ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
First place: Jason Moore, reporter, and Scott Jensen, photographer, KTUU
Comments: Excellent visuals and use of nat sound and editing. The piece was very information, and again educational. I found the subject matter fascinating.
No second- or third-place awards given.
Judge: Julia Yarbough is an Emmy Award winner who co-anchors the NBC 6 News in Miami.
CATEGORY 61: BEST REPORTING ON CRIME OR COURTS
First place: Rhonda McBride, Scott Jensen, and Phil Walczak, KTUU, “Bethel Remembers”
Second place: Rebecca Palsha and Mike Nederbrock, KTUU, “Time Down South”
Third place: Jill Burke, KTUU “Bobrick Pleads Guilty”
Judge: Mike Todd is assistant news director at WSMV in Nashville, Tenn.
CATEGORY 62: BEST GOVERNMENT OR POLITICAL REPORTING
No award given.
CATEGORY 63: BEST BUSINESS REPORTING
First place: Rhonda McBride and Phil Walczak, KTUU, “The MacGyvers of Saroonga”
Comments: Compelling topic. Sound chosen did a good job of supporting key points. Photographer edited piece well with good natural sound transitions between locations and topics.
No second- or third-place awards given.
Judge: Karen Larsen anchors KJRH Channel 2 News in Tulsa. She has earned three Emmy Awards and honors from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.
CATEGORY 64: BEST TELEVISION FEATURE
First place: Jason Moore and Scott Jensen, KTUU, “Wild Hunters”
Second place: Jackie Purcell and Jason Kohler, KTUU, “Operation Santa Claus”
Third place: Jill Burke and Jason Kohler, KTUU, “Wounded Warriors”
Judge: Deborah Horne, a television reporter for 26 years, has won five regional Emmy awards, including four for a public affairs program she created called KIRO InColor.
CATEGORY 65: ARTS COVERAGE
First Place: Rebecca Palsha, reporter, Mike Nederbrock, photographer, “Picking away at time”
Comments: Excellent story line, well written. Story was edited well with good nat sound.
Second Place: Rhonda McBride, reporter, “Voices from the Past”
Third Place: John Tracy, reporter, “Mystery Hero”
Judge: Jon Stepanek has been news director at KTVQ for 14 years. He was a board member of the Radio and Television News Directors’ Association for four years. He has more than 25 years of experience in broadcast television.
CATEGORY 66: BEST ONGOING PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM
No award given.
CATGEGORY 67: BEST SPORTS STORY
First place: Rhonda McBride and Scott Jensen, KTUU, “Biggest Little Race”
Comments: A powerful epic journey into a grueling contest, pitting elements and distance against the people who dare challenge them. Visually, it never lets up, the photographers gave me point of view for everything from the dogs, to the racers groggily pumping coffee to keep the pace. Great writing and use of nat sound provide the perfect narrative to a story taking the viewer along for a long, wintery ride.
Second place: John Carpenter and Eric Scowl, KTUU, “Field of Dreams”
Comments: Great writing blended with solid photography made this piece an absolute joy from beginning to end. The thrill of this community is captured beautifully, and the use of nat sound and great emotional interviews were mixed effectively. The writing provided just the right narrative for a great, happy story.
Third place: Kevin Wells and Eric Sowl, KTUFF, “Doc goes Racing”
Comments: A great treatment of an extremely unusual, and eccentric man. Well shot and written, it helped me understand a man who left a vocation of medicine, for a life of sled dogs and a cabin with no electricity. The story captured his personality beautifully.
Judge: Gary Horcher is an award-winning investigative reporter at KIRO Channel 7 News in Seattle.
CATEGORY 68: BEST PROFILE
First place: Jill Burke and Kyle Stalder, KTUU, “Legacy of Love”
Comments: A gripping, powerfully-emotional story from beginning to end, this piece delivers both the impact of grief, mixed with the nervous joy of new life.
The story moved along with just the right punch of nat sound, and the writing complimented the great interview sound.
I don’t know the crew convinced the new mother to allow a camera in the delivery room, but it was a part I needed to see, to see it all come full-circle.
Second place: Rhonda McBride and Shawn Wilson, KTUU, “49th Cello”
Comments: This piece really picked up momentum as it went along. The crew did a fantastic job of capturing the craftsman as he created masterpiece
instruments, while cats jumped all over the workshop. Well edited and written, it carried us all the way from the first carving of rare wood, to the
symphony of sound created by the Cello-makers instruments. I liked how the pacing allowed the impact of the little workshop to become bigger
and bigger--all the way to a concert hall.
Third place: John Tracy, KTUU, “Remembering Augie”
Comments: Wonderfully written and edited, this piece really delivered maximum emotional impact out of lots of file video. The breathtaking surprise was the sudden appearance of Walter Conkite. A life-story well told.
Judge: Gary Horcher is an award-winning investigative reporter at KIRO Channel 7 News in Seattle.
CATEGORY 69: BEST EDITING
First place: Scott Jensen, KTUU, “The Race Behind the Race”
Second place: Scott Jensen, KTUU, “Living On the Edge of Kivalina”
Comments: First place winner had a nice variety of pace, good transitions using natural sound breaks, the audio was woven seamlessly, there was a clever parallel park over an interview, good shot selection which made for good sequences. Second place was also well done, but had too many edits over slow zooms and pans and became a distraction because the technique was overused.
Third place: No award given.
Judge: Eric Kehe and the award-winning photographers at KUSA 9 News in Denver.
CATEGORY 70: BEST FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
First place: Scott Jensen, KTUU, “To Walk Among the Bears”
Second place: Scott Jensen, KTUU “Whaling as a Way of Life”
Comments: First place was visually stunning. It had nice shot variety, good sequences, and good natural sound. Second place was also well done, but simply not as visual as the first place entry.
Third place: No award given.
Judge: Eric Kehe and the award-winning photographers at KUSA 9 News in Denver.
CATEGORY 71: BEST SPOT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY
First place: Scott Jensen, KTUU, “He Was In the Neighborhood”
Second place: Brad Hillwig, KTUU, “Life Is Fragile”
Third place: Eric Sowl, KTUU, “We Go to Church Here”
Comments: This was the toughest category to agree upon a winner. First place had it all. Great visuals, solid sequencing, good reaction, unusual, good composition, ended rather abruptly. econd place was a better told story, but did not have all the visual elements as the first place entry. The photographer did a great job using natural light and remaining unobtrusive. This story simply did not have as many moments and emotional shots as the first place entry. Finally, the third place entry had nice shots, good composition, good sequences, good shot variety, nice reaction shots to the fire, but was not as visual and unusual as the first two. All three photographers did a great job and any one of the three could have won first.
Judge: Eric Kehe and the award-winning photographers at KUSA 9 News in Denver.
CATEGORY 72: BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
First place: Scott Jensen, KTUU, “Iditarod on the Yukon”
Second Place- Brad Hillwig, KTUU, “The Sound of Speed”
Third Place: No award given.
Comments: It’s disappointing that there were only two entries for this category. However, both entries were crafted remarkably well and are both worthy of high praise. The winner, “Iditarod on the Yukon” demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the story, and amazing patience to get engaging pictures and sounds, and allowed the viewer to experience the beauty and the competition of the race along with the participants.
The runner up, “The Sound of Speed” is a story that showed excellent anticipation skills by the photographer in capturing the action, along with gathering the great sound of the action. These sounds really made the viewer feel like they were there along side of the journalist.
Judge: Stan Heist is the chief photographer at WBFF-TV in Baltimore.
CATEGORY 73: BEST DAILY NEWSCAST
First place: KTUU Channel 2 News late Edition, John Tracy, news director, and staff of Channel 2 News
Second place: KTUU Channel 2 Newshour, John Tracy, news director, and staff of Channel 2 News
Comments: Both newscasts were solid. The big difference was while the Newshour had richer longer pieces (John Tracy’s piece on the Kilcher’s reunion is beautifully written, shot and edited) later in the show, the late edition did two things more effectively: 1) The shows were stacked better (More flowing rundown), 2) The teases and banter were better and more fun. 3) Stronger lead packages were definitely on the late edition.
Judge: Charles Fedullo heads the broadcast journalism track at University of Alaska Fairbanks. He’s worked as a television reporter and anchor in markets ranging from Philadelphia to Fairbanks. Prior to working as deputy news director at KTUU, Fedullo helped launch Alaska’s first statewide news program on the ABC-affiliated Superstation, broadcasting over Anchorage’s KIMO, Fairbanks KATN and Juneau’s KJUD.
All-Media (Open)
CATEGORY 74: BEST OUTDOORS STORY
First place: Megan Baldino and Daniel Hernandez, KTUU, “Katmai Bear Hunt”
Comments: Our unanimous choice for first prize. The KTUU team reported on the debate over bear hunting in Katmai Natural Preserve by combining 1) scenic wildlife footage 2) interviews with hunters, conservationists and biologists and 3) references to official documents and statistics on hunting and population to educate viewers on both sides of an emotional controversy.
Second Place: Jill Burke and Scott Jensen, KTUU, “Whaling Overview”
Comments: A stunning visual story of the Inupiak’s annual spring Bowhead whale hunt. The video of villagers spotting, hauling in, and butchering the whale showed in dramatic fashion the traditional, subsistence hunting that still goes on in a remote and harsh part of Alaska.
Third Place: Joseph Robertia, Peninsula Clarion, “Duck-A-Holic”
Comments: A well-reported and detailed look at the motivations that lead Christine Cunningham to venture off to hunt ducks. Robertia tells the story of how Cunningham got started, hooked, and now sees the most intricate and beautiful details of the Alaskan wilderness while hunting.
Judges: John Bradley Senior editor John Bradley, senior editor Jeremy Spencer, senior editor Dianna Delling and assistant editor Joe Spring at Outside Magazine.
CATEGORY 75: ALASKA HISTORY
First place: George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News, “Alaska Pilot and the Israeli Airlift”
Comments: Fascinating story, well told. It reads like a movie script.
Second place: Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Return to Attu”
Comments: Touching story of little-known history. Especially appealing is the low-key narration of the Aleut man from St. George Island.
Third place: Ed Schoenfeld, Coast Alaska, “My Search for Whittier Origins”
Comments: Entertaining story idea with well-documented facts.
Judge: Fairbanks native Stanton H. Patty “retired” from The Seattle Times in 1988 after 34 years as a reporter, editor and travel writer. He is the author of “Fearless Men and Fabulous Women: A Reporter’s Memoir from Alaska & the Yukon,” and works as a freelance travel writer and photographer.
CATEGORY 76: HUMOR
First place: Richard Chiappone, Anchorage Press, “Southern Exposure”
Second place: Joe Viechnicki, KFSK-FM, “Squirrely Man”
Third place: John Tracy, KTUU, “Mystery Hero”
Judge: Steve Mirsky is the wit behind Scientific American’s “Anti Gravity” column and host of the magazine’s podcast.
CATEGORY 77: INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
First Place: Reporter Sam Bishop and assistant managing editor Rod Boyce, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, for investigative reporting on misuse of federal funds by former Fairbanks city mayor Jim Hayes
Comments: Starting with a hunch from one of its columnists, reporters at the Daily News-Miner began investigating former Fairbanks mayor Jim Hayes and his wife, Chris, for possible misuse of government funds in early 2005. They obtained hundreds of pages of documents on five federal grants, totalling $2.9 million, that went to the Hayes’ nonprofit group, LOVE Social Services, through dodgy earmarks inserted into federal legislation without outside review. The hunch paid off when the FBI and other federal agencies raided the Hayes’ home and offices in early 2006 — and later indicted the couple for conspiracy, fraud, money laundering and other charges. The paper’s four-part series in March 2007 described how Hayes duplicated budget items, falsified billing records, signed misleading statements and even obtained federal funding for a gymnasium floor in a building that doesn’t have a gym. A jury convicted Hayes of 16 counts in February 2008.
Based on extensive research and original reporting, the Daily News-Miner’s comprehensive series gave readers an even-handed, blow-by-blow account of how a respected local political leader blatantly misused taxpayer dollars for personal gain. The paper posted its evidence on-line for all to see. Their work is in the finest tradition of investigative reporting.
Second Place: Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, for “Young’s Earmark Boosts 3 Fish Farms”
Comments: This story focused a much-needed spotlight on the pernicious practice of “earmarks,” funding bills that are secretly slipped into federal legislation to avoid public scrutiny or Congressional oversight. In this case, Loy discovered an outrageous earmark inserted at the last minute into a national fisheries bill, which was passed hours before Congress adjourned for the year. The arcane language, buried in a 91-page bill, gave special advantages to three fishing companies that catch and process Bering Sea crab. All three companies are headed by people who are major contributors to Rep. Don Young, who inserted the earmark. As Loy wrote, the arcane provision “smacks of political favoritism, sidestepped the normal process for changing federal fishing rules, wasn’t subject to a public debate or hearing, and was inserted into a major bill at the last moment.” Congressman Young, it should be added, couldn’t find the time to talk to the newspaper due to his busy schedule of secretly stuffing bills with goodies for his campaign contributors. Loy’s story exposed rank hypocrisy and gross political abuse that directly affects the working men and women in a core industry for Alaska.
Third place: Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News, for “ML&P gave $230,000 to charity in ‘06”
Comments: Kyle Hopkins found the high-end equivalent of cops who accept free coffee and donuts on the beat. It’s not corruption. But that doesn’t make it right. So too for elected Assembly members who got free tickets from the Anchorage city power company to attend galas and dinners. Whatever the utility’s intentions, the freebies gave the appearance of currying special favor or worse. After the story appeared, the mayor wrote the first citywide rules for charitable donations by the municipality. The new guidelines banned the long accepted, long ignored practice of offering freebies to politicians. It’s a small story, but an important symbol of how investigative reporting is a watchdog on the powerful.
Judge: Bob Drogin is the national security reporter for the Los Angeles Times, a former IRE board member and winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the Robert F. Kennedy award and the Polk Award.
CATEORY 78: BEST MEDIA WEBSITE
First Place, Anchorage Daily News.
Comments: Well-presented, authoritative and complete. Superb job of integrating blogs — particularly politics — into its site.
Second Place, KCAW.
Comments: A good job of presenting news and useful community information.
Third Place, Extreme Alaska.
Comments: Extraordinarily ambitious, cross-platform work that should be the future of journalism.
Judge: Frank Bass, author of The Associated Press Guide to Internet Research and Reporting, is a member of the AP’s special projects team. While at the Montgomery Journal of Commerce, he won a Pulitzer Prize for stories exploring causes of infant mortality in Alabama.
CATEGORY 79: PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
KTUU Staff, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, Jason Kohler, Eric Adams and Jim Filley “Dentistry in the Bush.”
Comments: This is what public service reporting is all about. The staff of KTUU deserves credit for their excellent and relentless work documenting rural Alaska’s tooth decay epidemic. But KTUU did more than simply document the problem that exists today. They went back to the 1930s to look at the history of dental problems in rural Alaska, they examined a novel solution involving dental health aide therapists and they thoroughly covered the controversy involving the dental health aide program in Alaska and in Congress and in the courts. The KTUU staff put a human face on this systemic problem and helped bring about important changes that are improving dental health in rural Alaska—changes that are making a big difference in the lives and smiles of children and adults in rural Alaska. For their excellent work, and their remarkable commitment to public service journalism that spanned several years, I am privileged to award KTUU this notable award.
Judge: Gary Cohn, the winner of a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting, is a senior writer/investigative reporter with Bloomberg Markets, the monthly magazine of Bloomberg News Service. Cohn has worked for the Los Angeles Times, the Baltimore Sun, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, The Wall Street Journal and for columnist Jack Anderson in Washington. From 2003 to 2005, Cohn served as the Atwood Professor of Journalism at the University of Alaska at Anchorage.
CATEGORY 80: FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD
Peter Dunlap-Shohl, editorial cartoonist, Anchorage Daily News
Judge: The Alaska Press Club Board of Directors.
Judges’ results print 2007 (announced April 19, 2008)
CATEGORY 1: BREAKING NEWS
Large newspapers and publications
First place: James Halpin and Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, “Police Halt One-man Rampage”
Comments: This is a fine example of clear, concise writing on deadline. The article, complete with graphics and photos, is an excellent, straight-forward, readable account that ties together numerous events in a cohesive manner—very well done.
Second place: Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, “Longtime city tennis star commits suicide”
Comments: This is a very good deadline account of the end of a life of a troubled woman, told through court documents, police and her parents.
Third place: Sitka Sentinel Staff, Daily Sitka Sentinel, “Plane Crash.”
Comments: This is a fine bit of reporting and writing on the cusp of deadline.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Rob Stapleton, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Mail Hub Move
Proposal by USPS Being Examined.”
Comments: A good story that surely provoked much discussion.
Second place: Michael Armstrong, McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News, “Fire Destroys Home.”
Comments: This is good work by on a late-breaking story that was spotted by an alert reporter who followed her instincts.
Third place: Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune, “Adventure over bluff draws
double rescue.”
Comments: This is an example of good enterprise reporting.
Judge: Maurice Possley, a three-time Pulitzer finalist, reports on criminal justice issues for the Chicago Tribune. Possley’s coverage of deaths linked to a leading brand of cribs prompted regulators to issue a national recall. He’s the author of a guide to court reporting for criminal justice journalists, and a pair of true crime thrillers: “Everybody Pays” and “The Brown’s Chicken Massacre.”
CATEGORY 2: BEST GENERAL NEWS STORY
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Mary Pemberton, Associated Press, “Alaskan Village on Alert for More Wolves”
Comments: Since it was done by telephone she did a splendid job capturing what must have been a really scary time in the Bush.
Second place: Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, “Deadly fishery getting safer”
Comments: As one of the interviewees said, this is a cool story.
Third place: James Halpin, Anchorage Daily News, “On raptor’s arrival, critics question its existence:
Comments: Unexpected story and right on the money.
Judge: Joel Shurkin, a noted science writer, former war correspondent and wire-service bureau chief, shared the Pulitzer Prize for the Philadelphia Inquirer’s coverage of the Three Mile Island Disaster. His latest book, “Broken Genius: The Rise and Fall of William Shockley, creator of the Electronic Age,” was published in 2007. He is currently serving a one-year appointment as UAF’s Snedden Chair.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Tamar Ben-Yosef, The Arctic Sounder, “Mystery deepens as belugas surface”
Second place: McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News, “Homer mom, daughter stop bear mauling”
Second place: Third place: Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune, “Sinking anglers saved”
Judge: Ralph Thomas covers politics for the Seattle Times’ Olympia bureau. He is a former Juneau reporter for the Anchorage Daily News and past managing editor at the Peninsula Clarion.
CATEGORY 3: BEST USE OF STORY AND PHOTOS BY A JOURNALIST
Large newspapers and publications
First place: First Place: Kelly Bostian, Fairbanks Daily-News, Flights of Fancy
Comments: This cohesive package is clearly a first place. A well reported article with depth. A great lead photo. Nice lighting on the last photo- the falcon in flight. The Hawk Talk nugget box ads nicely to the overall professionalism of the package.
Second Place: Mark Farmer, Revealing the Raptor
Comments: An insider sharing his access and knowledge with the reader.
Third Place: none awarded
Judges: Dan Schlatter, staff photographer; Laura Stumbaugh, production coordinator; Lore Shattuck, page designer, Puget Sound Business Journal in Seattle.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Monica Southworth, The Dutch Harbor Fisherman/Alaska Newspapers, “Camp Quangayaax passes the Aleut flame.”
Comments: Nice variety of well-displayed images helps form a complete package. A few redundant images, but overall, clearly the leader of the pack and a unanimous vote by the judges.
Second place: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Icicle Runs Smooth Operation”
Comments: A single photo that captures the essence of the event. You get a true sense of being there and a peek at what pilots see on the water — an intimate photo that’s done well.
Third place: Rob Stapleton, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Barrow Forum Eyes Arctic Development”
Comments: A good variety of photos — gives you a sense of being at the event. Photos are displayed well.
Judges: Doug Parker, photo editor, and the photo staff at the New Orleans Times Picayne.
CATEGORY 4: BEST SHORT FEATURE
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, “Homer’s Salty Dawg Saloon Turns 50”
Comments: Lively writing with plenty of voice. This story stood out for it’s vivid sense of place and use of telling detail.
Second place: Rachel D’Oro, Associated Press, “Wet Towns Draw Heavy Drinkers From Countryside”
Third place: No award given.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Melissa Campbell, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Anchorage sees invasion of cranes”
Comments: A fine example of looking behind the obvious, this story took us into the crane’s cramped cab and then 165 feet into the air. The writer captured the crick in the crane operator’s neck and the pressure in his bladder, because she asked the right questions. The writing is simple and effective and avoids clichés.
Second place: Darrell L. Breese, Alaska Star, “Locals break into extreme filming”
Third place: Darrell L. Breese, Alaska Start, “Local doctor flying high with Iditarod air force”
Judge: Kelley Benham is deputy Floridian editor at the St. Petersburg Times. She joined the Times five years ago after a short career as a high school journalism teacher. She has won the Ernie Pyle award, a National Headliner award, first place AASFE awards for short feature and general feature, and the Green Eyeshade Award.
CATEGORY 5: BEST LONG FEATURE
First place: Julia O’Malley, Anchorage Daily News, “A Long Way to go - Fort Richardson widow begins unwanted journey”
Comments: Wow. Whenever you tear up halfway through a story, you know you have a winner, and that’s what happened for me here. The taut prose, superb organization and many telling moments in this article made it the kind of read you absolutely cannot put down before you’ve finished the final word. Phrases such as “She turned the knob and let the future in,” and “The coffin, draped in a flag, floated slowly down a conveyor belt,” displayed the hand of a master. Bravo.
Second place: George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News, “Fighting Again (Government Cuts Alaska Soldier’s Aid).”
Comments: A deftly crafted tale of true tragedy, this story doesn’t pull unnecessarily on our heart strings, but it pulls no punches, either. A great mix. The opening, in which the disabled Tyler Hall pulls up his cuff to reveal his artificial leg, is well-chosen and gripping, and the narrative unfolds in seamless building-block fashion, leading us from one compelling element to the next with no let-down. A great, fresh look on a time-worn element of war.
Third place: Matthew Carroll, Peninsula Clarion, “All In - Poker popularity lends a hand to those betting on a good time.”
Comments: Well-told yarn of something we all know a little about, but few know all. This writer shows his voluminous homework here, turning out an authoritative account of a sport I normally would not care so much about — but he made me care. Summing up the 2,598,960 possible hands in a card deck, starting and ending with the account of Allen Auxier landing a royal flush, telling us that an astounding 80 million Americans play poker — these, and many other touches in this story, made it a fine draw.
Judge: Kevin Fagan is a San Francisco Chronicle reporter whose San Francisco-based coverage of homelessness from 2003 to 2006 helped shape local and national policy. He has won more than 65 national and regional prizes, including the national Excellence in Urban Journalism Award. In 2006 he shared the national James Aronson Social Justice Journalism Award with his photography partner on the homelessness beat, Brant Ward. Fagan was a Knight Fellow in 2007.
CATEGORY 6: BUSINESS REPORTING
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Pat Forgey, Juneau Empire, “Oil costs dwarfed by profits.”
Comments: This solid piece of business-enterprise reporting sheds light on a crucial industry by analyzing oil company financial documents to give a more precise picture of Alaska profits and costs. Among the story’s admirable features is its willingness to describe the limitations of the data, yet the story clearly explores policy implications of what is revealed.
Second place: Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News. “Shell’s rocky return.”
Comments: It’s the writing that elevates this story on the advent of independent drillers. Beginning with the lede’s “poking holes in the ice-clogged Arctic Ocean,” the story uses active verbs and sharp quotes to bring home to readers the reality that — no matter how complicated — business is essentially just people making deals and taking risks.
Third place: Rachel D’Oro, Associated Press, “Alaska’s shimmering auroras captivate Japanese tourists.”
Comments: This could have been a phoned-in, fill-in-the-blanks tourism trend story. Instead, the writer took us readers to a cold mountainside to experience “shimmering curtains of green and plum.” Nicely done.
Judge: Steven Goldsmith is associate editor of the Puget Sound Business Journal, handling both general business news and special sections. Previously, he was a reporter and editor at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for 15 years.
Small newspapers and publications
First Place: Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune, “Economic study shows arts impact.”
Comments: Good lead that immediately grabs the reader’s attention since it refers to window stickers that many people have seen. The writer makes good use of multiple sources. It’s a cohesive story on an important topic.
Second Place: Kaitlin Johnson, The Northern Light, “Financial experts say charge less, save more.”
Comments: Good lead, using a story that will catch the attention of many students. This story is well written; the sentences are clear and simple. It’s a thorough discussion of issues that are crucial to readers.
Third Place: Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Problems at Chugach spark utility overhaul.”
Comments: Story is well organized and uses extensive background information to place the problem in perspective.
Honorable Mention: Rob Stapleton, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Postal rate increase to be felt at the checkout line in Bush Alaska.”
Comments: Good summary of key issue for the Bush.
Judge: Erin Van Bronkhorst is a copy editor for the Puget Sound Business Journal in Seattle. Erin worked for 12 years for The Associated Press in Seattle, and has also done reporting and editing for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Tacoma (Washington) News Tribune, among others. She covered news and politics for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner in the mid-1970s.
CATEGORY 7: BEST GOVERNMENT OR POLITICAL REPORTING
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Pat Forgey, Juneau Empire, “Connections and Conflicts: A way of life in the Alaska Legislature.”
Comments: Outrageous conflict of interest, completely exposed by Pat Fogey’s fine work. What will become of this expose’? We’re waiting for follow-ups. And changes in the legislative culture.
Second place: Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, “Little Mommy: Siblings torn apart struggle to understand adult decisions.”
Comments: This brings out the humanity of the foster care system and shows its deficiencies, how a bureaucracy can be blind to the most obvious truth, such as the fact that family members need to stay together. It points to a way to improve this: legislation.
Third place: Yereth Rosen, The Christian Science Monitor, “Tales of oil industry’s influence in Alaska.”
Comments: A fine account of amazing corruption. All it lacks is a deeper look from fresh sources with new information not already revealed elsewhere.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune, “Alleged Pebble fraud charges lace fishery hearings”
Comments: Shining a light into the darkness, this piece would make it difficult for government and business to maneuver in any inappropriate way. The right questions have been asked, and aired out for the public to determine whether they’ve been adequately answered. Write a follow-up.
Second place: Craig Giammona and Shannon Haugland, Daily Sitka Sentinel, “Assembly Quorum Asked Stein To Quit”
Comments: In the best tradition of journalism, Giammona and Haugland doggedly pursued this story to the obvious truth that the gentleman was fired, even though no one would say so clearly. It’s first-rate work. The writing might have been more clear. But the information is there, and that is the core of good government reporting.
Third place: Rob Stapleton, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Rural Alaska Census Data May Be Skewed”
Comments: Directly to the point, this is piece is valuable for what it tells governments about crucial data they need to function properly. If offers the implication of a solution: a new way of gathering data is needed in a unique state.
Judge: An award-winning reporter, photographer, editor, columnist, journalism educator and novelist, Dean Baker has covered local, state and federal government issues in Montana, California, Germany, Oregon and Washington for the Eugene Register-Guard, The Oregonian, Salem Times, Vancouver Columbian, and other newspapers and magazines.
CATEGORY 8: BEST EDUCATION STORY
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Robinson Duffy, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “An Apple a Day”
Comments: Duffy effectively weaves real people—junior high and high school
students, in this case—into a detailed, comprehensive look at efforts
to get young people to eat better. He points out how the banning of
vending machines in schools has failed to stop kids from eating junk
food: They just bring their own from home or buy it at a local
convenience story. But Duffy does not dismiss the wellness efforts. He
presents the challenges clearly but without judgment. And he explains
the goals clearly, leaving the reader with the sense that this effort,
while difficult, could pay dividends in the long run. The quotes from
students are generally smart and real, and they help advance the story
rather than just lend credibility.
Second place: John R. Moss, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, “Lunch Boycott"
Will Morrow, Peninsula Clarion, “Learning to Make Do"
Small newspapers and publications
First place: McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News, “In Nature’s Classroom"
Comments: Jackinsky brings alive Al Poindexter, who teaches about natural
resources at Homer High School. The story mixes scenes from the
class--young people learning how to canoe--with the broader picture of
why such a class is important in Alaska: The state depends on its
natural resources for its economic prosperity. Jackinsky also shows the
reader how the students bond among themselves during the trip, and how
Poindexter’s team-building exercises foster that.
Second place: Joel Davidson, Catholic Anchor, “Alaskans Engage Islam"
Third place: Mary M. Rall, Alaska Star, “Teacher Explores Serum Run trail”
Judge: Colin McMahon is the Perspectives Editor at the Chicago Tribune.
CATEGORY 9: BEST PROFILE
Large newspapers and publications
First Place: James Halpin, Anchorage Daily News, “Feather Duster”
Comments: Vivid, crisply written portrait of the armed guardian who keeps the Anchorage landfill safe from seagulls.
Second Place: Jeannette J. Lee, Associated Press, “Alaska’s First Dude”
Comments: Thoroughly reported, lively look at the governor’s snow-mobiling, salmon fishing, child-rearing spouse.
Third Place: Chris Eshleman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Curling Plays major role in Cox’s Life”
Comments: Affectionate, well-reported picture of the elder of local curling.
Judge: Paula Span, a former Washington Post staff writer, is a contributing writer for the Washington Post Magazine and a contributing columnist for the New York Times. She teaches at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Nate Raymond, The Sun Star, “Fighting for Equality”
Comments: Fine narrative with a lot of information about the subject smoothly woven in with the facts about why she’s a newsmaker. An excellent recounting of a piece of history. Story never bogs down.
Second place: Darrell L. Breese, Alaska Star, “Principal Okeson combines laughter, learning at elementary school to make education fun”
Comments: Fun, lively writing with a lot of good sources. The readers gets a real sense of the person in a short time. Obviously, good interviewing behind the story.
Third place: Drew Herman, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “Aleutian Beat”
Comments: Great opening and good insight into an unusual subject. Smooth writing; good anecdotes
Judge: Tom Koetting is the deputy managing editor for local news at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
CATEGORY 10: BEST ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
Large newspapers and publications
First place, Rosemary Shinohara, Anchorage Daily News. “Midtown - can we fix it?”
Comments: fine piece examining that most rarely explored topic: Our urban environment. When you have video store workers driving their cars across the street to get lunch because their terrified of crossing the intersection on foot, something is amiss. Ms. Shinohara offers a glimpse of the challenges and potential of transforming a neighborhood that has bloomed with no attention to urban planning - “a land,” as she succinctly notes, “ruled by cars and trucks.” I wish more reporters would follow Ms. Shinohara’s footsteps into our urban landscape.
Second place: Jeannette J. Lee, Associated Press. “1B cleanup of deserted
military sites near Alaska villages meets funding drops, mixed results.”
Comments: Two of journalism’s most important responsibilities are to speak up for those with no voice and to hold our government accountable. Ms. Lee does both with her piece exploring the floundering effort to clean former military sites throughout the Bush.
Third place, Russell Stigall, Mat-Su Frontiersman. “Order: 2 plants, hold the fry”
Mr. Stigall finds a great story when he looks at what might happen when a winter’s worth of a power plant’s acidic emissions flush into local waterways during the spring melt. The electric company promises to comply with all regulatory standards; scientists warn the regulations don’t adequately address the issue. Given the stakes – a potential collapse of important links in the food chain – Mr. Stigall’s clearly written account is most important.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Michael Armstrong, Homer News. “Bagging marine debris”
Comments: Mr. Armstrong spent 10 days picking up trash on the remote Gore Point and came home with a most distressing story about our consumptive ways. This really is journalism at its best: Fun to report, fascinating to read, jaw-dropping in its findings. Great work.
Second place: Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce. “High energy prices pull renewable projects from the fringe”
Comments: In a year where every newsroom seemed to be hunkered down and facing cutbacks, it’s refreshing to see the Journal of Commerce sending a reporter to Fairbanks to cover an energy conference. The investment paid off. Mr. Bradner’s colorful report seamlessly weaved big-picture forces shaping world energy markets with small-town concerns facing rural utility managers. By continuously translating global forces into local terms – instead of $100 oil, Mr. Bradner reports of $5 diesel – the story provides an excellent example of how to make a big, hard-to-report issue relevant to hometown readers.
Third place: Dustin Solberg, The Bristol Bay Times, “Drawing a line in the sea”
Comments: The lede set the tone: A mysterious line of massive trawlers, far on the horizon, doing god-knows-what damage to the marine environment. What followed was a gripping account of frustrated Bering coast residents confronting an international fishing fleet. Mr. Solberg should be congratulated for showing how an international conflict plays out on the local stage.
Overall comments: Alaska’s small papers again deserve kudos – for the third year in a row – for aggressive and compelling coverage of the environment. The Alaska Journal of Commerce in particular should be commended for a fine effort in ‘07: Four of the top six articles in the category came from that paper.
Judge: Douglas Fischer found time to judge despite moving to Boulder, Colo., from Oakland, Calif., where he was an environmental reporter. He is the recipient of the national Grantham Prize for Excellence in Reporting on the Environment.
CATEGORY 11: BEST REPORTING ON CRIME OR THE COURTS
Large newspapers and publications
First Place: Casey Grove, Anchorage Press, “Little City Blues.”
Comments: Casey Grove’s rich portrait is as much a vivid profile of Whittier as it is a crime story. In one paragraph after another, Grove layers in the sort of context and history that are all-too-often left out as journalists rush from one breaking news event to the next. The story is rife with lively quotes—”This is a town that drinks”--and well-used descriptions and similes that give it a literary quality. Of course, weeklies have the luxury of time in telling stories. Grove used that time well.
Second Place: Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, “Shot by a stranger.”
Comments: Lisa Demer’s clear-eyed account of how two victims crossed paths with a psychotic killer could serve as a primer on how to tell a frightening story simply and without overstatement. The terror at the root of the piece is portrayed not with overwrought prose but with the sheer randomness of the crimes and the detailed accounts of the ordinary things the victims were doing at the time. Demer’s piece benefits from her obvious knack for getting sources to open up to her. I was struck by Rumsey’s tombstone comment: “Ah, this is how the story ends…I’ve done a lot of cool things.” And Deak’s point that his assailant truly meant to kill him was punctuated with a fine exclamation point: “Which is a very strange feeling.”
Third Place, Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News, “Overtime for police up sharply.”
Comments: This is a nice example of enterprise with an edge — the sort of uncomfortable story that police would rather not see in the paper (especially those listed in the overtime top 10). The writing and structure were sound, and the graphics contributed to a solid news package. Two suggestions: The arcane rules of a police labor contract designed to take care of those closest to retirement might have been explored more fully, and a comparison with the police overtime experiences of similar cities (or at least some context from an expert in the field) would have been illuminating for readers.
Judge: David J. Krajicek is a special correspondent for the New York Daily News and a featured contributor to Court TV’s Crime Library. He is the author of “Scooped!” (Columbia University Press), a look at coverage of crime and crime policy. He was as an assistant professor at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism before returning to writing full time. He is co-founder of Criminal Justice Journalists, a national association of crime reporters, and co-author of Covering Crime and Justice, a CJJ Web publication.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Naomi Hagelund, UAF Sun Star, “While they were sleeping.”
Comments: A nicely woven tale of how a series of thefts changed the lives of those living in a university apartment complex.
Second place: Joel Davidson, Catholic Anchor, “Inmates denied Mass in Sutton correctional facility.”
Comments: An interesting and quirky story about a priest’s failed attempt to use wine to celebrate Mass in prison. The reporter asked the right questions (Were the misinformed corrections officers disciplined?) even if corrections officials refused to answer them.
Third place: Nate Raymond, UAF Sun Star, “UAF seeks lessons from Virginia Tech.”
Comments: A blunt look at what one university is doing to beef up campus security in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings.
Judge: Hurst Laviana is a longtime crime and courts reporter at the Wichita Eagle. His reporting on the notorious BTK killer won national attention, as did a series on parolees who killed more than two-dozen Kansans after their release.
CATEGORY 12: BEST REPORTING ON HEALTH OR SCIENCE
First place: Megan Holland, Anchorage Daily News, “The Adult Face of FAS”
Second place: Dustin Solberg, The Bristol Bay Times, “Toxins in Our World”
Third place: Casey Grove, Anchorage Press, “The high road: Alaska researchers map marijuana to its source”
Judge: Tom Paulson is a science and medical writer for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He visited Africa for a month on a Knight Science Journalism fellowship to report on the impact of Bill Gates’ philanthropic efforts to improve health care in the Third World.
CATEGORY 13: EDITORIAL WRITING
First place: Matthew Zencey, Anchorage Daily News
All three editorial were consistently good — well reasoned, right tone for the material, well written. Comments: Some feet need to be held to the fire, and Zencey is on the case.
Second place: Rob Boyce, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Comments: Takes on complex subjects and explains them well. Allows for nuance, still reaches a conclusion.
Third place: Mark Kelsey, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman
Comments: Straightforward, cleanly written editorials display a good depth of local and regional knowledge.
Judge: Tom Condon is a columnist, editorial writer and editor of Place, a Sunday Commentary section of The Hartford Courant. He is also a Vietnam veteran, having served with U.S. Army Intelligence in the Mekong Delta in 1969-70. Condon has won more than 30 journalism and community awards, including the New England Society of Newspaper Editors Master Reporter Award.
CATEGORY 14: BEST COLUMNIST
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News
Comments: I read these columns and marveled at the strength of Beth’s voice, her toughness and tenderness and her point of view on some difficult subjects. I really felt for her in places, thinking that her email was probably worth paying someone else to go through. And that’s good; that’s the job. In that sense, Beth is what a columnist should be.
Second place: Heather Lende, Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Lovely, charming columns that show a real sense of place and community, and a sense of one’s place in the world, and in life. A nice respite for readers.
Third place: Gregg Erickson, Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Strong columns that point out problems and offer solutions with boldness and a clear knowledge of what goes on at the state level. Also VERY readable, which is tough when it comes to writing about government.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Rosemary Fitzpatrick, Homer News
Comments: I am in love with these columns. Instantly engaging, warm, human, and yet completely useful in terms of How to Garden. I loved them, love the voice, love the approach. Love the writing. Truly great stuff. What a gift to readers, even those who would no sooner kick the dirt than dig in it.
Second place: Michael Armstrong, Homer News
Comments: Interesting columns with an eye to place and a big message for readers. They are a little slow to start, and the point needs to be sat with a little longer, to stand out a little more. But there is experience and knowledge there, along with a gift with words. Nice.
Third place: Ben Stuart, Homer News
Comments: Very funny, sweet columns from a new father. It may be hard, but it would be smart for the writer to take his voice to other areas, be they government or other, tougher issues. But who can argue with a new boy and the joy of parenting? The columns were self-deprecating and fun. They helped me remember the early days.
Judge: Nicole Brodeur has been the Metro columnist at The Seattle Times since 1999.
CATEGORY 15: BEST SPORTS COLUMNIST
First place: Andrew Cremata, Skagway News
Comments: I just think he is terrific and I don’t care about fishing.
Second place: Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News
Comments: A really good writer.
Third place, Tim Nichols, Juneau Empire
Comments: Thought he did a nice job.
Judge: Jim Moore is a Seattle Post-Intelligencer sports columnist.
CATEGORY 16: BEST SPORTS NEWS REPORTING
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Mary Pemberton, Associated Press, “Iditarod board suspends musher for dog abuse”
Second place: Mary Pemberton, Associated Press, “Mackey wins 1,100-mile Iditarod”
Third place: Jeremiah Bartz, the Frontiersman, “A great loss”
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Craig Giammona, Daily Sitka Sentinel, for “Wolves move to 3A”
Second place: Suzanna Caldwell, The Northern Light, for “New brand to bring Seawolf mascot to life”
Third place: None given.
Judge: John Canzano is a radio host as well as a sports columnist at The Oregonian. In 2007, the Associated Press named him the nation’s No. 2 sports columnist.
CATEGORY 17: BEST SPORTS GAME/EVENT STORY
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Matthew Carroll, Peninsula Clarion “Dinner of Champions”
Comments: Mr. Carroll took a regular event that could have been pedestrian and mundane and fashioned a clean, interesting story that was well reported. He got great quotes, did some good post-event reporting, and even those who were present at the event learned something they didn’t know.
Second place: Ben Stuart, Homer News “Local completes solo Iditarod ski trail”
Comments: Mr. Stuart’s account of the solo passing of the trail was interesting, relevant and went beyond the obvious.
Third place: Jeremiah Bartz, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman “Another way to skate”
Comments: Mr. Bartz’s story on a hockey scrimmage proved to be far more than meets the eye. This is an example of good execution of an abstract, non-traditional sports story.
Judge: John Canzano is a radio host as well as a sports columnist at The Oregonian. In 2007, the Associated Press named him the nation’s No. 2 sports columnist.
CATEGORY 18: BEST SPORTS FEATURE
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Matthew Carroll, Peninsula Clarion, “Not bad, for a girl or a guy”
Second place: Mary Pemberton, Associated Press, “Susan Butcher’s ashes spread on Iditarod Trail”
Third place: Casey Grove, Anchorage Press, “Excuse me while I kiss the sky”
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Darrell Breese, Alaska Star, for “Athlete attempts to end his bad luck”
Second place: Rebecca George, The Sun Star, for “How the Chinooks came to deal with Title IX”
Third place: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, for “Agner sets POW course record, qualifies for Boston Marathon”
Judge: John Canzano is a radio host as well as a sports columnist at The Oregonian. In 2007, the Associated Press named him the nation’s No. 2 sports columnist.
CATEGORY 19: BEST ARTS COVERAGE
First place: Sarah Henning, Anchorage Daily News, “King of Cool” and “Airport’s Lethal Light” Comments: Kenny G is so “out” that you don’t even really see him written about much anymore. Yet he clearly has a huge fan base. I liked the directness of dealing with the unhipness of a guy who just does what he does. But this story went beyond that, giving insights into how G makes his music, and a nice sense of who he is. What could have been a one-dimensional slam or puff piece was instead a nicely turned portrait. The airport piece likewise could have been a straight-ahead report on damaged art. But it went beyond that, explaining why it was important culturally and what needed to be done.
Lynne Snifka, Anchorage Press, “Into the Wild Ride”
Comments: A very fun piece of writing. This has everything – a great sense of curiosity about what this movie would be, the anticipation and fears about how Hollywood would treat the story, the context of the book and movie, great quotes from those in a position to judge it. And it’s all laced with interesting personal perspective on the subject. A virtuoso performance of a review.
Steve Quinn, Associated Press, “Alaskan Theatre does ‘Macbeth’ in Tlingit.”
Comments: So the story about translating and performing Shakespeare in another language is nothing new. But the writer not only gave a sense of the technical difficulty of doing such a thing and conveying the unusualness of performing in a language very few speak, but he also let us know why it was important to do and how the Shakespeare related to the language and community in which it was being done.
Judge: Douglas McLennan is a Seattle-based arts reporter and editor.
CATEGORY 20: BEST SUSTAINED COVERAGE
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Darrell L. Breese, Alaska Star, “Former lawmaker bribery scandal”
Comments: All of Mr. Breese’ entries were well written and reported, and stood out from the other entries. In this series, he diligently followed the events in the case, writing community-relevant stories that were complete and easy to follow. Follow up stories, such as a look at privately-funded polling, filled out the package. Well done.
Second place: Diana Haecker, The Nome Nugget, Iditarod Coverage
Comments: Haecker’s coverage of the Iditarod provided a nice, insider view of the
race for locals. It was thorough and provided an inside glimpse of the
characters in the race, particularly the colorful champion.
Third place: Michael Armstrong, Ben Stuart, McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News, One-fish halibut limit
The reporters did a good job following the news in a controversial and complex issue that clearly is very important to their readers.
Judge: Amanda J. Crawford covers state government and politics for The Arizona Republic. Prior to joining the Republic in 2003, Crawford worked at the Baltimore Sun and in the Washington, DC, bureau of People Magazine. Crawford was a finalist for the Livingston Award in 2007 and has won more than a dozen awards in state reporting contests. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Best of the West Journalism
Contest.
Large newspapers and publications
First place: George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News, Wounded Warriors
Comments: This series stood out for the initiative and enterprise shown by Bryson. While the topic of the war wounded is not a new one, this series serves to remind us why the Iraq War may be remembered more for its injured than its dead. By focusing on individual stories, such as that of Tyler Hall, an amputee, or Dustin Heger, who wears his wounds internally in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder, Bryson gives us a compelling look at the issues that individuals, families and society in general is going to have to deal with as the war continues and its soldiers return home. This was the only entry of the category that was based entirely on enterprise reporting, rather than an unfolding event at the courthouse or local government. For that, Bryson’s work also stands out.
Second place: Dan Joling, Associated Press, Global Warming
Comments: This sobering series could be subtitled “It’s melting!” In a series of stories, Jolins shows the effects of global warming as measured by increased deaths among polar-animal populations and the loss of sea ice. The author weaves together actions taken by conservation groups with reports and research to show what scientists presume is the impact of global warming on Alaska’s lands and seas. The stories give a context to the then-simmering issue of whether to list polar bears as an endangered species. And it does so in a clearly written, compelling series of stories.
Third place: Lisa Demer, Richard Mauer, Kyle Hopkins, Sean Cockerham, Sabra Ayres, Wesley Loy, T.C. Mitchell, Anchorage Daily News, Corruption charges and trials
Comments: This package of stories does a thorough job of chronicling a series of corruption scandals affecting several Alaska politicians. In addition to following the unfolding events, the series gives readers a wider look at the situation. The pieces on the financial status of the oil-field services company at the heart of the scandals, and the reaction of the company’s customer to the charges, provide helpful context to this wide-ranging story. Break-out stories, such as the one on a colorful attorney defending one of the lawmakers, bring another angle to this unfolding political saga.
Judge: Mary Jo Pitzl is a legislative reporter for The Arizona Republic. She’s been a staff writer for more than 20 years, covering a variety of news beats, from politics to the environment, transportation to schools. She is a recipient of the Society of Professional Journalists’ national Sunshine Award, for her work pushing for and using public records.
CATEGORY 21: BEST SERIES
Small Newspapers and Publications
First place: Sean Pearson and Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune, “Probing Pebble” Comments: This three-part series on a company’s controversial search for gold, copper and molybdenum under the tundra gives us a look at what’s happening and more importantly, why it is happening. The result is that readers get to see real people on both sides of the issue, get a terrific sense of place and find lots of information about what it will take to accomplish, mean for ordinary Alaskans and cost taxpayers. This is fine explanatory reporting, neither inflammatory nor boosterish.
Second place: “Being Young” by Diana Haecker, the Nome Nugget
Comments: Three cheers for Diana who takes a new look at an old problem – kids in a small town with nothing to do — and makes it fresh by moving around her community to report on services, what kids in even smaller communities outside Nome want and how adults have responded. I admire her ability to take news in plain sight with such enthusiasm. But her bravest move was to hand kids the pen and say, “tell us what you think.”
Third place: “Heritage of Courage,’’ by Mary Lochner, The Northern Light. Comments: Lochner takes a terrific idea and painstakingly traces the history of civil rights for Alaska Natives. This series public service that does much to surprise and reveal including finding people like Helen McNeil. This series is a great resource for teachers.
Large Newspapers and Publications
First place: Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, “A Fateful Step”
Comments: The gripping narrative of a North Slope roustabout stepping into an oil-rig auger would make a powerful narrative in any category. Dramatic and sparely told, it leads readers through a horrifying account of what you think will be man’s last few minutes on earth. What elevates the series came next: the unvarnished Part IV. Loy artfully reveals a fairly unsympathetic subject whose youth, lack of education and immersion in a consumer culture clearly show he is ill-prepared to live one more month, much less a lifetime, of disability. Loy refuses to dude the guy up. And he follows with a strong sidebar on the human costs of oil exploration. Nicely done.
Second place: “The School District’s Wellness Policy,’’ by Robinson Duffy, Fairbanks Daily News Miner — Duffy takes a routine area of beat coverage - the school lunch menu – and delivers a timely series that is full of news, accountability and most importantly, some insight into the sugar-addled brains of teenagers. He talks to kids and adults, writes in a clear, compelling style delivers some news “hiding in plain sight” that parents and educators can truly learn from.
Third place: Julia O’Mally, Anchorage Daily News, “The Way Home”
Comments: O’Malley’s fine and empathetic touch opens the doors on four families separated by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A significant report from the quiet front.
Judge: As a member of the Oregonian’s Investigations team, Julie Sullivan shared reporting duties on “Liberty’s Heavy Hand,” an expose of abuses at the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service that earned the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
CATEGORY 22: BEST HEADLINE WRITING
First place: Tony Hall, Anchorage Daily News,”Fairbanks alcohol dries up, bar one”
Second place: Greg Johnson, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, “Shortfall sours Mat Maid optimism”
Third place: Cheryl Chapman, Anchorage Daily News, “Urban scrawl / Volunteer graffiti-buster paints out Anchorage’s visual trash”
Judge: Seth Markow has been a copy editor/proofreader for 18 years and with the Honolulu Star-Bulletin for 11, the past eight as slot man.
CATEGORY 23: EDITORIAL CARTOON
First place: Mike O’Meara, Homer News, “Special Caucus Room”
Comments: A strong and pointed message, simply but effectively laid out and clearly rendered.
Second place: Jamie Smith, The Ester Republic, “Surge”
Comments: A clever and thoughtful idea, buttressed with strong graphics.
Third place: Tony Newman, Juneau Empire, “Quarter Designs”
Comments: Humorous but pointed. Lots of lettering, but avoids looking cluttered. Thanks for including contextual notes with entry.
Judge: John Trever has been an editorial cartoonist at the Albuquerque Journal since 1976. His cartoons appear in more than 350 daily newspapers. Among his awards are honors by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Free Press Association and the Overseas Press Club.
CATEGORY 24: BEST SECTION
Large newspapers and publications
First place: PLAY, Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Marvelous! It’s the complete package, carried off with grace and panache. Story topics, writing, headlines, photography, and illustrations hit all the right notes. The design craftsmanship is inspired and technically superb.
Second place: LIFE & ARTS, Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Beautiful, fascinating centerpieces with insight
Third place: LATITUDE, Fairbanks News Miner
Comments: Dramatic use of cover art, strong local content
Small newspapers and publications
First place: MOTION, The Northern Light
Comments: Consistently high-quality, orderly design that keeps the spotlight on well-written stories and engaging photography and artwork.
Second place: SPORTS, Alaska Star
Comments: Strong photography brings this section to life.
Third place: MILITARY, Alaska Star
Judge: Jim Springhetti is a member of The Oregonian presentation staff.
CATEGORY 25: BEST WEEKLY
First place: The Homer Tribune
Comments: The Trib offers readers a blend of punchy writing, informed skepticism and a real engagement with its community. The paper’s four-part series on the proposed Pebble Mine was an ambitious examination of a complicated proposition, and exactly the kind of public interest reporting that papers of all sizes should strive to execute.
Second place: The University of Alaska Fairbanks Sun Star
Comments: The Sun Star asks tough questions about gender, university pay and administrative pork. Although the paper also includes a well-chosen variety of topics, its focus on accountability provides students and the broader community around the university a valuable service.
Third place: The Anchorage Press
Comments: The Press is a writer’s paper with a strong point of view and sharp edge. The combination of emphasis on connecting to issues and places outside Anchorage makes the Press a great read.
Judge: Nigel Jaquiss is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for Willamette Week in Portland, Ore.
CATEGORY 26: BEST ILLUSTRATION
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Lucas Ketner, Anchorage Press, “Tales from the Trash”
Comments: Lucas’ style lends itself well to this homage to those classic EC comics of the ‘50s. Nicely capturing that feel, incorporating the mast and headline for a completely integrated presentation. The concept grabs the eye while communicating an emotional truth to the story itself. It’s a perfect blend of story and illustration.
No second- or third-place award given.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Stephanie D. Johnson, Alaska Star, “Tasty Tradition”
Comments: Stephanie tackled what often comes from an illustrator’s way. One where the story is less than exciting where the artist must still strike a visual balance between the tone of the story and a compelling illustration that will drive readers into the content. Here, she does a fine job doing that with a great scratchboard illustration that sets just the right tone.
Judge: Rick Nease is the nationally recognized art director at the Detroit Free Press.
Category 27: BEST PAGE LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Greg Johnson, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, “Page 1”
Comments: Nice top-down design. Interesting reefers and solid use of a grid structure. Use of information boxes are helpful.
Second place: Tim Nichols, Juneau Empire, “Alive and kicking”
Comments: The cutout helps to energize the page. Structure is easy to follow, from the secondary story on the left to bottom articles. nice use of photography to move reader through page.
Third place: Kim Andree, Juneau Empire, “Fall Harvest Table”
Comments: Nice use of color art in presentation. The downpage feature is interesting, though I would be interested in seeing some of the student’s art on the page too.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Aaron Burkhart, The Northern Light, “Deciphering High-Def”
Comments: The page begins with a nice typographic treatment to help the reader generally understand the possible confusing nature of the technology. There is also nice use of the grid for copy and comparison of the two format choices.
Second place: Aaron Burkhart, The Northern Light, “Summer Meltdown III”
Comments: This is a nice listing page. Silhouetted figures create a energetic mood from the start. The use of small images to highlight some of the bands is also a nice touch.
Third place. No award given.
Judge: Adrian Johnson designs the Arts and Life section at the Cleveland Plain Dealer for seven years, where he designs the Arts and Life section. He has also designed the Sunday Arts section, the Friday entertainment magazine and front pages.
CATEGORY 28: BEST GRAPHIC
First place: Tim Nichols and Michael Plett, The Juneau Empire, “Crimson Bears on Offense, Defense”
Comments: We’ve all seen play diagrams. Usually bad ones with circles and arrows going every which way and are useful for one play only. This graphic avoids that pitfall. The presentation is very clean and sets up what we should expect to see game day. Clip and saves are always a good thing.
Second place: Aaron Burkhart, Suzanna Caldwell and Ashley Smith, The Northern Light, “Basketball Powerhouses Venture North for Annual Tournament”
The expanded bracket gave good information of the teams’ makeup and went further to include an excellent brief chronology of each teams’ season to date. The only suggestion I would offer is that the all-team player and season stats have the same neutral screen tint, say 8% gray. There is a little too much rainbow effect going on.
Judge: Randy Cox, visuals and production editor, is helping lead the integration of the paper’s visual journalism efforts into the Internet while supervising his newspaper’s photo and graphics departments.
CATEGORY 29: BEST SPOT PHOTO
Large newspapers and publications
First place: John Wagner, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Rollover”
Comments: This was one of the best photos we saw in any category; a well-executed news
photo.
No awards given for second and third place.
Judges: Staff photographer Lara Solt; photo editor Brad Loper and deputy director of photography Chris Wilkins at the Dallas Morning News.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Thad Poulson, Daily Sitka Sentinel, “Plane Crash”
Comments: Great job at getting to the scene quickly and making a dramatic photograph
Second place: Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune, “Caribou Hills Fire”
Comments: Great moment and beautiful composition.
Third place: Sean Pearson, Homer Tribune, “Plane Crash Victim”
Comments: Great job at getting an emotional moment.
Judges: Judy DeHass, staff photographer; Janet Reeves, director of photography; and Dean Krakel, assistant director of photography of The Rocky Mountain News.
CATEGORY 30: BEST GENERAL NEWS PHOTO
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Al Grillo, Associated Press, “Guilty”
Comments: Strong moment as the verdict was announced, photographer did well with what he had.
Second place: Al Grillo, Associated Press, “Healer”
Comments: Good caption information elevated this image to second place and gave this photo news value.
Third place: David Sheakley, Juneau Empire, “Bubblenet”
Comments: Interesting situation shot well by photographer, little bit of an off fit in the news category.
Judges: Staff photographer Lara Solt; photo editor Brad Loper and deputy director of photography Chris Wilkins at the Dallas Morning News.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Darrell L. Breese, Alaska Star, “Case Closed”
Comments: Great moment inside the courtroom.
Second place: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Herring Catch”
Comments: Beautifully composed image with vibrant color.
Third place: Rob Stapleton, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Picketline”
Comments: Well-composed image and an interesting photo of a boring subject
Judges: Judy DeHass, staff photographer; Janet Reeves, director of photography; and Dean Krakel, assistant director of photography of The Rocky Mountain News.
CATEGORY 31: BEST ARTS PHOTO
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Brian Wallace, Juneau Empire, “Annaleisa Place”
Comments: Clear winner, well composed and nice moment. Her intensity and expression
make the photo.
Second place: Michael Penn, Juneau Empire, “Lifted embrace”
Comments: Very interesting photo, was hurt by dull lighting though.
Third place: Joshua Borough, Anchorage Daily News, “Dancing”
Comments: Interesting flash use elevated to the photo into top three.
Judges: Staff photographer Lara Solt; photo editor Brad Loper and deputy director of photography Chris Wilkins at the Dallas Morning News.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Oregon Ballet Nutcracker”
Comments: Great angle, beautifully composed.
Second place: Greg Lincoln, The Delta Discovery, “Hooper Bay Traditional Dancers”
Comments: Great moment, excellent expression on subject’s face.
Third place: Monique Musick, The Ester Republic, “Junior Joey”
Comments: Good angle and choice of lenses.
Judges: Judy DeHass, staff photographer; Janet Reeves, director of photography; and Dean Krakel, assistant director of photography of The Rocky Mountain News.
CATEGORY 32: BEST PICTURE STORY
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Al Grillo, Associated Press, “Nome Drinking”
Second place: David J. Sheakley, Juneau Empire, “Celebrating excellence”
Third place: David J. Sheakely, Juneau Empire, “Hunting how to”
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Greg Lincoln, The Delta Discovery, “Camai Dance Festival”
Second place: Nicolette Sauro, The Sun Star, “Spring Fest”
Third place: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Prom”
Judges: Roberto E. Rosales and the photography staff at the Albuquerque Journal.
CATEGORY 33: BEST SPORTS PHOTO
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Al Grillo. Associated Press, “Shooting the hoop”
Second place: Robert DeBerry, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, “Sweet Catch”
Third place: Evan R. Steinhauser, Anchorage Daily News, “XC Skiers”
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Greg Lincoln, The Delta Discovery, “Collin”
Second place: Sean Pearson, Homer Tribune, “Bull flip”
Third place: Ben Stuart, Homer News, “It’s a stretch”
Judges: Roberto E. Rosales and the photography staff at the Albuquerque Journal.
CATEGORY 34: BEST SCENIC PHOTO
Large newspapers and publications
First Place: Bob Martinson, Aurora
Comments: This photograph has a great awe-factor. It’s a beautiful scenic showing off one of Alaska’s most famous wonders.
Second Place: Klas Stolpe, Big Blue
Comments: Majestic. Amazing colors and nice composition. An extremely in depth caption.
Third Place: Bob Martinson, Sow and Cubs
Comments: This photograph has a nice supporting background and composition. Both foreground and background scream ALASKA.
Overall comments: All the photographs entered were amazing. It was very difficult to narrow them down to three winners. A pleasure and challenge to judge!
Judges: Dan Schlatter, staff photographer; Laura Stumbaugh, production coordinator, Puget Sound Business Journal, Seattle
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Bob Martinson, The Cordova Times, “Rainbow Boat”
Comments:
A classic rainbow image cast in a still-life scene of serenity along the
waterfront. Then, throw into that mix the wonderful mirror-like reflection
and the almost perfect circle of refraction. The result is stunning and
clearly first-place. I’d like to keep it on my desktop it’s so much fun to
look at over and over again.
Second place: Besty Lund, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “Tree”
Comments: Striking contrasts and exposure criticality make up this almost-symmetrical
black-and-white pastoral scene of winter. Not often do I think a photo shot directly
into the burst of a bright sun make much of a photo, but in this case the
photographer used what appears to be either end of day or late in the day
angle of suncast to provide the shadowing of that dainty little tree with
skill and appeal.
Third place: Sean Pearson, Homer Tribune, “Eagle has landed”
Comments: Yeah, it’s an awfully corny title, but a lovely photo nonetheless.
Silhouettes and sunsets are often the ticket to competent vacation
photography, but in this case the two combine to provide us a look of the
wild, of creatures we can only dream of emulating. What a vast, open space
Alaska is and to see that eagle landing so gracefully, so powerfully is a
great pleasure to visually share in.
CATEGORY 35: BEST PORTRAIT PHOTO
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Evan Steinhauser, Anchorage Daily News, “Katie Campbell”
Comments: We got the most feeling from this photo, well executed portrait utilizes
nice light & a powerful moment.
Second place: Brian Wallace, Juneau Empire, “Bishop Nikolai”
Comments: Symmetrical, colorful and well-framed portrait. Interesting to look at.
Third place: Al Grillo, Associated Press, “Thanks”
Comments: This was a little bit of an odd fit for portrait but a great moment elevated it into the winning ranks.
Judges: Staff photographer Lara Solt; photo editor Brad Loper and deputy director of photography Chris Wilkins at the Dallas Morning News.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Gretchen Weiss, The Northern Light, “Urban Artist”
Comments: Great placement of the subject and excellent use of surroundings.
Second place: Greg Lincoln, The Delta Discovery, “Bearskin Boat Maker”
Comments: A beautiful subject and nice moment.
Third place: Rob Stapleton, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Demographer”
Comments: Unique idea for a portrait, well done.
Judges: Judy DeHass, staff photographer; Janet Reeves, director of photography; and Dean Krakel, assistant director of photography of The Rocky Mountain News.
CATEGORY 36: BEST FEATURE PHOTO
Large newspapers and publications
First place: Hall Anderson, Ketchikan Daily News, “Just do it”
Comments: Just great seeing by the photographer, an unusual moment shot well.
2nd place: Robert DeBerry, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, “Comforting”
Comments: Close finish for first place, tight & clean moment sums up an emotional event.
Third place: Robert DeBerry, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, “Backflip”
Comments: Body language of the cyclist combined with clean composition make this photo really work as a feature.
Judges: Staff photographer Lara Solt; photo editor Brad Loper and deputy director of photography Chris Wilkins at the Dallas Morning News.
Small newspapers and publications
First place: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Puckered Ornament”
Comments: Great moment and excellent color.
Second place: Tyler Rhodes, Nome Nugget, “Taking the Plunge”
Comments: Wonderful expressions on the people’s faces.
Third place: Sean Pearson, Homer Tribune, “Popeye Wrestlers”
Comments: What a hilarious moment!
Judges: Judy DeHass, staff photographer; Janet Reeves, director of photography; and Dean Krakel, assistant director of photography of The Rocky Mountain News.
Alaska Press Club Awards 2006 (announced 4/21/07)-1 of 2 (PRINT)
BREAKING NEWS
Judge: Lee Ann Colacioppo, The Denver Post
Large Papers
1st: ”Anderson Indicted,” by Richard Mauer, Lisa Demer, Tom Kizzia, Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: This story was packed with details and showed the reporters’ command of the material. A good job weaving the news with lots of context.
2nd: “BP shuts down Prudhoe Bay,” by Wesley Loy and Richard Richtmyer, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: Tracking down all the elements of a breaking news story on a weekday morning is one thing. Doing it on a Sunday afternoon is quite another. Story reflected great hustle under tough conditions.
3rd: “Feds probe non-profit,” by Rod Boyce and Sam Bishop, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Comments: This story had good depth, apparently because the
paper had been on top of the issue. While the story broke on deadline, it reads with the authority and depth of a longer-term piece.
Small Papers
1st: “Number of discarded crab soars,” by Margaret Bauman, Alaska Journal of Commerce
2nd: “Rural Alaska to receive ....” by Rob Stapleton, Alaska Journal of Commerce
3rd: “Security Aviation Investigation,” by Rob Stapleton, Alaska Journal of Commerce
BEST GENERAL NEWS STORY
Not available as of press time.
BEST USE OF STORY & PHOTOS BY A JOURNALIST
Large Papers
Judge: Mark Holm, Photo Editor, Albuquerque Tribune
1st: “Silver lining,” by Amy Schenck, Frontiersman. Comments: This piece about great salmon fishing at a popular recreation area contained the “best-of-show” single image among the entries. Beyond that, among the four photos used in this piece, good lens choices and perspectives were used to best describe visually, how popular the Jim Creek area has become. The wide-angle photo, shot at water level, of fish on a stringer, with over a dozen anglers diminishing into the beautiful Alaskan background was very well executed.
2nd: “Iraquis say they’re living in fear,” by Margaret Friedenauer, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Comments: The two photos used with this story about insecurities felt by some Baghdad residents because of continuing violence did a good job of visualizing the environment in a residential area. The lede photo keys on the body language of a US soldier stepping gingerly through a flooded street. A figure on the edge of the secondary photo, peering cautiously out of a doorway as two soldiers talk to a resident outside, adds tension to the photo.
3rd: “Raptors in Alaska,” by Mark Farmer, The Associated Press. Comments: Photos do a good, straight-forward, yet artful job of physically describing the fighter jets discussed in the story, the F22A Raptor and the F-15C Eagle. Sources in the story seemed pretty enthusiastic about the Raptor, so we found ourselves wondering if photos of pilots in or around the planes on the flight line, or some other (documentary) situation might not add a human touch to the piece. Obviously, that may, or may not have been possible.
Small Papers
Judges: Photo editor Doug Parker and staff photographers Eliot Kamenitz and Sean Gardner, The New Orleans Times-Picayune
1st: “At Last!” by Brian Lepley, Alaska Post. Comments: Nice, peak emotion of reunion communicates the ties to family and the community. Nice mix of tight, emotional shots with overalls.
2nd: “Governor Face Off,” by Bryan Martin, Kodiak Daily Mirror. Comments: Good, solid journalism communicates succinctly the intensity of the situation. Please, the mortise is not necessary and almost ruins an otherwise outstanding news photograph.
3rd: “A tale of two villages,” John Pennell, Alaska Post. Comments: A good selection of photos.
BEST SHORT FEATURE
Judge: Linda Castrone, Assistant Business Editor, Denver Post
Large Papers
1st: “Bugle Girl” by Mike Dunham, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: This story was well reported and well told, but it stood out above the others because of the subject’s unusual tale. Through 15-year-old Nichelle Cushing, Mike was able to address the rapidly aging veteran population, the sorrow of our losses in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the urge. In his moving lead, Mike painted a stirring picture of the rain, the coffin, the tiny girl and her 105-year-old bugle. He allowed the scene to unfold slowly before he jumped to Nichelle’s motivations - a father in Iraq and their move to Alaska - and then elegantly wound back to the opening scene for his ending.
2nd: “My Space, I *heart* You” by Lynne Snifka, Anchorage Press. Comments: In many cases, first-person stories read like diary entries because so much of their content is cerebral. In this case, Lynne has used the voice of a strong narrator to carry her readers through an online adventure. She strengthens it with solid reporting, including such details as daily increase in the number of MySpace users, and allows us to experience the website along with her. As in all good nonfiction writing, she lets us see her foibles as well as her successes (paranoia about posting her real age, decision to post it as 100). Lynne also uses dialog well, inserting little bits of it on occasion to add life to her story.
3rd: “The Great Pumpkin” by George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: George has taken an annual event and turned it into an opportunity for good storytelling. From the lead (which asks the question at the heart of all state fair entries - just how big is it?), through the background material and the eventual punchline, he has woven an enthralling narrative. His use of detail adds richness throughout. The language is clean and simple. The story is perfectly constructed to build drama, and most of all, I loved that he didn’t answer the opening question until the very end. Kudos to the headline and cutline writers for not spoiling that surprise.
Small Papers
1st: ”Bean’s Cafe offers hope to Anchorage’s homeless” by James Halpin, The Northern Light. Comments: This reporter has captured the ambiance of an urban soup kitchen as well as the character of its regular customers through rich use of descriptive writing. James is not afraid to use his observational skills to describe clouds of breath in the frigid morning air, or the smell of burnt grease in the humid kitchen. Deftly woven in are statistics about homelessness in Alaska and the voices of the homeless.
2nd: “A Valentine set in Stone” by Kristen Inbody, Kodiak Daily Mirror. Comments: The Stones’ story is not unusual, but Kristen has been able to translate it beautifully into something every reader can relate to. Her language is spare and direct, which lets the couple’s romantic tale tell itself. The mundane details are sublime - he arrived late in white turtleneck, chinos and penny loafers, for example. We get them one at a time as the story plays out, and at the end get a lovely little piece of advice about how they have made their marriage succeed.
3rd: ”Hiland inmates re-stitch their lives” by Mary M. Rall, Alaska Star. Comments: The beauty of this piece is its simple language and straight-forward storytelling. It starts with a nice touch in the lead (learning, growing and making amends one stitch at a time) and continues with nice quotes from women who were not always so nice (Wasilla is currently serving a 99-year sentence for murder, attempted murder and arson). This reporter also seems to have created a good rapport with the inmates and was able to translate that into some moving quotes.
BEST LONG FEATURE
Judge: Bill Slakey, city editor, Albuquerque Tribune
1st: ”Peaceful Harbor,” by Tom Kizzia, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: A fascinating story, deeply and sensitively reported. The details of the two families’ lives together take the reader into their world and the difficulty of their decisions. The descriptive writing—in the lead paragraphs in particular—draws the reader right into the story and never lets go.
2nd: “Ashes to ashes” by Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: I laughed out loud repeatedly while reading this story. Excellent pacing and set-up made the payoff in each of the anecdotes that much more delicious. The sidebars were well-conceived and added important elements to the story without bogging the main story down.
3rd: ”Bardcore—Up all night in Fairbanks with Shakespeare” by Tom Moran, Anchorage Press. Comments: I liked the loose chronological structure of this piece, which helped tie together a big cast of characters and a wide range of themes. What I really liked, though, was that the chronology wasn’t overemphasized—it was just strong enough to unify the piece without overwhelming it. The same can be said for the Shakespeare allusions and the playful use of lines from the plays: They were weighted just right and added just the right character to the story without overdoing it.
BEST BUSINESS REPORTING
Judge: Becky Bisbee, business editor, Seattle Times
Large Papers
1st: “Powerful Pair,” by Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News. Comment: Good watchdog journalism—keeping track of the revolving door between people in power and the oil industry. Writer allowed each side to have their say and let the reader decide. Nice details that brought the two subjects to life.
2nd: “In real estate, bidding wars give way,” by Richard Richtmyer, Anchorage Daily News. Comment: Well researched look at changing real estate market. Full of people talking about what they are seeing and reasons for the shift. Good use of charts and photos to illustrate report.
3rd: “Vend will I see you again,” Lynne Snifka, Anchorage Press. Comment: Delightful behind-the-scenes read about something every office can relate to—vending machines. Interesting details about choices consumers make.
Small Papers
1st: ”Barrick, NovaGold pulling no punches (link is to a pdf download, story on B7),” by Sarah Hurst, Petroleum News. Comment: Good command of each company’s financials. Good discussion of the hostile takeover. Appropriately technical for a trade journal.
2nd: “Homeowners’ dreams become nightmares,” by Kate Tracy, Alaska Star
Comment: Even-handed reporting on common construction issue for new homes. Brought to life the problems by talking to real people and showing the reader what the home owners are dealing with.
3rd: ”Small business stays afloat in cove,” by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News
Comment: Great sense of place story. Good quotes. Fun read.
BEST GOVERNMENT STORY
Large Papers
Judge: Paul Simon, Editor, MediaNews Wire Services
1st: “Child Protection List,” by Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News. Comment: Excellent reporting and writing evoke a strong outrage on this one. Well-structured and easily understood. The beauty is one can question whether the main character is totally innocent while recognizing a flawed system that unfairly penalizes parents - often without their knowledge and without due process.
2nd: ”How pet projects in Alaska became pet peeve on hill.” By Yereth Rosen, Christian Science Monitor. Comment: Aha, so that is what the “bridge to nowhere” was all about. This was a great subject to explore as an example of controversial congressional earmarks. The entry clearly examined the merits - or lack thereof—of the two proposed bridges in Alaska as well as the whole process that leads to lawmakers’ quietly pursuing pet projects as taxpayer expense.
3rd: ”No Jesus” by Leila Kheiry, Frontiersman. Comments: Fascinating coverage outside the norm from a planning commission, of all things. Why the commission just doesn’t accede to law and cease opening prayers that address a specific religion is puzzling - but it’s great fun reading the comments of various officials seeking to justify their so-called right to invoke the name of Jesus. Hard to believe this was occurring in 2006 rather than 1906.
Small Papers
Judge: Diane Alters, Assistant City Editor, Denver Post
1st: ”City Merger Plan Draws Ire,” by Carey James, Homer Tribune. Comments: well-written; explores a complex issue well.
2nd: ”Cruise Initiative Raises Voices,” by Emily Palm, The Skagway News
3rd: ”Tony Knowles, 63, Joins Facebook Trend,” by Nate Raymond, Sun Star
BEST EDUCATION STORY
Judge: Lee Ann Colacioppo, Denver Post
1st:”The Unfinished Education” and ”Dropouts defy stereotypes” by Eric Morrison, Juneau Empire. Comments: Telling statistics, good examples of kids and powerful quotes combine to make this the best of the education stories. It’s both newsy and highly readable.
2nd: “It’s a time for wishing,” by Katie Pesznecker, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: The story makes the reader feel like you actually have been to Hope. You see the town, you feel what the residents are going through.
3rd: “ABCs of Reading,” by Katie Pesznecker, Anchorage Daily News
Small Papers
1st: ”Union: Mat-Su threatens to fire overpaid teachers,” by James Halpin, The Northern Light. Comments: A strong effort at trying to sort through the complicated, secretive process of an ongoing audit. Nice variety of voices and well-balanced.
2nd: “Looking forward,” by Scott Christiansen. Kodiak Daily Mirror. Comments: This presents a great slice of life mixed with an interesting tale of a man on a mission. Nice detail about the conversations and the backgrounds of the people this program is trying to reach.
3rd: “Homeschooling a full-time job,” McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News. Comments: We could have heard more about this family and the challenges they face and how they make it all work. An interesting tale about an interesting family.
BEST PROFILE
Large Papers
Judge: Paula Span, a former Washington Post staff writer, is a contributing writer for the Washington Post Magazine and a contributing columnist for the New York Times. She teaches at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
1st: A tie!
“She Takes Lead in Deciding Fate of Kids” by Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News
Comment: By showing (not telling) how a state official makes decisions about custody and foster care, Demer not only brings an individual to life, but points out changing policies in the Office of Children’s Services.
and
“Potato Head” by Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News. Comment: Charmingly rendered profile of a spudmeister with idiosyncrasies to spare.
2nd: “Hero’s Farewell,” by Alex deMarban, Anchorage Daily News. Comment: Portrait not only of a slain soldier, but of the Guardsmen and the grieving town that cherished him. Nicely non-generic.
3rd: ”Atlas Smirked,” by Lynne Snifka, Anchorage Press. Comment: Fine example of journalism-by-hanging around, resulting in a lively look at a web maven/musician/producer/Ayn Rand apostle.
Small Papers
Judge: Tom Koetting, deputy managing editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Koetting has worked at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel since 1997. He worked as a copy editor and a reporter at the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and then as a reporter and an assignment editor at The Wichita Eagle. He has won several national and regional writing awards.
1st: “’The Weather Lady’ forged the way to safer waters,” by Melissa Campbell, Alaska Journal of Commerce. Comment: A wonderful profile of an unassuming woman who became a bit of legend, written in a way that readers get a sense of how life in Alaska has changed over the years. Great context; good quotes.
2nd: “For Provost Reichardt, end in sight,” by Nate Raymond, Sun Star. Comment: A fairly straightforward assignment that was elevated by smooth, graceful writing. Readers get a real sense of the subject, and what makes him tick professionally.
3rd: “Meet the Eagle Lady,” by Mary M. Rall, Alaska Star. Comment: Very good use of detail and descriptive language.
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
Judge: Douglas Fischer, Oakland Tribune
Large Papers
No winners. Comments: I am dismayed to report that no submission on environmental coverage from a large paper in Alaska could be considered prizeworthy in 2006. Given the astounding challenges on virtually every aspect of the environment in Alaska – and the exemplary efforts extended to cover them by the state’s small-market papers – this dearth of quality reporting from Alaska’s papers of record is inexcusable. A handful of capable features on environmental issues were submitted. But in a year where global warming went mainstream, the Pebble prospect gathered steam, Lower Slate Lake was sacrificed, the idea of a Tangle Lakes refuge developed, and the Bush Administration continued to roll back Clinton-era restrictions on drilling in the NPR-A, Alaska’s readers got nary a word – at least, not a word the state’s largest papers considered noteworthy. There was no word on growth, on energy development, on climate change, on hunting. This is a shame. Alaskans deserve more.
So I call on reporters in Alaska’s most well-staffed, resource-rich newsrooms to look anew in 2007 at the many challenges to Alaska’s environment. A tempting response is that many of these issues have been covered ad nauseam in prior years. That is no excuse for silence. A journalist’s job is to shed light, find new angles, help advance the debate. On the environment in 2006, Alaska’s best journalists left the issues to languish behind closed doors. This is disappointing.
Small Papers
General comments: Kudos to Alaska’s smallest papers for aggressively and ambitiously tackling the environment in 2006. Had any of these stories appeared under the masthead of the state’s largest papers, I would have been thrilled. And the body of work was impressive: The pool of entries was deep enough to have filled both large and small papers slots with top-shelf examples from the state’s smallest newsrooms. I’m glad to see somebody’s covering the environment in Alaska, and I hope Alaska Press Club officers will indulge my desire to single out two additional pieces with honorable mentions.
1st: “Global warming threatens Northwest Arctic coast,” by Susan B. Andrews and John Creed, The Arctic Sounder. Comments: Years from now 2006 will be known as the year global warming went mainstream. Andrews’ and Creed’s description of Kotzebue’s eroding shoreline, swamped lowlands and efforts to reduce its carbon footprint is a stellar example of how an amorphous, difficult-to-report issue like climate change can be made extremely relevant for local readers. The authors seamlessly mixed the latest science with elders’ observations and the costly challenges facing the borough. Most refreshingly, they did not waste any space on climate naysayers. All together, the piece highlighted the patent ignorance behind the Alaska congressional delegation’s unsustainable stance on climate change.
2nd: “Tanker flow long noted as risky,” by Carey James, Homer Tribune. Comments: Why is it we must wait until an Exxon Valdez smashes itself upon a reef or a Hurricane Katrina slams into the coast before we take action to reduce a well-known risk? James’ excellent enterprise reporting presents a clear-eyed analysis of the Katchemak Bay’s de facto role as the region’s only safe haven for stricken vessels, the Bay’s threadbare protections, and the head-in-the-sand, cross-your-fingers-and-hope-it-doesn’t-happen approach that is federal and state policy. Where were the big papers on this? Who knows, but you can be sure of one thing: When there is a spill, they will come parachuting in alongside federal agents, oil company cleanup officers, and a legion of others suddenly concerned about the Bay’s health.
3rd: “Humpback spends six hours caught in gillnet” by Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot. Comments: Typically upon receiving the contest entries I skim them all to get a sense of range of work. Stolpe’s account of a whale rescue stopped me in my tracks. I read the article start to finish. It is a gripper, and Stolpe did a marvelous job describing the urgency, confusion and anxiety among fishermen and rescuers alike as they struggled to free a humpback tangled in 75 fathoms of gillnet, lead and cork line.
Honorable Mentions
“Saying ‘no’ to mine could be costly” by Ben Stuart, Homer News. Comments: Stuart did a great service to readers by reporting on a Leg Affairs opinion that said, in effect, Alaskans would pay untold billions if they didn’t let mining companies rip apart the Iliamna Lake watershed to mine the Pebble prospect’s reserves. I don’t know what was more jaw-dropping: The analysis or Homer Rep. Paul Seaton’s trumpeting of that analysis as reason why the mine could not be stopped. I wish Stuart had dug deeper and challenged the thinking behind the report. But I was quite grateful for his clear, straight-forward explanation of the opinion and the stakes at play.
”Geothermal powers resort” by Sarah Hurst, Petroleum News. Comments: An exceptionally researched, readable and colorful piece about an entrepreneur’s bid to wean his end-of-the-road hot springs from diesel by tapping the area’s marginal geothermal potential. Of course, it helps to have a quote machine like Bernie Karl ("Forbes voted it the worst business idea for 2004,” Hurst quotes. “So I rebuilt it."). But Hurst’s research, storytelling skills and ability to render simple the complex (the process, she explains, is simply “refrigeration in reverse.") make this story shine. Great work.
CRIME OR COURTS
Large Papers
Judge: David J. Krajicek is a special correspondent for the New York Daily News and a featured contributor to Court TV’s Crime Library. He is the author of “Scooped!” (Columbia University Press), a look at coverage of crime and crime policy. Krajicek holds degrees from the University of Nebraska and Columbia University. He was as an assistant professor at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism before returning to writing full time. He is co-founder of Criminal Justice Journalists, a national association of crime reporters, and co-author of Covering Crime and Justice, a CJJ Web publication. His crime reporting primer is the basis for an online course at the Poynter Institute’s News University.
1st: “Burglarized,” by Megan Holland, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: This was a fine example of an enterprise story about a crime that is too often ignored, even though burglary is far more common than headline-grabbing violent crimes. The writing was vivid, beginning with the scene-setting anecdotal lead that nicely described the violation that burglary victims feel. The sourcing was broad, including several victims and police officials. Most stories would have stopped there. But Holland also included comments from a victims’ advocate, a pawn shop operator, a security firm and a drug expert who helped frame why burglaries have increased. The photos and sidebars helped round out the package, although the too-similar shadings of the burglary distribution map made it somewhat difficult to read.
2nd: “Long Road of Trouble” by Julia O’Malley, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: O’Malley’s piece proves once again that there is human drama behind nearly every crime news story. Thank goodness she took the time to look behind the police report. Every few paragraphs brought forth yet another mind-boggling detail of the exquisitely dysfunctional upbringing of these poor children. This story would have been made stronger by contextual material from experts on the impacts of alcoholism, imprisoned parents and the other forms of dysfunction apparent in this pitiful family.
3rd: “Gangs,” by Megan Holland, Anchorage Daily News. Holland’s story is a sturdy heads-up on gangs in Anchorage. It doesn’t overstate the problem but uses expert comments (including police, a school official and victims) to show that gangs are there. The graphic and sidebar help make it a good package.
Small Papers
Judge: Hurst Laviana has covered crime at the Wichita Eagle for more than 20 years while specializing in computer-assisted reporting on the side. He was the lead reporter in a series of stories that concluded in 2003 that more than two dozen Kansans had died at the hands of parolees during a four-year period. The newspaper that year won the Associated Press Managing Editors’ Freedom of Information Award for its efforts in forcing the state to open its parole records. Laviana also was the reporter who broke the story of a serial killer called the BTK Strangler who resurfaced in March 2004 after 25 years of silence by sending a letter to the newspaper. The case culminated in the arrest of a dog catcher named Dennis Rader, who was sentenced in August 2005 to life in prison after pleading guilty to 10 counts of first-degree murder.
1st: ”Acquitted Darling plans to enjoy life,” by Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune. Comments: The story is based on an interview with Jay Darling after he was acquitted by a jury of murdering his wife in 1997. The reporter does a nice job of capturing the personality of the defendant “He’s good with numbers. He answers questions quickly” and lays out the man’s thoughts about the case. The reporter pulls no punches when discussing the other side of the story. He notes that “Others aren’t so convinced Darling isn’t a liar and a murderer” before going on to quote relatives of the dead wife. This reporter touched all bases in the story.
2nd: ”Internet rape victim shares her story,” by Mary M. Rall, Alaska Star. Comments: This was the second of a four-part series on the dangers young people face when using the Internet. This part stands out because it tells in chilling detail the story of Stephanie Hasbrouk, who began exploring chat rooms at age 12, then began to lose control of her life at age 15 when she started in-person meetings with her on-line friends.
3rd: “Matt Owens sentenced to 101 years,” by Diana Haecker, The Nome Nugget. Comments: This is a full account of what must have been a draining sentencing hearing that saw former Nome police officer Matthew Owens continue to maintain his innocence in the 2003 murder of a young woman he’d managed to lure into his patrol car. Appropriate weight was given to the thoughts of the victim’s relatives, who were interviewed after the hearing. Mentioning that the victim’s mother was planning to plant a tree to symbolize the beginning of the healing process added a nice touch.
HEALTH OR SCIENCE
Judge: Tom Paulson is the science and medical writer for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He visited Africa for a month on a Knight Science Journalism fellowship to report on the impact of Bill Gates’ philanthropic efforts to improve health care in the Third World. He has covered tsunamis and other major issues for the paper.
1st: ”Roots of the Family Tree,” by George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News.
2nd: “Restaurant Inspections Uncommon,” by Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News.
3rd: ”Bring Us Your Dead,” by Amber Wilson, Sun Star.
EDITORIAL WRITING
Judge: Richard Aregood, retired Newark Star-Ledger managing editor, won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing at the Philadelphia Daily News in 1985.
General Comments: I’m very impressed by the overall quality of this year’s entrants, from the thorough reporting of big issues in the bigger papers to the excellent personal touch on serious issues in the smaller ones. It was very difficult to make choices, but here they are:
Large Papers
1st: Jenny Neyman of the Peninsula Clarion. Comments: Excellently reasoned and marvelously written edits on important subjects from legislative misconduct to irrational tax exemption to maintaining balanced government even when oil money’s involved.
2nd: Matthew Zencey of the Anchorage Daily News. His editorial on Medicare in Alaska was thorough, convincing and smoothly written; his made-up conversation with Don Young confirms that Alaskans and we on the Outside can agree; and the passion of his edit on heating aid for the elderly elegantly dismissed the opposition.
3rd: Rod Boyce of the Fairbanks News Miner. An exhaustive and very readable examination of oil and gas policy.
Honorable Mention:
Judge comment: I feel the need also to mention the excellent and well-written editorials of Mark Kelsey of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman.
Small Papers
1st: Carey James of the Homer Tribune. Comments: Clearly stated and very convincing edits on subjects ranging widely from government ethics to tanker safety to wandering moose and bear.
2nd: Mary Rall of the Alaska Star in Eagle River. Comments: Deeply personal editorials that at the same time effectively address larger points on war, criminal justice and internet safety of children. That ain’t easy.
3rd: Lori Evens of the Homer News. Calm, even-handed examination of issues that stir the public passion like placement of a homeless shelter, school funding and tax exemption.
BEST COLUMNIST
Judge: Nicole Brodeur, Seattle Times columnist
Large Papers
1st: Geo Beach, “Top O’ The Planet,” Tempest Media Productions. Comments: Beach’s voice is strong and writing is clear and fiery and makes the reader pause to think. The privilege of commentary is not wasted on him.
2nd: Myrl Thompson, “Valley Voices,” Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman. Comments: Thompson keeps an eye out for the everyman in a column that is cleanly written and strong-voices. (One criticism: Watch the habit of quoting literature in the lede ... you have a month to think of one, so use it).
3rd: Joel Davidson, The Catholic Anchor. Comments: Warm voice, excellent structure. The column invites all readers to what could be a “Catholics only” space. Everyone can get something from the subjects that Davidson tackles in an engaging, to-a-person style.
Small Papers
1st: Rosemary Fitzpatrick, “The Kachemak Gardener,” The Homer News. Comments: Column is warm and engaging and human, but also teaches by example. I especially like the way Fitzpatrick connects gardening to life; a wedding, a visit with a neighbor. It’s nice. It stands out. It serves readers, and it connects them to the paper.
2nd: Bill Smith, “Bay View,” Homer Alaska Tribune. Comments: Strong, sensible views in a style that both packs a punch and offers to buy you a beer. Readers get a stiff talking to, are urged to action and get just the facts. It’s a nice mix.
3rd: Mary Lochner, “Life in the Box,” The Northern Light. Comments: Smart coverage of what is often, indeed, the “boob tube.” Very thoughtful and reasonable. Occasionally, the writing is a little too high-minded, and points are made over and over. But readers can take a lot from the column, and think about it long after.
BEST SPORTS COLUMNIST
Judge: Jim Moore, Seattle P-I sports columnist
1st: Andrew Cremata, Skagway News: Fish This! Yukon Ramblings. Comments: I just really liked his writing style and how descriptive he was. I felt like I was there with him.
2nd: Sean Pearson, Homer Tribune: Mariners bid farewell to Blake’s gridiron
guidance. Comments: Again, liked his style, too, and I felt like I got to know who this
coach was in one column.
3rd: Sean Pearson, Littlest athletes often play toughest games. Comments: Read like a
blog, and there’s a certain appeal to that these days. I enjoyed his mindless meanderings, though the writer still managed to stay on topic.
BEST SPORTS NEWS REPORTING
Judge: Anita Ralstin and Paul Logan
Large Papers
1st: “Playing the Recruiting Game” by Matias Saari, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Comments: Matias did a find job in explaining the difficulties recruiting athletes to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
2nd: “Beloved Football Coach Dies” by Danny Martin of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Comments: Danny did good work on the coach obit, touching all the bases in telling the man’s life story.
3rd: “On Track for Football” by Jeremiah Bartz of Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman.
Small Papers
1st: ”UAA Women’s Hockey to Skate Again” by Jessica Allman of The Northern Light.
2nd: ”Alumnus to Coach Lady Seawolves” by Rachael Fisher of The Northern Light.
3rd: “Dawson Dismissal” by Andrew Cremata of The Skagway News.
BEST SPORTS GAME/EVENT STORY
Not available as of press time.
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
Jason Quick, Oregonian
1st: ”Playing Tough,” by Kevin Klott, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: A clear-cut choice. Not only did Klott glean vivid anecdotes, but his piece was set apart by his reporting - I think I counted 17 sources. That reporting painted a deep and vibrant piece that made me stop and get a cup of coffee to warm up. Reporting the history of outdoor hockey was a nice touch, and spoke to the depth of Klott’s reporting. I wonder, though, if a follow-up piece is in order about how the 20-below rule is widely ignored. A solid, solid, piece that was accentuated nicely by the layout (love the shot by Marc Lester of the frost-covered eyelashes of player Mary Carlson). It all combined to make this an easy first-place choice.
2nd: “Unalakleet girl at East thinks big,” by Brian Singler, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: A good job at revealing the quirky personality of Tweto, but I couldn’t help thinking this could have been a better story with more reporting. What about interviewing the parents? And I wanted to know more about her abrupt departure from Unalakleet’s regional volleyball team. What does that school think of her bailing? And was she as well-liked there? Also, her living on her own deserved more than just a reference to watching a scary movie by herself. Seems like that could have been explored more. That being said, I left this piece feeling like I knew Tweto, which is a primary goal of a feature.
3rd: “Hampton pushes herself to limits in pool,” by Adam Raeder, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Comments: Raeder is obviously a good interviewer - he got great stuff from Hampton - but I was turned off by the lead. A little hokey. A better intro would have been to lead with the near-drowning as a youth. Also would have liked to hear from her parents and their impressions of her rise from beginner to standout - maybe that has been a consistent character trait throughout her young life. But again, Raeder’s ability to get his subject talking in such a revealing and frank way set this apart from other entries.
Small Papers
1st: UAF graduate shares Iditarod experiences, expectations, by Hannah Guillaume, The Northern Light. Comments: A gripping lead easily set this story apart from the competition. How could anyone stop reading after that harrowing tale? A good job at identifying the crux of a conflict/struggle and playing it up.
2nd: “Play hard, study hard,” Nate Raymond, Sun Star. Comments: Nice reporting and decent way to get into a story that is relevant and important in college athletics. Nice job of digging to get the GPA numbers, not just for this year, but year’s past. Still would have liked more input from the athletes themselves; it was a little heavy on the coaches and administrators. But overall, a creative way to get into what could have been a boring numbers piece.
3rd: “M’s linemen ready for big game,” by Ben Stuart, Homer News. Comments: A clever story idea about a little publicized facet of football, but I thought the best stuff was buried and not developed. Remember, this is a feature, so reveal the subjects. I want to know “Razmo’s” personality, why they call Fielding “Hambeano”, etc. It’s probably well known these guys are big and make up one of the biggest lines in school history, so tell us what, and who, is behind those facemasks and pads. Are some of them shy? Rugged? Are they standouts in the classroom? I don’t know much more about these guys than when I first started reading the story. It was good, but could have been better with more questions about their personalities.
BEST ARTS COVERAGE
Judge: Douglas McLennan, editor, ArtsJournal
Large Papers
1st: “Composer Captures Alaska’s Rhythms,” Mike Dunham, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: A great sense of how a nationally prominent composer used unusual materials in a soundscape.
2nd: “My Neighbor’s Tree,” Jenny Neyman, Peninsula Clarion. Nice, lyrical story that brings a quiet perspective to a story that wasn’t obvious.
3rd: “Out of Stock: Are Video Stores being Ditched for Online Rentals?” Korry Keeker, Juneau Empire. Comments: This is a story that is being done in many places, but it’s a good overview of a significant cultural trend.
BEST SUSTAINED COVERAGE
Judge: Julius Strauss, Atwood Chair, University of Alaska Anchorage
Large Papers
1st: Lisa Demer and Richard Mauer, Anchorage Daily News, for assorted stories on Mark Avery, Rob Kane and their company Security Aviation. Comments: Very thorough investigative series on a complex but fascinating case. Extremely well-researched and well-written.
2nd: Margaret Friedenauer, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, for Iraq coverage of Stryker Brigade. Comments: Gives a good taste of the daily travails of US soldiers in Iraq. Reporter deserves commendation for putting herself in danger to cover a story of local importance.
3rd: Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, for Prudhoe Bay problems. Comments: Good consistent coverage of an important story. Gets under the skin of the various investigations.
Small Papers
1st: Michael Armstrong and McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News for Eruption of Augustine Volcano. Comments: Interesting topic covered very well, nicely written pieces and extremely informative both for locals and non-locals. Good research.
2nd: Ben Stuart, McKibben Jackinsky, Michael Armstrong, Homer News for Jay Darling Murder Trial. Comments: Gripping account of an interesting case. Vivid style keeps the reader engaged. Very good read.
3rd: Diana Haecker, The Nome Nuggett, Jane Doe 2 vs Catholic Church. Comments: Good effort covering an important topic. Not always the clearest of writing styles but reporter has evidently put a lot of time and effort into this series.
BEST SERIES
Judge: Julie Sullivan, Oregonian reporter, former Frontiersman and Spokesman-Review. Sullivan shared reporting duties on the INS story that won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
1st: “New Faces, New City” by Julia O’Malley, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: Exhaustively reported stories that manage to capture the poignancy, struggles and ascension behind the change in Anchorage’s demographics. O’Malley’s stories are warm, intimate, surprising and an important record of change.
2nd: “Accidental Dinner’’ by Peninsula Clarion staff. Comments: The reporters slice apart the news in plain sight: motorists who hit moose and in doing so, provide color, costs and perspective on the chaos. Fine local reporting that looks so smart because it focuses on one experience that connects an ever more diverse community.
3rd: “Eating Local” by S.J. Komarnitsky, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: Komarnitsky’s wonderful idea and accessible experiment challenges readers to think of their place on the food chain and steers readers into the risks and rewards of eating local. A universal reader because...everybody eats.
Small Papers
1st: “Warming Issue Heats Up’’ by Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune. Comments: Ehmke vividly explains the complicated stories of climate change in what feels like a simple walkabout tour of Kachemak Bay. He makes it a journey that is accessible and important. His prose is clear and specific, sources excellent and most importantly, he shows, not tells in vivid examples. It’s a series that shows other reporters how to tackle a huge complicated issue.
2nd: ”Living on the Edge” by Carey James, Homer Tribune. Comments: Carey James provides terrific explanatory journalism and context in her pieces on the Ring of Fire with a fine ear for quotes and perspective. Teachers all of the state have clipped this piece for science class.
3rd: Iditarod Coverage, by Diana Haeker, Nihls Hahn, The Nome Nugget. Comments: Diana Haeker and Nihls Hahn sustain their enthusiasm, expertise and lively writing throughout this single event, pushing with strong sources and descriptive writing right to the end.
BEST HEADLINE WRITING
Judge: Toby Smith, Albuquerque Journal
1st: Mark Kelsey, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman. Comments: “Sermon” and “Ho Ho” very good, subheds too. Alliteration in “Logo” nice to see once in a while. “Settlers Bay” works well, though marred by use of “home” in main and subhed. “Pros and Cons” good but not a zinger, likely because story not easy to explain.
2nd: Tony Hall, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: “Rainbow” is well done, as is “Model Citizen,” for its clever double meaning. “Ungulates Afoot” a head-scratcher. “Grease lightening” is OK, if a bit strained, and subhed only confuses the issue. “Noxioux weeds” appreciated for the care that went into it. The headline reminds all copyeditors that short, inside wire stories are just as important as staff-written covers.
3rd: Gary Black, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: This group of headlines would have scored better if the editor did not repeat words, often complete phrases, found in the ledes of the stories beneath them. That’s a no-no in headline writing. Still, the editor has the ability to grab a reader’s attention."Gravel" and “Pine” work well, “Collision” is a decent attempt, though use of a preposition to end the first line is bothersome. “Denali” doesn’t really tell reader much, nor does Frankenstein headline.
EDITORIAL CARTOON
Judge: John Trever has been the editorial cartoonist at the Albuquerque Journal since 1976. His cartoons are distributed by King Features Syndicate to more than 350 daily newspapers. Among his awards are honors by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Free Press Association and the Overseas Press Club.
1st: “Ted Stevens & ANWAR… Smoking a Whole Pack” by Jamie Smith, Ester Republic
Comments: Clear messages with strong visual metaphors and some nice ironical twists. Bold graphics with effective use of grey tones. Despite some lapses into scatology, a strong entry, particularly “Ted Stevens & ANWAR” and “Smoking a Whole Pack.”
2nd: Cartoons by “Toe” by Tony “Toe” Newman, Juneau Empire. Comments: Newman’s cartoons offer a light touch with some whimsical humor, effective layouts and simple graphics. Provides helpful written explanations of local cartoons to out-of-state judges.
3rd: “School Funding...Conservative Base” by Mike O’Meara, Homer News. Comments: Simple, uncluttered graphics; clever word-plays, as in “School funding cost differential.”
BEST SECTION
Judge: Jim Springhetti, longtime member of the Oregonian’s award-winning presentations staff, former Frontiersman editor.
Large Papers
1st: Anchorage Daily News “Play.” Comments: Fabulous use of art and typography. Easy to navigate and read. Design is highly dynamic, but avoids looking cluttered. A first-rate entertainment section.
2nd: Juneau Empire “Hooligan.”
No third.
Small Papers
1st: The Homer Tribune “Weekender.” Comments: It captures the excitement of Homer with photos and story selection. Seems to cover local happenings broadly, thoroughly and with style.
2nd: Kodiak Daily Mirror “The Looking Glass.”
3rd: Alaska Star “Alaska Military Weekly”
BEST WEEKLY
Judge: Nigel Jaquis, Pulitzer prize-winning investigative reporter for Willamette Week in Portland, Ore.
1st: The Anchorage Press. Comments: The Press presents a thoughtful, skeptical appraisal of what matters in the state’s biggest city and why readers should care.
2nd: The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman. Comments: Well-designed, crisply edited and clearly written, the Frontiersman provides readers with a comprehensive take on local and state issues.
3rd: The Northern Light. Comments: This student publication outclassed professional entries with its attention to the reader-grabbing elements that too many stories lack: enterprise and conflict.
BEST ILLUSTRATION
Judge: Rick Nease, art director, Detroit Free Press
1st: “Dive Right In,” Michael Plett.
2nd: “Feeding Fallout,” Scott Hughes.
3rd: “Toilets Get No Respect,” Stephanie D. Johnson.
BEST PAGE LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Judged by Presentation Editor Mark Edelson, News Project Designer Nicole Bogdas and Designer Mike Perkins of The Palm Beach Post. Mark Edelson was named Newspaper Picture Editor of the Year seven times, and he’s been the lead picture editor or designer for the Post team that has earned numerous awards from the Poynter Institute, Pictures of the Year, and National Press Photographers Association.
Large Papers
1st: “Your chance to be a dancing fool” by Scott Hughes, Juneau Empire. Comments: The designer demonstrates good organizational skills in crafting a presentation that is clean, informative and easy to navigate. There’s a great deal of information on the page, yet the page doesn’t feel cluttered. (It should be noted, however, that there were some reservations about the readability of the screened type in the section on Salsa.)
2nd: “Dressed for Success” by Jenny Neyman and M. Scott Moon, Peninsula Clarion. Comments: The headline talks about layering being key in winter wear; the judges felt the designer/s did a good job of layering the typography and ordering the photography to make the page attractive AND convey information. The photos of hands were effectively used to create a vertical element for the page.
3rd: “Going Buggy” by Jenny Neyman, Peninsula Clarion. Comments: The page is graphically striking, led by the decision to run the microscopic shot of a mayfly “monster-size.” And though so much body text reversed out of a black background usually doesn’t work, here the type was sized appropriately to take advantage of good reproduction that insured legibility. The kerning of the caption for the mayfly picture was a bit awkward, but overall the page was a success.
Small Papers
1st: ”8 seconds of adrenaline” by Amber Wilson, Sun Star. Comments: The page is restrained, clean and organized well. There’s a bit of a problem with the pictures as displayed not supporting the headline (the dominant clown photo doesn’t address the adrenaline surge), but we were willing to overlook that. The series of small photos touches on a variety of aspects and helps the reader get a feel for what’s going on at the rodeo.
2nd: “A special sanctuary” by Gianna Ridgeway, Catholic Anchor. Comments: The designer took advantage of informative, graphically simple and appealing photographs to build a page that in its simplicity echoes the subject matter.
3rd: “Tartan tradition” by Stephanie D. Johnson, Alaska Star. Comments: The page exhibits some good choices of photos and the headline treatment was creative. A bit of restraint (perhaps less plaid decoration) and more white space (or in this case black space) would have helped the pictures stand out more effectively.
BEST GRAPHIC
Judge: Steve McKinstry, Graphics Director, The Oregonian
No awards given.
BEST SPOT PHOTO
Large Papers
Judges: Brad Loper, Photo Editor; David Woo, Photo Editor; Chris Wilkins, Assistant Director of Photography, Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Morning News won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photos.
1st: “Juneau Fire,” by Michael Penn, Juneau Empire. Comments: A clear winner, nicely layered and great composition.
2nd: “Firefighter and Child,” by John Hagen, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: Unexpected surprise from a wreck scene.
3rd: “Tanker aground,” by Al Grillo, AP. Comments: Simple storytelling in this graphic photo.
Small Papers
Judge: Janet Reeves, Director of Photography, Rocky Mountain News. The Rocky Mountain News won first place in the 2006 Pictures of the Year International.
1st: “Garnie vs. Murkowski,” by Diane Haecker, The Nome Nuggett
2nd: “Augustine Blows,” by Michael Armstrong, Homer News
3rd: “Police Officer Injured,” by Mary Rall, Alaska
BEST GENERAL NEWS PHOTO
Large Papers
Judges: Brad Loper, Photo Editor; David Woo, Photo Editor; Chris Wilkins, Assistant Director of Photography, Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Morning News won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photos.
1st: “Close call,” by Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: Nice light, moment and composition. Once again, a clear winner in this category.
2nd: “Welcome Home,” by John Hagen, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: Just a solid news photo, hard to beat this great moment.
3rd: “Veteran,” by Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: Wonderful seeing, looks over-photoshopped, costing it a place or two in the rankings.
Small Papers
Judge: Janet Reeves, Director of Photography, Rocky Mountain News. The Rocky Mountain News won first place in the 2006 Pictures of the Year International.
1st: “Moving On,” by Betsy Lund, Kodiak Daily Mirror
2nd: “Welcoming,” by Brain Lepley, Alaska Post
3rd: “Denali Delivery by John Pennell, Alaska Post
BEST ARTS PHOTO
Large Papers
Judges: Brad Loper, Photo Editor; David Woo, Photo Editor; Chris Wilkins, Assistant Director of Photography, Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Morning News won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photos.
1st: “Singer,” by John Wagner, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: By far the best entry in a very weak category consisting of three entries.
2nd: “Wearable Art,” by Michael Penn, Juneau Empire
3rd: “A little coaxing,” by Hall Anderson, Ketchikan Daily News
Small Papers
Judge: Janet Reeves, Director of Photography, Rocky Mountain News. The Rocky Mountain News won first place in the 2006 Pictures of the Year International.
1st: “Qaluyaarmuit dancers,” by Greg Lincoln, The Delta Discovery
2nd: “Steppin Out Dancers,” by Klas Stople, Petersburg Pilot
3rd: “Billinton in Visqueen Gown,” by Monique Musick, The Ester Republic
BEST PICTURE STORY
Large Papers
Judges: Photo editor Doug Parker and staff photographers Eliot Kamenitz and Sean Gardner, The New Orleans Times-Picayune
1st: “Bird Flu,” by Sam Harrel, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: Easily the best entry. Great mix of lenses produced details and overalls that fully communicated the story.
2nd: “Salmon Harvest,” by Klas Stulpe, Associated Press. Comments: Good, solid journalist photographs told the story well.
3rd: “Village Erosion,” by Al Grillo, Associated Press. Comments: A good selection of photos on an important story.
Small Papers
Mark Holm, Photo Editor, Albuquerque Tribune
1st: “VSC Swim Meet,” by Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot. Comments: Our feeling was that this photographer did a good job of varying the perspective and looking for some not-so-expected views of a swim meet. Good seeing.
2nd: “Play Ball,” by Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot. Comments: This was a fun, heart-warming look at some mini baseball players. Shot exclusively with a long lens, the subjects were cleanly isolated for impact. Some wider, off-the-field antics might have helped vary the perspective a bit. Nice job.
3rd: “Role Players,” by John Pennell, Alaska Post. Comments: This was a nice, visual account of an elaborately staged training exercise. Photographically, the pictures are well executed. While it’s a well-rounded sampling of the “performance,” scenes and moments “behind the scenes” might have helped reveal the actual personalities behind the roles they were playing. This discussion prompted the question: “Is your task as a photojournalist to produce pictures that look like realistic scenes from a training film, or to report on the experience of the participants?”
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
Large Papers
Judges: Brad Loper, Photo Editor; David Woo, Photo Editor; Chris Wilkins, Assistant Director of Photography, Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Morning News won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photos.
1st: “My Ball,” by Al Grillo, AP. Comments: Peak action cropped aggressively give us the first place winner.
2nd: “Bike,” by John Wagner, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: Different than your usual sports action photo.
3rd: “Bull’s Revenge,” by Al Grillo, AP. Comments: Tighter crop would have led to higher finish, good moment.
Small Papers
Judge: Janet Reeves, Director of Photography, Rocky Mountain News. The Rocky Mountain News won first place in the 2006 Pictures of the Year International.
1st: “Two Foot Kick,” by Greg Lincoln, Delta Discovery
2nd: “Close Finish,” by Greg Lincoln, Delta Discovery
3rd: Mystery entry - no title, caption or credit. Picture was of a football player in air. If you think you took this photo, see contest officials.
BEST SCENIC PHOTO
Large Papers
Judges: Brad Loper, Photo Editor; David Woo, Photo Editor; Chris Wilkins, Assistant Director of Photography, Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Morning News won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photos.
1st: “Eagle,” by Brian Wallace, Juneau Empire. Comments: Wow, heck of a picture and moment.
2nd: “Cold Run,” by Al Grillo, AP. Comments: Very close call for first, photo really evokes the lonely mood and bitter cold.
3rd: “Morning tide,” by Klas Stolpe, AP. Comments: Just a beautiful scene, nice light & composition.
Small Papers
Judge: Janet Reeves, Director of Photography, Rocky Mountain News. The Rocky Mountain News won first place in the 2006 Pictures of the Year International.
1st: “Two Captains,” by John Wagner, Extreme Alaska
2nd: “Snow Falling on Driftwood,” by Michael Armstrong, Homer News
3rd: “Trumpeter Swans,” by Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot
BEST PORTRAIT
Large Papers
Judges: Brad Loper, Photo Editor; David Woo, Photo Editor; Chris Wilkins, Assistant Director of Photography, Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Morning News won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photos.
1st: “Nap,” by Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: Very non-traditional for the portrait category, but works....
2nd: “Bugle,” by John Wagner, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: Good, clean composition of a quiet moment.
3rd: “Photographer,” by Sam Harrel, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: Best of the rest wins third
Small Papers
Judge: Janet Reeves, Director of Photography, Rocky Mountain News. The Rocky Mountain News won first place in the 2006 Pictures of the Year International (POYI).
1st: “Firefighter Ross Imbler,” by Rosie Milligan, Sun Star
2nd: “Laura,” by John Wagner, Extreme Alaska
3rd: “At Last,” by Brian Lepley, Alaska Post
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
Large Papers
Judges: Brad Loper, Photo Editor; David Woo, Photo Editor; Chris Wilkins, Assistant Director of Photography, Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Morning News won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photos.
1st: “Final Tribute,” by Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: Clear winner, nice layering and moment pulls this photo to first place.
2nd: “Hay,” by Sam Harrel, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: Beautiful photo, would have placed well as a scenic as well.
3rd: “Randy Johnson kisses first king,” by Bob Martinson, Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Funny photo, really made us chuckle down here in Dallas.
Small Papers
Judge: Janet Reeves, Director of Photography, Rocky Mountain News. The Rocky Mountain News won first place in the 2006 Pictures of the Year International (POYI).
1st: “Frosty Jogger,” by John Wagner, Sun Star
2nd: “Hungry Humpbacks,” by Ron Loesch, Petersburg Pilot
3rd: “Eating Disorder,” by Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune
Continue to Alaska Press Club Awards 2006, part 2 (BROADCAST/ALL MEDIA)
Alaska Press Club Awards 2006 (announced 4/21/07)-2 of 2 (BROADCAST/ALL MEDIA)
RADIO
BREAKING NEWS
Judge: Corey Flintoff got his start in radio at KYUK in Bethel, and also worked for KSKA in Anchorage, and later went on to APRN. With NPR for 16 years, he’s currently a State Department and Intelligence Community correspondent. His is a familiar voice to Alaskans.
1st: “New Stu Fire,” by Jody Seitz, KDLG, Dillingham. Comments: Good sense of immediacy, and good use of interviewees’ voices to give the story interest.
2nd: “Storm Heading Toward Nicolski May Delay Fuel Barges Again,” by Charles Homans, KIAL-AM, Unalaska
3rd: “Whale Rescue,” by Emily Schwing, KFSK, Petersburg
SINGLE STORY
Judge: Susanna Capelouto is the news director of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s 15-station radio network. She’s been reporting in the state for over 10 years and currently works with a staff of five reporters. Her areas of special interest are state politics, education, religion and race relations. Susanna has been honored over the years with awards from the Georgia Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Georgia Bar Association. She lives with her husband and two children in Atlanta.
General comments: As a whole, there were so many great stories in this category that it was tough to pick the top 3. The Alaska Press Club can really be proud of the multitude of good reporters you have.
1st: “Tribal Youth Diversion,” by Melissa Maroni Wentzel, KCAW Raven Radio. Comments: Melissa did some great reporting for her story. She rode with a police officer, spoke to young people and did her leg work. The story gives a good sense of the problem of underage drinking from all perspectives, and one program that is trying to help.
2nd: “Homeless Anchorage Youth,” by Rebecca Barker, Alaska Teen Media Institute. Comments: A very different look at homelessness and the way young people on the streets see themselves. Rebecca did a great job of reporting. I’m not sure if Rebecca herself is a teenager, but I think she’s got a great future in radio.
3rd: “Risse,” by Sarah Neal, KUAC. Comments: Sarah gives listeners a great sense of place in the beginning of the story. She brings out the character of Mr. Risse really well and hooks people into the story.
COMPREHENSIVE
Not available as of press time.
ONGOING PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM
Judge: Barbara Worth, AP
1st: “AK: The Five Senses,” by Rebecca Sheir, Jessica Cochran, Ellen Lockyer, Duncan Moon, Michelle
Wozniak, Alaska Public Radio Network. Comments: It was a pleasure to listen to this creative, entertaining exploration of the senses. The show was informative, original, and fun. Good use of sound and interviews. All segments were enjoyable and educational, and the “taste” segment was particularly heartfelt.
2nd: “2006 In Other News,” Alaska Teen Media Institute. Comments: The program was full of surprises, with a distinctive youthful feel. Its broad selection of topics, both serious and light, showcased an impressive range of teenage activities and concerns. Nice music and good efforts throughout the show to “play” with the medium. The MySpace segment in particular demonstrated very special maturity, though all of these teens have much to be proud of. Keep pushing yourselves!
3rd: “The Susitna Valley Voice,” by Amanda Stossel and Lacey Ruskin, KTNA, Talkeetna. Comments: The show had an informative and wide-ranging look at what’s up at the statehouse, a down-to-earth commentary, and a moving tribute to a local adventurer. A solid, thought-provoking presentation.
DOCUMENTARY
Judge: Gabrieal Sptizer, Chicago Public Radio
1st: “Voices of Courage,” by Tania Danielski, Voices Project, News Organization: KHNS. Comments: A candid account of an often-overlooked part of the recovery process. This piece offers an honest, moving account of one woman’s story. It might benefit from a bit more variation in scene and voice, and the music scoring could have even more power if the producer chose a wider variety of music and let it run under more of the story. But overall, this is a nice piece about an important subject, and a worthy entry.
No second or third.
GOVERNMENT OR POLITICAL
Judge: Los Angeles area native Paul Glickman is a senior news editor at KPCC in Southern California. He was an award-winning editor at NPR, including a stint as the network’s editor in charge of coverage of Africa and the Americas. His honors include two duPont-Columbia Awards and a Peabody Award.
1st: “PERS and TERS Effects on Petersburg,” by Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK Public Radio
2nd: “Agencies Clash Over the Future of the Galena Airport,” by Tim Bodony, KIYU
3rd Place: No award
BUSINESS
Judge: Nina Thorsen, KQED Inc., San Francisco
1st: “New Limits on King Crabs,” by Charles Homans, KIAL. Comments: An inventive treatment of what could have been a conventional story. It engaged my interest immediately; the reporter chose to begin the piece not with a “talking head” expert or even someone from the fishing industry, but with a bartender remembering what used to happen when the fleet came in to town. Without being shallow or fluffy, the story gave listeners a vivid sense of what makes this part of Alaska distinctive. Well-recorded, well-chosen actualities, good radio writing, good use of sound.
2nd: “Effects of No Sheltered Seas,” by Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK. Comments: A very interesting topic—the impact on a small community of a cruise line changing its route—but I felt the story was longer than it needed to be, and needed to be edited more tightly. The resulting lack of focus made it hard for the listener to sort out the important points. The reporter reads his script too fast, but his expressive reading and informal style made me try to keep up with him.
3rd: “BP Shutdown,” by Libby Casey, KUAC. Comments: Good writing, especially into and out of actualities, and thoughtful focus on the broader implications of the BP action saved this fairly straightforward story from being pedestrian. The lack of sound made it a less appealing radio piece.
ENVIRONMENT
Judge: Jessica Goldstein, NPR producer
No winners.
General comments: Of the 9 pieces I reviewed … I do not think that any merit first, second or third place recognition. Some of the topics reported on were interesting, but overall, the stories had some serious flaws. The pieces were not well produced or structured, and the writing was not clear, making it difficult for me in good conscience to give my mark of approval. That said, I do think there are a couple of reporters who show promise, and should be acknowledged for their commitment and effort to covering stories in Alaska that highlight environmental issues.
Below are some brief comments:
Amanda Stossel, “Talkeetna Opposes Herbicides.” Comments: This was an interesting story; however it had some major problems. Most significantly, Stossel didn’t interview the manufacturers of the herbicide; she only featured a person in town, opposed to the herbicide, reading from the manufacturer’s website about the dangers of herbicide. The structure of the piece was good, but some of the internal edits were very rough, and should have been smoothed out before being broadcast.
Matt Lichtenstein, “Forest Service Biologist Challenges Timber Sale.” Comments: Overall I felt like I didn’t hear enough from Glen Ith, the biologist who was challenging the sale. It was hard for me to gauge how significant this story is and if it was something NEW being presented to the listener…. were there others within the forest service that came out against sale?
Jody Seitz, “Guides.” Comments: Topic of story was interesting, but piece needed to be edited down. The presentation was clear, but overall it was not dynamic enough to keep my attention.
Jody Seitz, “Bridge.” Comments: The story was very thorough, and both sides were presented but found myself left hanging with a few significant questions.
CRIME OR COURTS
Judge: Richard Baker, K-State Radio Network
1st: “Constitutional Amendment,” by Sarah Neal, KUAC-FM. Comments: A difficult and complicated story told with good writing and supported by meaningful sound. This is a very good example of the reporter being objective with the soundbytes bringing in the subjective aspects of the story, which makes for compelling story-telling. In addition, a good job of being eased in and out of the soundbytes. Clear and informative.
2nd: “Chevak Tribal Court,” by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, APRN/AK. Comments: An interesting and compelling story supported throughout with sound and good writing. Good information and good presentation.
No third.
BEST EDUCATION REPORTING
Judge: Emily Kopp, Georgia Public Broadcasting
1st: “Goose Bay Overflow,” by Amanda Stossel, KTNA. Comments: It was an excellent topic with relevance for her listeners. She did a great job of taking the listener to the scene through sound.
2nd: “AYP,” by Melissa Marconi Wentzel, KCAW-FM Raven Radio. Comments: The topic was important and relevant. But, while the story covered all the bases, it was dry.
3rd: “Getting Out,” by Katie Zager and Chris Frenier, Alaska Teen Media Institute. Comments: Interesting angle on the topic of college selection. The story was well-rounded and informative but it bordered on editorial without sufficient attribution.
BEST REPORTING ON HEALTH OR SCIENCE
Judge: Adi Gevins won a Peabody in 1977 for a documentary she produced with Laurie Garrett. Currently she is a researcher with the DNA files and director of the Science Literacy Project, which among other things provides training for radio journalists in covering science stories.
General comments: The submissions in this category were superior, competition was tough.
1st: “Brevig Mission: Tracing the Genetic Path of a Pandemic,” by Lori Townsend, APRN. Comments: Exceptionally thorough coverage, first class reporting, fascinating story telling, clear and interesting explanations of the science and the process of scientific research, excellent use of sound, news you can use, peopled by characters you get to know and will remember. The story, as told, is local, regional and international. I learned a lot, and enjoyed the experience. A truly excellent piece of work.
2nd: “Learning to Fly: Casting for Recovery,” by Rebecca Sheir, APRN. Comments: A beautifully told story; a moving canvas painted with sound. Inspiring and informative, this piece teaches us about the physiology and psychology of cancer patients, survivors and healers. We learn about an innovative approach to recovery and discovery. We meet a number of inspiring and inspired women, and leave them with delight, knowledge and respect. Excellent use of sound and character. The people and setting are all Alaska, the story begs universal application.
3rd: “KHNS Forum: Youth and Substance Abuse,” Voices Project - Tania Danielski, KHNS-FM. Comments: What is happening in teen brains? An exceptional presentation of an issue of critical importance to all of us. The guests are top notch, excellent communicators, and professionals with deep, first-hand knowledge of the issues at hand. Complex subjects are handled in an accessible way. New scientific discoveries and social and ethical issues are discussed in ways that are both understandable, and that seem to apply to our daily lives. The moderator moves the discussion artfully, and listeners are provided with truly useful resources. I only wish I could have heard some of the related Radio Diaries.
Additional judge comments to entrants and Press Club board: I had problems with two of the entries (both of which I selected for awards). 1. The CD of the very excellent program which I selected for First Place honors, “Brevig Mission,” either cut out before the end of the second piece, or the true ending was voiced by the program host (which I don’t know because I wasn’t provided with a narrative description of the program end, or a script, or a transcript). Because of the excellence of the program, I’m trusting that the end of Part 2 was as well crafted as the end of Part 1. I don’t know if this snafu occurred because of the file labels identifying the CD, or because the ending was not recorded. Regardless, I think this calls for a careful instruction to entrants that they audition the full CD before mailing it, and that they include any contextual information necessary (such as “host intro” script, or whatever) 2. The Sleeve of the CD of the wonderful program which I selected for Third Place, “Voices of Courage: KHNS Forum: Youth and Substance Abuse” seemed to indicate that “radio diaries” would be included on the CD. When I checked out their website I discovered impressive diaries associated with other programs. The hour panel discussion on the CD they submitted was truly terrific, and definitely worthy of commendation. If there were radio diaries created and distributed in tandem with the discussion, I wish they had been included in their entry. 3. It would be helpful if in the future all Radio category entries included the length of time of the submitted recording.
BEST RADIO FEATURE
Judge: Karen Michael, former award winning journalist in Alaska with many fellowships and awards including a Peabody, a Fulbright and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships. A contributor to NPR, founder of the Association of Independent Radio, she currently teaches workshops all over the country and is a visiting professor at a college in Poughkeepsie, NY.
1st: It’s a three-way tie!
“First Berries” by Len Anderson-KSKA for AK. Comments: A sound essay of wonderful storytelling. Terrific writing, a piece of sizzling tape (the cell phone call), interesting voices, a fine enlargement of a seemingly simple subject rendered a radio story that enters the listener into a microcosm of the cycle of life.
“Dumpster Diving,” by Rebecca Barker-Alaska Teen Media Institute. Comments: A well structured, well reported and well writen story of a quirky sub-culture. The feature is simultaneously solid and akilter. There’s lots of fabulous tape, used pitch-perfectly.
“Seeing voices: Baldnesss, Bond Villains and the Noah Adams Moment” by Rebecca Sheir-APRN. Comments: Quite wonderful, fun, and sonically rich. Well done and well produced. A fine sense of radio.
No second or third.
BEST PROFILE
Not available as of press time.
BEST SPORTS STORY
Judge: Tom Goldman, NPR’s award winning sports correspondent and former reporter and producer at the APRN in the 80s.
1st: “Midnight Sun Baseball,” by Libby Casey, KUAC. Comments: Libby did a lovely job of providing the listener with a great sense of place, history and character. She took us to the game with good sound and writing, and quickly established why Midnight Sun Baseball is unique. There was great tape - I think of the first character, Red Boucher (sp?), who runs the Alaska League - his voice just makes you smile. Another funny moment...and we LOVE funny in radio!!!....was the player who talked about being “freaked out” by playing at that time of day. At about the 4 minute mark, I’d had my fill of listening to people talking about baseball and the uniqueness of Alaska and this event - my ear needed a change in direction. Libby expertly DID THAT...giving us the beautiful rendition of the Alaska State Song. It was a great little moment. All in all, a very nice piece of radio...and a worthy first place winner!!
No second or third.
BEST ARTS
Judge: Euan Kerr, Minnesota Public Radio
1st: “Athabascan fiddler,” by to Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock. Comments: “Hitchcock combines a great character with fine music and produces a pleasing piece which touches on culture old and new.”
BEST DAILY NEWS PROGRAM (RADIO)
No entries.
TELEVISION
BEST BREAKING NEWS
Judge: Al Tompkins Broadcast/Online Group Leader, The Poynter Institute
1st: “Regular session ends,” by Bill McAllister and Jason Kohler, KTUU. Comments: Thestory not only shows urgency, but deep expertise
2nd: “Seward Highway crash,” by Joy Mapaye and Kyle Stalder, KTUU
3rd: “Valley flooding,” by Joy Mapaye and Shawn Wilson, KTUU
BEST SINGLE STORY REPORTING
Julia Yarbough, WTVJ NBC 6, Mirimar, FL
1st: “A long walk home,” by Angela Unruh, KTUU. Comments: The story conveyed excellent emotion. The crew took a standard domestic crime story and turned it into a human, REAL tragedy. The photography work put the viewer in the midst of this woman’s struggle and pain, and excellent writing to the video, and nice use of NAT sound. Would have liked to have some information on how the stats of domestic violence; how many women fall victim… Is her case unique, or is it a regular occurrence??
2nd: “The long walk home,” by Rebecca Palsha and Scott Jensen, KTUU. Comments: Excellent use of movement with photography to take the viewer into the fire ruins with this woman. Nice writing to the video. Again, taking a standard house fire story and creating a human story. The only thing: would have liked to have seen a photo of the house as it was before the fire… Or perhaps photos of the father to put it into perspective.
3rd: “Serving our youth,” by Angela Unruh and Mike Nederbrock, KTUU. Comments: nice opening shot… Very “film” like. Excellent explanation of the state license and all the marking which indicate under-age. Nice touch to include hidden camera video. Explained the mission of the undercover team, but would have liked to have more information on what the exact laws are and how many violations are reported, and what is the impact of that law being broken? Good delivery by reporter. The piece was informative, i simply felt like i needed a bit more detail on how much of a problem this is… Why are there so many liquor stores if this is such an issue?
BEST SERIES REPORTING
Judge: Al Tompkins Broadcast/Online Group Leader, The Poynter Institute
1st: “Lending a helping hand,” by Rebecca Palsha and Scott Jensen, KTUU. Comments: Great stories with lots of heart. You show us lots of memorable moments and took us deep inside the Katrina disaster.
2nd: “Arctic winter games,” by Rhonda McBride and Brad Hillwig, KTUU
3rd: “Gang violence … “ by Ali Rees and Daniel Carpenter, KTUA. Comments: This project is an uncommon and laudable dedication of time to a worthwhile topic in Alaska. Stay on tis story. Congratulations.
BEST LIVE SHOT
Not available as of press time.
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Judge: Al Tompkins Broadcast/Online Group Leader, The Poynter Institute
1st: “The 49th Star,” by Michael Letering and Deb Lawton, KUAC TV. Comments: This is outstanding and well produced storytelling and journalism. How useful it is to re-examine history and understand our heritage.
2nd: “Ironwoman,” John Tracy, KTUU. Comments: This is a worthwhile dedication of resources that tells a story of Alaskan perseverance.
No third.
BEST REPORTING ON HEALTH OR SCIENCE
Judge: Karen Larsen, KJRH, Tulsa, Oklahoma
1st: “Tooth & Nail” Series, reporter Rhonda McBride and photographer Phil Walczak, KTUU. Comments: Thoroughly researched, well-written and covered all of the angles. Nice to see the travel to other states for extended coverage. Conclusion: extremely well-written and beautifully edited to support and match the script. Nice teamwork between reporter and photographer. The on-set dialogue also helped wrap up any loose ends to the story.
2nd: “Mental Illness,” reporter Joy Chavez Mapaye and photographer Brad Hillwig, KTUU. Comments: Creatively written piece with a unique twist in the story-telling. Tough story for television but photographer/editor did a nice job. Would have benefited from reporter standups to explain key details when supporting video wasn’t available. (Ex: empty courtroom) Also, consider the inclusion of other sources - a judge, mental health expert, state case worker, etc.
No third.
BEST EDUCATION REPORTING
Judge: Karen Larsen, KJRH, Tulsa, Oklahoma
No awards given.
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
Julia Yarbough, WTVJ NBC 6, Mirimar, FL
1st: “Clean up the mess,” by Rebecca Palsha and Brad Hillwig, KTUU. Comments: The crew took a simple and basic trash clean-up sotry and with the use of excellent photography, use of NAT sound and writing specificially to the video, they made the piece really move. It included good information, and a personal touch from the viewpoint of the people taking part in the clean-up. Quick. Concise. It moved.
2nd: “Cold Climate Housing,” by Maria Downey and Jason Kohler, KTUU. Comments: EXCELLENT information. The reporter was very knowledgeable and authoritative with the subject matter. I would have liked to have seen greater use of outdoor weather images to give a real-life application of why this research is so necessary and how it will directly impact us.
No third.
BEST REPORTING ON CRIME OR COURTS
Not available as of press time.
BEST GOVERNMENT OR POLITICAL REPORTING
Not available as of press time.
BEST BUSINESS REPORTING
Judge: Karen Larsen, KJRH, Tulsa, Oklahoma
1st: “Hooper Bay Economy,” reporter Rhonda McBride and photographer Phil Walczak, KTUU. Comments: Excellent photography and use of natural sound to bring the story to life. Reporter clearly demonstrated the difficulties of life in Hooper Bay and the need for economic development.
No second or third.
BEST TELEVISION FEATURE
Judge: Deborah Horne, KIRO 7 News, Seattle
1st: “Jack’s Perfect World,” reporter Rebecca Palsha and photographer Scott Jensen, KTUU. Comments: Beautifully photographed, very well told story with an incredible surprise! Good job.
2nd: “Peter’s Creek Flooding,” reporter Jason Moore and photographer Scott Jensen, KTUU. Comments:
Nicely photographed.
3rd: “I Need a Home,” reporter Angela Unruh and photographer Scott Jensen, KTUU.
BEST ARTS COVERAGE
Judge: Deborah Horne, KIRO 7 News, Seattle
No awards given.
ONGOING PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM
No entries.
BEST SPORTS STORY
Judge: Gary Horcher, KIRO 7 News, Seattle
1st: “The Sourdoughs.” Comments: Covering a triathalon poses so many challenges of time and manpower. Subjects are moving fast, and they’re exhausted. Usually, that combination means viewers at home don’t get to see feel and hear what motivates a competitor. From beginning to end, this compelling story presented the athlete’s essence. The determination, the bravery, and the strategy of a triathalete was explained through brief glimpses into their personalities. Every single one of them was a never-say-die character, and the reporter/photographers captured their spirit beautifully. The stand-up was one of the best I’ve ever seen in a sports story. (I had to watch it several times to make sure it wasn’t staged.) This piece clearly took a hell of a lot of work, and every edit and word was worth it.
2nd: “Aniak Halfbreeds,” Kevin Wells, Eric Sowl, KTUU. Comments: This piece was so well shot and edited, and the thoughtful writing was very crisp and entertaining. Great use of nat sound. This story wraps a viewer in the pride and spirit of a small town, determined to keep their controversial team name. It was a lot of fun to watch.
3rd: “Number One with a Bullet,” Kevin Wells, Heather Moore. Comments: Well written, shot and edited. An interesting examination of the personalities behind a very obscure sport.
BEST PROFILE
Judge: Gary Horcher, KIRO 7 News, Seattle
1st: “One Man Mission,” Angela Unruh-Reporter, Kyle Stalder-Photographer, KTUU. Comments: The story of Mao Tosi seems right out of a Hollywood script..But the reporter and photographer took careful, measured steps to show the viewer a powerful and tragic example of the type of people Tosi is trying to save. A breathtaking story told in a way that lets the subject’s unforgettable character really grow on the viewer. Well shot, and edited. The golden moment was discovering how a coach’s small act of kindness saved a man who could in turn save thousands more. I wanted to clap when it was over. Great story.
2nd: “Andrew Halcro Profile,” Bill McAllister, KTUU. Comments: So well presented. The writing and editing captured the sharp and clever persona of this candidate. It was well-written as a serious examination of this man’s wit and style, and yet, I laughed out loud at Halcro’s humor. The use of sound and images here were very effective. After seeing this piece twice, I wondered how the candidate lost the election.
3rd: “Murtkowski Exit Interview,” Bill McAllister, KTUU. Comments: McAllister not only delivered a great examination of this former Governor, but he showed off some great interview skills. This character is clearly used to intimidating people, and probably reporters, but this reporter stood his ground, and the result was enlightening. Well written.
BEST EDITING
Judges: Eric Kehe and the award-winning photographers at KUSA 9 NEWS, Denver
No awards given.
BEST FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Judges: Eric Kehe and the award-winning photographers at KUSA 9 NEWS, Denver
1st: “Springing Spring,” by Bradley Hillwig.
No second or third.
BEST SPOT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY
Judges: Eric Kehe and the award-winning photographers at KUSA 9 NEWS, Denver
1st: “An Unfolding Disaster,” Scott Jensen, KTUU.
No second or third.
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
No entries.
BEST DAILY NEWS CAST (TV)
Judge: Tim Ryan, Assistant News Director, KUSA TV Denver
President of the Heartland Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), the organization responsible for the presentation of regional Emmy awards for excellence in television.
1st: KTUU Channel 2 Late Edition. Comments: Thorough spot news coverage, lots of different places, especially the October newscast with the flooding in Seward and Valdez. Nice use of maps to tell that story. Good job!
2nd: KTUU, Channel 2 NewsHour
No third.
ALL MEDIA
BEST ALASKA OUTDOORS STORY
Judge: Mark Larabee, outdoors reporter, The Oregonian
1st: Kevin Klott, Anchorage Daily News, “Hard-working Halibut Slayer.” Comments: Mr. Klott did a nice job with this story. I thought it was a well-rounded profile of an interesting boat captain, a woman who certainly illustrates the hearty spirit of the Alaskan people. Mr. Klott showed well-honed observation and writing skills throughout the piece. By far the best of the lot.
No second or third.
BEST ALASKA HISTORY STORY
Judge: Fairbanks-born Stanton Patty “retired” from The Seattle Times in 1988 after thirty-four years as a regional reporter, editor and travel writer. In 2004 he authored “Fearless Men and Fabulous Women: A Reporter’s Memoir from Alaska & the Yukon,” and continues to freelance as a writer and photographer.
1st: “Chitina Curse,” by Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network. Comments: A compelling story. Smooth blending of legends, history and modern interviews.
2nd: “Chair with a Story,” by Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: What might have been a routine story became a solid, well-researched feature in the hands of a talented reporter.
3rd: “Z.J.’s Legacy: Love of literature,” by Mike Dunham, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: Excellent work. This entry almost won second place.
HUMOR
Judge: Steve Mirsky is the wit behind Scientific American’s “Anti Gravity” column and host of the magazine’s podcast.
1st: “Brokeback Troller--Crabbait Radio,” by Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK Public Radio, (I think I chose this same team last year for first.)
2nd: Smattering of Pattering Leaves Audience Laughing Critic Nattering,” by Mike Dunham, Anchorage Daily News.
3rd: “Lawyers Work Their Magic,” by Drew Herman, Kodiak Daily Mirror.
General comments: Seemed like far fewer entries than last year. And many people enter material as humor that is straight reporting of something offbeat. There’s got to be something in the writing/broadcast that’s just plain funny! Well, made it easier to judge, anyway.
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Judge: Bob Drogin, National security reporter for the Los Angeles Times; former IRE board member and winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the Robert F. Kennedy award and the Polk Award.
1st: “Legislators and Conflicts of Interest,” Kizzia, Demer, Mauer, Ruskin, Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: The FBI raid on legislative offices last fall marked a dark moment in Alaskan history. Senior elected officials were under investigation for suspected conflicts of interest, influence peddling and corruption. But much of the case was old news to readers of the Daily News. The paper already had been digging into this story for more than a year. They reported on Senate President Ben Stevens and his failure to report $70,000 a year in cash and stock from Semco Energy, as well as his work for commercial fishing companies and oilfield services contractor Veco. Three months after the searches, Rep. Tom Anderson was indicted. Once again, the Daily News was ahead of the story, laying out his dual role as a legislator and a lobbyist. The reporting throughout is clear, solid and timely.
2nd: “Nonprofit Funding in Question,” Rod Boyce and Sam Bishop, Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Comments: Another FBI investigation, this time in Fairbanks, focused on former mayor and pastor Jim Hayes. But long before the feds arrived, Rod Boyce and Sam Bishop were filing requests under the Freedom of Information Act to obtain records from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service, as well as state and city files, to investigate the operations of a non-profit social services organization founded by Hayes and his family. They ultimately tracked the apparent misuse of nearly $3 million in federal funds. Their stories in early 2006 laid out a scheme that federal investigators later confirmed.
3rd: “Land Deal Opens SeaLife Center, Seward Rift,” Tom Kizzia, Anchorage Daily News. Comments: This lengthy story details how a powerful politician diverted federal funds to help a friend with a lucrative land deal. In this case, Sen. Ted Stevens diverted $1.6 million that was slated for the city of Seward to instead go to the Alaska SeaLife Center. Sealife then spent $558,000 to buy a derelict waterfront structure that was filled with asbestos and had an appraised value of only $94,000. The co-owner was Steven’s former legislative aide, Trevor McCabe. Kizzia’s hard-edged reporting shines a bright light into a dubious land deal.
BEST MEDIA WEBSITE
Judge: Frank Bass, author of The AP Guide to Internet Research and Reporting, is a member of the AP’s special projects team. While at the Montgomery Journal of Commerce, he won a Pulitzer Prize for stories exploring causes of infant mortality in Alabama.
1st: “Voices Project,” Haines (http://www.voicesproject.org). Comments: Far and away the best mix of journalism, community service and multimedia in the field. A terrific contribution and something larger markets would do very well to emulate.
2nd: “The Trail,” Anchorage Daily News (http://www.adn.com/thetrail). Comments: Amusing, well-written—the hopeful future of campaign journalism. A reminder that political blogs don’t have to be loud, obnoxious and polarizing.
3rd: KTUU-TV (http://www.ktuu.com). Nice mix of current video, print; weekend updating gets bonus points. Content is very good, although site loses points for jumbled design.
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Judge: Gary Cohn, reporter Los Angeles Times, adjunct professor USC Annenberg School of Journalism, former Atwood Professor, University of Alaska, Anchorage. 1998 Pulitzer Prize winner.
Comments: I have decided to award two winners this year in the Public Service Category. I believe that each of these two entries is extraordinary public service journalism that deserves to be recognized and rewarded. The two entries, one print, one broadcast, involved terrific reporting and storytelling and the marshaling of resources above and beyond what is expected.
It is my privilege to award the Public Service Award to (in alphabetic order) Libby Casey and radio station KUAC for “Remembering the Fallen” and Margaret Friedenauer and the Fairbanks News Miner for reporting from Iraq.
In 2006, the Iraq war had a huge impact on the country—and on Fairbanks, Alaska. Each of these entries performed a big public service for listeners and readers in Alaska.
In a series of touching portraits, reporter Libby Casey of KUAC vividly and sadly told us the stories of local servicemen killed in Iraq, breathing life into the names of those killed in actino and bringing home the sad local consequences of a war being fought far away. In her reports, Libby Casey made readers care about the local people fighting the war and connected local listeners with the world.
In two outstanding reporting stints in Iraq, reporter Margaret Friedenauer of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner gave Fairbanks, a town that sent 10 percent of its population to Iraq, a firsthand, on-the-ground view of the war and what it means to be deployed to a war zone, while embedded with the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Margaret showed extraordinary courage and resourcefulness in reporting from Iraq, taking her own photographs and filing stories daily while also keeping a Web log of short stories and observations. At a time when many larger news organizations have been cutting back on foreign and war correspondents, managing editor Kelly Bostian and the paper’s executives sent Margaret across the world twice to tell this story that is so important to Fairbanks residents.
Margaret Friedenauer and Libby Casey and their news organizations represent the best in public service journalism today, not just in Alaska but nationally. Congratulations to both of them on their awards.
FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD
TBA.
###
Return to page 1, Alaska Press Club Awards 2006 (PRINT)
Alaska Press Club Awards 2005
awarded 2006
Now available: Awards listing with judges’ comments.Download complete list as Word file or pdf
(best versions for printing):
06winners_all.doc (Microsoft Word, 64K)
06winners_all.pdf (PDF Format, 112K)
Results for select high-interest and most open-to-all-media categories were announced Friday, April 7, 2006, during the club’s annual banquet, held this year at Fourth Avenue Theatre in Anchorage. Results have been updated below.
Comments from the judges were distributed at the banquet. This year’s featured speaker was Willamette Week reporter Nigel Jaquis, winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting.
BREAKING NEWS STORY, large
First: Peter Porco, Rindi White, Anchorage Daily News
Second: Mary Ames, The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, “Infant, mother slain”
Third: Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News, “Inmate flees after attending father’s funeral”
GENERAL NEWS STORY, large
First: Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Daily News, “Scene of Hope, Desperation”
Second: Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, “Felon’s Past Limits His UAA Academic Future”
Third: Sheila Toomey, Anchorage Daily News, “A Big Problem”
GENERAL NEWS STORY, small
First: Kelly DuFort, Catholic Anchor, ”Alaskans Give Generously to Help Victims of Tsunami” (scroll down)
Second: Carey James, Homer Tribune, “Tracy Avenue Fire”
Third: Greg Dart, Alaska Star, “Ouch - Wasp increase stings Eagle River”
BEST USE OF STORY & PHOTO BY A JOURNALIST
First: R.A. Dillon, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “All the livelong day”
Second: Margaret Friedenauer, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Iraqi battalion takes reins”
No third place.
BEST USE OF STORY & PHOTO BY A JOURNALIST, small
Results not available as of press time.
BEST SHORT FEATURE , large
First: Doug O’Harra, Anchorage Daily News, ”Honeybees fly North”
Second: Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Daily News, “Hip-hop airman”
Third: Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News, “Lonesome Valley”
BEST SHORT FEATURE, small
First: Jeff Brady, The Skagway News, ”Sister Judy salvages faith” (scroll down)
Second: Melissa Campbell, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Brady reflects on era’s evolution”
Third: Amy Armstrong, The Alaska Star, “Locals reveal Thanksgiving traditions”
BEST LONG FEATURE (large and small compete together)
First: Lynne Snifka, Anchorage Press, ”Eight arms to hold you”
Second: Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, “Party over in Tok”
Third: Disqualified.
BUSINESS REPORTING, large
First: Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, “Spill’s Legacy”
Second: Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, “Fishing Flip Flop”
Third: Diana Campbell, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “A tale of two economies”
BUSINESS REPORTING, small
First: Rob Stapleton, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Entrepreneur Hopes to Clean Computers via the Web”
Second: Carey James, Homer Tribune, “Safeway Design Includes Plans for Starbucks”
Third: Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune, “Got a Minute? Local Record Label Needs Big”
BEST GOVERNMENT REPORTING, large
First: Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News, “Slippery Slope?”
Second: Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, “Petroleum puzzle”
Third: Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, “Mother tries to earn daughters back”
BEST GOVERNMENT REPORTING, small
First: Jennifer Collins, The Skagway News, ”Passport countdown begins” (scroll down)
Second: Chris Eshleman, Homer News, “Experience backs up police force.”
Third: Alex DeMarban, The Tundra Drums, “State chiefs’ pay jumps $33,000”
BEST EDUCATION, large
First: Eric Morrison, Juneau Empire, “Teen Angst Advertised”
Second: Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News, “Whether Comedians or Criminals, Teens Cost Schools Time, Money with Capers”
Third: Katie Pesznecker, Anchorage Daily News, “Back in Class”
BEST EDUCATION, Small
First: Carey James, Homer Tribune, “Charters Grapple with Growth”
Second: Amy M. Armstrong, The Alaska Star, “Returning Students to Pack Paper, Pencils, Kindness”
Third: James Halpin, The Northern Light, “Response to Complaints Questioned”
BEST PROFILE, large
First: Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, ”Wanda’s World”
Second: Ann Potempa, Anchorage Daily News, “Dead Reckoner”
Third: Doug O’Hara, Anchorage Daily News, “Bait Shack Philosopher Holds Court”
BEST PROFILE, small
First: Kelly Jean Lincoln, The Delta Discovery, “Anna Alexie celebrates 90 years”
Second: Kelly DuFort, Catholic Anchor, “Two distant archdioceses celebrate a year of partnership”
Third: Jesse Keane, The Tundra Drums, “Willie Keppel: ‘Sometimes you just gotta kick the dog’
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING, large
First: Sherry Simpson, Anchorage Press, “Is it really us or them?”
Second: Elizabeth Bluemink, Juneau Empire, “Cauldron of Life”
Third: Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, “Humpy dump”
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING, small
First: Chris Eshleman, Homer News, “From the fryers to the tires”
Second: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Norquest Seafoods shrimp processing ends”
Third: Alex DeMarban, Dutch Harbor Fisherman, “Beacon controversy hovers over Cold Bay”
CRIME OR COURTS
First: Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Press, ”Lost: Desiree Lekanoff grew up in a world of drugs and death. Then her body surfaced on the shores of Turnagain Arm.”
Second: Tataboline Brant and Tom Kizzia, Anchorage Daily News, “An Outpouring: Law enforcement, Native leaders venture to villages to listen, mind fences and search for Clues.”
Third: Sheila Toomey, Anchorage Daily News, “Pile of evidence pointed to murder.”
CRIME OR COURTS, small
First: Andrew Wellner, Kodiak Daily Mirror, Woman caught ‘dirty’ handed, local DA says”
Second: John Crowder, Homer Tribune, “Man indicted for pushing wife off bluff”
Third: Michael Armstrong, Homer News, “Family files presumptive death petition for man lost 37 years ago”
BEST HEALTH OR SCIENCE, large
First: Lynne Snifka, Anchorage Press, “A Simple Plan”
Second: Sheila Toomey, Anchorage Daily News, “Left Behind”
Third: Doug O’Harra, Anchorage Daily News, “Meltdown”
BEST HEALTH OR SCIENCE, small
First: Carey James, Homer Tribune, “Disabled, elderly struggle with state cuts”
Second: Andrew Cremata, Skagway News, “When it comes to childbirth, Canada can no longer deliver for Skagway”
Third: Amy Armstrong, The Alaska Star, “Boy trades 74 pounds for better health”
EDITORIAL WRITING, large
First: Mark Kelsey, The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman
Second: Larry Persily, Anchorage Daily News
Third: Terry Miller, Ketchikan Daily News
EDITORIAL WRITING, small
First: John Roscoe, Catholic Anchor
Second: Lori Evans, Homer News
Third: Aaron Selbig, Insurgent49
BEST COLUMNIST
First: Jeremiah Bartz, The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman
Second: Jenny Neyman, The Peninsula Clarion
Third: Tony Bickert, The Alaska Star
BEST COLUMNIST, small
First: Soren Wuerth, ”Red Alert,” Insurgent 49
Second: Michael Armstrong, “Homer’s Best Bets,” The Homer News
Third: Jessica Ramsey Golden, The Northern Light
BEST SPORTS COLUMNIST, large and small compete together
First: Sean Pearson, Homer Tribune.
Second: Jeff Benzak, Kodiak Daily Mirror.
Third: Casey Ressler, The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman
SPORTS NEWS, large
First: Eric Morrison, Juneau Empire, “State Champs: Becoming the Best in Alaska a 27-year Grind.”
Second: Andrew Krueger, Juneau Empire, “Fairweather Flap Pinches School.”
Third: Dawn De Busk, The Frontiersman, “Sisters Make Running A Family Affair.”
SPORTS NEWS, small
No awards given.
SPORTS GAME/EVENT STORY, large
First: Kevin Klott, Anchorage Daily News, ‘’Juneau Keeps Promise’’
Second: Will Morrow, Peninsula Clarion, ‘’Bulldogs rebound from brutal loss’’
No third place.
SPORTS GAME/EVENT STORY, small
First: Ben Stuart, Homer News, “M’s drop heartbreaking title game”
Second: Sean Pearson, Homer Tribune, “Regatta ride renders rich rewards”
Third: Ben Stuart, Homer News, “Men’s League Miracle”
SPORTS FEATURE, large
First: Kevin Klott, Anchorage Daily News, “Built Tundra-Tough”
Second: Alex DeMarban, Seward Phoenix LOG, “Nothing Nobler than Love”
Third: Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News, “The Spirit of Wasilla”
SPORTS FEATURE, small
First: Annie Dawson Brady, Skagway News, ‘’Memoir of a 15-year-old river racer‘’
Second: Tommy Wells, Delta Discovery, ‘’Pound Puppies’’
Third: Alex DeMarban, Seward Log, ‘’For the love of coach’’
BEST ARTS COVERAGE, large and small compete together
First: George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News, “Deadly Devotion”
Second: George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News, “Him Write Funny”
Third: Scott Christiansen, Anchorage Press, “The Girl Who Wouldn’t Be Published”
BEST SUSTAINED COVERAGE, large
First: Margaret Freidenauer, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Reporting From Iraq”
Second: Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Daily News, “The War Homefront.”
Third: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner staff, “Eielson Targeted.”
Honorable Mention: Darrell Breese and Mark Kelsey, The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, “Open Meeting Violation”
BEST SUSTAINED COVERAGE, small:
First: Jedediah R. Smith, Bristol Bay Times, “Pebble Mine”
Second: Diana Hacker, Nome Nugget, “Owens Trial”
Third: Jesse Keane, Tundra Drums, “Alcohol Delivery Site”
Honorable Mentions: Carey James of Homer Tribune, “Charter IFQs;” Casey Grove, Alex Grantham, The Sun Star, “Dorm Security.”
BEST SERIES
First: Doug O’Harra and Megan Holland, Anchorage Daily News, “Drifting toward disaster”
Second: Juneau Empire Staff, “Divided Line”
Third: Joel Gay, Anchorage Daily News, “Yukon River Journey”
BEST SERIES, small
First: Naomi Klouda, Jon Grover, The Tundra Drums, “Rural Justice”
Second: Greg Dart, Alaska Star, “Unaffordable Housing”
Third: Jesse Keane, The Tundra Drums, “The power of wind”
HEADLINE WRITING, large and small compete together
First: Lillie Dremeaux, Anchorage Daily News, “No, no, no,” “Peak Performance,” “Teflon,” “Impanema,” “Haute Chocolate”
Second: Tony Bickert, Alaska Star, “Cell phone,” “Trash”
Third: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Local swimmer laps” and “Dentist”
BEST EDITORIAL CARTOON
First: Tony Newman, Juneau Empire, “More Capitol Designs,” “Don Young’s Way,” “Santa Ted”
Second: Chuck Legge, The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, “Lyda Greench,” “Ugly,” “Carpet Bag”
Third: Jamie Smith, The Ester Republic, “Oops,” “Animals,” “Walking on water”
BEST SECTION, large
First: “Play,” Anchorage Daily News
Second: “This Week,” Juneau Empire.
Third: “Mat-Su,” Anchorage Daily News.
BEST SECTION, small
First: “Heart of Homer,” Homer Tribune
Second: “Kids these days,” Association of Alaska School Boards/Alaska ICE, Alaska Newspapers Inc.
Third: “Alaska Military Weekly,” Alaska Star
BEST WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
First: Homer News
Second: Northern Light
Third: The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman
BEST ILLUSTRATION
First: Heywood Wilkinson, Insurgent 49, December cover
Second: Michael Piett, Juneau Empire, “Penguin Power.”
Third: Stephanie D. Johnson, Alaska Star, Bear Paw Festival cover.
BEST PAGE LAYOUT AND DESIGN, large
First: Michael Plett, Juneau Empire, “Juneau’s Gas Gap”
Second: Michael Plett, Juneau Empire, “Berners Bay”
Third: Gianna Ridgeway, Anchorage Daily News, “Let there be life”
BEST PAGE LAYOUT AND DESIGN, small
First: Stephanie D. Johnson, Alaska Star, “The Color of Christmas”
Second: Stephanie D. Johnson, Alaska Star, “Good Clean Fun!”
Third: Jill Homer, The Homer Tribune, “Hanging 10 at 10 degrees”
BEST GRAPHIC
First: Michael Plett, Juneau Empire, “Biggest Restaurant in Town”
No other awards.
PHOTO
BEST NEWS PHOTO, large
First: Sam Harrel, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Mobile Home fire”
Second: Bob Martinson, The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, “Overturned bus”
Third: Sam Harrel, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Dragline rescue”
BEST NEWS PHOTO, small
First: Deanna Cooper, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “Boat with no name”
Second: Sean Pearson, Homer Tribune, “Fish Jump”
Third: Daniel Shepard, Alaska Star, “Bad Day”
BEST PHOTO STORY, large
First: Mark Farmer, Alaska Magazine, “Arctic Warriors”
No other awards.
BEST PHOTO STORY, small
First: Percy Jones, Alaska Post, “Stopping Time”
Second: Greg Lincoln, The Delta Discovery, “First: Catch”
No third place.
BEST SPORTS PHOTO, large
First: Erik Hill, Anchorage Daily News, “Skier cartwheel”
Second: Erik Hill, Anchorage Daily News, Desperate defender”
Third: Michael Penn, Juneau Empire, “Basketball”
BEST SPORTS PHOTO, small
First: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Blind shot”
Second: Greg Lincoln, The Delta Discovery, “NYO One Foot”
Third: Daniel Shepard, Alaska Star, “Close Shave”
BEST SCENIC PHOTO, large
First: Sam Harrel, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Northern lights”
Second: Michael Penn, Juneau Empire, “Rainbow”
Third: Michael Penn, Juneau Empire, “Golden Eye”
BEST SCENIC PHOTO, small
First: Greg Lincoln, The Delta Discovery, “Northern Lights”
Second: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Whale of a tail”
Third: Layton Ehmke, Homer Tribune, “Kasilof River”
BEST PORTRAIT, large
First: Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Home grown goodness”
Second: John Hagen, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Hard lessons: Sydney Huntington”
Third: Brian Wallace, Juneau Empire, “Sweeny”
BEST PORTRAIT, small
First: Percy Jones, Alaska Post, “Final Moments”
Second:Greg Lincoln, The Delta Discovery, “Face of a Seal Hunter”
Third: Daniel Shepard, Alaska Star, “Veteran”
BEST FEATURE PHOTO, large
First: Hall Anderson, Ketchikan Daily News, “Inspired listener”
Second: Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Swinging family”
Third: Klas Stolpe, Associated Press, “F/V Mary Ann Snow”
BEST FEATURE PHOTO, small
First: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Mother Daughter”
Second: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “It’s cold—Iceberg”
Third: Bob Martinson, Cordova Times, “Otter in a raincoat”
RADIO
BEST RADIO BREAKING NEWS
First: Johanna Eurich, KDLG, “Storm”
Second: Johanna Eurich, KDLG, “Fire”
Third: Emily Meehan, “All-Alaska Gas Line Rally”
BEST SINGLE STORY, RADIO
First: Libby Casey, KUAC , “Soldiers come home”
Second: Ashley Gross, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Coping with Suicide”
Third: Joe Viechnicki, KFSK, “Fast Ferry Service Starts”
BEST COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE, RADIO
Results not available as of press time.
ONGOING PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM
Results not available as of press time.
BEST RADIO COMMENTARY, EDITORIAL OR REVIEW
First: Jay Barrett, KMXT radio, “Global Warming Rant”
Second: Michael Eddy and Sara Perman, Alaska Teen Media Institute, “Alaska’s Fashion crisis”
Third: Amanda Stossel, KTNA radio, “Arabian Music”
BEST RADIO DOCUMENTARY
No entries.
BEST RADIO GOVERNMENT OR POLITICAL STORY
First: Katie Bausler, KTOO-FM, “Alaska Pension Reform.”
No other awards.
BEST BUSINESS STORY, RADIO
Results not available as of press time.
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING, RADIO
First: Ashley Gross, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Ice Worm Research”
Second: Jody Seitz, KDLG, “Newhalen Tour
Third:Matt Lichtenstein, KFSF Public Radio, “Atlantic Salmon”
BEST RADIO: CRIME OR COURTS
Results not available as of press time.
BEST EDUCATION REPORTING
First: Len Anderson, KSKA-FM, “Pencils Full of Stars”
Second: Annie Feidt, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Yupik Immersion Programs Suffer Under No Child Left Behind”
Third: Jody Seitz, KDLG, “School Board Meltdown”
BEST RADIO REPORTING ON HEALTH OR SCIENCE
First: Amanda Stossel, KTNA, “Mosquitoes”
Second: Lilith Woods, KFSK, “Bats”
Third: Annie Feidt, APRN, “X-rays”
BEST RADIO FEATURE
First: Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, KUAC-FM, “Missing Sylvie”
Second: Ashley Gross, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Spud Farm”
Third:Gabriel Spitzer, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Ionia”
BEST RADIO PROFILE
First: Gabriel Spritzer, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Greyfox’s Last Stand”
Second: Ashley Gross, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Racing Blind”
Third: Jay Barrett, KMXT Radio, Kodiak, “Walter Jackinsky Story”
BEST RADIO SPORTS STORY
First: Dan Bross, KUAC-FM, “Bering”
Second: Scott Silver, KTOO, “Animal Austin”
Third: Gabriel Spitzer, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Scdoris Rides Again”
BEST ARTS STORY, RADIO
First: Ashley Gross, Alaska Public Radio Network, “The Overnighters”
Second: Johanna Eurich, KDLG, Dillingham, “Opera”
Third: Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, KUAC-FM, “Raven Odyssey”
DAILY NEWS PROGRAM
No award given
TELEVISION
BREAKING NEWS--TV
First: Maria Downey, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Papa Pilgrim Arrested”
No other awards.
BEST SINGLE STORY—TV
First: Natasha Rasheed, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Ice Storm” Meth orphans
Second: Sean Doogan, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Tudor Park fire follow-up”
BEST TV SERIES REPORTING
First: Megan Baldino, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Faith betrayed”
Second: KTUU CHANNEL 2 staff, “Ice Storm”
Third: Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Winter of Discontent”
BEST LIVE SHOT
First: Jason Moore, Mike McCormick, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Search for Papa Pilgrim”
Second: Angela Unruh, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Unmarked cars”
Third: Angela Unruh, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Smashed”
BEST TV DOCUMENTARY
No award given
BEST HEALTH or SCIENCE—TV
First: Rhonda McBride, reporter, Phil Walczak, photographer-editor, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Toothaches & Heartaches”
Second: Dan Fiorucci, reporter, Eric Sowl, photographer, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Oil Recovery Technology”
Third: Natasha Rasheed-Chughtai, reporter, Dave Steward, photographer, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Smoking in Savoonga”
BEST TV EDUCATION STORY
First: Steve MacDonald, reporter, Jason Kohler, photographer, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Dissecting a Beluga”
No other awards.
TV ENVIRONMENTAL COVERAGE
First: Steve MacDonald, reporter, Rich Jordan, photographer, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Copper River bears: Struggle for survival”
Second: Ben Deci, reporter, Ron Solstad, photographer, KTVA-CBS 11, “Secret at Olson Bay”
No third place.
BEST TV--CRIME or COURTS
First: Ben Deci, KTVA-CBS 11, “State v. Chris Kevan”
Second: Rebecca Palsha and Rich Jordan, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Meth Bust”
No third place.
BEST GOVERNMENT or POLITICS
First: Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Cost of doing business in the Bush”
No other awards.
TV BUSINESS STORY
First: John Tracy, reporter, Eric Sowl, photographer, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Internet Insecurity”
Second: Rebecca Palsha, reporter, Rich Jordan, photographer, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “A Busting Business”
Third: Rhonda McBride, reporter, Phil Walczak, photographer/editor, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Dog Whisperer Opens Business”
BEST TELEVISION FEATURE
First: John Tracy, Barry Sowinski, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Victims of Katrina”
Second: Scott Jensen, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Only a Matter of Time”
Third: John Tracy, Scott Jensen, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “The Black Pearl”
BEST TV ARTS COVERAGE
First: John Tracy, producer, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Merry Christmas from Alaska 2005”
Second: Rhonda McBride, Brad Hillwig, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Flying Dutchman”
No third place.
BEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS
No entries
BEST TV SPORTS STORY
First: Sean Doogan, reporter, Mike McCormick, photographer/editor, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “World Indian Eskimo Olympics”
Second: Kevin Wells, Eric Sowl, Phil Walczak, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Doctor on the Trail”
Third:Kevin Wells, Eric Sowl, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Olympic Job Opportunities”
BEST TV PROFILE
First: Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, Brad Hillwig, Eric Sowl, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Mary Schallert’s Dream”
Second: Jill Burke, Mike McCormick, KTUU-TV, “Closer Look: Quad Cop”
Third: Chris Werner, Warren Williamson, KTUU TV, “Airman Bobby Cheecks”
BEST EDITING
First: Bradley Hillwig, KTUU CHANNEL 2,"The Pastor’s Past”
No other awards
BEST FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
First: Scott Jensen, “Only a Matter of Time.”
Second: Bradley Hillwig, “Haunted Hotel”
Third: Bradley Hillwig, “Miss October”
BEST SPOT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY
No awards given
BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
No awards given
BEST NEWSCAST
First: KTUU CHANNEL 2 Newshour, November 29, 2005
Second: KTUU CHANNEL 2 Newshour, February 14, 2005
Third: Disqualified
ALL-MEDIA COMPETITION
BEST ALASKA OUTDOORS STORY
First: Angela Unruh, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “On Pins and Needles”
Second: Dan Bross, KUAC-FM, Fairbanks, “Search.”
Third: Toby Sullivan, The Press, “Killing Sea Lions”
BEST ALASKA HISTORY STORY
First: (tie) Mark Cooson, producer/director KUAC-TV “Klondike Alaska: A Rail History”
First (tie): Matt Miller, KTOO-FM, “Aleutian Islands Flier’s Personal Effects Return to Alaska”
Second (tie):Laurel Downing Bill, Fairbanks Daily News Miner, “Legend in a Blue Parka”
Second (tie): John Tracy, reporter, Dave Steward, photographer/editor, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Fritz the Forgotten Husky
Third (tie): Marilyn Jordan George, Senior Voice, “Communities Braced for the Worst Following ‘64 Quake.”
Third (tie): Kevin Wells, Mike Nedebrock, KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Midnight Sun Baseball 100th Anniversary”
BEST ALASKA HUMOR
First: Joe Viechnicki, KFSK Public Radio, “Flyfishing: The Hidden Addiction”
Second: Paul Brynner, Northern Light, “Byzantine blueprint of the baffling byways of being intimate”
Third: Katie Zager, Alaska Teen Media Institute, “Girlpants”
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
First: Richard Mauer, Anchorage Daily News, “Ben Stevens’ Secret Fish Deal”
BEST MEDIA WEBSITE
First: Alaskastar.com, Jim Luca, Sally Foo, Tess Friemuth
Second: Gavel to Gavel Alaska, KTOO
Third: http://www.alaskateenmedia.org, Sara Perman, Chris Frenier, Andrew Aquino and Rosey Robards, Alaska Teen Media Institute
PUBLIC SERVICE
First: KTUU CHANNEL 2, “Ice Storm”
Note: Links to stories online are being added as available, starting with first-place entries.If you are a winner and would like us to add a link, send it to .
Alaska Press Club Awards 2004
awarded 2005
Download list (with judges’ comments) as text file:
winners05.doc (Microsoft Word, 231k)
winners05.rt (rich text format, 144k)
BEST BREAKING NEWS STORY
Large publications
1st: Ta Brant, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Matt Volz, The Associated Press
3rd: Tom Miller, Ketchikan Daily News
(The judge provided no headlines, but comments indicate that Ta’s story concerned a plane crash, Volz wrote about a helicopter crash, and Miller covered a “matricide.")
Small publications
Judge: Eric Newhouse, projects editor, Great Falls Tribune
1st: Drew Herman, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “First blue whales seen in Alaska in 30 years”
No second or third.
BEST GENERAL NEWS
Large
Judge: Eric Newhouse, projects editor, Great Falls Tribune
1st: Don Hunter, Doug O’Harra, Joel Gay and Megan Holland, Anchorage Daily News, Selendang Ayu stories
No second or third.
Small
Judge: Bill Lueders, Isthmus, Madison’s weekly newspaper
1st: Jon Grover, The Tundra Drums,“Official says church aware of sex abuse”
2nd: Amy Armstrong, The Alaska Star, “The teachers who stole Christmas”
3rd: Larry Persily, Petroleum News, “Propane-air project running out of time”
BEST USE OF STORY AND PHOTOS BY A REPORTER
Judges: Director of Photography Patty Reksten; Features picture editor Mike Davis; Senior Editor/Visuals Randy Cox, The Oregonian
Large
1st: Marc Lester, Anchorage Daily News, “Alaska fighting championship”
2nd: Joseph Robertia, Peninsula Clarion Newspaper, “Can you dig it?”
3rd: Alex DeMarban, The Tundra Drums, “Coming out party”
Small
Judge: Tony Overman, The Olympian, NPPA
1s: Kelly DuFort, CatholicAnchor, “Perilous Journey”
2nd: Brian Lepley, Alaska Post, “Tomahawks tangle with terrorists”
3rd: Randi Somers, Homer Tribune, “Collision Injures Two”
BEST SHORT FEATURE
Large
Judge: Gail Hill, The Oregonian
1st: Tom Moran, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “A Cultural Crash Course”
2nd: Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, “Popular Flowers Forbidden at Nursery”
3rd: Doug O’Harra, Anchorage Daily News, “Sealife Octopus Considered Armed and Extremely Dangerous”
Small
Judge: Joseph Rose, Crime & Justice writer
The Oregonian
1st: McKibbon Jackinsky, Homer Tribune, “Homer Gives Big Support to Little Celebrity”
2nd: Amy M. Armstrong, Alaska Star, “Mother of Disabled Woman Needs Both Courage and Love”
3rd: Wes Hanna, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “Chinese Have Long History in Kodiak”
BEST LONG FEATURE
Small and large papers compete together
Judge: Paula Span, Washington Post contributing writer; Associate, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
1st: Toby Sullivan, Anchorage Press, “Lost Season”
2nd: Cinthia Ritchie, Anchorage Daily News, “A Crown of Hope”
3rd: Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News; Two stories by the same reporter: “Happy Little Brewery” and “Freeing Up Time for Fox’s Free Beer Fridays”
BEST BUSINESS REPORTING
Large
Judge: Becky Bisbee, Seattle Times business editor
1st: Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, “Extreme exploring”
2nd: Richard Richtmyer, Anchorage Daily News, “Aces High”
3rd: Scott Christiansen, Kyle Hopkins and Press staff, Anchorage Press, “Fundopoly”
Small
Judge: Bob Drews, retired Business copy chief, San Jose Mercury News, San Jose, California
1st: Margie Bauman, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Firm may help longliners end orcas’ free lunch”
2nd: McKibben Jackinsky, Homer Tribune,“International scam artists target Homer”
3rd: Naomi Klouda, Tundra Drums, “Napakiak weighs safety, jobs of coal power plant”
POLITICAL OR GOVERNMENT
Judge (large and small): Dan Hortsch, former politics/state government reporter and public editor for The Oregonian, now retired
Large
1st: Sean Cockerham and Tom Kizzia, Anchorage Daily News, “Alaska’s most powerful (unelected) official”
2nd: Tom Moran, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Little support for fiscal, tax plans”
3rd: TIE
Sheila Toomey, Anchorage Daily News, “A new view”
Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Press, “Do Tony and Lisa give a crap?”
Small
1st: John Roscoe, Catholic Anchor, “Bishops join efforts to put controls on payday loans”
2nd: Nate Raymond, Sun Star (University of Alaska/Fairbanks), “Sen. Stevens brings home the bacon for UAF”
3rd: John Crowder, Homer Tribune, “Gas lease buyback ‘will not happen’
EDUCATION REPORTING
Judge (large and small): Christopher Broderick, education editor, The Oregonian
Large
1st: George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News, “War of the Word”
2nd: Marmian Grimes, Fairbanks News Miner, “Making the grade”
3rd: Katie Pesznecker, Anchorage Daily News, “Bullied boy brain-damaged after suicide attempt”
Small
1st: Carey James, Homer News, “Culture or religion?”
2nd: John Crowder, Homer Tribune, “High school students walk out”
3rd: McKibben Jackinsky, Homer Tribune, “Groundbreaking student prepares to leave Old Believer village”
BEST PROFILE
Large
Judge: Paula Span, Washington Post contributing writer; Associate, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
1st: Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News; Two artist profiles by the same reporter: “Colorful Spirit” and “Funny Business”
2nd: Haden Polseno-Hensley, Anchorage Press, “Shall Be Released”
3rd: Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Press, “A Midwinter’s Dream”
Small
Judge: Len Reed, Northwest Editor, The Oregonian
1st: Jon Grover, The Tundra Drums, “Busy achiever continues California dreamin’”
2nd: Jeff Benzak, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “New history prof brings environmental approach”
3rd: Claire Chandler, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Unwavering vision leads to survival and success”
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
Judge (large and small): Douglas Fischer, Oakland Tribune environmental reporter
Large
1st: Lisa W. Drew, Science\Business, “Dr. Yes or No”
2nd: Elizabeth Bluemink, Juneau Empire, “Hard rock, hard choices”
3rd: Amanda Coyne, Anchorage Press, “Hunting the hunters”
Small
1st: Kelly Jean Lincoln, The Delta Discovery, “How beach grass took root in Bethel”
2nd: Paul Basile, The Delta Discovery, “Kapuukaraat, the delicious taste of spring”
3rd: Michael Armstrong, Homer News, “15 years after the spill”
CRIME & COURTS
Large
Judge: Hurst Laviana, crime reporter
Wichita Eagle
1st: Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Press, “This evil world. Cynthia Lord told police that to save her sons, she had to kill them”
2nd: Ta Brant, Anchorage Daily News, “Tape shows man’s fatal struggle with Chilkoot’s security.”
3rd: Scott Christiansen, Anchorage Press, “A parade of troubles: Night court presents a window into life on the edge.”
Small
Judge: Dave Krajicek former crime reporter for the Omaha World-Herald; crime bureau chief for New York Daily News.
1st: Heather A. Resz, Anchorage Chronicle, “Bullying, violence linked”
2nd: Naomi Klouda, The Tundra Times, “Trooper’s victim wins $1.8 million”
3rd: Jedediah R. Smith, Bristol Bay Times
HEALTH OR SCIENCE
Judge (large and small): James Dawson, Senior news editor Physics Today
Large
1st: Doug O’Harra, Anchorage Daily News, “UAF team listens to the earth rumbling”
2nd: Amanda Coyne, Anchorage Press, “Keeping Faith”
3rd: Chris Talbott, “Born to burn”
Small
1st: Drew Herman, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “Next phase begins for whale project”
2nd: Carey James, Homer News, “SPH obstetrics mixes midwives and medicine”
3rd: Anne Millbrooke, Nome Nugget, “Follow the compass”
BEST EDITORIAL WRITING
Judge (large and small): Eleanor Clift, Newsweek, Washington, D.C.
Large
1st: It’s a tie!
Terry Miller, Ketchikan Daily News, “Pick on the Other Guy,” “Let’s Back off,” “Click!”
Matthew Zencey, Anchorage Daily News, “Save the Nike Site,” “Bad deal,” “Adolescents”
2nd: Scott L. Woodham, Anchorage Press, The Flashlight Letters
3rd: Lori Evans, Peninsula Clarion, “When did it become…; Plan for giant final dividend…; Wolf should attend”
Small
1st: John Roscoe, Catholic Anchor, “Refresher on ends and means in Iraq; Oil consumption is a moral issue; Profits and prisons shouldn’t be mixed”
2nd: Carla Helfferich, The Ester Republic, “Duty” and “Cheering up the Left”
BEST COLUMNIST
Judge (large and small): Seattle Times columnist Nicole Brodeur
Large
1st: Rebecca Braun, Juneau Empire
2nd: Heather Lende, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Geo Beach, Anchorage Daily News
Small
1st: James Mason, Arctic Sounder/ANI
2nd: Tony Bickert, Alaska Star
3rd: No winner
BEST SPORTS COLUMNIST
Judge: Los Angeles sports columnist Bill Plaschke
Small and large papers compete together
1st: Jeremiah Bartz, The Frontiersman
2nd: Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Casey Ressler, The Frontiersman
SPORTS NEWS REPORTING
Large
Judge: Glen Crevier, Assistant Managing Editor/Sports, The Star Tribune Minneapolis
1st: Eric Smith, Anchorage Daily News, “Lean is not mean: With many athletes flying South, Service athletics is cut to the bone”
2nd: Eric Smith, Anchorage Daily News, “Encore act: Fifth-year athletes in center of debate over high school eligibility”
3rd: Charles Bingham, Juneau Empire, “The Little League game that wasn’t”
Small
Judge: Lew Freedman, Chicago Tribune
1st: Jacob Brooks, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “Undefeated Bears Take Alaska Title.”
2nd: Jeff Benzak, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “KHS Pool Goes Bust.”
3rd: Brian Lepley, Alaska Post, “Us Team Takes Gold with Draper.”
SPORTS GAME/EVENT STORY
Large
Judge: Los Angeles sports columnist Bill Plaschke
1st: Matt Nevala, Anchorage Daily News, “Oh Yeah, How Sweep It Is.’’
2nd: Charles Bingham, Juneau Empire, ‘’Hollywood Ending’’
3rd: Andrew Krueger, Juneau Empire, “Long Run In The Sun.’’
Small
Judge: Glen Crevier, Assistant Managing Editor/Sports, The Star Tribune Minneapolis
1st: Tommy Wells, The Delta Discovery, “Iten ends King’s three-year reign”
2nd: Jacob Brooks, Kodiak daily Mirror, “Meeting the challenge”
3rd: Nate Raymond, Homer Tribune, “Dirt racetrack a relief for local motocross bikers”
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
Large
Judge: Los Angeles sports columnist BillPlaschke
1st: Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, “Wolf Pack or No Wolf Pack, Musher Has A Tale To Tell’’
2nd: Doyle Woody, Anchorage Daily News, “Wet and Wacko’’
3rd: Doug O’Harra, Anchorage Daily News, “Family Afloat’’
Small
Judge: Glen Crevier, Assistant Managing Editor/Sports, The Star Tribune Minneapolis
1st: Ben Stuart, Homer News, “Shortcut from Seward: Trio crossed Harding icefield”
2nd: Jeff Benzak, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “Night golfing”
3rd: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Alenna Nilsen: Vikings guide of wrestling lore”
BEST ARTS COVERAGE
Judge: Doug McLennan, Editor, ArtsJournal.com
Small and large papers compete together
1st: Amanda Coyne, Anchorage Press, “Sound of Silence”
2nd: Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Press, “Designing the Undead”
3rd: Alex DeMarban, ANI, First Alaskans Magazine, “Sounds of Old”
SUSTAINED COVERAGE OR SERIES
Judge (large and small): Julie Sullivan-Springhetti, The Oregonian
1st: Diana Campbell, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “In Cancer’s Grip”
2nd: Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News, “Golden Glitter’’
3rd:Tim Inklebarger, Juneau Empire, “Bracing for the Move.’’
Small
1st: Laurel Bill, Anchorage Chronicle, “Condo Catastrophe.’’
2nd:Homer News Staff, “Quaint Little Drinking Village”
3rd: Amy Armstrong, The Alaska Star, “School Budget Woes.”
BEST HEADLINE WRITING
Judge: Bob Drews, retired Business copy chief, San Jose Mercury News, San Jose, California
Small and large compete together
1st: Jenny Neyman, Peninsula Clarion
“Graduating Senior: Woman finishes art degree 59 years after her first class,” “Enduring Summer: Family, friends matter most to man who’s twice battled cancer,” “Stickler for Details: Carver hunts diamond willow in the rough,” “Road Scholars: Rural students leave village life in high school in search of greater opportunities,” “Making waves: KWJG-FM strives for local flair.”
2nd: Andrew Krueger, Juneau Empire
“One-Disputed: Shadow lingers over tonight’s Sugar Bowl,” “Weather or Not: Some thrive, others wilt in nature’s wrath,” “Center of Balance: Juneau’s Tasha McKoy is a strong post by necessity, a team leader by example,” “Coup D’Etroit: Pistons rout Lakers to win NBA title/Billups wins MVP; L.A. dynasty may crumble,” “The little team that could/Juneau boys win state team title; “Bear girls finish second/Crimson Bear boys win state crown with just six swimmers” “Winless streaks for Juneau, Southeast come to an end during state girls meet”
3rd: Tyler Rhodes, Alaska Journal of Commerce
“Film businesses forced to refocus,” “Ferry could float two communities,” “Seward Ship’s Drydock is happily swamped,” “Sitka hospital nursed back to financial health,” “Energy supplies may be in hot water”
BEST EDITORIAL CARTOON
Judge: David Fitzsimmons, Editorial Cartoonist, The Arizona Daily Star
Small and large compete together
1st: Tony “Toe” Newman
2nd: Dan Darrow, The Ester Republic
3rd: Chuck Legge, The Frontiersman
BEST SECTION
Lost in the mail. Refunds available for entrants.
BEST WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Not available as of press time.
BEST ILLUSTRATION
Judge: Steve Dorsey, Design and Graphics Director, Detroit Free Press; Also editor of SND’s Design Journal
Small and large compete together
1st: Aaron Jansen, Anchorage Press, “The Great Taxi Adventure.”
2nd: Stephanie Johnson, Alaska Star, “2004 Iditarod.”
3rd: Randy Wood, Anchorage Press, “Crude awakening.”
BEST PAGE LAYOUT & DESIGN
Large
Judge: Steve Dorsey, Design and Graphics Director, Detroit Free Press; Also editor of SND’s Design Journal
1st: Aaron Jansen, Anchorage Press, “Metrosexual Doll”
2nd: Gianna Ridgeway, Anchorage Daily News, “Village digs in against a fiery foe.”
3rd: Michael Piett, Juneau Empire, “Blaze guts Subway building.”
HM: Aaron Jansen, Anchorage Press,
“WANTED”
Small
Judge: Gary E. Maitland, Managing Editor
Herald-Zeitung (Texas)
1st: Stephanie Johnson, Alaska Star, “Schools Out for Summer”
2nd: Brian Lepley, Alaska Post, “Winter Wildlife in Denali National Park”
3rd: Betsy Lund, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “2004: A Year in Photos”
BEST GRAPHIC
Judges: Director of Graphics Steve McKinstry and Senior Editor/Visuals Randy Cox, The Oregonian
Small and large compete together
1st: Ron Engstrom, Anchorage Daily News
“Bering Sea Jellyfish”
2nd: Charles Atkins, Anchorage Daily News, “Moose Car Collisions”
3rd: Ron Engstrom, Anchorage Daily News, “E Street Shuffle”
BEST SPOT NEWS PHOTO
Large
Judges: The Los Angeles Times: deputy director of photography Calvin Hom; senior photo editor Alan Hagman; feature photo editor Hal Wells; assignment editor Robert St. John
1st: Robert Hallinen, Anchorage Daily News, “Oil Spill”
2nd: Sam Harrell, Fairbanks Daily News-miner, “On Thin Ice”
3rd: Al Grillo, Associated Press, “Steep Plunge”
Small
Judge: Tony Overman, The Olympian, NPPA
1st: Randi Somers, Homer Tribune, “Firefighter Extrication”
2nd: Wes Hanna,Kodiak Daily Mirror, “Reality Sets In”
3rd: Michael Armstrong, Homer News, “Free Bird”
BEST PICTURE STORY
Large
Judges: The Los Angeles Times: deputy director of photography Calvin Hom; senior photo editor Alan Hagman; feature photo editor Hal Wells; assignment editor Robert St. John
1st: Eric F. Engman, Fairbanks Daily News Miner, “In Cancer’s Grip”
2nd: Robert Hallinen, Anchorage Daily News, “The Secrets of Puffins”
3rd: Robert Hallinen, Anchorage Daily News, “Recycle”
Small
Judges: Director of Photography Patty Reksten; Features picture editor Mike Davis; Senior Editor/Visuals Randy Cox, The Oregonian
1st: Klas Stolpe, St. Petersburg Pilot, “Play Ball”
2nd: Brian Lepley, Alaska Post, “Winter Wildlife in Denali National Park”
3rd: Klas Stolpe, St. Petersburg Pilot, “Little Norway Festival 2004”
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
Large
Judges: The Los Angeles Times: deputy director of photography Calvin Hom; senior photo editor Alan Hagman; feature photo editor Hal Wells; assignment editor Robert St. John
1st: Brian Wallace, the Juneau Empire, “The Heat is On”
2nd: Michael Penn, Juneau Empire, “Down, Not Out”
3rd: Al Grillo, Associated Press, “Long Ride Home”
Small
Judge: Rob Romig, director of graphics, The Register-Guard
1st: Ben Stuart, Homer News, “Goal”
2nd: Bob Martinson, Northern Light, “Game-winning goal”
3rd: Robert DeBerry, Anchorage Chronicle, “Superman”
BEST SCENIC PHOTO
Large
Judges: The Los Angeles Times: deputy director of photography Calvin Hom; senior photo editor Alan Hagman; feature photo editor Hal Wells; assignment editor Robert St. John
1st: Michael Penn, Juneau Empire, “Winter Dawn”
2nd: Robert Hallinen, Anchorage Daily News, “Surfer Boys”
3rd: Evan R. Steinhauser, Anchorage Daily News, “Spencer Ice”
Small
Judges: The Oregonian: Director of Photography Patty Reksten; Features picture editor Mike Davis; Senior Editor/Visuals Randy Cox
1st: Jeff Richardson, ANI/The Dutch Harbor Fisherman, “Picture Perfect Perch”
2nd: Jed Smith, ANI/Bristol Bay Times, “Chasing Daylight”
3rd: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “One Pizza Pie”
BEST PORTRAIT
Large
Judge: Tony Overman, The Olympian, NPPA
1st: Eric F. Engman, Fairbanks Daily News Miner, “Raising Grandchildren”
2nd: Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News, “Face Mask”
3rd: Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News, “Windshield Man”
Small
Judge: Rob Romig, director of graphics
The Register-Guard
1st: Betsy Lund, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “We will miss you”
2nd: Amy M. Armstrong, The Alaska Star, “Shannon Brunke”
3rd: Bob Martinson, Northern Light, “Mariano Gonzalez”
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
Large
Judges: The Los Angeles Times: deputy director of photography Calvin Hom; senior photo editor Alan Hagman; feature photo editor Hal Wells; assignment editor Robert St. John
1st: Erik Hill, Anchorage Daily News, “Job Site Abstraction”
2nd: Marc Lester, Anchorage Daily News, “A Visit From Spiderman”
3rd: Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News, “Calf Kissed”
Small
Judge: Tony Overman, The Olympian, NPPA
1st:Jeff Benzak, Kodiak Daily Mirror, “Curse Reversed”
2nd: James Mason, Alaska Newspaper Inc.,“Hauling a Hawser”
3rd: Klas Stolpe, Petersburg Pilot, “Takeoff”
RADIO
BREAKING NEWS
Judge: Corey Flintoff, NPR
1st: Lori Townsend, Annie Feldt, Michelle Wozniak, Alaska Public Radio Network
2nd: Dan Bross, KUAC-FM, “Newscast: Fire”
3rd: Johanna Eurich, KDLG, “Drowning”
BEST SINGLE STORY
Judge: Susanna Capelouto, Georgia Public Broadcasting
1st: Libby Casey, KUAC, “Troop Deployment”
2nd: Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK, “Greenpeace Protest”
3rd: Dixie Hutchinson, KNBA, “Alaska Native Oratory Society”
BEST COMPREHENSIVE REPORTING
Judge: Catrin Einhorn,Chicago Public Radio
1st: Ed Schoenfeld, Anne Sutton, Matt Lichtenstein, Coast Alaska, KFSK, “Tourism Changes Series”
No 2nd or 3rd place winners.
BEST ONGOING PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM
Judge: Elizabeth Arnold, NPR
1st: “AK,” APRN, Ashley Gross, Gabriel Spitzer, Ellen Lockyer, Duncan Moon, Michelle Wozniak
2nd: Alaska Teen Media Institute “In Other News”
3rd: Jeff Brown, KTOO, The American State Songbook
ONE TIME PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIAL
Judge: Paul Glickman
1st: Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK, “Veterans Day Special”
2nd and 3rd: No winners.
COMMENTARY, EDITORIAL OR REVIEW
Judge: Bill Drummond, Berkeley School of Journalism
1st: Amanda Krysinski, Alaska Teen Media Institute, “Heavy Metal Commentary”
2nd: Gabriel Spitzer, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Why I smoke”
3rd: Johanna Eurich, KDLG, “Spring”
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Judge: Julie Shapiro, Third Coast International Audio Festival
1st: Gabriel Spitzer, Living on Earth, “Moving the Village”
2nd: Sarah Neal, KUAC, “Dry Country”
3rd: Alaska Teen Media Institute, Alaska Teen Media Institute, “Culture Shock”
GOVERNMENT OR POLITICAL
Judge: Laura McCallum, Capitol Bureau Chief, Minnesota Public Radio
1st: Amanda Stossel, KTNA, “A Place Called Y”
2nd: Dixie Hutchinson, KNBA, “ATG Discharged”
3rd: Amanda Krysinski, Alaska Teen Media Institute, “Political Humor”
BEST BUSINESS REPORTING
Judge: Kai Ryssdal
1st: Anne Sutton, KTOO, “Pt. Sophia”
2nd: Jody Seitz, KDLG, “Wild Alaska Seafoods”
3rd: Sarah Neal, KUAC, “TIF”
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
Judge: Patricia Murphy, Host/ Reporter “All Things Considered”, KUOW 94.9 Public Radio Seattle
1st: Gabriel Spitzer, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Shishmaref Confronts Climate Change”
2nd: Ashley Gross, Alaska Public Radio Network, “The Mine in Our Backyard”
3rd: Len Anderson, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Cats Only on St Paul”
CRIME & COURTS
Judge: Richard Baker, News Director, K-State Radio Network, Associate Professor, Dept. of Communications, Kansas State University
1st: Len Anderson, KSKA, “Bethany’s Body Positively Identified”
2nd: Matt Miller, KTOO, “Courtwatch: Presumptive Sentencing”
3rd: Sarah Neal, KUAC, “Council Member Steps Down To Fight Crime”
BEST EDUCATION REPORTING
Judge: Rachel Ambrose, AP
1st: Ashley Gross, APRN, “Caught Between Tradition and Modernity: Russian Old Believer Schools”
2nd: Mike Murray,” Salvadorans”
3rd: Melissa Wentzel, “Life at Mount Edgecumbe High School”
HEALTH OR SCIENCE
Judge: Elizabeth Arnold, NPR
1st: Rosemary Alexander, KTOO, “The Forgetting”
2nd: Dixie Hutchinson, KNBA, “World Aids Day”
3rd: Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK, “Catscan”
BEST RADIO FEATURE
Judge: Rachel Ambrose, AP
1st: Johanna Eurich, “Migrants”
2nd: Len Anderson, KSKA, “Big Mitch and the Singing Students”
3rd: Jessica Cochran, APRN, “Fish Skin Workshop”
BEST PROFILE
Judge: Katherine Concannon, NPR Seattle
1st: Gabriel Spitzer, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Porky and the Volcano”
2nd: Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Radio Network, “M. Ashley Dickerson - Legal Pioneer”
3rd: Dan Bross, KUAC-FM, “Dennis Gaboury Profile”
BEST SPORTS REPORTING
Judge: Bill Drummond, Berkeley School of Journalism
1st: Libby Casey, KUAC, Yukon Quest
2nd: Shana Sheehy, APRN, “Running the Klondike”
3rd: Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO, “Tough Bears”
BEST COVERAGE OF A LIVE EVENT
Judge: Mardy Derby, CBC
1st: Matt Lichtenstein, KFST, “Greenpeace”
No second or third.
BEST ARTS COVERAGE
Judge: Euan Kerr, Minnesota Public Radio
1st: Anne Sutton, KTOO, “Transformations”
2nd: Ashley Gross, APRN, “Christian Native Dance”
3rd: Libby Casey, KUAC, “Gun Art Show”
BEST DAILY NEWS PROGRAM
Judge: Mardy Derby, CBC
1st: Alaska News Nightly, Duncan Moon & Lori Townsend, APRN
2nd: Independent Native News, Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, INN-KUAC
No third.
TELEVISION
BEST BREAKING NEWS STORY
Judge: Kimberly Reeves, Dallas
1st: Ben Deci, KTVA, “Plane Crash”
2nd: Dan Fiorucci, KTUU, “Private Plane Crash”
3rd: Meghan Stapleton, KTUU, “Bethany Found”
BEST SINGLE STORY REPORTING
Judge: Kimberly Reeves, Dallas
1st: Lynn Melling, KTUU, “Cabin Burns”
2nd: Meghan Stapleton, KTUU, “Short of the Runway”
3rd: Meghan Stapleton, KTUU, “Starved Dogs”
HM: Ty Kellner, KTVF, “Pogo Mine”
BEST SERIES REPORTING
Judge: Andrea McCarren, WJLA-TV, Washington, D.C.
1st: Rhonda McBride and Phil Walczak, KTUU, “Courting the Rural Vote”
2nd: Megan Baldino and Dave Steward, KTUU,“Crossing the Line of Duty
3rd: Meghan Stapleton, Jason Moore and Eric Sowl, KTUU, “The Late Addition”
BEST LIVE SHOT
1st: Meghan Stapleton, Justin Freeman, KTUU, “Short of the Runway”
2nd: Megan Baldino and Dave Steward, KTUU, “Live on Kahiltna Glacier”
3rd: No winner.
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Judge: Tim Ryan, Assistant News Director
9News/KUSA-TV, Denver, CO
1st: Jeanie Greene, Jeanie Greene Productions/Heartbeat Alaska, “Diomede: People of the Sea”
2nd: Michael Rogers, Jaime Schwartzwald, KXD News 13, “A Salute to Champions”
3rd: Steve MacDonald, Rich Jordan, KTUU-TV, “Aftershocks: Anatomy of Alaska’s Earthquakes”
HEALTH OR SCIENCE
Judge: Stephanie Clements, 9NEWS KUSA-TV, Denver
1st: Robert Hannon, KVAC Alaska One, “Vital Signs: Occupational Health”
2nd: Meghan Stapleton, Mike Nederbrock, KTUU, Channel 2 News, “The Cost of Tobacco”
3rd: Jeanie Greene Productions, Heartbeat Alaska, “Tobacco Cessation”
BEST EDUCATION REPORTING
Judge: Karen Larsen, KJRH (NBC)
1st place: Photographer Chris Werner and reporter Jason Moore, KTUU, “Exit Exam Private School”
2nd place: Angela Unruh and Rich Jordan, KTUU, “Russian Mission Subsistence Education”
3rd place: Reporter Yvonne Ramsay and photographer Eric Jowl, KTUU, “No Child Left Behind in Rural Alaska”
HM: Jeanie Green and Dave Manning, Heartbeat Alaska, “Akhiok Culture in Schools Week”
HM: Rebecca Palsha, KIMO ABC Alaska’s Superstation, “Joining NASA”
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
Judge: Andrea McCarren,WJLA, Washington, D.C.
1st: Rhonda McBride and Dave Steward, KTUU, “St. Paul Island’s Rite of Spring: Clean Beaches”
2nd: Jeanie Greene and Dave Manning, Heartbeat Alaska, “The Dipnet Dilemma”
3rd: Dan Fiorucci and Brad Hillwig, KTUU, “Selendang Ayu”
BEST CRIME OR COURTS REPORTING
Judge: Kimberly Reeves, Dallas
1st: Ben Deci, KTVA, “Padgett Trial”
2nd: Maria Downey, KTUU, “Olson’s Arraignment”
3rd: Megan Baldino, KTUU, “Crossing the Line”
BEST POLITICAL REPORTING
Judge: Adam Schrager, 9News Reporter, KUSA-TV Denver, CO
1st: Anne Sutton, KTOO,“Alaska Week: The Boxer
2nd: Rhonda McBride-Reporter, Phil Walczak, KTUU,“Big Race on the Kenai”
3rd: Megan Baldino, Tom Anderson, KTUU, “The Stripping Bill”
BEST BUSINESS REPORTING
Judge: Tim Ryan, Assistant News Director
9News/KUSA-TV, Denver, CO
1st: Reporter Maria Downey; Photographer Barry Johnson, KTUU, “Alaska Dream Kitchens:A Consumer Nightmare”
No second or third.
BEST TELEVISION FEATURE
Judge: Deborah Horne, Emmy-award winning reporter, KIRO 7 News Seattle
1st:Ben Deci, Ron Solstad, KTVA, “Globe of Death”
2nd:Jeffrey Hope, Justin Freeman, KTUU, “Spear Fishing”
3rd: Jeffrey Hope, Rich Jordan, KTUU, “Animal Carousel”
BEST ARTS COVERAGE
Judge: Deborah Horne, Emmy-award winning reporter, KIRO 7 News Seattle
1st:Jeffrey Hope, Eric Sowl, KTUU, “Jeweler”
2nd: Sharice Walker, “Watercolor Society”
3rd: No Winner
ONGOING PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM
Judge: Dick Kay, Emmy-award winning reporter; George Foster Peabody medallion, NBC 5 Chicago
1st: Jeanie Greene, Heartbeat Alaska
“Heartbeat Alaska”
ONE TIME PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM
Judge: Dick Kay, Emmy-award winning reporter; George Foster Peabody medallion, NBC 5 Chicago
1st: Katie Bausler, Skip Gray, and Terry Tavel, KTOO-TV/Alaska One, “Who’s in? Who’s out?”
2nd and 3rd: No winners.
BEST SPORTS STORY
Results not available as of press time.
BEST PROFILE
Judge: Gary Horcher, award-winning investigative reporter, KIRO 7 News Seattle
1st: “Debbie Lestenkoff, woman who walks in two worlds”
2nd: Megan Baldino, reporter, Justin Freeman, photographer, KTUU, “Lost & Found”
3rd: Jim Scheve and Justin Freeman, KTUU, “From their perspective”
BEST LIVE SPECIAL
Judge: Tim Ryan, Assistant News Director
9News/KUSA-TV, Denver, CO
No winners
BEST EDITING
Judge: Eric Kehe, 9News Director of Photography
1st: Bradley Hillwig, KTUU, “Without A Trace”
2nd: Eric Sowl, KTUU, “MDA Live Ride”
3rd: Jaime Schwartzwald, KXD News 13, “Delta Mud Drags”
BEST FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Judge: Eric Kehe, 9News Director of Photography
1st: Justin Freeman, Jeffrey Hope, KTUU
“Alaska Spear Fishing”
2nd: Shawn Wilson, KTUU, “The Summer Mountain”
3rd: Skip Gray, Terry Tavel, Katie Bausler, KTOO, “Glacier Bay”
BEST SPOT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY
Judge: Eric Kehe, 9News Director of Photography
1st: Eric Sowl, KTUU, “Dog Rescue”
2nd: Bradley Hillwig, KTUU, “The River’s Edge”
3rd: N/A, only two entries
BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Judge: Eric Kehe, 9News Director of Photography
1st: Eric Sowl, KTUU, “Dodgeball”
2nd: Bradley Hillwig, KTUU, Snow Cross
3rd: Justin Freeman, Lars Peterson, KTUU, “Iditarod”
BEST DAILY NEWSCAST
Judge: Tim Ryan, Assistant News Director
9News/KUSA-TV, Denver, CO
1st: KTUU CH2 “Newshour” (10-12-04)
2nd: KTUU CH2 Late Edition
3rd: KTUU CH2 Newshour (2-27-04)
OPEN TO ALL MEDIA
HUMOR
Judge: Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown
1st: Mike Dunham, Anchorage Daily News
“Operetta Sees Red; Violetta is Blue”
2nd: Marion Owen, Associated Press, “Dock Dog”
3rd: Amanda Krysinski, Alaska Teen Media Institute, “Teen Trivia”
BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Judge: Bob Drogin, National security correspondent, Los Angeles Times Washington, D.C. Bureau
1st: Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Maria V. Downey and Eric Sowl, KTUU
3rd: Jody Seitz and Johanna Eurich, KDLG
BEST MEDIA WEBSITE
Judge: Adam Howell, award-winning website designer, Winston-Salem Journal
1st: KTOO: Gavel to Gavel Alaska (KTOO FM&TV)
2nd: KTVF (KTVF, http://www.webcenter11.com)
3rd: Marion Owen
(http://www.upbeetcommunications.com)
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Judge: Pulitzer-prize winning investigative reporter Gary Cohn, Los Angeles Times; also former UAA Atwood Chair.
Winner: Diana Campbell and Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Comments: This year’s Public Service Award goes to the staff of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, notably reporter Diana Campbell and photographer Eric Engman, for a series of stories about the growing cancer rate among Alaska natives. The stories and photographs focused much-needed attention on the impact and growth of cancer among the native population and the many difficulties — including geographical distance, limitations of the rural health-care system, and a variety of cultural and lifestyle factors — faced by the native population in combating cancer. The stories were told by Diana Campbell in a clear way, focusing on people that made the reader care deeply about this growing problem.
Eric Engman’s photographs documented the people and problems visually and complemented Campbell’s compelling writing. The entire series provided Alaskans with important information that can be used to help fight the growing cancer problem.
This was an extraordinary team effort. The Alicia Patterson Foundation gave Diana Campbell a fellowship to focus on the rising cancer rate among Alaska natives. The News-Miner and managing editor Kelly Bostian supported Campbell during her fellowship and then gave her the time and teamed her with Engman to expand her reporting into a compelling five-part series. This project, which epitomizes the notion of public service, shows what relatively small newspapers can do when they have the will and creativity to serve their readers.
This was truly an extraordinary year for Public Service by Alaska’s news organizations. I would also like to commend the Anchorage Daily News and Paula Dobbyn’s groundbreaking investigation into conflicts of interest by Alaska’s Attorney General. Her stories documented a serious ethical problem and brought about results. I strongly recommended that Dobbyn’s stories be named the winner of another keynote category, investigative reporting.
Alaska Press Club Awards 2003
awarded 2004
Download list (with judges’ comments) as text file:
winners04.doc (Microsoft Word, 192k)
winners04.rtf (rich text format, 164k)
NEWSPAPERS
Best Breaking News Story, large circ. — 1st, Doug O’Harra, Anchorage Daily News, ”In the wake of the winds;” 2nd, Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, ”Seafood companies win trial;” 3rd, Craig Medred, Doug O’Harra, Anchorage Daily News, ”Grizzly mauls Russian River angler;” HM, Tataboline Brant, Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News, ”Gas kills four at home;” HM, Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Daily News, ”Kenai police officer slain”
Best Breaking News Story, small circ. — 1st, Melissa Dover, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”Bears Kill two in Katmai Park;” 2nd, Greg Dark, Alaska Star, ”Police nab bank robbery suspect;” 3rd, Adam Lesh, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”Shipwreck found”
Best General News Story, large circ. — 1st, Tony Hopfinger, Anchorage Press, ”Ripping it up;” 2nd, Joel Gay, Anchorage Daily News, ”Darts, not shells;” 3rd, Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News, ”Rising fury”
Best General News Story, small circ. — 1st, Carly Bossert, Homer News, ”Man donates dividends to posterity;” 2nd, Megan Holland, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”Museum seeks recipes to preserve Alutiiq food;” 3rd, Carey James, Homer News, ”Anti-American group hacks local Web site;” HM, McKibben Jackinsky, Homer Tribune, ”Mutiny leads to arrest of fishing boat captain”
Best Use of Story and Photos by a Reporter, large circ. — 1st, Matt Hage, Anchorage Daily News, ”A dance with the queen of the Alaska Range;” 2nd, Richard Richtmyer, Anchorage Daily News, ”Bearly time to visit;” 3rd, Jenny Neyman, Peninsula Clarion, ”High lights”
Best Use of Story and Photos by a Reporter, small circ. — 1st , Jenni Ver Strate, Alaska Post, ”100 takes wing in USARAK;” 2nd, Ben Stuart, Homer News, ”The bears of Katmai coast;” 3rd, Kelly DuFort, Catholic Observer, ”Small church at Clark’s Point”
Best Short Feature, large circ. — 1st, Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, ”Alaskan gains a bit of fame;” 2nd, Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, ”North Slope isn’t open range;” 3rd, Doug O’Harra, Anchorage Daily News, ”Stranded whale struggles to survive”
Best Short Feature, small circ. — 1st, John Roscoe, Catholic Anchor, ”Schweitz gets his wings;” 2nd, Rose Ragsdale, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Progressive visionary;” 3rd, Drew Herman, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”Maritime lawyer”
Best Long Feature, all circ. — 1st, Amanda Coyne, Anchorage Press, ”So this is Christmas;” 2nd, Melissa DeVaughn, Anchorage Daily News, ”Hoping for a Christmas miracle;” 3rd, Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Daily News, ”Teen lifesavers;” 3rd, Doyle Woody, Anchorage Daily News, ”Givin’ a devil his due”
Best Business Reporting, large circ. — 1st, Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, ”Fishing for Oil;” 2nd, Richard Richtmyer, Anchorage Daily News, ”Red Hot Market;” 3rd, Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News, ”Cutting big deals”
Best Business Reporting, small circ. — 1st, John Crowder, Homer Tribune, ”City prepares for possible close of Gates chip facility;” 2nd, Robert Howk, Alaska Journal of Commerce, ”State purchasing plan draws fire;” 3rd, Amy M. Armstrong, Alaska Star, ”Adams has faith in new digs for Christian bookstore”
Best Government or Political Reporting, large circ. — 1st, Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, ”Absent city worker draws $66,456 salary;” 2nd, Tony Hopfinger, Anchorage Press, ”Up in smoke;” 3rd, Liz Ruskin, Anchorage Daily News, ”Financial wizard works magic for Stevens;” HM, Amanda Bohman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, ”Abortion divided state”
Best Government or Political Reporting, small circ. — 1st, Naomi Klouda, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Battening against the storm;” 2nd, Jacob Banks, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”KMXT funding not precedent;” 3rd, John Crowder, Homer Tribune, ”Defeated sales tax means relief to city revenues”
Best Education Reporting, large circ. — 1st, John Creed, Susan Andrews, Anchorage Press, ”Hard habit to break;” 2nd, Sheila Toomey, Anchorage Daily News, ”Making engineers;” 3rd, Katie Pesznecker, Anchorage Daily News, ”Officials try to stiffen correspondence school rules”
Best Education Reporting, small circ. — 1st, R.A. Dillon, Tundra Drums, ”Testing teachers;” 2nd, Allison Rhodes, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”Thinking outside the box;” 3rd, Andrew Cremata, Skagway News, ”Skagway students get political”
Best Profile, large circ. — 1st, Tony Hopfinger, Anchorage Press, ”Desolation Row;” 2nd, Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, ”Jigg’s Way;” 3rd, George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News, ”The Apple Picker”
Best Profile, small circ. — 1st, Michael Armstrong, Homer News, ”For North Fork writer, it’s all about the art;” 2nd, R.A. Dillon, Tundra Drums, ”A world of song;” 3rd, Allison Rhodes, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”Tran grateful for his life in Kodiak”
Best Environmental Reporting, large circ. — 1st, Yereth Rosen, Reuters, ”Warming climate challenges Alaska oil drillers;” 2nd, Doug O’Harra, Anchorage Daily News, ”Plague of rats;” 3rd, Rindi White, The Frontiersman, ”Who’s watching the water?”
Best Environmental Reporting, small circ. — 1st, R.A. Dillon, Tundra Drums, ”Herring reach coast early;” 2nd, Michael Armstrong, Homer News, ”Local duo converts fry grease into oil;” 3rd, Megan Holland, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”Drury Gulch cleanup is charted”
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts, large circ. — 1st, Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, ”Trooper known for history of aggression;” 2nd, Sheila Toomey, Anchorage Daily News, ”Mother bears witness to the unbearable;” 3rd, Sheila Toomey, Anchorage Daily News, ”Care court”
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts, small circ. — 1st, Tom Delaune, Sun Star – University of Alaska Fairbanks, ”Solie’s prior DWI conviction in Vermont;” 2nd, John Crowder, Homer Tribune, ”Parents say hands are tied dealing with troubled youth;” 3rd, Rob Stapleton, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Unsolved murders plague Anchorage families”
Best Reporting on Health or Science, large circ. — 1st, Melissa DeVaughn, Anchorage Daily News, ”Little victories;” 2nd, Ann Potempa, Anchorage Daily News, ”Soothing strings;” 3rd, Sonya Senkowsky, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, ”Testing the waters of the Yukon”
Best Reporting on Health or Science, small circ. — 1st, Rose Ragsdale, Anchorage Chronicle, ”My colonoscopy;” 2nd, R.A. Dillon, Tundra Drums, ”Officials want health providers to consolidate care;” 3rd, Anne Millbrooke, Nome Nugget, ”Scientists confirm what we see: There is less ice”
Best Editorial Writing, large circ. — 1st, Matthew Zencey, Anchorage Daily News; 2nd, Robert Meyerowitz, Anchorage Press; 3rd, Lori Evans, Peninsula Clarion
Best Editorial Writing, small circ. — 1st, Chris Bernard, Homer News; 2nd, John Crowder, Homer Tribune; 3rd, John Roscoe, Catholic Anchor
Best Columnist, large circ. — 1st, Bill McAllister, Anchorage Daily News, ”Poor expected to shoulder burden;” 2nd, Bill McAllister, ABC’s Alaska Superstation/KIMO 13, ”Capitol Ideas;” 3rd, Sonya Senkowsky, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Home on the edge”
Best Columnist, small circ. — 1st, Neil Zawicki, Alaska Star, ”Northwords;” 2nd, Ken Marsh, Talkeetna Good Times, ”Send Them In;” 3rd, Randi Somers, Homer Tribune, ”L’Atitudes”
Best Sports Columnist, all circ. — 1st, Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News; 2nd, Jeremiah Bartz, The Frontiersman; 2nd, Charles Bingham, Juneau Empire
Best Sports News Reporting, large circ. — 1st, Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News, ”Alborn quits on his own terms;” 2nd, Charles Bingham, Juneau Empire, ”Ayers, Kohan get the big call;” 3rd, Doyle Woody, Anchorage Daily News, ”SARS dashes dreams”
Best Sports News Reporting, small circ. — 1st, Randi Somers, Homer Tribune, ”Gaelsong finishes, wins Yacht Club Memorial sail race;” 1st, Jacob Brooks, Kodiak Daily Mirror ”ERA Aviation Christmas Basketball Tournament;” 2nd, Jeff Brady, Skagway News, ”‘Smart team’ completes season at state tourney”
Best Sports Game/Event Story, large circ. — 1st, Ron Wilmot, Anchorage Daily News, ”Going for broke;” 2nd, Charles Bingham, Juneau Empire, ”Over the mudflats, through the woods;” 3rd, Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News, ”UAA women are Shootout champs”
Best Sports Game/Event Story, small circ. — 1st, R.A. Dillon, Tundra Drums, ”King of Kusko;” 2nd, Randi Somer, Homer Tribune, ”Skateboarders dedicate new park;” 3rd, Jedediah R. Smith, Valdez Vanguard, ”Hometown heros”
Best Sports Feature, large circ. — 1st, Matt Nevala , Anchorage Daily News, ”Laughing Off Adversity;” 2nd, Nick Firchau, Ketchikan Daily News, ”Ketchikan’s Mann of the Moment;” 3rd, Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News, ”Sweet Sounds of History;” 3rd, Andrew Krueger , Juneau Empire, ”Douglas dynasty”
Best Sports Feature, small circ. — 1st, Jacob Brooks, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”Local referee selected to officiate state tournament;” 2nd, Ben Stuart, Homer News, ”On the rebound;” 3rd, Darrell L. Breese, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Mucha grapples her way to success”
Best Coverage of the Arts, all circ. — 1st, Amanda Coyne, Anchorage Press, ”Looking at clouds from both sides now: painter Ruth Sorensen;” 2nd, George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News, ”Writer Rich Chiappone: Building character;” 3rd, Robinson Dufy, Fairbanks Sun Star, ”The Cat in the Hat”
Best Sustained Coverage or Series, large circ. — 1st, Tom Kizzia, Anchorage Daily News, ”Pilgrims and Papa’s passage;” 2nd, Tom Moran, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, ”Alaska’s Bottom Line;” 3rd, Heather Resz, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Dirty Tricks”
Best Sustained Coverage or Series, small circ. — 1st, Carey James, Homer News, ”Boxed in;” 2nd, Melissa Dover, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”Crab rationalization;” 3rd, R.A. Dillon, Tundra Drums, ”Native summit”
Best Headline Writing, all circ. — 1st, Jenny Neyman, Peninsula Clarion; 2nd, Jamie Rogers, Anchorage Daily News; 3rd, Andrew Krueger, Juneau Empire
Best Editorial Cartoon, all circ. — 1st, Toe, Juneau Empire, ”Santa and Senator Stevens;” 2nd, Chuck Legge, The Frontiersman, ”Growth stimulator;” 3rd, Dan Darrow, The Ester Republic, ”Bush action figure”
Best section, large circ. — 1st, Anchorage Daily News, ”Life section;” 2nd, Anchorage Daily News, ”8 magazine;” 3rd, Juneau Empire, ”This Week”
Best section, small circ. — 1st, Homer Tribune, ”Heart of Homer;” 2nd, Alaska Circ. Inc., ”1st Alaskans;” 3rd, Kodiak Daily Mirror, ”The Looking Glass”
Best Weekly Newspaper — 1st, Anchorage Chronicle; 2nd, Homer News; 3rd, Tundra Drums
Best Illustration, all circ. — 1st, Lance Lekander, Anchorage Daily News, ”Eye in the sky;” 2nd, Lance Lekander, Anchorage Daily News, ”Beat of the slopes;” HM, Robert DeBerry, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Inhalant abuse”
Best Page Layout and Design, large circ. — 1st, Pam Dunlap-Shohl, Anchorage Daily News, ”Salmon sizzle;” 2nd, Jenny Neyman, M. Scott Moon, Peninsula Clarion, ”Digital diversions;” 3rd, Andrew Krueger, Juneau Empire, ”Pillars of the sport;” HM, Heather Taggard, Jamie Smith, Theresa Roark, Sun Star, Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks
Best Graphic, all circ. — 1st, Ron Engstrom, Anchorage Daily News, ”Heavy weight: North Slope oil;” 2nd, Ron Engstrom, Anchorage Daily News, ”Rat explosion on Kiska Island;” 3rd, Ron Engstrom, Anchorage Daily News, ”Fishing for oil in Bristol”
Best Spot News Photo, large circ. — 1st, Brian Wallace, Juneau Empire, ”Saving a life;” 2nd, Al Grillo, The Associated Press, ”A rose for Grandpa;” 3rd, Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News, ”Gas main blows”
Best Spot News Photo, small circ. — 1st, R.A. Dillon, Tundra Drums, ”Full service car wash;” 2nd, Joseph Robertia, Peninsula Clarion, ”Bear mauls Girdwood man;” 3rd, Robert Stapleton, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Walking away from a structure fire”
Best Picture Story, large circ. — 1st, Marc Lester, Anchorage Daily News, ”Pilgrim family;” 2nd, Marc Lester, Anchorage Daily News, ”Military youth;” 3rd, Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News, ”Little victories”
Best Picture Story, small circ. — 1st, Jeff Troth, Alaska Post, ”Afghanistan Prep;” 2nd, James Mason, Arctic Sounder, ”Tag, you’re it;” 3rd, John Crowder, Homer Tribune, ”War and Peace”
Best Sports Photo, large circ. — 1st, Al Grillo, The Associated Press, ”Uphill scramble;” 2nd, Erik Hill, Anchorage Daily News, ”Golovia Bay sunset;” 3rd, Robert Hallinen, Anchorage Daily News, ”Snomo crash”
Best Sports Photo, small circ. — 1st, Robert DeBerry, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Thrill ride;” 2nd, Robert DeBerry, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Cyclist in motion;” 3rd, Jedediah R. Smith, Valdez Vanguard, ”Which way is up?”
Best Scenic Photo, large circ. — 1st, John Hagen, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, ”Sky lights;” 2nd, Robert Hallinen, Anchorage Daily News, ”Chugach moose;” 3rd, Michael Penn, Juneau Empire, ”Skiers’ moon”
Best Scenic Photo, small circ. — 1st, Don Pitcher, Homer News, ”Ice time;” 2nd, Bob Martinson, Northern Light – Univ. of Alaska Anchorage, ”Alaska style spring;” 3rd, Rob Stapleton, Anchorage Chronicle, ”A Bull Moose”
Best Portrait, large circ. — 1st, Marc Lester, Anchorage Daily News, ”Pilgrim family;” 2nd, Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News, ”Fair face;” 3rd, Hall Anderson, Ketchikan Daily News, ”Shark art - Ray Troll”
Best Portrait, small circ. — 1st, John Crowder, Homer Tribune, ”Cece Gravemberg;” 2nd, Robert DeBerry, Anchorage Chronicle, ”New face of worship;” 3rd, Theresa Roark, The Sun Star, ”Lind’s last stand”
Best Feature Photo, large circ. — 1st, Al Grillo, The Associated Press, ”Flying fireworks;” 2nd, Hall Anderson, Ketchikan Daily News, ”Inside out;” 3rd, Matt Hage, Anchorage Daily News, ”Avalanche awareness”
Best Feature Photo, small circ. — 1st, Robert DeBerry, Anchorage Chronicle, ”Big job for flag boy;” 2nd, Heather Taggard, Sun Star, ”Mud volleyball;” 3rd, R.A. Dillon, Tundra Drums, ”Easy riders”
RADIO
Best Breaking Story — 1st, Theresa A. Bakker, KUAC-FM, ”Central fire;” 2nd, Johanna Eurich, KDLG, ”Bear mauling”
Best Reporting, Single Story — 1st, Joe Viechnicki, KFSK-FM, ”Petersburg Lake cabin;” 2nd, Helen Fleming, Alaska Teen Media Institute, ”Teen marriage;” 3rd, Len Anderson, KSKA, ”Anchorage cows”
Best Reporting, Comprehensive Coverage — 1st, Patty Sullivan, KSKA, ”Coal bed beneath our town;” 2nd, Katie Bausler, KTOO-FM, ”Niche marketing Alaska salmon;” 3rd, Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, ”Iditarod volunteers”
Best Public Affairs Program, on-going series — 1st, Robert Hannon, KUAC-Alaska One, ”Vital Signs: Caring for Alaskans;” 2nd, Jessica Cochran, Michelle Wozniak, Ellen Lockyer, John Nelson, Alaska Public Radio Network, ”AK;” 3rd, Kate Ripley, KUAC-FM, ”Evening Rounds: In Vitro Fertilization”
Best Public Affairs Program, one-time special — 1st, Libby Casey, Robert Hannon, KUAC-FM, ”Alaska’s Bottom Line: Taxes”
Best Commentary, Editorial or Review — 1st, Geo Beach, Tempest Media, ”The Power of One;” 2nd, Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, ”Family;” 3rd, Doug Fine, National Public Radio, ”Off the Grid”
Best Government or Political Reporting — 1st, Anne Sutton, KTOO-FM, ”Gustavus Inc.;” 2nd, Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, KUAC, ”Longevity bonus;” 3rd, Jody Seitz, KDLG and Alaska Public Radio Network, ”Allotment”
Best Business reporting — 1st, Deepa Ranganathan, KTOO, ”Foreign workers;” 2nd, Joe Viechnicki, KFSK, ”Can pack record;” 3rd, Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK, ”Marine operator shuts down”
Best Environmental Reporting — 1st, Patty Sullivan, KSKA, ”Jim Creek – Trashed Alaska;” 2nd, Johanna Eurich, KDLG, ”Fencing the bears;” 3rd, Johanna Eurich, KDLG, ”Russian fish poaching”
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts — 1st, Anne Sutton, KTOO-FM, ”Kake Circle;” 2nd, Patty Sullivan, KSKA, ”Burglar-killing Pastor Goes Free”
Best Reporting on Education — 1st, Johanna Eurich, KDLG, ”Meshek School;” 2nd, Libby Casey, KUAC-FM, ”Campus Activism – or Apathy;” 3rd, Johanna Eurich, KDLG, ”Togiak School”
Best Reporting on Health or Science — 1st, Doug Fine, KHNS, ”The salmon spawn;” 2nd, Len Anderson, KSKA, ”TV and diabetes;” 3rd, Jody Seitz, KDLG, ”F-A-S”
Best Feature — 1st, Libby Casey, KUAC-FM, ”Athabascan Fiddle Festival;” 2nd, Johanna Eurich, KDLG, ”Setnetting;” 3rd, Johanna Eurich, KDLG, ”Dillingham Christmas Programs”
Best Profile — 1st, Len Anderson, KSKA, ”Immigrant receives slave labor check;” 2nd, Gabriel Spitzer, Alaska Public Radio Network, ”Life of Mike Sams;” 3rd, Patty Sullivan, KSKA, ”Alaska’s home brewers”
Best Sports Reporting — 1st, Libby Casey, KUAC-FM, ”2003 Yukon Quest;” 2nd, Doug Fine, National Public Radio, ”Wilderness Marathon”
Best Coverage of a Live Event — 1st, KNBA, ”Alaska Federation of Natives Convention”
Best Arts Coverage — 1st, Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, ”Ron Wise;” 2nd, Melissa Smith, Alaska Teen Media Institute, ”Nothing less;” 3rd, Dylan Hitchcock-Lopez, ”Kid Band”
Best Daily News Program — 1st, Alaska Public Radio Network, ”Alaska News Nightly;” 2nd, KUAC-FM and Native Voice Communications; 3rd, Alaska Public Radio Network, ”Alaska Morning News”
TELEVISION
Best Breaking News Story — 1st, Meghan Stapleton, Jason Moore, Lynn Melling, Karen Pearson, KTUU-TV, ”The Search is Over;” 2nd, Lynn Melling, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, ”Plane Crash;” 3rd, Lynn Melling, Chris Werner, KTUU-TV, ”Stranded Belugas”
Best Reporting, Single Story — 1st, Jason Moore, Dave Steward, KTUU-TV, ”Pilgrim Road;” 2nd, Jeff Turner, Ian Rushing, KTVA-TV, ”Under the Ice;” 3rd, Bill McAllister, KTOO-TV, ”ANWR: A Tale of Two Cities”
Best Reporting, Series — 1st, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, ”Wrangell Institute;” 2nd, Maria Downey, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, ”Special Olymics – Ireland;” 3rd, Lauren Maxwell, Dave Gamson, Scott Smith, KTVA-TV, ”Spirit of Youth”
Best Live Shot — 1st, Meghan Stapleton, Shawn Wilson, KTUU-TV, ”Rats;” 2nd, Lynn Melling, KTUU-TV, ”Ft. Rich Fence;” 3rd, Ben Deci, Ian Rushing, KTVA-TV, ”Fees and Fines”
Best Documentary — 1st, Steve MacDonald, Eric Sowl, Rich Jordan, Jim Schewe, KTUU-TV, ”Alaska’s Forgotten War: legacy of Sacrifice and Survival;” 2nd, Brian Bechard, Megan Baldino, KTUU-TV, ”The Yukon: Subsistence, Salmon and Survival;” 3rd, Mark Cosson, KUAC-Alaska One, ”Fishlift: The Recovery of an Ichyosaur;” HM, Aaron Elterman, KUAC-Alaska One, ”If We Dance: The story of the Midnight Sun Intertribal Powwow”
Best Reporting, Health or Science — 1st, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV, ”Get steamed;” 2nd, Chris Wermer, Joy Mapaye, KTUU-TV, ”Champ Camp”
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts — 1st, Gianna Trinca, Mike Nederbrock, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, ”I didn’t shoot the pipeline;” 2nd, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, Justin Freeman, Rich Jordan, KTUU-TV, ”Drug Court: Lives in the Balance;” 3rd, Christina Cotterman, Ian Rushing, KTVA-TV, ”Corriera”
Best Government or Political Reporting — 1st, Bill McAllister, KTOO-TV, ”Alaska Week;” 2nd, Meghan Stapleton, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, ”Sorry, it’s the law;” 3rd, Warren Williamson, Shawn Wilson, KTUU-TV, ”Alaska Video Gaming”
Best Business reporting — 1st, Steve MacDonald, Chris Werner, KTUU-TV, ”Ulu Factory;” 2nd, Gianna Trinca, Dave Steward, KTUU-TV, ”Kotzebue Summit”
Best Feature — 1st, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV, ”Patti Godfrey: One year later;” 2nd, Megan Baldino, Brian Bechard, KTUU-TV, ”Cultural Camp;” 3rd, Lynn Melling, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, ”Paragliding”
Best Arts Story — 1st, Lauren Maxwell, Mitch Tremblay, KTVA-TV, ”Willow Artist;” 2nd, Sheila Balistreri, KTUU-TV, ”Small Gallery, Big Art;” 3rd, Elictia Hammond, KTVA-TV, ”UN Celebration”
Ongoing Public Affairs Program — 1st, Rhonda McBride, Richard Davis, KAKM, ”Consider This;” 2nd, Robert Hannon, KUAC-Alaska One, ”Inside Alaska;” 3rd, Robert Hannon, KUAC-Alaska One, ”Vital Signs: Caring for Alaskans”
One-time Public Affairs Special — 1st, Lauren Maxwell, Ian Rushing, KTVA, ”50th Anniversary Special”
Best Profile — 1st, Christina Cotterman, Ian Rushing, KTVA-TV, ”Apple Man;” 2nd, Chris Werner, Jeff Hope, KTUU-TV, ”Ed Homer;” 3rd, Heidi Loranger, Ian Rushing, KTVA-TV, ”Rich Owens”
Best Live Special — 1st, Meghan Stapleton, Jason Moore, Karen Pearson, Lyn Melling, Iris Keogh, KTUU-TV, ”Decision 2003”
Best Editing — 1st, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, ”Spring Dogs;” 2nd, Chris Werner, Jeff Hope, KTUU-TV, ”River Rafting;” 3rd, James William DeCrane, KTVA-TV, ”Fun in the Snow”
Best Feature Photography — 1st, Brian Bechard, Gianna Trinca, KTUU-TV, ”Fly Like an Eagle;” 2nd, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, ”Paddle Primer;” 3rd, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, ”Blessing of the Fleet”
Best Spot News Photography — 1st, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, ”Bottom of the 3d;” 2nd, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, ”Stand-Off”
Best Sports Photography — 1st, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, ”Down the Mountain;” 2nd, Brad Hillwig, KTUU-TV, ”State Championships: Game Day;” 3rd, Brad Hillwig, KTUU-TV, ”Motocross City Series”
Best Newscast — 1st, , KTVA, ”5 p.m. Daily News;” 2nd, , KTUU, ”The Late Edition;” 3rd, , KTUU, ”Channel 2 Newshour”
ALL MEDIA
Investigative Reporting — 1st, Rich Mauer, Nicole Tsong, Anchorage Daily News, ”Sins of the Father;” 2nd, Brian Patrick O’Donoghue, Sharice Wacker, Tom Delaune, Gary Moore, Laurel Ford, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner/UAF Journalism Department, ”Experts: Jurors erred in murder case;” 3rd, Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, ”Who was watching out for Charlie?”
Best Web site — 1st, Leon Unruh, Tom Twigg, Anchorage Daily News, ”Alaska.com;” 2nd, , KTVF-TV, ”Webcenter11.com;” 3rd, Leon Unruh, Tom Twigg, Eric Courtney, Anchorage Daily News, ”ADN.com”
Public Service Award — Richard Mauer, Nicole Tsong, Anchorage Daily News, ”Catholic Church Stories”
Humor — not awarded
Alaska Press Club Awards 2002
awarded 2003
1-Breaking News Story
Small:
Judge: Lisa Davis
Investigative reporter, SFWeekly
1st: Moraine on the Move: West Creek Floods Dyea Homes
Entrants: Hollie Joy Brown & Jeff Brady
Org: The Skagway News
Comments: Good hustle! Monthly paper with virtually no staff did just what a major daily would do when confronted by a local disaster. You served your readers well.
2nd: Unocal Strikes Pay Dirt, Pipeline Will Happen
Entrant: John Crowder
Org: Homer Tribune
It’s not often you get to yell, “Stop the presses!” these days, and virtually never at a weekly. But this effort brought important, timely news to people in Homer.
3rd: ASUAF Senator-elect May Face Prison Time for Counterfeiting $100 Bills
Entrant: Tom DeLanne
Org: Sun-Star (U of Alaska Fairbanks)
Large:
Judge: Michael Arrieta-Walden, The Oregonian
Day coordinating editor who edited a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter’s work when he was city editor at the Albuquerque Tribune
1st: Woman shoots ex-top cop, shoots wife, police say
Entrants: Zaz Hollander and Sheila Toomey
Org: Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Swimmers flee gas cloud
Entrants: Peter Porco, Tataboline Brant, Sean Cockerham
Org: Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Fire razes Aspen Hotel
Entrant: Lucas Wall
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Honorable mention: Great Whiteout
Org: Anchorage Daily News
2-General News Story
Small:
Judge: Bill Leuders
News Editor, Isthmus
1st: Woman dies in Kayak accident, man stranded
Entrant: John Crowder
Org: Homer Tribune
Comments: Like several of the stories entered, Crowder’s piece is based on a weather-related tragedy, written soon afterwards. But what makes it remarkable is the depth of detail that Crowder brings to the telling, and the manner in which he recreates the entire event from the perspective of a single source: Gabriel Kehn. Obviously, it helps that Kehn was apparently willing to talk and that his tale was so compelling — I was reminded in several places of Jack London’s “How to Build a Fire” — but the writer deserves credit for conveying the story’s simple, terrible power.
2nd: Ancient house unearthed at Cliff Pt.
Entrant: Megan Holland
Org: Kodiak Daily Mirror
Comments: This was, in my opinion, the single best piece of writing among the various submissions, very clear, informative, and well-organized. I confess to feeling a bit disappointed to turn to the jump page and see that there was only a few inches left. I think this story could and probably should have been longer and more in-depth. But I wish to acknowledge the writer’s skill.
3rd(TIE): Customers come to defense of veteran ‘papergirl’
Entrant: Carey James
Org: Homer News
AND
Man’s best friend finds ally in council
Entrant: Carey James, R.A. Dillon
Org: The Tundra Drums
Comments: I know the organizers discourage ties but I felt that was fairer than flipping a coin. Both of these stories put a human face on an issue of community concern. I think it’s important that the Homer News was there to help Mary Clare Foecke voice her grievance about unfair pay, but the thing that makes the story work is that the writer also showed what it her job is like — a real slice of life. The story about the failed effort to outlaw barking dogs was lively and informative. I appreciated the details about the historic use of dog teams to deliver mail, and it gave a real sense of the personalities of the people involved in local government.
Large:
Judge: James M. Naughton
President of the Poynter Institute and former editor of the The Philadelphia Inquirer
1st: Ex-Guardsman on FBI Watch List
Entrant: Julia O’Malley
Org: Juneau Empire
Comments: This story was impressively reported – on the record – and written in a clear-cut and powerfully understated way that just nailed the government bureaucrats whose contribution to the war on terrorism was to act like the Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight, a comedy of ignorance.
2nd: Snowmobilers Recount Harrowing Fall
Entrant: Peter Porco
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Okay, sure, it’s a staple of life in Alaska that there are stories of people being rescued off glaciers and pulled out of rivers and stitched back together when bears maul them, but I loved this story not once but twice. As it happens, I read it last April on a trip to Anchorage and couldn’t put it down. When I saw it again in this competition, I still couldn’t put it down. Nicely done.
3rd: All Shook Up
Entrant: Doug O’Harra
News Organization: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: On imagery alone, this is a prizeworthy story. You’ve got to love any tale that includes the description of an earthquake that makes tall spruce trees slap the ground “like windshield blades.” It puts you right there, dodging the spruce needles, a very effective re-creation of the way people in Mentasta Lake were struck by a quake registering 7.9.
3-Use of Story and Photos by a Reporter
Small:
Judge: John Sale
Director of Photography
The Spokesman Review, Spokane Washington
1st: A parish where everyone knows each other
Entrant: Kelly DuFort
Org: Catholic Anchor
Comments: Nice story. The photography has style – a common theme that helps build a consistent point of view echoed in the text.
2nd: From the Brink of Oblivion
Entrant(s): Ted Horner
Org: The Delta Discovery
Comments: A thorough take on a cultural event that clearly spans generations. Photos have a good mix of people, and inside and outside shots. Judges loved the photo of the snowmobile dragging the reindeer.
3rd: Medic! Medic! Medic!
Entrant(s): Robyn Baer
Org: Alaska Post
Comments: Nice job. This journalist got right down in the dirt with her subjects.
4-Short Feature
Small:
Judge: Kate Zernike
New York Times reporter and part of the Pulitzer-winning team for 9/11 coverage at the Times
1st: A Story Unfolds
Entrant: David Abrams
Org: Alaska Post
Comments: A beautifully, intimately written story about the small miracles that came from a huge environmental disaster, and then the effort to tell the rest of the world about those miracles. In a spare but vivid way the writer tells us all about the artist, the birds, and how the book came to life—all in
a remarkably short space. It is written with such poignancy that you can “see” the pictures in the book even without seeing them.
2nd: Port Lions Landmark Flies Again
Entrant: Megan Holland
Org: Kodiak Daily Mirror
Comments: A charming story about a plane, the village that adopted it, and one determined man. The tale itself is rich, but the writer gets all the right details to bring it alive — the owner sleeping in the belly of the plane, the residents waiting under its wing, and then coming out with smoked salmon at the end to watch it take off. All the detail leaves the reader rooting for the plane in the end.
3rd: Remote Site Mission: Never a Typical Day
Entrant: Neil Zawicki
Org: Alaska Star/Military Weekly
Comments: The writer strikes the perfect tone for a first person account, employing a wonderful self-deprecating wit, and the right balance of thorough explanation and short punch lines. The writer’s queasiness and the
squadron’s steely confidence come across vividly. The reader both learns something and gets a good laugh.
Large:
Judge: Andrea Behr
Features Copy Chief, San Francisco Chronicle
1st: Mementos — cemetery
Entrant: Sandi Gerjevic
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: A creative story idea carried out well, without maudlin sentimentality or overwrought language. I actually got a little chill up my spine at the end. A story that causes a physical response has something going for it.
2nd: The things you need
Entrant: Toby Sullivan
Org: Anchorage Press
Comments: The writer found an unusual way of conveying color and information – he took a risk that worked to make the reader care.
3rd: Running on empty
Entrant: Amanda Coyne
Org: Anchorage Press
Comments: Funny, moving caring and informative.
5-Long Feature
Judge: Paula Span
Washington Post Magazine staff writer and professor of journalism at Columbia University
1st: I Want to Ride in the Bus Chris Died In
Entrant: Sherry Simpson
Org: Anchorage Press
Comments: An expedition — powerfully and unsparingly rendered — to the bus where a sojourner starved prompts a meditation on the meaning of his death, of wilderness, of Alaska itself. Provocative and memorable.
2nd: Out Ronda’s Way
Entrant: Debra McKinney
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: In the hands of an astute reporter and skillful stylist, a deceptively simple story about a local cafe becomes a case study of family, community and values in the Butte.
3rd: A New Threat
Entrant: Wesley Loy
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Loy tackles a complex and significant subject — a threat to Alaska’s halibut fishery — and produces a highly readable feature, thanks to thorough reporting, a keen eye and lively descriptions.
Honorable Mention: Amanda Coyne
Org: Anchorage Press
For: How to Visit Your Mother in Prison
Information Please
Set the Twilight Reeling
6-Business Reporting
Small:
Judge: Bob Drews
Business Copy Chief, San Jose Mercury News
1st: Homer Sees Resurgence of Business on Pioneer Avenue
Entrant: John Crowder
Org: Homer Tribune
Comments: This article interested me from the first paragraph to the last. John stated very clearly what the story was about right from the start. Then he followed up with legwork telling us about the varied merchants doing business and added excellent quotes from them as well as from the city council.
2nd: Camera in a Capsule Opens New Frontier
Entrant: McKibben Jackinsky
Org: Homer Tribune
Comments: McKibben took a complicated subject and made it understandable and interesting. Instead of getting bogged down in technical language, this article explained how this technology works, where it came from and how it could help me. And the lead was excellent.
3rd: Financial Advisor Returns Home for Business
Entrant: Robert Dillon
Org: Tundra Drums
Comments: This is an excellent profile of both a businessman and the company where he works. The quotes from him made the story very readable and also did a good job explaining his ambition and his work. Plus, Robert rounded out the article by talking to others who had worked with the businessman and shared their impressions of him.
Large:
Judge: Becky Bisbee
Business Editor, Seattle Times
1st: On the rocks: Bristol Bay bus
Entrant: Wesley Loy
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Complete package. Well written. Well reported. Well organized. Story on a compelling issue. Great sense of place. Great use of photos and graphics to provide context, historical info.
2nd: Usibelli’s last shipment to S. Korea
Entrant: Paula Dobbyn
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Nice storytelling. What could have been a run-of-the-mill business story turned out to be quite interesting. Well reported. Well written. Needed photos.
3rd: How oil pipeline officials handled the big one
Entrant: Diana Campbell
Org: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Comments: Great idea and great reporting. Great use of quotes. Nice build up of drama, human reactions.
7-Government or Political
Small:
Judge: Frank Lewis
Managing Editor, Philadelphia City Paper
1st: Taxes, taxes and more taxes
Entrant: John Crowder
Org: Homer Tribune
Comments: Thorough and balanced. Outlines key issues without getting bogged down in all the numbers.
2nd: Casino on Kuskokwim
Entrant: Ted Horner
Org: Delta Discovery
Comments: A good job presenting a complex issue.
3rd: Aid for displaced residents urged
Entrant: John Roscoe
Org: Catholic Anchor
Comments: Clear and concise, but could have benefited from a voice or two from the displaced residents themselves.
Large:
Judge: Greg Nokes, just retired after a career as an AP diplomatic correspondent and jack-of-all-trades at The Oregonian, including covering politics and business
1st: Sen. Rick Halford Profile
Entrant: Tom Kizzia
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: A well written and well rounded profile that provides readers with valuable insight into an unpredictable legislator in a position to make or break a legislative session.
2nd: Have we got a deal for you?
Entrant: Lynne Snifka
Org: Anchorage Press
Comments: A well-researched, balanced and easy-to-understand look into a the pros and cons of a new convention center.
3rd: Lisa Murkowski Chosen as Senator
Entrants: Tom Moran, Sam Bishop, Amanda Bohman
Org: Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Comments: The “DNA” lede was a delight. It sent this judge smiling through this comprehensive and balanced package on the appointment of the governor’s daughter.
8-Education
Small:
Judge: Chris Broderick, leader of Family & Education team at The Oregonian
1st: Enough is Enough
Entrant: Craig Dirkes
Org: Bristol Bay Times
Comments: This is an important story for the community—the flurry of misbehavior and truancy and tardiness and disrespect to staff at Dillingham Middle/High School. Though it was story based on an assembly, the article went deep into the range of emotions from students, teachers, the principal and others. Good lede, use of quotes and some follow-up reporting to provide more details.
No 2nd or 3rd place awards.
Large:
Judge: Kate Zernike
New York Times reporter, formerly on the education beat, and part of the Pulitzer-winning team for 9/11 coverage at the paper
1st: Junior’s Gift
Entrant: Ann Potempa
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: This story about a student with “special needs” — and a special gift — is written with compassion and honesty, a rare balance in stories about special education. Of all the education stories submitted, this one stood out. The writer celebrates Junior’s accomplishments without glorifying or romanticizing them, and does not try to gloss over his disabilities. She deftly moves between the narrative of Junior’s life and information about his disabilities and savants, and from scenes at school to family life and back. The scenes come alive with vivid detail, quotes, and even a sense of suspense in places, allowing what might be considered a long story to never feel too long.
2nd: Controversy over Freak Dancing
Entrant: Katie Pesznecker
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: The writer delivers great detail, bright quotes, a sense of scope, and historical perspective to a story about, as she says, an age-old battle between schools and teenagers. This is a national trend, as the writer notes, but she illuminates interesting local nuances, about a teacher trying to get students interested in other dances, for example, and other shades of the debate, including the one among students themselves, between those who want to freak and those who want to save the privilege of their dances.
3rd: Was Kivalina Misunderstood?
Entrant: Tony Hopfinger
Org: Anchorage Press
Comments: This story smartly goes back to a big controversy to question the initial assumptions — something reporting too rarely does. It is a well-written, clear-eyed look at what happened in Kivalina with wonderful detail of this remote place — from its honey buckets to the average income level. The writer does not ignore the initial allegations or the fact that problems existed, but he illuminates the controversy by putting it in the context of local history and unusual and often difficult local circumstances.
9-Profile
Small:
Judge: Paula Span
Washington Post Magazine staff writer and professor of Journalism at Columbia University
1st: Saying goodbye to Jack
Entrant: Robert Dillon
Org: Tundra Drums
Comments: Can you profile a subject who only growls? Apparently so. R.A. Dillon uses spare, compelling prose and masterful pacing to portray the personality, life and death of a memorable husky.
2nd: Homeless man dies, his life remains a mystery
Entrant: John Crowder
Org: Homer Tribune
Comments: Crowder collects memories, clues and conjecture to illuminate the life of a homeless 78-year-old whom everyone saw and nobody knew.
3rd: Longtime resident keeps heritage alive at home
Entrant: Megan Holland,
Org: Kodiak Daily Mirror
Comments: Lively look at a Latina who keeps chilies from Mexico in her freezer, but feels most at home in Kodiak.
Large:
Judge: Gay Salisbury
Former editor at HarperCollins Publishers and co-author of the forthcoming book, The Cruelest Miles: The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic
1st: Not Fade Away
Entrant: Toby Sullivan
Org: Anchorage Press
Comments: Toby Sullivan’s vivid profile of crab fisherman Captain Murray was beautifully rendered and the writing as strong and human as its subject. Sullivan’s portrait is drawn with a painter’s brush, applying light and shadows and with an attention to detail and a poet’s ear for language to achieve amidst the fury of the sea a true portrait of a sailor and a man one might find on the canvas of Winslow Homer or Lucian Freud. I won’t soon forget the feistiness of Toby Sullivan’s subject and hope to read more from this talented writer and brave seaman.
2nd: The Thing About Al
Entrant: Debra McKinney
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Given her subject is a homeless drifter who appears to constantly be on the move, Debra McKinney deftly captures her moving target and treats her subject with a dignity and respect goes a long way toward humanizing the homeless by her restoring Al’s identity for the reader. To meet his long last family, following his roaming thoughts and know the exact contents of his pockets, and other great details help us to see the man amidst the baggage. By casting a net as wide as Al’s travels along the Glenn Highway, McKinney effectively illuminates a man and his community that might otherwise remain invisible to the drivers who speed past Al on his heavily laden bicycle. Written with heart, McKinney introduces us to a remarkable man and helps us understand the weight of the load Al has to carry, and gratitude for those who help to alleviate some of his burden.
3rd: Bill Stiver
Entrant: George Bryson’s
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: The trust the Stiver family obviously placed in George Bryson and the access they granted him was well placed and the rewards much appreciated. We’re able to meet and admire a true Alaskan who lived on his own terms to the very end by reading Bryson’s expertly written profile, and appreciate the family who paid such a dignified man the honor he deserved. Bryson’s portrait has great heart and tempo, and his respect for his subject comes lovingly through.
10-Environmental
Small:
Judge: Bill Thomasson
Freelance science writer/member of National Association of Science Writers
1st: Don’t Feed the Sea Lions
Entrant: Megan Holland
Org: Kodiak Daily Mirror
Comments: Provides a clear view of the problem and why alternative approaches won’t work. Liberal use of quotes both provides info and keeps the piece interesting.
2nd: Moose Hunt to Open
Entrant: Craig Dirkes
Org: Bristol Bay Times
Comments: A good exposition of how the policies that allowed recovery of the moose population came to adopted and of their ultimate success. The key role of protecting cow moose comes through clearly.
3rd: Youth Work to not Throw Away Future
Entrant: R. A. Dillon
Org: Tundra Drums
Comments: Makes the event come alive while providing a good overview of its environmental and cultural background.
Large:
Judge: Gretel H. Schueller
Freelance science writer, member NASW and teaches science and environmental reporting at SUNY Plattsburgh
1st: Tomorrow Never Knows
Entrant: Tataboline Brant
Org: Anchorage Press
Comments: The policies and politics of recycling are murky and often tricky. Yet Brant managed to wade through facts and figures to present a compelling and well-rounded story with lively writing. It is also a particularly timely issue in light of recent suspensions in recycling programs across the country.
2nd: Taking Refuge: Swanson River Drilling Fuels Debate over ANWR
Entrant: Shana Loshbaugh
Org: Peninsula Clarion
Comments: Long before many other media organizations latched onto the parallels between ANWR and the Kenai refuge, Loshbaugh put together a timely and thoroughly-researched article. As heated as the issue to drill is, Loshbaugh managed to present balanced and effective arguments and to place the question of drilling for oil in ANWR in some broader context.
3rd: Yellow Boy’s Threat
Entrant: Paula Dobbyn
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Wonderful, vivid writing that is also well-researched. Dobbyn makes the threat of mines come alive off the pages. And she effectively investigates what Alaska mines are currently doing to curb the threat.
11-Crime or Courts
Small:
Judge: Scott Higham
Pulitzer-prize winning reporter for the Washington Post
1st: Homer Doctor Charged with Assault
Entrant: John Crowder
Org: Homer Tribune
Comments: Prolific and sharply focused reporting on courts and cops while writing nearly every other front page story for the paper. Give the man a raise!
2nd: Please try to save my life somehow
Entrant: Greg Dart
Org: Alaska Star;
Comments: Gripping, emotional coverage of a horrific murder.
3rd: New Suspect Charged
Entrant: Kim Perry
Org: The Northern Light
Comments: A student who shows promise.
Large:
Judge: Bruce Cadwallader
Crime Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch
1st: Scam of a Lifetime
Entrant: Tataboline Brant
Org: Anchorage Press
2nd: Point of No Return
Entrant: Amanda Coyne
Org: Anchorage Press
3rd: Small Town Trial Congenial
Entrant: Tom Moran
Org: Fairbanks Daily News Miner
12-Health or Science
Small:
Judge: Gretel H. Schueller
Freelance science writer, member NASW and teaches science and environmental reporting at SUNY Plattsburgh.
1st: Family Faces Challenge of FAS
Entrant: Carey James
Org: Homer News
Comments: James managed to bring a serious health problem to life with her vivid profile. In addition, she soundly supported the story with well-researched statistics and facts, thereby placing her example of Ovar in the big picture.
2nd: Combating Diabetes — one of the biggest health concerns on the delta
Entrant: Carle Grill
Org: The Delta Discovery
Comments: Grill was able to clearly explain the complicated connection between genes and diabetes, as well as the role of lifestyle factors on diabetes. It is a well-rounded article with straightforward information that readers can use.
3rd: Invasive Weeds Posing Threat to Local Soils
Entrant: John Crowder
Org: Homer Alaska Tribune
Comments: Crowder brought a current nation-wide problem home by graphically presenting local plant threats. (I would, however, have liked to have seen a little more on what specific actions people can take to avoid planting invasives in the first place.)
Large:
Judge: Bill Thomasson
Freelance science writer/member of National Association of Science Writers
1st: Land of the Little Sticks
Entrant: Sonya Senkowsky
Org: Freelance, Alaska Magazine
Comments: I was very much impressed with Senkowsky’s vividly descriptive style, perhaps slightly more literary than would be typical in a newspaper. At the same time, the scientific exposition was clear, complete and convincing.
2nd: Solid Knowledge from Shaky Ground
Entrant: Rindi White
Org: Frontiersman
Comments: Provides a very clear explanation of earthquakes and why they happen, placing the Denali quake in broader context and suggesting what sort of risks there may be in the future.
3rd: High-tech Gear Unveils Mysteries of Alaska Sharks
Entrant: Doug O’Hara
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Give a good feel both for the methods biologists use to study sharks and the mysteries and surprises these animals hold.
13-Editorial Writing
Small:
Judge: Leonard Pitts, Jr.
Nationally syndicated columnist for the Miami Herald
1st: Sportsmanship, Good Role Models Always in Season; Stakes Too High to Neglect Goal; Anniversary Brings Time For Reflection
Entrants: Mark Kelsey, Sepp Jannotta
Org: The Homer News
Comments: Evocative writing and incisive, well-constructed arguments.
2nd: Tony Bickert
Org: Alaska Star
3rd: Skagway News Opinion
Entrants: Dimitra Lavrakas, Jeff Brady
Org: The Skagway News
Large:
Judge: Eleanor Clift
Newsweek Columnist
1st: No reason to hide public’s business; Rep. Young’s record; Kenai peninsula – No place to fish
Entrant: Lori Evans
Org: Peninsula Clarion
Comments: These are hard-hitting editorials that are unafraid to challenge government authority, and include nice tie-ins to Washington and what’s happening on the national scene.
2nd: Exxon’s Chutzpah; Entrance Exam; Roadside Memorials
Entrant: Matthew Zencey
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: These are solid editorials that explain fairly and with clarity issues of importance to the community.
3rd: It’s not the end…
Entrant: Frontiersman
Org: Frontiersman
14-Columnist
Small:
Judge: Leonard Pitts, Jr.
Nationally syndicated columnist for the Miami Herald
1st: Being Human
Entrant: Tony Bickert
Org: The Alaska Star
Comments: A good columnist is distinguished by his or her ability to connect — emotionally, intellectually — with readers. Through his sense of humor, his colorful writing and his ability to ‘find the lesson’ in life’s everyday encounters, Tony Bickert connects.
2nd: The View from Teddy’s Kitchen
Entrant: Teddy Wintersteen
Org: The Delta Discovery
3rd: Personal Perspective
Entrant: Dennis Thompson
Org: The Senior Voice
Large:
Judge: Lori Robertson
Managing Editor, American Journalism Review
1st: Heather Lende
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Among the entries in this category, Heather Lende’s columns stood out. She gets to her points quickly and carries the reader through her columns with clear, rhythmical writing. She shares moments from her life and the community’s and turns them into discussions of broader issues. Yet when she becomes philosophical, she’s not preachy. Lende doesn’t overdo it — her writing is simply a conversation with her readers.
2nd: Quoth the Senate: Nevermore; Civil rights from Montgomery to Copper River; What to expect-the fiscal gap years
Entrant: Bill McAllister
Org: Juneau Empire
Comments: Bill McAllister takes what to many readers would be a snooze — state government news — and makes it interesting. He employs wit, reason, self-deprecation and even poetry to get his points across. But what really shines through in the columns is his passion for the subject.
3rd: Mike Doogan
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Mike Doogan offers readers a glimpse into the lives of others. Whether poignant, sad or nostalgic, his columns put people in the community, not necessarily his opinions, into the spotlight.
Honorable Mention: Marcus K. Garner
Org: The Peninsula Clarion
Comments: His writing has a strong voice, and he’s an entertaining columnist. Garner shows a lot of potential. One word of advice: He (along with many other columnists) needs to strike the phrase “don’t get me wrong” from his vocabulary.
15-Sports Columnist
Judge: Bill Plaschke
LA Times Sports Columnist
1st: Jeff Helminiak
Org: Peninsula Clarion
Comments: Jeff Helminiak proves you don’t have to work for the major newspaper to make a major impact. His three columns included a defiant embrace of nature in the wake of man-made obstacles, an appreciation of an old mushing enemy, and a simple tribute to a beautiful day. Varied topics, varied writing styles, and a depth of perspective made this entry a compelling read that far outreaches its circulation.
2nd: Oakley Cochran
Org: Anchorage Chronicle.
Comments: Three wonderfully scripted outdoors pieces help the reader share her fear on a sailboat, on a hike, and while stuck in the middle of nowhere with a bad man. It’s difficult to write such personal stories without sounding presumptuous or maudlin, but Oakley Cochran handles it such that we feel only inspiration.
3rd: Doyle Woody
Org: Anchorage Daily News.
Comments: Using description that does not burden, Woody tackles everything from a hockey brawl to a mountain race with both grace and wit.
16-Sports News
Small:
Judge: Frank Lewis
Managing Editor, Philadelphia City Paper
No award given.
Large:
Judge: Glenn Crevier, sports editor
Minneapolis Star Tribune
1st: Stuck in a Financial Quagmire
Entrant: Matt Nevala
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Cleverly-written but filled with facts about financial struggles of team. Nice reporting tracking down people who were owed money. Strong use of quotes.
2nd: 39 Runners Disqualified
Entrant: Doyle Woody
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Writer did a nice job of developing a unique story. He explained why officials enforced the rules and supplemented story with quotes from both officials and effected runners.
3rd: On Ebay: Anchorage Aces for $1.5 million
Entrant: Josh Niva
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Tightly-written account of club listing itself for sale on EBay. Fair, factual and represented all sides.
17-Sports Game/Event
Small:
Judge: Glenn Crevier, sports editor
Minneapolis Star Tribune
1st: King makes it 6
Entrant: Robert Dillon
Org: Tundra Drums
Comments: Tight, concise, well-written account of the Kuskokwim 300 race. The story was balanced with good quotes explaining the strategy of the winner and runner-up.
2nd: Blood, Sweat and Beer
Entrant: Hollie Joy Brown
Org: The Skagway News
Comments: Good tale about how the team was formed, struggled to stay together and eventually won.
3rd: MEDDAC mauls 267/203
Entrant: Brian Lepley
Org: Alaska Post
Comments: Strong descriptive writing.
Large:
Judge: Bill Plaschke
LA Times Sports Columnist
1st: Buffalo Trouble
Entrant: Paula Dobbyn
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: An absolutely riveting piece about a woman and a buffalo. Great account of courage and a “hellish section of the Iditarod known for busting sleds and people.’’
2nd: Kemppel Cruises to 8th Title
Entrant: Beth Bragg
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: The wonderful lede said it all … “Winning a record seventh straight Mountain Marathon championship was the easy part of Nina Kemppel’s day Thursday. Getting to the starting line was the hard part.’’...A funny, inspiring story of a champion who had to break into her car for her shoes.
3rd: Tupou Survives DQ Attempt
Entrant: Charles Bingham
Org: Juneau Empire.
Comments: A nice job of mixing statistics and controversy in a difficult state track meet story. Properly captured the lede of a competitor who was nearly disqualified because, well, she couldn’t fit into her shorts.
18-Sports Feature
Small:
Judge: Glenn Crevier, sports editor
Minneapolis Star Tribune
1st: Local man realizes dream as Olympic torch runner
Entrant: Darrell Breese
Org: Alaska Star
Comments: Nice storytelling on a man who held an Olympic dream – and achieved it, even if it wasn’t on the playing field. Effective use of quotes that reveal his excitement and passion.
2nd: Hellfest 2000
Entrant: Lucie Straub
Org: The Skagway News
No 3rd place award.
Large:
Judge: Bill Plaschke
LA Times Sports Columnist
1st: Taking Shots
Entrant: J.R. Rardon
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Wonderful idea and execution of the tale of the child star of a corny TV commercial who grew up to become a good, but harassed, high school basketball player. Funny, yet touching, it deftly handles the problems faced by Buddy Bailey as he has balanced fame and infamy. Just as Buddy Bailey is ‘’here, there and everywhere,’’ so is this charming story.
2nd: Rafting the Tat
Entrant: John Woodbury
Org: Alaska Geographic
Comments: It is impossible not to award for a sports story that includes an anecdote of a guy jogging around a gravel bar wearing his underwear on his head for warmth.
3rd: Runner Spreads Resolve
Entrant: Beth Bragg
Org: Anchorage Daily News.
Comments: A former chain smoker turned distance runner wears dresses made of racing bibs and says, ‘’If people think I’m el whacko, they’ll think I’m el whacko.’’ As everyone knows, el whackos make great stories.
19-Arts Coverage
Judge: Doug Kim
Arts & Entertainment Editor, Seattle Times
1st: Driven Too Far
Entrant: Susan Morgan
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Fascinating, multilayered profile that probes the complexities of a man’s relationship with his father, and how he’s taming that into art. Lots of depth here.
2nd: Hiding in public
Entrant: Robert Meyerowitz
Org: Anchorage Press
Comments: Writer weaves a very rich tapestry that truly allows the reader to understand the artistic place that Iris Dement comes from.
3rd: The hardest story to tell…
Entrant: Debbie Carter
Org: Fairbanks Daily New Miner
Comments: Like the way the writer confronts head on the different aspects of the author’s latest work. Piece also gives a window into Native American culture from a difficult and unusual perspective.
20-Sustained Coverage or Series
Small:
Judge: Frank Lewis
Managing Editor, Philadelphia City Paper
1st: Godfrey murder
Entrant: Greg Dart
Org: Alaska Star
Comments: Thorough without becoming redundant. An excellent example of community journalism at its best.
2nd: Calista Corporation
Entrant: Ted Horner
Org: Delta Discovery
Comments: Meticulously reported and well balanced.
3rd: Shell Game
Entrants: Chris Bernard and Sepp Jannotta
Org: Homer News
Comments: Well written, colorful and informative.
Large:
Judge: James M Naughton
President of the Poynter Institute and former editor of the The Philadelphia Inquirer
1st: Fishing Industry in Peril
Entrant: Wesley Loy
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: It’s hard to conceive an industry more vital to Alaska than fishing, and even though threats to it happen with alarming frequency, this set of stories artfully told of the collisions – present and future – between traditional wild fishing and breeding fish on farms and how the livelihoods of Alaskans were being altered against their wills.
2nd: Drugs in Juneau
Entrants: Riley Woodford and Julia O’Malley
Org: Juneau Empire
Comments: This three-day series on drug abuse in Juneau was thorough, intelligent and clear. That it told a variety of important stories without resorting to stereotypes was a welcome bonus.
3rd: Buddy the Dog
Entrant: Lucas Wall
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Who can resist a good dog story? I can’t, especially one with such unusual twists – dog loyally stays with dead master; dog bites the hand which feeds it; dog dies ignoble death before it can get a reprieve. Wow. Thanks, Lucas.
21-Headline Writing
Judge: Bob Drews
Copy Editor with 30 years of experience, San Jose Mercury News
1st: Jenny Neyman
Org: Peninsula Clarion
Entry: Old Saint Nicknack, others
Comments: Every one of these headlines worked with the display art, showed wonderful creativity and told what the story was about. Always working with the lead story can be both a blessing and a curse - you get good art and room to write a headline, yet are pressured to come up with something that sells the story. Jenny was equal to the opportunity and the challenge.
2nd: Kyle Hopkins
News organization: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Entry: District saves school closure for a rainy day, others
Comments: Kyle used good word play where the opportunity presented itself, without being trite, and he showed a good touch on a mix of news and feature stories. Plus, he had some tough counts to work with. The “Free gun with $8 shelves” was particularly well done.
3rd: Kevin A. Coughlin
News organization: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Entry: UAF hockey dips into Salsa again, others
Comments: Kevin’s work was impressive for finding a fact or name in the story and building the headline around it without forcing the issue. Also, he often didn’t have much room to play with some of these headlines yet still did nice work. And he strived for creativity on all stories, whether dominating a page or secondary in importance.
22-Editorial Cartoon
Judge: David Horsey
Pulitzer prize-winning editorial cartoonist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
1st: Three cartoons—Terrorist Profiling, Alaska’s Axis
Of Evil, Looney News
Entrant: Dan Darrow
News Organization: The Ester Republic
Comments: Darrow has a fun, cartoony style that softens the blow but doesn’t undermine the sharp jabs he takes at his subjects. The satire on a local media figure featured in “Looney News” was nicely done.
2nd: Three cartoons --Boom Box, Exxon Settlement, Ballot Machine
Entrant: Mike O’Meara
New organization: Homer News
Comments: O’Meara employs an economy of line coupled with clever ideas to get his opinions across clearly. I especially liked the image of claimants languishing on a rocky beach in his “Exxon Settlement” cartoon.
3rd: Three cartoons by Michael Hootch
Entrant: Michael Hootch
News Organization: The Delta Discovery
Comments: I like Hootch’s whimsical drawing style and his linking of national issues with local symbols—particularly his “Osama bin Laden is Whale Bait” cartoon.
23-Best Section
Small:
Judge: Lori Robertson
Managing Editor, American Journalism Review
1st: Arts Section
Entrant: Carey James
Org: Homer News
Comments: This section has a nice, clean layout that makes good use of color and graphics. The writing is good, and the calendar of events is comprehensive, easy to read and useful.
2nd: Camai 2002
Entrants: Ted Horner, Nili Sundown
Org: The Delta Discovery
Comments: This section is inviting, with a clear layout and a nice use of photos. The writing is awkward at times, but the section is easy to navigate, and the schedule of events is appropriately played on the back cover.
3rd: Talkeetna Good Times Special Sections
Entrants: Judy M. Marie, Sarah J. Birdsall, Anita Golton
Org: Talkeetna Good Times
Comments: All three sections have very nice photo montages on the front. The layout could use more white space, and too many fonts are used in the headlines. But the sections are comprehensive and include lots of news you can use.
Large:
Judge: Dan Hortsch, public editor and Kay Mitchell, lead suburban copy editor at the Oregonian.
1st: Outdoors & Travel
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Date: Sept. 29, 2002
Comments: The section’s heart is a gorgeously photographed package on Denali National Park in autumn. Other notable features are a thoughtful column on subsistence hunting and several stories on winter sports equipment. Reader-friendly information tells how to apply for the park tour lottery, where to swap skis, and what outings are available. The section is cleanly designed and edited. The writers are obviously experienced in their field and are careful to include diverse viewpoints from gung-ho hunter to environmental activist. The result is an irresistible serving of Alaskan flavor.
2nd: Kusko 300
Org: Tundra Drums
Date: Jan. 16, 2002
Comments: The section may be intended as a guide for a sled-dog race, but it digs deeply into the subject for the casual viewer as well as the experienced musher. It explores the event’s history, human and canine participants, course conditions, and more. An especially interesting story profiles a German veterinarian volunteering with dog care. There is even a vocabulary list for the sport. The section’s design is straightforward; it has a wealth of black-and-white photos and some effective color, including a race map. The writing offers a wealth of detail.
3rd: Heartland Magazine, Away at School
Org: Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Date: Dec. 15, 2002
Comments: The section presents another flavorful sampling of Alaska. The weekly offering ranges from snippets of local history to a science lesson to a roundup of activities, including briefs nicely keyed to a state map. The centerpiece is an exploration of an innovative boarding school, undoubtedly a topic of interest to many. The design and editing are clear. Dave Barry’s syndicated column seems a bit of a stretch, but otherwise, it’s a keeper.
24-Best Weekly
Judge: James M Naughton
President of the Poynter Institute and former editor of the The Philadelphia Inquirer
1st: Anchorage Press
Comments: At last! Enterprise journalism! As it happened, the Press was the last entry I saw, at the bottom of the box, and I had about given up hope that the weekly category would demonstrate aggressive, thoughtful enterprise reporting. But all three entered issues of the Press contained meaningful stories about the Alaska experience. Too many so-called “alternative” papers spend their time (and credibility) hacking at the metro dailies in their markets instead of pursuing stories the metros missed. This is a paper with guts – and gusto – that seems to be refreshingly focused on a real news agenda. And much of it is written with panache. Hooray for the Anchorage Press.
2nd: Anchorage Chronicle
Comments: What a handsome publication. I love its vibrant color photography and its clean look. I’m impressed by its aspiring spirit and hoping that it will do journalism as impressive as the format. It could use some enterprise journalism to be a standout.
3rd: Talkeetna Good Times
Comments: This obviously is a paper that takes seriously its obligation to be a voice of the community. Even events of modest proportion were treated with seriousness of purpose. If I lived in its distribution area, I would want to not miss an issue of the Good Times.
25-Best Illustration
Judge: Steve Dorsey
Editor of SND’s Design Journal
Design and Graphics Director, Detroit Free Press
1st: Flabby Claims
Entrant: Lance Lekander
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: This illustration was playful and fun, yet well-rendered. It also caused me to imagine what one of these contraptions might feel like. It was masterfully incorporated into the page too, which helps.
2nd: Arts special section cover
Entrant: Pam Dunlop Shohl
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Too often annual covers get over-designed and over-illustrated. Too many reefers and elements clog the reader’s attention. This was a thoughtful tribute to simplicity that showed fore-thought and solid execution. I would have almost preferred the final typography chosen were simpler, allowing this polished illustration to take the full center stage on this page.
3rd: Vexed by hiccups
Entrant: David Ball
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: An intriguing visual style was employed making this a gripping illustration. The complex textures and askew angles made hiccups seem dark and spirited to me, like the monsters in children’s book. I wished the designer had not feathered the edges of this piece, that treatment goes counter to this style.
Honorable Mention: General Election Voters Guide Cover
Entrant: Dee Dee Hammond
Org: Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Comment: The subtle use of texture and technique combined to make this rather simple illustration a piece I kept coming back to. I appreciated the watercolor softness and the incorporation of the stars. Nits: I wish the state of Alaska was not disembodied (chopped off where it borders with Canada); I wish the design had better incorporated the illustration into the page.
26-Best Page Layout and Design
Small:
Judge: Rick Shaw, News Graphics at the Hartford Courant, winner of the 2001 Best Overall Design award from the Society of Newspaper Design
1st: Kusko 300 cover
Entrant: Lyra J. Gordon
Org: Tundra Drums
Comments: Design elegance can be based on simplicity. Typography is clean and color is tied in photograph. Plus type does not intrude on the subject of the image.
2nd: Warming up for the real thing
Entrant: Barb Smith
Org: Alaska Star
Comments: Strong use of photographs with clear lead and secondary photos. Background color is neutral without being garish. “Sprocket” holes not necessary.
3rd: Who needs snow?
Entrant: Jeremiah Morgan
Org: Homer Tribune
Comments: Clean design lets the power of the photos provide the content. Typography is kept simple for best readability. Good contrast of image sizing.
Large:
Judge: Steve Dorsey
Editor of SND’s Design Journal
Design and Graphics Director, Detroit Free Press
1st: Flabby Claims
Entrant: Ben Harris
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: This page incorporated the vibrant illustration smoothly without hitting me over the head. The use of color and typography accomplished the job. And the designer knew when to stop. There was also room accommodated for additional, unrelated stories (I’m assuming these were required), but they did not seem squeezed on disproportionately or in any was treated like an afterthought. A complete page. Well done.
2nd: Berners Bay
Entrant: Mary-Ann McBride
Org: Juneau Empire
Comments: This is a deceptively simple page. It would have been easy to try and accommodate more photos (I’m sure there were more), but restraint was exercised. Similarly there was typographic restraint used. The overall effect left me able to explore the photos without feeling like someone wanted to make sure their design was seen — the photos ARE this page and they are allowed to carry the visual burden of the page.
No 3rd place award.
Honorable Mention: Seeds of change
Entrant: Pam Dunlap-Shohl
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: A polished and sophisticated design intrigues me and makes me want to learn more about seeds. The design itself even feels a little purposefully “scattered,” invoking seeds. But the lack of treatment, space and attention afford the secondary story are a disservice to this page as a whole. (In fact, trying to mark this story so the page would be judged just for the centerpiece almost seemed unfair). Still, some very strong positive aspects.
27-Best Graphic
Judge: Rob Romig
Director of graphics/photography
The Register-Guard, Eugene, OR
1st: Demise salmon fishing
Entrant: Ron Engstrom
Org: Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Sea enemies
Entrant: Ron Engstrom
Org: Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Coastal trail
Entrant: Ron Engstrom
Anchorage Daily News
28-Spot News Photo
Small:
Judge: Tony Overman
Staff photographer at The Olympian and Director for the National Press Photographers Association Region 11
1st: Mismatch
Entrant: Tony Bickert
Org: Alaska Star
2nd: How’s My Driving?
Entrant: McKibben Jackinsky
Org: Homer Tribune
3rd: Unexpected Guests
Entrant: Theresa Roark
Org: Sun Star
Large:
Judge: Colin Crawford
Director of Photography, Los Angeles Times
1st: Coldwater Drowning
Entrant: Marc Lester
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Photographer captured the scene while drama was unfolding.
2nd: Neighbors douse blaze
Entrant: Sam Harrel
Org: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Comments: This was a different, compelling fire photo. Photographer seemed to have gotten to the scene before the firefighters.
3rd: Sedated Cub
Entrant: Brian E. Wallace
Org: Juneau Empire
29-Picture Story
Small:
Judge: John Sale
Director of Photography
The Spokesman Review, Spokane, Washington
1st: Bikes for tykes
Entrant: Kristin Akers
Org: Alaska Post
Comments: This entry showed good variety. The choice of perspectives, wide shots, close shots, interaction and scene setters built a complete story that captured the essence of the kids’ experience.
2nd: U-DOC Program Dr.
Entrant: David Hayes
Org: The Northern Light
Comments: This story had nice moments, but judges felt the inclusion of the group shot weakened the flow of the visual narrative. It would make more sense to take a picture like this out of the layout and put it on the jump.
3rd: Long Distance Fire
Entrant: Lindsay Oliveras
Org: Alaska Post
Comments: Good job, but the visual narrative would have been strengthened with a greater variety of perspectives. Show us a sense of place and some human interaction.
Large:
Judge: Colin Crawford
Director of Photography, Los Angeles Times
1st: Junior’s Gift
Entrant: Jim Lavrakas
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: This was the best story idea of the bunch but it could have been executed better. Photographer needed to spend more time flushing out the subject’s struggles, his love of music...to get more surprises in the photos.
2nd: Homeless Al
Entrant: Mark Lester
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Several nice images but photos are pretty superficial. Photographer needed to go beyond the obvious by spending more time with the subject.
3rd: Berner’s Bay
Entrant: Michael Penn
Org: Juneau Empire
Comments: Several nice images, especially the lead photo. This is a good quick hit essay.
30-Sports Photo
Small:
Judge: Rob Romig
Director of graphics/photography
The Register-Guard, Eugene, OR
1st: We’re No. 1!
Entrant: Robert DeBarry
Org: Alaska Newspapers Inc.
2nd: Spring mushing
Entrant: James Mason
Org: Alaska Newspapers Inc.
3rd: Underclassmen set marks
Entrant: Darrell L. Breese
Org: Alaska Star
Large:
Judge: Colin Crawford
Director of Photography, Los Angeles Times
1st: State Wrestling
Entrant: Stephen Nowers
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Photographer captured peak moment and good facial expressions.
2nd: Put On a Happy Face
Entrant: Brian Wallace
Org: Juneau Empire
Comments: Photo captured the thrill of victory and agony of defeat. Good photo despite the fact his team lost.
3rd: Freestyle Motocross
Entrant: Marc Lester
Org: Anchorage Daily News
31-Scenic Photo
Small:
Judge: John Sale
Director of Photography
The Spokesman Review; Spokane, WA
1st: Home from Camp
Entrant: James Mason
Org: Arctic Sounder
Comments: Nice job. The abundance of natural beauty made it difficult for judges to decide on the winners in this category. Suffice it to say that all the winners showed nice use of light and cheerful compositions. The shots were made at the right time of day. Now we all want to vacation in Alaska. One judge said, “I want to swim in your fjord.” Trust me, you don’t want that.
2nd: Land of the Midnight Sun
Entrant: David Hayes
Org: The Northern Light
3rd: Rainbow’s End
Entrant: Peggy Fagerstrom
Org: Nome Nugget
Large:
Judge: Colin Crawford
Director of Photography, Los Angeles Times
1st: Bohemian Waxwing
Entrant: Bob Hallinen
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Photo has a nice sense of movement against a colorful Alaskan landscape.
2nd: Bailey Hill Barn with Pioneer Park
Entrant: Bob Martinson
Org: Northern Light
Comments: Very nice light and good, rich texture in the photo. The warming sun against the cool background makes for an appealing image.
3rd: Cooling Down
Entrant: M. Scott Moon
Org: Peninsula Clarion
Comments: Good juxtaposition in photo showing hikers dwarfed by the massiveness of the glacier.
32-Portrait
Small:
Judge: Colin Crawford
Director of Photography, Los Angeles Times
1st: Russian Orthodox Priest
Entrant: Nili Sundown
Org: Delta Discovery
Comments: Photo captured intimacy and mood of a quiet moment.
NO 2nd or 3rd awarded.
Large:
Judge: Tony Overman
Staff photographer at The Olympian and Director for the National Press Photographers Association Region 11
1st: Not Forgotten
Entrant: Evan R. Steinhauser
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Natural moment of a man sitting among headstones on Memorial Day was portraiture at its finest. It’s a real moment in a wonderful setting. The solitude of the man amid the headstones is both peaceful and powerful.
2nd: Arvid Nelson, Dog Musher
Entrant: Marc Lester
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: Marc Lester’s photo of a musher waiting before a race has character and nice composition. The fur hood, ball cap peeking out, and suspenders tell us what this man is. The wrinkles and slanted gaze tell us who he is.
3rd: Badge of Courage
Entrant: Oakley Cochran
Org: First Alaskans, ANI
Comments: Oakley Cochran’s photo of a young woman who shot herself in the face in an unsuccessful suicide attempt was clean, tight and not looking at the camera. Non-traditional portraiture, but nicely done.
33-Feature
Small:
Judge: Tony Overman
Staff photographer at The Olympian and Director for the National Press Photographers Association Region 11
1st: Curious Eagle
Entrant: Jeff Richardson
Org: Dutch Harbor Fisherman
Comments: Jeff Richardson’s photo of an eagle poking his head over a snow bank took first place for one reason: it made us laugh out loud. The composition, framing between the church peaks and the mountains and the water was well done. The eagle’s expression was priceless!
2nd: Never Forget
Entrant: Neil Zawicki
Org: Alaska Star/ Military Weekly
Comments: The wonderful silhouette of Air Force honor guard members, combined with the backlit American flag made this photo a winner.
3rd: Young Eagle Dancer
Entrant: Nili Sundown
Org: The Delta Discovery
Large:
Judge: Colin Crawford
Director of Photography, Los Angeles Times
1st: Moose Through Roof
Entrant: Bob Hallinen
Org: Anchorage Daily News
Comments: This was a very humorous photo despite the drama.
2nd: Look, Ma
Entrant: M. Scott Moon
Org: Peninsula Clarion
Comments: Photographer captured the peak moment with a clean background.
3rd: Room For Rent
Entrant: Marcus K. Garnet
Org: Peninsula Clarion
Comments: We moved this photo from the Spot News Category to Features as we found the photo unique and humorous. It certainly didn’t seem to fit in the Spot News category.
34-Magazine Photo
Judge: Tony Overman
1st: Change
Entrant: David Hayes
Org: True North
Comments: David Hayes photo of a man standing in an ice tunnel formed over a receding creek bed had beautiful light, nice lines to a diminishing horizon and the added touch of the man reaching up to the ice. Very peaceful and fragile.
No 2nd or 3rd place awards.
RADIO
35-Breaking News
Judge: Corey Flintoff, NPR
1st: Ward Cove Leaves Alaska
Entrant: Amy Miller
Org: Coast Alaska
2nd: Trailer Fire/Standoff
Entrant: Dave Totten
Org: KENI
3rd: Ghost Ship
Entrant: Lainie Welch
Org: KMXT
36- Single Story
Judge: Steve Kindred
KFWB, California
1st: Race War
Entrant: Gilbert Sanchez
Org: KSKA
2nd: Walking the Whittier Tunnel
Entrant: Scott Rhode
Org: KENI
3rd: The Climbing Wall
Entrant: Amanda Stossel
Org: KTNA
37-Comprehensive
Judge: Steve Kindred
KFWB, California
1st: Alvin’s Alaska Cruise
Entrant: Sonya Senkowsky
Org: APRN
2nd: The Budd Car
Entrant: Amanda Stossel
Org: KTNA
3rd: Fighting Noise vs. Supporting a Shoulder Season Economy
Entrant: Doug Fine
Org: KHNS
38-Ongoing Public Affairs Program
Judge: Paul Glickman
KPCC-FM, California
1st: Evening Rounds: Gastric Bypass Surgery & Obesity
Entrant: Amy Mayer
Org: KUAC
2nd: Talk Around Town
Entrant: Doug Fine
Org: KHNS
3rd: The Mike Porcaro Show
Entrant: Mike Porcaro/Host; Doug McCullough/Producer
Org: KENI
39-One-Time Public Affairs Program
Judge: Paul Glickman
KPCC-FM, California
1st: Securing the Harvest
Entrant: Native Voice Communications
2nd: Interior Voices: Yukon Highway
Entrant: Eric Mack
Org: KIYU-AM
No 3rd place award.
40-Commentary, Editorial or Review
Judge: Bill Drummond
School of Journalism; University of California – Berkeley
1st: Workplace Cameras
Entrant: John McWhorter
Org: KUAC-FM
Comments: An excellent job of taking an example from everyday life and putting it in the context of national concerns. A strong viewpoint, well written and delivered. An expression of fair-minded and reasoned opinion.
2nd: Phillip Jackson Day
Entrant: Heather Lende
Org: National Public Radio’s Morning Edition
Comments: A powerful story of redemption, cleanly and vividly told. Full marks on pacing and delivery. Creatively employs the best in story-telling technique.
3rd: Waterparks: Crucibles of Ethical Dilemmas
Entrant: Barbara Brown
Org: APRN
Comments: Enjoyable story-telling romp with a subtle message. Well written and delivered.
41-Documentary
Judge: Julie Shapiro
Third Coast Audio Festival
Chicago Public Radio – WBEZ
1st: The Wreck of the Princess Sophia
Entrant: Matt Miller
Org: KTOO
Comments: Miller presents several angles in telling the story of this shipwreck, which makes it timeless as well as historical, interesting on personal levels as well as factually. His choice of interviewees provides an interesting diversity in terms of subjects’ relationships to the incident. The writing is strong, his descriptions are clear and evocative, and the use of recorded sound, especially at the end of the piece, provides listeners with a solid connection to the story he’s telling.
2nd: Vegetable Heavyweights
Entrant: Patty Sullivan
Org: KSKA
Comments: This piece is very energetic and full of personality and humor, and gives rare insight into a small community that otherwise listeners may never come into contact with. Use of sound is excellent and Sullivan allows the story’s characters to come across as very alive and distinct.
No 3rd place awarded.
42-Government or Political
Judge: Connie Walker, News Director
Wisconsin Public Radio
1st: Valley Rally
Entrant: Patty Sullivan
Org: KSKA
Comments: This report is engaging from the start. Creates a picture in the listener’s mind. Excellent writing and transitions, especially to the steer. Love the Lincoln/truck comparison at the end.
2nd: Youth Gubernatorial Debate
Entrant: Shana Sheehy
Org: Alaska Public Radio Network
Comments: Great use of tape to re-create the scene. But this report also goes beyond that with follow-up reaction. Consistent and nicely done.
3rd: Rural Campaign
Entrant: Anne Sutton
Org: KTOO
Comments: Good introduction, grabs attention. Very descriptive and lively use of audio, very effective. Solid reporting all around.
43-Business
Judge: Guy Nelson
KUOW, Seattle
1st: Compost tea
Entrant: Patty Sullivan
Org: KSKA
Comments: From the first line ("Weird things are happening in the garden") to the finish an engaging piece of radio. Wonderful sensual descriptions of aromas and visual writing ("broccoli had the heft of a 3 year old boy") combined with fine production made this piece stand out.
2nd: Leader Creek
Entrant: Johanna Eurich
Org: KDLG
Comments: Fine radio story-telling combining the facts with strong scenes. We are there when the refrigeration goes out.
3rd: Rub-A-Dub Dog
Entrant: Ellen Lockyer
Org: Alaska Public Radio Network
Comments: An entertaining and informative take on an unconventional business. This is a story that would get people talking.
44-Environmental
Judge: Cathy Duchamp, reporter for KUOW in Seattle
1st: Glacier on the move
Entrant: Ann Sutton
Org: KTOO
Comments: Great scenes, nice pacing.
2nd: Baranof Warm Springs reaches boiling
Entrant: Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
Org: Independent
Comments: Well balanced story on controversial issue. Captured uproar and water-rights legal issues in a clear manner.
3rd: Grasshopper Gore
Entrant: Patty Sullivan
Org: KSKA
Comments: Great tape. Nice delivery and writing.
45-Crime or Courts
Judge: Richard Baker
KKSU –Kansas
1st: Law Day - Jury Duty
Entrant: Matt Lichtenstein
Org: KFSK Public Radio News
Comments: The actuality at the start of the report immediately grabbed my attention. The piece showed a good mix of nat sound and interviews. That along with good writing kept me listening. This was an important topic with a touch of humor. There was also an interesting sidebar on the “permanent fund.”
2nd: Food Stamp Lawsuit
Entrant: Jody Seitz
Org: KDLG for APRN
Comments: This was a complicated subject made understandable and listenable with good writing and a good mix of interviews.
3rd: Shock Jock
Entrant: Anne Sutton
Org: KTOO
Comments: Interesting and timely piece with a good use of nat sound and interviews.
46-Education
Judge: Phil Easley, KOPN-Missouri
First Place: Fish in Ditch
Entrant: Doug Fine
News Organization: KHWS
Second Place: Russian USA
Entrant: Patty Sullivan
News Organization: KSKA
Third Place: School Funding
Entrant: Jody Seitz
News Organization: KDLG
47-Health or Science
Judge: Phil Easley, KOPN-Missouri
First Place: Coho Carcass Count
Entrant: Doug Fine
News Organization: KHWS
Second Place: The Village Reporter-Tobacco Use in Alaskan Villages
Entrant: Mike Murray
News Organization: KMXT
Third Place: Health Care Pooling
Entrant: Matt Lichtenstein
News Organization: KFSK
48-Feature
Judge: Rachel Ambrose
AP, Los Angeles
1st: Bear and Human Research
Entrant: Doug Fine
Org: The Savvy Traveler
Comments: Informative travel piece on how to see brown bears close-up in Haines and how researchers and tourists approach this July-October phenomenon differently. Developed nicely. And, excellent “Goldilocks” lockout.
2nd: Singing Valentines
Entrant: Rene Gutel
Org: KSKA FM 91.1 Anchorage
Comments: Fun to listen to. Good pacing. Tells an engaging story. Catches your interest from the start.
3rd: Whatsittoya
Entrant: Johanna Eurich
Org: KDLG Dillingham
Comments: Reporter takes you right into this store with the interesting name. Excellent use of sound. Love it when the proprietor answers the phone by asking, “What’s it to you?”
49-Profile
Judge: Katherine Concannon
National Public Radio – Seattle
1st: The House That Ace Built
Entrant: Amanda Stossel
Org: KTNA - Talkeetna Community Radio
Comments: A delightful profile/obituary of a man I did not know and I imagine most people outside his community did not know. However, through Amanda’s detailed and colorful writing and through her personal storytelling she delivered a compelling piece of radio that made me care about this man and her relationship with him. A nice piece — beautifully written and pleasantly delivered.
2nd: Mardy Murie Profile
Entrant: John Mcwhorter
Org: KUAC-FM
3rd: Glenn Godfrey Remembered
Entrant: Rene Gutel
Org: KSKA
50-Sports
Judge: Doug Nadvornick
KPBX, Spokane
1st: Sex on the Trail
Entrant: Anne Sutton
Org: KTOO
Comments: A new wrinkle on why dogs sometimes don’t run well. The most unique piece in the category. Some very good tape. The writing and delivery are good too.
2nd: Viking Wrestlers go to Regionals
Entrant: Matt Lichtenstein
Org: KFSK
Comments: A nice advance feature about a high school wrestling team that’s headed to its regional tournament.
3rd: The Back of the Pack
Entrant: Doug Fine
Org: KHNS
Comments: A prototypical high risk, high reward piece. This story had some flaws: it was way too long and some of the production was spotty. But the writing was interesting and sometimes funny and some of the sound bites were really colorful. This piece kept my attention and deserves some kudos.
51-Live Event Coverage
Judge: Doug Nadvornick
KPBX
No award given.
52-Arts
Judge: Euan Kerr
Minnesota Public Radio
1st: “Alaskan Beer Poetry”
Entrant: Rene Gutel
Org: KSKA
Comments: Rene combines a snappy delivery and a sense of fun to convey the spirit of a fun event with a serious interest in poetry.
2nd: “Steaming the Canoe”
Entrant: Doug Fine
Org: KHNS
Comments: Doug’s use of sound allows us to witness a demonstration of an ancient skill and gives us a glimpse of how life was once very different.
3rd: “Turnagain Arts”
Entrant: Ellen Lockyer
Org: APRN
Comments: Ellen takes us on an audio tour of a remarkable facility dedicated to the arts
53-Daily News Program
Judge: Mardy Derby, CBC
1st: APRN Nightly News
Entrant: Steve Heimel
Org: APRN
2nd: KDLG Noon News
Entrants: Jody Seitz and Johanna Eurich
Org: KDLG
3rd: KHNS News
Entrant: Doug Fine
Org: KHNS
TELEVISION
54-Breaking News
Judge: Emmy-winning news team of KTVT-TV (CBS), Dallas/Fort Worth
No award.
55-Single Story
Judge: Michael Rinehart, news director at KCRA-TV, Sacramento and staff
1st: Lake Hood Flooding
Entrants: Jeff Turner, Mike Carl
Org: KTVA
Comments: Grabbed me from the start with copy and pics. Good nat sound, good sound bites.
2nd: Guardians of the Last Frontier
Entrants: Megan Baldino
Org: KTUU
Slow start on the story. Would have like to be told “extreme weather is the norm” earlier. Story flowed well after the slow start.
3rd: Call for Help
Entrants: April Davis, Ken Lawrence
Org: KIMO
56-Series Reporting
Judge: Emmy-winning news team of KTVT-TV (CBS), Dallas/Fort Worth
1st: Septic Scam: In Search of JR Olsen
Entrants: Maria Downey and Eric Sowl
Org: KTUU
2nd: Avalanche Alert
Entrants: Aimee Rzewuski and Mike Carl
Org: KTVA
3rd: The Women of Mary Magdalene
Entrants: Rhonda McBride and Phil Walczak
Org: KTUU
57-Live Shot
Judge: Jill Geisler
The Poynter Institute and former news director at WITI-TV, Milwaukee
1st: Central Alaska Earthquake
Entrant: Dan Fagan, Chris Werner
Org: KTUU
Comments: The reporter demonstrated “skills without script” – knowledgeable, conversational storytelling. Working with his photojournalist partner, he walked viewers through the scientific documentation of the earthquake, asked cogent questions of an expert and gave a succinct, clear reply to an anchor’s follow-up question.
No 2nd or 3rd place award.
58-Documentary
Judge: Susan Han
Senior Producer at Seattle’s PBS affiliate, KCTS Television, Han’s work has earned regional and national awards and has been recognized with nine regional Emmy nominations.
1st: Racing on the Edge: The Story of Arctic Man
Entrants: Jason Moore, Tom Cole
Org: KTUU
Comments: This entry was well-rounded, with good pacing, great editing and solid videography. It was also well-written, a
Alaska Press Club Awards 2001
awarded 2002
Public Service Award
KTUU Television, Anchorage, “America On Alert: The Homefront” a panel of Anchorage residents young and old discussed their reactions to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on New York and the Pentagon.
Best Breaking Story, Daily
1st: Juneau Woman Witness to N.Y. Tragedy,
Genevieve Gagne-Hawes, Juneau Empire
2nd: Three Strangers United by Fate, George Bryson, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Era Copter Crashes into Inlet, Lucas Wall,
Anchorage Daily News
Best Breaking Story, Non-Daily
1st: FRA Soldier Pleads Guilty, Lindsay Pike, Alaska Post
2nd: Alyeska Terminal Evacuated, Jessica Higgins, Valdez Vanguard
3rd: Not awarded.
Best General News Story, Daily
1st: Another Disaster, Elizabeth Manning,
Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Fish Cops, Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Treeless in Southeast, Paula Dobbyn,
Anchorage Daily News
Best Use of Story and Photo
1st: Youth Learn Yupik Way of Survival at Elders Camp, Angela Denning-Barnes, Tundra Drums
2nd: Russian Biologist/Protecting Birds,
Ted Horner, Delta Discovery
3rd: Nikaitchuat Ilisagvait Instills Inupiaq Culture, Oakley Cochran, Arctic Sounder
Best General News Story, Non-Daily
1st: Caring Community Responds to Crash, Oakley Cochran, The BristolBay Times
2nd: Houston Candidate Dies, Scott Christiansen, Frontiersman
3rd: In Search of Role Models, Robert Dillon, Tundra Drums
Best Feature, Daily
1st: Linda’s First Dance, Debra McKinney,
Anchorage Daily News
2nd: The Sinking of the Becca Dawn, Heather Lende,
Alaska Magazine
3rd: Sold to the Cold Lonely Lady, Amanda Coyne,
Anchorage Press
Best Feature, Non-Daily
1st: Facing Her Heritage, Sarah Burridge,
Dutch Harbor Fisherman
2nd: Seal Season Starts, Danielle Wolffe, Tundra Drums
3rd: Elders Meet Subway, Ted Horner, The Delta Discovery
Best Comprehensive Coverage or Series, Daily
1st: Aging Alaska, Kristan Hutchison, Juneau Empire
2nd: Gay Pride Library Exhibit, Lisa Demer, Tim Pryor, Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Alaska Oil Frontiers, Yereth Rosen, Reuters
Special Mention: Sept. 11 Attacks Coverage, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner staff
Best Comprehensive coverage or Series, Non-Daily
1st: Checkered Past, Robert Dillon, Tundra Drums
2nd: Shrinking Budget Challenges Schools, Teachers,
Carey Restino James, Homer News
3rd: Russian Adventure, Anne Millbrooke, Nome Nugget
Best Reporting on a Government or Political Issue, Daily*
Best Reporting on a Government or Political Issue, Non-Daily
1st: Drink Rumors Dog Houston Election,
Scott Christiansen, Frontiersman
2nd: City’s Hot Potato in State Hands Now, Joel Gay,
Homer News
3rd: Parceling Up the Legislature, Robert Dillon,
Tundra Drums
Best Reporting on a Business, Economic, Consumer or Emerging Technologies Subject, Daily
1st: Nickeled & Dimed, Justin Blomsness, Anchorage Press
2nd: Steller Opportunity, Tom Kizzia, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Pipeline Vulnerable from the Start, Sam Bishop, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Best Reporting on a Business, Economic, Consumer or Emerging Technologies Subject, Non-Daily
1st: Nickeled and Dimed, Justin Blomsness,
Anchorage Press
2nd: Carpenter Believes Would-Be Financial Savior a Predatory Lender, James MacPherson,
Alaska Journal of Commerce
3rd: Commercial Fishermen Lacking Gas, Danielle Wolffe, Tundra Drums
Best Reporting on Education, Daily
1st: Computing the Worth of $6 Million, Eric Fry, Juneau Empire
2nd: Mario Joins Columbus in History, Eric Fry, Juneau Empire
3rd: River Serves as Textbook for Teachers, Mary Beth Smetzer, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Best Reporting on Education, Non-Daily
1st: Nikaitchuat Ilisagvak Instills Inupiaq Culture, Oakley Cochran, Arctic Sounder
2nd: Platinum School to Close its Doors, Robert Dillon, Tundra Drums
3rd: Learning Can be a Breeze, Eowyn LeMay Ivey, Frontiersman
Best Profile, daily
1st: Lofty Crags, Shattered Soul, Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: A Life Complete, Debra McKinney,
Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Beloved Elder Grandma Effie, 82, Dies, Mary Beth Smetzer, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Best Profile, Non-Daily
1st: Bailey the Wonderdog Outlives the Odds, Carey Restino James, Homer News
No 2nd or 3rd place awards.
Best Reporting on the Environment, Daily
1st: Arcitc Refuge Dispute Extends to Oil Estimates, Yereth Rosen, Reuters
2nd: Land Trusts’ Popularity Booming, Elizabeth Manning, Anchorage Daily News
3rd (TIE): Stalking Sharks, Darren Friedel, Ketchikan Daily News
3rd (TIE): A Land Vast and Wild, Bill McAllister, Juneau Empire
Honorable Mention: A Clear-Cut Legacy, Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News
Best Reporting on the Environment, Non-Daily
1st: Trail Users Tackle Caribou Lake, Joel Gay, Homer News
2nd: Cape Romanzoff Toxic Spills, Ted Horner, The Delta Discovery
3rd: Course of Nature, Casey Ressler, The Frontiersman
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts, Daily
1st: Vanished, Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Hatchet Homicide, Lucas Wall, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Voices Plagued Slasher, Sheila Toomey and Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts, Non-Daily*
Best Reporting on Health or Science, Daily
1st: DNA Detecting, Sheila Toomey, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Alaska Native Groups Campaign Against Soft Drinks, Yereth Rosen, Reuters
3rd: Home on the Range, Shana Loshbaugh, Peninsula Clarion
Best Reporting on Health or Science, Non-Daily
1st: The Inupiaq Supercomputer, Charles Wohlforth, Anchorage Press
2nd: Bethel to East Africa, Carle Grill, The Delta Discovery
No 3rd place award.
Best Editorial Writing, Daily, the Leslie Ann Murray award
1st: Mathew Zencey, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Lori Evans, Peninsula Clarion
3rd: Terry Miller, Ketchikan Daily News
Best Editorial Writing, Non-Daily
1st: Voters Wanted Facts/3 Steps Backward/Tread Carefully, Mark Turner, Homer News
No 2nd or 3rd place wards.
Best Columist, Daily, the Suzan Nightengale award
1st: Steve Reed, Juneau Empire
2nd: Elise Patkotak, Voice of the Times
3rd: Robert Meyerowitz, Anchorage Press
Best Columnist, Non-Daily
1st: Robert Meyerowitz, Anchorage Press
No 2nd or 3rd place awards.
Best Sports News Reporting, Daily
1st: Pac West Divorce Not Pretty, Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Crash With Snowmobile Ends Iditaroder’s Dream, Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News
3nd: Shootout Could be Shot, Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News
Best Sports News Reporting, Non-Daily
1st: Dogs, Machine Collide, Casey Ressler, Frontiersman
2nd: Ice Rink Planning Glides Ahead, Sean Pearson, Homer News
Best Sports Feature, Daily
1st: Holding Court, J.R. Rardon, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Playing With Purpose, Doyle Woody, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Pursuing Golden Dreams, Charles Bingham, Juneau Empire
Category 16B-Best Sports Feature, Non-Daily
1st: Cross-Country Journal, Stan Bush, The Skagway News
2nd: Little Senior Goes Big with Volleyball, Jedediah Smith, Valdez Vanguard
3rd: Practicing the Ancient Art of Falconry, Eowyn LeMay Ivey, Frontiersman
Best Sports Game/Event Story
1st: Three in a Row, Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Lance Mackey Bounces Back, Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: There’s No Giving Up, Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News
Best Sports Game/Event Story, Non-Daily
1st: Riding the Tailwinds to Haines, Jennifer Collins, The Skagway News
2nd: Mission Accomplished, Tim Brodt, Frontiersman
3rd: Records Fall as Girls 2nd, Boys 1st in Region, Sean Pearson, Homer News
Best Sports Columnist, Daily
1st: Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Ron Wilmot, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Doyle Woody, Anchorage Daily News
Best Coverage of the Arts, Daily
1st: Can There Be Poetic Justice in a Slam?, Peter Porco, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: The Fund-Raising Game, Debbie Carter, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
3rd: Hard Luck, Mike Dunham, Anchorage Daily News
Best Coverage of the Arts, Non-Daily
1st: ‘Woman of Ounalashka’ Home for Good, Sarah Burridge, Dutch Harbor Fisherman
2nd: If U Were Mine, Lynne Snifka, Anchorage Press
3rd: Chasing Gleason Down, Sarah Birdsall, Talkeetna Good Times
Best Section, Daily
1st: The Front Page, Robert Meyerowitz/Anchorage Press Staff, Anchorage Press
2nd: Sports section, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Best Section, Non-Daily
1st: The Front Page, Robert Meyerowitz, Anchorage Press
2nd: Alaska Star Sports, Alaska Star Sports, Alaska Star
3rd: The Calendar, Tina Moore and Ta Brant, Anchorage Press
Best Headline Writing, Daily
1st: Sara Whitney, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
2nd: Julie Stricker, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Kevin Coughlin, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Best Headline Writing, Non-Daily
No award given.
Best Non-Daily Newspaper
1st: Homer News, R.T. Kelly, Joel Gay, Carey James
2nd: Alaska Star, Alaska Star Staff
3rd: Frontiersman, Frontiersman staff
Best Editorial Cartoon, Daily
1st: Cruise Industry Tax Sharks, Tony Newman, Juneau Empire
Best Editorial Cartoon, Non-Daily
1st: Flap Your Arms Dear, Chuck Legge, Frontiersman
2nd: Statue of Liberty in Tears, Chuck Legge, Frontiersman
3rd: Sea Lion, Mike O’Meara, Homer News
Best Illustration, Daily
1st: That Tree is Mine, Dee Dee Hammond, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
2nd: Birches: Autumn to Winter, Dee Dee Hammond, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
3rd: Poinsettas, Dee Dee Hammond, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Best Illustration, Non-Daily
1st: Whale, Douglas Girard, Anchorage Press
2nd: Anchorage Press New World Headquarters, David Hayden, Anchorage Press
3rd: Weakest Link Lady, Mike Kirkpatrick, Anchorage Press
Best Page Layout, Daily
1st: Nation Attacked, Lori Thomson, Juneau Empire
2nd: Early Stages of War, Mary-Ann McBride, Juneau Empire
3rd: Alice Whitaker, Stalking Sharks, Ketchikan Daily News
Best Page Layout, Non-Daily
1st: Lyra J. Gordon, My Battle With the Bottle, Alaska Newspapers Inc.
2nd: Spouses Wear Green, Lindsay Pike, Alaska Post
3rd: AFN Special Section Cover, Lyra J. Gordon, Alaska Newspapers, Inc.
Best Informational Graphic, Non-Daily
1st: Auditorium is Old, Neglected by UAA, Michelle Bartleman, The Northern Light
2nd: First Friday, Tina Moore, Anchorage Press
Best News Photo, Daily
1st: Standoff Ends, Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Getting Out Of Harm’s Way, Eric F. Engman, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
3rd: Catching Diesel, Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News
Best News Photo, Non-Daily
1st: Anchorage Pays Homage..., David Hayes, Northern Light
2nd: G’day for Geronimo Jump, Nicole Sarkisian, Alaska Post
3rd: Fire Destroys Home, Steve Kadel, Alaska Star
Best Picture Story, Daily
1st: Going to the Mat, Eric F. Engman, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
2nd: Refuge of Riches, Michael Penn, Juneau Empire
3rd: Miner Bush Ball, Eric F. Engman, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Best Picture Story, Non-Daily
1st: Community Responds to Crash, Oakley Cochran, Bristol Bay Times
2nd: No Bull: Rodeo Was a Barrel of Fun, Brian Lepley, Alaska Post
3rd: Operation Santa, Robert DeBerry, Alaska Newspapers Inc.
Best Sports Photo, Daily
1st: Up For Grabs, Erik Hill, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: On To Dawson City, Sam Harrel, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
3rd: Good Luck Kiss, Evan R. Steinhauser, Anchorage Daily News
Best Sports Photo, Non-Daily
1st: Struggle, Robert Deberry, Alaska Newspapers
2nd: Wild Ride, R.A. Dillon, Tundra Drums
3rd: Ringleader. Robert Deberry, BristolBay Times
Best Scenic Photo, Daily
1st: Aurora, M. Scoot Moon, Peninsula Clarion
2nd: Southern Exposure, Eric F. Engman, Fairbanks Daily News Miner
3rd: Red Northern Lights, Stephen Nowers, Anchorage Daily News
Best Scenic Photo, Non-Daily
1st: Blue Morning, Amy Menerey, Frontiersman
2nd: Sometimes You Can Make Them Drink, Tony Bickert, Alaska Star
3rd: Hockey Heaven, R.J. Kelly, Homer News
Best Portrait, Daily
1st: I’m Not Moving, Erik Hill, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Looking Out for a Way of Life, Michael Penn, Juneau Empire
3rd: After the Dance, Michael Penn, Juneau Empire
Best Portrait, Non-Daily
1st: Snack Time, Tataboline Brant, Dutch Harbor Fisherman
2nd: Dancing Together, Nili Sundown, Delta Discovery
3rd: Celluloid Hero, Mike Wachsmuth, Anchorage Press
Best Feature Photo, Daily
1st: In-Digestion, Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News
2nd: Tennis Camp, Eric F. Engman, Fairbanks Daily-News Miner
3rd: Identity Crisis, Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News
Best Feature Photo, Non-Daily
1st: A Nice Day for Fishing, James Mason, Arctic Sounder
2nd: Searching for Fun, R.A. Dillon, Tundra Drums
3rd: Horsin’ Around, James Mason, Arctic Sounder
RADIO
Best Reporting, Single Story
1st: Wax Cylinder, Anne Sutton, KTOO-FM
2nd: AFN Report with Nellie Moore, Nellie Moore, Lori Townsend, Len Anderson, Paul Korchin, D’Anne Hamilton, Johanna Eurich, Native Voice Communications
3rd: Roof Fire Out in Petersburg, Joe Viechnicki, KFSK-FM, Petersburg
Best Reporting, Comprehensive or Series
1st: Quiet Skies, Doug Fine, KHNS, Haines
2nd: Cemetery Traffic, Amanda Stossel, KHNS-FM, Skagway
3rd: Holistic Health in Homer, Jaylee Nash, KBBI, Homer
Best Public Affairs Program, One-Time Special
1st: September 11 Special, Jen Ransom, Shana Sheehey, KRUA-FM
2nd: Domestic Violence, Patty Sullivan, KSKA-FM
3rd: Evening Rounds: September 11, Amy Mayer, KUAC-FM
Best Public Affairs Program, Ongoing
1st: Talk Around Town, Doug Fine, KHNS
2nd: Intercambios: Cinco de Mayo, Gilbert Sanchez, KSKA
3rd: Evening Rounds: Parents Roles, Amy Mayer, KUAC-FM
Best Commentary, Editorial or Review
1st: Skating, Heather Lende, NPR
2nd: Tell Her This, Amanda Stossel, KHNS-FM
3rd: New York Memories, Libby Casey, KUAC-FM
Best Documentary
1st: Mat-Su Teens Killing Themselves, Patty Sullivan, KSKA
2nd: Vietnam War Memorial, Libby Casey, KUAC-FM
3rd: Testing the Waters, Doug Fine, KHNS
Best Short Newscast
1st: Geoff Kennedy, Alaska Public Radio Network
Best Reporting on a Political Issue
1st: Firefighter Contract, Libby Casey, KUAC-FM
2nd: After Duffy’s Neck, Patty Sullivan, KSKA-FM
3rd: Local Boundary Commission, Alexei Rubenstein, KBBI
Best Reporting on Business, Economics, Consumer Issue or Technology
1st: Raising Chinook, Steve Will, KTOO-FM
2nd: Phillips Tour, Alexei Rubenstein, KBBI
3rd: Miracle Payout, Katie Bausler, KTOO-FM
Best Reporting on the Environment
1st: Katlian River Logging, Steve Will, Raven Radio
2nd: Seabird Avoidance Recommendations, Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK, Petersburg
3rd: Landmark Trees, Anne Sutton, KTOO, Juneau
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts
1st: Minor Consuming, Alexei Rubenstein, KBBI
2nd: Geoduck Lawsuit, Amy Miller, Coast Alaska
3rd: Paintball Sentencing, Jessica Cochran, Alaska Public Radio Network
Best Education Reporting
1st: Denali Kids, Jessica Cochran, APRN
2nd: Road Kill 101, Patty Sullivan, KSKA
Best Reporting on Health or Science
1st: Free Sushi for Eagles, Doug Fine, KHNS
2nd: Old Fish: Rock Fish and Aging, Lisa Busch, KCAW-FM
3rd: Diabetic Congress, Theresa Bakker, KUAC-FM
Best Radio Feature
1st: Sap Suckers, Patty Sullivan, KSKA
2nd: 21 Wolf, Jay Marble, KRBD-FM
3rd: Telling It Like It Is, Amy Mayer, KUAC-FM
Best Profile
1st: Sig Stormo, Libby Casey, KUAC-FM
2nd: Princeton Hall, Anne Sutton, KTOO-FM
3rd: Juneau’s “Mr. Music,” Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO-FM
Best Sports Reporting
1st: Yukon Quest, Libby Casey, KUAC-FM
2nd: The Rest of Us, Doug Fine, KHNS
Best Arts Story
1st: Different Because I Sing, Patty Sullivan, KSKA-FM
2nd: Hawaiians, Alexei Rubenstein, KBBI
3rd: Honorfest, Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK
Best Daily News Program
1st: Alaska News Nightly, Ellen Lockyear, Geoff Kennedy, Joel Southern, Ron Zastrow, Jessica Cochran, Alaska Public Radio Network
2nd: KBBI News, Alexei Rubenstein, KBBI
3rd: Alaska News Nightly, Dale Harrison, Alaska Public Radio Network
TELEVISION
Best Breaking News Story
1st: Out of Control, Meghan Waller, Craig Baumann. KTUU-TV
Best Television Reporting, Single Story
1st: Knox Box, James Brown, Barry Johnson, KTUU-TV
2nd: Dogs Rescued, Caron Brookens, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV
Best Television Reporting, Series
1st: Greatland Security, Jason Moore,Tom Cole, KTTU
2nd: Home Away from Home, Maria Downey, Eric Sowl, KTTU
Best Documentary
1st: Northern Stars, Staff of Channel 2 News, KTUU-TV
2nd: Celebrating Alaska’s Shorebirds, Kevin L. Hartwell, KTOO-TV/ AlaskaOne
Best Reporting on Health or Science
1st: Meningitis, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV
2nd: Hepatitis, Caron Brookens, Rich Jordan, KTUU-TV
3rd: Earthquake, Amy Rzewuski, Billy Fish, KTVA-TV
Best Reporting on the Environment
1st: Swept Away, Alison Lane, Tom Cole, KTUU-TV
2nd: Controlled Burn, Alison Lane, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV
3rd: Denali Moose Research, Alison Lane, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts
1st: Father to Forget, Alison Lane, Barry Johnson, KTUU-TV
2nd: Mental Health, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV
3rd: Escaping Inmate, Eric Amundson, Terry Miller, KJMW-TV
Best Reporting on a Political Isuue
1st: The Grade Divide, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walzack,
KTUU-TV
Best Reporting on Business
1st: Sales Tax, Maria Downey, Barry Johnson, KTUU-TV
2nd: RV Lemon, James Brown, Barry Johnson, KTUU-TV
Best Television Feature Reporting
1st: Urban Bears, Katie Bausler, Mark E. Sabel, KTUU-TV
2nd; (TIE) In the Olympic Spirit, Meghan Waller, Paul Martel, KTUU-TV
Search for Sobriety, Rhonda McBride, James DeCrane, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV
Best Arts Story
1st: Trigger Happy, Sheila Balistreri, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV
Best Public Affairs Program, One-Time Special
1st: The Witness, Kevin Hartwell, KTUU/Syntax
Best Sports Coverage
1st: Channel 2 News Sports/ Late Edition, John Murnan, KTUU-TV
Best Profile
1st: Spike Walker, Eric R. Amundson, KJMW,
The Ketchikan Channel
2nd: Ambassador Luke, Thomas Cole, KTUU-TV
Best Live Special
1st: The Breaking Point, KTUU-TV
Best Editing
1st: Sex Offender Debate, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV
Best Feature Photography
1st: Chilkat Bald Eagles, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV
2nd: Brooks Range Mushing, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV
Best Sports Photography
1st: Big Air, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV
Best Photographic Essay
1st: Fanfare for the Common Man, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV
2nd: Mother’s Day, Thomas Cole, KTUU-TV
Best Newscast
1st: Channel 2 Newshour, Channel 2 News, KTUU-TV
2nd: Anchorage 11 News at 10, John Herbst, KTVA-TV
3rd: Channel 2 News Late Edition, Channel 2 News Late Edition Staff, KTUU-TV
Humor _ All Media
1st: May Snow _ The Poem, John Carpenter, Tom Cole,
KTUU-TV
2nd: Nature Special Fundraiser Promo, Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK, Petersburg
3rd: Small Goofs Mature Into Big Jokes, Barbara Brown, Anchorage Daily News
Best Media Website
1st: Alaska.com, Leon Unruh, Tom Twigg, Roger Price
2nd: ADN.com /Iditarod, Roger Price, Tom Twigg, Sabrina Willis, Anchorage Daily News
3rd: Alaskajournal.com, Ed Bennett, Patrick Sattler, Alaska Journal of Commerce
*Starred categories were still awaiting return from judges at contest time.
Alaska Press Club Awards 2000
awarded 2001
ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Press Club presented its annual professional awards at a banquet Saturday evening honoring the work of radio, television and print journalists from across the state.
The awards, which recognize work published or aired in 2000, were presented at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum following a keynote speech by Associated Press special correspondent Linda Deutsch, who spoke about her career covering some of the most famous trials of century, including those of Charles Manson, Patty Hearst, Captain Joseph Hazelwood — and O.J. Simpson.
The Alaska Press Club is an independent professional organization providing information, continuing education and recognition to journalists in Alaska..
The awards:
OPEN TO ALL MEDIA
Public Service Award
KTUU-TV, Coverage of the proposed tax cap
Humor
First Place, Barbara Brown, KSKA, “Underpants”
Second Place, John Woodbury, Alaska Magazine, “Caribous and Underoos”
Third Place, A.E. Poynor, Peninsula Clarion, “Technical Servitude: learning to love muzak”
Investigative Reporting
First Place, Riley Woodford, Juneau Empire, “The Art of Tricking Tourists”
Second Place, Kristan Hutchinson, Juneau Empire, “Juneau bingo, pull-tab operations under investigation”
Best Web Site
First Place, KTUU-TV, Channel 2 News, at http://www.ktuu.com
Second Place, JuneauAlaska.com
Third Place, The Anchorage Daily News online, at http://www.adn.com
Best Breaking Story, Daily newspaper
First Place
Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News, “Target: Copper River Salmon”
Second Place, Sam Bishop, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Missile test fails”
Third Place, Marmian Grimes, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Police shoot, kill driver after hour-long chase”
Best Breaking Story, Nondaily newspaper
First Place, Eric Burkett and Jo C. Goode, The Frontiersman, “Train derails, spills fuel”
Best General News Story, Daily newspaper
First Place,
Sheila Toomey, Anchorage Daily News, “There’s nothing we’re not doing: Police give priority to solving six slayings”
Second Place, Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, “Taking Care: Which seniors qualify for ‘assisted living’ homes? Who is shut out?”
Third Place, Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News, “Barrow hospital unsafe, staffers charge”
Honorable Mention, Doug Loshbaugh, Peninsula Clarion, “Moving targets: Roaming pigs in Sterling creating conflict between hunters, landowners”
Honorable Mention, Marmian Grimes, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “You have to hand it to the winner”
Best General News Story, Nondaily newspaper
First Place,
Joel Gay, Homer News, “Jet Ski Hearing finds little common ground”
Second Place, Claire Baldwin, The Frontiersman, “Talkeetna man receives award 46 years after mountain rescue”
Third Place, Sarah Burridge, Dutch Harbor Fisherman, “Short fuses fuel long night in bar”
Honorable Mention, Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Press, “Two little words”
Best Use of Story and Photos (Nondaily newspapers only)
First Place, Ted Horner, Nili Joseph, Delta Discovery, “Home to rest 40 years later”
Second Place, Hal Spence, Homer News, “Airborne…at least temporarily”
Third Place, Corenne Stewart, Senior Voice, “Copper River Basin Seniors”
Honorable Mention, Casey Ressler, Frontiersman, “Pumpkin pickers to publishing moguls”
Honorable Mention, Nancy Erickson, Seward Phoenix Log, “Shannon Cunningham: One gutsy kid”
Best Feature Story, Daily newspaper
First Place, Martha Bellisle, Anchorage Daily News, “A question of when”
Second Place, Mary Beth Smetzer, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “A meeting of the minds…Koyukon dictionary”
Third Place, Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News, “Brooks draws strength”
Honorable Mention, Tom Miller, Ketchikan Daily News, “Search for Aunt Mary”
Honorable Mention, Jolie Lewis, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “All in the Family”
Best Feature Story, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Press, “A six-pack, a junker, and a .45”
Second Place, Susy Buchanan, Anchorage Press, “Santa wears a black hat”
Third Place, Dimitra Lavrakas, Skagway News, “Finding Home: Teen rejoins couple after years of pleading with state agency”
Honorable Mention, Ted Horner, Delta Discovery, “Desperate Teens with no place to go”
Best Comprehensive Coverage or Series, Daily newspapers
First Place, Craig Medred, Lew Freedman, Beth Bragg, Doug O’Harra; Anchorage Daily News; Iditarod 2000
Second Place, Tim Mowry, Brian O’Donoghue, Mary Beth Smetzer, Rod Boyce, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Missing Musher”
Third Place, Craig Medred, Rich Mauer, Stephanie Komarnitsky; Anchorage Daily News, “Snowmachine Perils”
Best Comprehensive Coverage or Series, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Eowyn LeMay, The Frontiersman, “Teens take own lives”
Second Place, Corenne Stewart, Senior Voice, “Alaska Seniors Living with HIV/AIDS”
Best Reporting on Government or Political Issue, Daily newspapers
First Place, Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, “Scorned Agency makes changes: Child Support division seeks to shed image, get money to children”
Best Reporting on Government or Political Issue, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Hal Spence, Homer News, “APVFD Fire readiness questioned”
Second Place, The Anchorage Press Staff, “Party Lines”
Best Reporting on a Business, Economic, Consumer or Emerging Technologies Subject, Daily newspapers
First Place, Brian O’Donoghue, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “A day’s work out on the ice”
Second Place, Mike Hinman, Anchorage Daily News, “$461,000 credit card debt sinks couple”
Third Place, Mike Hinman, Anchorage Daily News, “The Search for Cold”
Best Reporting on a Business, Economic, Consumer or Emerging Technologies Subject, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Ed Bennett, Alaska Journal of Commerce, “Two Worlds: Alaska’s Native Corporations”
Best Reporting on Education, Daily newspapers
First Place, Eric Fry, Juneau Empire, “Testing the Tests”
Second Place, Mike Dunham, Anchorage Daily News, “Lessons in Coping”
Third Place, Marmian Grimes, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Better Schools at what cost?”
Honorable Mention, Shana Lashbaugh, Peninsula Clarion, “Getting Wired”
Best Reporting on Education, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Carey Restino, Homer News, “School tries to reconnect”
Second Place, Rachel Grenier, UAA-True North, “New media, new library for UAA”
Best Profile, Daily newspapers
First Place, Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, “Hearts in Harmony”
Second Place, Mike Dunham, Anchorage Daily News, “The Last Romantic”
Third Place, Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News, “He’s gone uptown”
Honorable Mention, Tony Hopfinger, Anchorage Daily News, “Highway to Asia”
Best Profile, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Rachel McLellan, Anchorage Press, “Shining Star”
Second Place, David Holthouse, Anchorage Press, “Joker: The Blunt Truth”
Third Place, Susy Buchanan, Anchorage Press, “Goodnight Mr. Logo”
Honorable Mention, Susy Buchanan, Anchorage Press, “Prophet for Profit”
Best Reporting on the Environment, Daily newspapers
First Place, Elizabeth Manning, Anchorage Daily News, “Watching and Waiting”
Second Place, Yereth Rosen, Reuters, “Orca Whales blamed for Aleutian sea otter decline”
Third Place, Martha Bellisle, Anchorage Daily News-Juneau , “Gray Whale Die-off”
Best Reporting on the Environment, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Hal Spence, Homer News, “City Ponders steep slope development”
Second Place, Scott Christiansen, Anchorage Press, “Disappearing Act”
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts, Daily newspapers
First Place, Judge’s comments, S. J. Komarnitsky, Anchorage Daily News, “Alaska’s Top Crop”
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Press, “Shot Full of Holes”
Best Reporting on Health or Science, Daily newspapers
First Place, Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News
Second Place, Sonya Senkowsky, Anchorage Daily News
Third Place, Ann Potempa, Anchorage Daily News
Honorable Mention, Doug O’Harra, Anchorage Daily News
Best Reporting on Health or Science, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Rachel McLellan, The Anchorage Press
Second Place (TIE), Corenne Stewart, Senior Voice
Second Place (TIE), Sarah Burridge, Dutch Harbor Fisherman
Best Editorial Writing, Daily newspapers
First Place, Lori Evans, Peninsula Clarion
Second Place, Brian Patrick O’Donoghue, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Best Editorial Writing, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, (Leslie Murray Award, Nondaily) Joel Gay, Homer News
Second Place, Wilson, Buckett, Ivey and Goode; The Frontiersman
Third Place, Dimitra Lavrakas, The Skagway News
Best Columnist, Daily newspapers
First Place (Suzan Nightingale Award, Daily), Nita Nettleton, Juneau Empire
Second Place, Barbara Brown, Anchorage Daily News
Third Place, Doug Loshbaugh, Peninsula Clarion
Best Columnist, Nondaily newspapers
First Place (Suzan Nightingale Award, Nondaily), Sarah Burridge, Dutch Harbor Fisherman
Second Place, Robert Meyerowitz, Anchorage Press
Third Place, Tony Bickert, Alaska Star
Best Sports News Reporting, Daily newspapers
First Place, Matt Nevala, Anchorage Daily News, “Paying the Price”
Second Place, Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News, “Good Grief”
Best Sports News Reporting, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, David Holthouse, The Anchorage Press, “One Instant Too Late”
Second Place, Tommy Wells, Nome Nugget, “Nome-Beltz AD”
Best Sports Feature, Daily newspapers
First Place, Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News, “150 Miles of Torture”
Second Place, Charles Bingham, Juneau Empire, “Mountain Kings”
Third Place, Donna Freedman, Anchorage Daily News, “Trail Medicine”
Best Sports Feature, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Brian F. Johnson, Petersburg Pilot, “Petersburg Diver Goes It Alone”
Second Place, Tommy Wells, Nome Nugget, “From Tomorrow to Yesterday”
Third Place, Mike Sica, The Skagway News, “Skagway Kids Take World Sports
Tour”
Best Sports Game/Event Story, Daily newspapers
First Place, Doyle Woody, Anchorage Daily News, “Atop the Mountain”
Second Place, Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News, “Spartan Splendor”
Best Sports Game/Event Story, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Sean Cockerham, Valdez Vanguard, “Skiers Brave Steeps”
Second Place, Gene Jansen, Frontiersman, “Moose Swimmers Win”
Third Place, Lois Grushka, Homer News, “Halftime Hell”
Best Sports Columnist, Daily
First Place (TIE), Will Morrow and Jeff Helminiak, both of Peninsula Clarion
Third Place, John Woodbury, Alaska Adventure Media/Coast Magazine
Best Sports Columnist, Nondaily
First Place, Susy Buchanan, Anchorage Press
Second Place, Gene Jansen, Frontiersman
Third Place, Casey Ressler, Frontiersman
Best Coverage of the Arts, Daily newspapers
First Place (TIE), Riley Woodford, Juneau Empire, “The Art of Tricking Tourists”
Mike Dunham, Anchorage Daily News, “Artistic Liberty”
Best Coverage of the Arts, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Joel Gay, Homer News, “Classic jazz trio gets into swing of things”
Second Place, Tim Moffatt, Homer News, “Christian rocker needs larger outlet for his art”
Best section, Daily newspapers
First Place, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Heartland”
Second Place, Anchorage Daily News, “Sports”
Third Place, Peninsula Clarion, “Outdoors”
Best section, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Senior Voice, “Going Places”
Second Place, Frontiersman, “Sports”
Third Place, Frontiersman, “Valley Life”
Best Headline Writing, Dailies
First Place, Kevin Coughlin, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Best Headline Writing, Non-Dailies
First Place, Robert Meyerowitz, Anchorage Press
Best Nondaily Newspaper
First Place, Frontiersman
Second Place, Alaska Journal of Commerce
Third Place, The Nome Nugget
Best Editorial Cartoon, Daily newspapers
First Place, Toe, Juneau Empire, “Alaska Ballot Measures”
Best Editorial Cartoon, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, J.P. Martin, Alaska Star, “Citizen Hitler”
Best Illustration, Daily newspapers
First Place, Dee Dee Hammond, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Lost on the Kenai”
Second Place, Dee Dee Hammond, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Holiday Story Contest Winners”
Third Place, Dee Dee Hammond, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Cover Story,
Part 2”
Best Illustration, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Sarah Callaway, Anchorage Press, “Stained Glass”
Second Place, Sam Trout, Anchorage Press, “Look, I’m Smart”
Best Page Layout, Daily newspapers
No award
Best Page Layout, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Sam Trout, Anchorage Press, “Shot Full of Holes”
Second Place, Sarah Callaway, Anchorage Press, “Do You Care?”
Best Information Graphics, Daily
No award
Best Information Graphics, Nondaily
No award
Best News Photo, Daily newspaper
First Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Two Boys Presumed Dead”
Second Place, Matt Hage, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Alaska Airlines Memorial”
Third Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “A Little Too Deep”
Best News Photo, Nondaily newspaper
First Place, Eric Holmberg, The Alaska Star, “First Hurdle”
Best Picture Story, Daily newspapers
First Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Wrestling with Lymphoma”
Second Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “A Fair Morning”
Best Picture Story, Nondaily newspapers
No award
Best Sports Photo, Daily newspapers
First Place, M. Scott Moon, Peninsula Clarion, “Mount Marathon Slide”
Second Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Out of the Blocks”
Best Sports Photo, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Nili Joseph, Delta Discovery, “Village Basketball Rules!”
Second Place, Hal Spence, Homer News, “Hard Chargers”
Third Place, Darrell L. Breese, Alaska Star, “Hanging On”
Best Scenic Photo, Daily newspapers
First Place, Matt Hage, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “Birch Forest Shadows”
Second Place, M. Scott Moon, Peninsula Clarion, “Foggy Morning Caribou”
Best Scenic Photo, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Gene Jansen, The Frontiersman, “Northern Lights Over Talkeetna”
Second Place, Ruth Case, Valdez Vanguard, “Just Plane Gorgeous”
Best Portrait, Daily newspapers
No award
Best Portrait, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Mike Wachsmuth, Anchorage Press, “Samuel Tso”
Second Place, Nancy Erickson, The Log, “Fire Cents”
Third Place, Nili Joseph, Delta Discovery, “Lucy Urutaq Beaver”
Honorable Mention, Ted Horner, Delta Discovery, “Joe Chief, Jr.”
Best Feature Photo, Daily newspapers
First Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, “First Haircut”
Second Place, Hall Anderson, Ketchikan Daily News, “On the rocks”
Third Place, Evan Steinhauser, Anchorage Daily News, “Just for the insanity of it”
Best Feature Photo, Nondaily newspapers
First Place, Tony Bickert, Alaska Star, “Hangin’ Out”
Second Place, Nili Joseph, Delta Discovery, “Joe Chief Jr.-The Dance of a Living Treasure”
RADIO
Best Reporting, Single story
First Place (TIE), Anne Sutton, KTOO-Juneau, “Whittier Tunnel;” Patty Sullivan, KSKA Palmer, “Posie Sniffers”
Second Place, Amy Miller, CoastAlaska Petersburg, “Mausoleum-Repatriation in Sitka”
Third Place, Amanda Stossel, KHNS-FM Skagway, “The Whale Tale”
Best Breaking Story
First Place, Ellen Lockyer and Lee Bullington, APRN, “Cordova Avalanche”
Second Place, Amy Miller, CoastAlaska Petersburg, “Fire on the M/V Columbia”
Third Place, Samuel Gallant, KSKA Anchorage, “His Way IS the Highway”
Best Documentary
First Place, Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Qungayuxx Sea Lion Hunt”
Second Place, Amy Miller, Coast Alaska, “Homestead Closes”
Best Feature Story
Honorable Mention, Jessica Cochran, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Salmon Dissection”
First Place, Johanna Eurich, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Caribou Trek”
Second Place, Matt Miller, KTOO-Juneau, “RR Centennial”
Third Place, Steve Will, KTOO, “Raven Calls”
Best Reporting, Comprehensive coverage or series
First Place, Steve Will, KTOO Juneau, “Saving Alaska’s Teenagers”
Second Place, Amy Miller, CoastAlaska Petersburg, “Columbia Fire Coverage”
Third Place, Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Exxon Grabs Share of Natural Gas”
Best Reporting on Political Issue
First Place, Anne Sutton, KTOO Juneau, “Mackie Money”
Second Place, Geoff Kennedy, Alaska Public Radio Network, “1978”
Third Place, John Greely, KTOO-Juneau, “State of State”
Best Reporting on Business, Economic, Consumer or Emerging Technologies Subject
First Place (TIE), Amy Miller, CoastAlaska Petersburg, “Geoduck;” Patty Sullivan, KSKA-Palmer, “Arctic garlic dot com”
Second Place, Amy Miller, CoastAlaska Petersburg, “Sockeye Market”
Third Place, Patty Sullivan, KSKA, “I want my M-T-A”
Best Reporting on Education
First Place, Steve Will, KTOO-Juneau, “Passing the Exam”
Second Place, Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK, “Head Start”
Third Place, Amy Miller, Coast Alaska, “Children’s Book Week”
Honorable Mention, Libby Casey, KUAC-Fairbanks, “Retirement Incentive Program”
Best Profile
First Place, Johanna Eurich, Free-lance/APRN, “Phantom Pilot”
Best Reporting on the Environment
First Place, Matt Miller, KTOO-Juneau, “Juneau Ice Field”
Second Place, Jessica Cochran, APRN, “Taku/Tulsequah Mine”
Best Reporting on Health or Science
First Place, Joe Viechnicki, KFSK, “Petersburg-Portage Bay Dig”
Second Place, Jessica Cochran, APRN, “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome”
Third Place, Jody Seitz, APRN, “Snow Crab”
Best Public Affairs Program, one-time special
First Place, Shana Sheehy, Matthew Rohloff, Charles Stillman, KRUA, “SMACK! Presidential Election 2000 Special”
Second Place, Gil Sanchez, KSKA, “Intercambios”
Best Public Affairs Program, ongoing
First Place, TIE
Amy Mayer, KUAC-Fairbanks, “Advance Directives”
KSKA, “Nader Interview”
Second Place, Gilbert Sanchez, KSKA, “Intercambios”
Best Sports, live or produced
First Place, Judy Hall, KHNS, “Klondike Road Race”
Second Place, Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK, “Derby Winners”
Best Commentary, Editorial or Review
First Place, Amanda Stossel, KHNS-Skagway, “Yet Another Death”
Honorable Mention, Pete Griffin, KTOO, “Tongass Trails-‘Shrews’”
Best Arts story
First Place, Anne Sutton, KTOO- Juneau, “Cross Sound”
Second Place, Theresa Bakker, KUAC-Fairbanks, “September Morn”
Best Short Newscast
First Place, John Greely, Anne Sutton, Steve Will, Kathy Dye, Matt Miller, KTOO-Juneau, “Morning News”
Second Place, Ellen Lockyer, APRN, “Midday News”
Third Place, Geoff Kennedy, APRN, “Midday News”
Best Daily News Program
First Place, Ellen Lockyer, Jessica Cochran, Alaska Public Radio Network, “Alaska News Nightly”
Second Place, KFSK, “Midday Magazine”
Third Place, Community Radio of Alaska, “Alaska Edition”
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts
First Place, Patty Sullivan, KSKA, “Cop Killer”
Second Place, Ellen Lockyer, APRN, “Village Public Safety Officer Suit”
Third Place, Robert Howk, KSKA, “Jailing the Mentally Ill”
TELEVISION
Best Breaking News Story
First Place, James Brown, KTUU-TV, “Anchorage Apartment Fire”
Best Spot News Photography
First Place, Dean Pearcy, KTUU-TV, “Flattop Avalanche”
Best Reporting, single story
First Place, Jason Moore, Craig Baumann, KTUU-TV, “Return to Funter Bay”
Second Place, Ty Hardt, Ron Solstad, KIMO-TV, “Old Glenn Avalanche”
Third Place, Heather Johnson, KTVA-TV, “Native Murders Vigil”
Best Documentary
First Place, Andy Lockett, Dannie Pearson, Tony Brooke; KTVA-TV; “Redington: The Man Behind the Last Great Race”
Second Place, Michael Letzring, KAKM-TV, “The Run”
Third Place, Ty Hardt, Jim Filley, Ron Solstad, Alaska Statewide News, “An Uphill Battle”
Best Television Feature Reporting
First Place, Laura Papetti, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, “Easy Rider”
Second Place, Dustin Grimes, Damon Steubner, Alaska Statewide News, “Mountain Rescue-East Glacier Trail”
Third Place, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV, “Kayak Revival”
Best Feature Photography
First Place, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, “Extreme Birders”
Second Place, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, “Wild Alaska-Upper Kenai”
Best Television Reporting, Series
First Place, Jason Moore, Dean Pearcy, KTUU-TV, “Steller Sea Lion Crisis”
Second Place, Kirk Chaisson, Mike McCormick, KTVA-TV, “Pelican”
Third Place, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, Jeff Walsh, KTUU-TV, “Vintage Alaska”
Best Reporting on Political Issue
First Place, Meghan Wallee, Rich Jordan, KTUU-TV, “Prop 13 vs. Prop 4”
Second Place, Anne Sutton, KTOO-TV, “Flightseeing”
Best Reporting on a Business, Economic, Consumer or Emerging Technologies Subject
First Place, April Davis, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, “Capstone Project”
Second Place, Aimee Rzewuski, Billy Fish, C.J. Wilson; KTVA-TV, “Low Rank Coal Water Fuel”
Third Place, Steve Roldan, Jeff Holmes Hunter, KTVA-TV, “D&J’s Wedding Boutique”
Best Profile
First Place, Jennifer MacDonald, Thomas Cole, KTUU-TV, “Tina”
Second Place, Jonathan White, Thomas Cole, KTUU-TV, “My Other Life”
Third Place, Steve Roldan, Jeff Holmes Hunter, KTVA-TV, “Parkinson’s Teacher”
Best Reporting on the Environment
First Place, Maria Downey, Richard Jordan, KTUU-TV, “Trout Tagging”
Second Place, Jonathan White, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, “Egg Collection”
Third Place, Sharon McConnell, Jeff Silverman, John Butzke, Blueberry Productions, “Water Makes a Village”
Best Reporting on Crime or Courts
First Place, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV, “The Red Zone”
Second Place, Alison Lane, KTUU-TV, “Opium Scheme”
Third Place, Tracy Davis, KTVA-TV, “School Zone Speeders”
Best Reporting on Health or Science
Third Place, Laura Papetti, Thomas Cole, KTUU-TV, “Sleepless Nights are Over”
Second Place, Aimee Rzewuski, Jordan Placie, Lani Schwalbe, KTVA-TV, “NOAA Plane”
First Place, Alison Lane, Barry Johnson, KTUU-TV, “Shaken Baby”
Best Public Affairs Program, one-time special
First Place, Sharon McConnell, Jeff Silverman, John Butzke, Blueberry Productions, “Water Makes a Village”
Second Place, Richard Davis, Beverly Michaels-Dubie, KAKM-TV, “Outlook: Tax Cap Special”
Best Public Affairs Program, ongoing
First Place, John Greely, Jimmy Mahan, Heather Montez, Christopher Clark, Randy Burton, Terry Tavel, Skip Grey, KTOO-TV, “Alaska Week”
Second Place, Robert Forgit, KTUU-TV, “Safety Afloat-Water Safety Series”
Third Place, Lynne Snifka, KTVA-TV, “Inside Alaska”
Best Sports coverage
First Place, Judge’s Comments: “Smooth delivery. Good local tie-ins to highlights and stories. Clever ideas and good storytelling.”
Sam Adams, KTVA-TV, “Alaska’s 11 Sports”
Second Place, Derek Agnew, KIMO-TV, “Alaska’s Superstation Sports”
Best Sports Photography
First Place, Justin Freeman, Jonathan White, KTUU-TV, “2000 Iditarod”
Best Arts story
Third Place, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV, “Merry Christmas Alaska”
Second Place, Lauren Maxwell, Michael Carl, KTVA-TV, “Killer Designs”
First Place, Judge’s Comments: “The interviews made human points. The overall structure added dramatic tension. The photography brought to the viewer the poetry in ice of the sculptures.”
Lynne Snifka, Mike McCormick, KTVA-TV, “Sculpting the Arctic Diamond”
Best Photographic Essay
First Place, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, “MDA Campers”
Best Editing
First Place, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, “Silver Carver”
Best Live Special
First Place, KTVA-TV, “Fur Rondy Sled Dog”
Second Place, Jason Moore, KTUU-TV, “Mt. Marathon 2000”
Best Daily Television Newscast
First Place, KTUU-TV, Alaska’s Eleven News: Live at 5
Second Place, KTUU-TV, The Channel Two Newshour
Third Place, KTVA-TV; Alaska’s Eleven News: Live at 5
Alaska Press Club Awards 1999
awarded 2000PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, KTVF and KUAC-FM,"Crossroads: The Permanent Fund Vote"
First Place, Karen Aho, Anchorage Daily News, "Man lost as vessel founders"
Second Place, Marmian L. Grimes and Amy Miller, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Weinberg resigns as school chief"
Third Place, Sean Cockerham and Jolie Lewis, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Gunman surrenders in standoff"
BEST BREAKING STORY, NON-DAILY
First Place, Hal Spence, Homer News, "All 8 safe after charter boat sinks"
BEST GENERAL NEWS STORY, DAILY
First Place, Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, "Moose in motion"
Second Place, Jolie Lewis, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Lost years dissolved"
Third Place, Shana Loshbaugh, Peninsula Clarion, "Homeless for the holidays"
BEST GENERAL NEWS STORY, NON-DAILY
First Place, Hal Spence, Homer News, "After 60 years, couple faces separation for lack of bed"
Second Place, Bill Kelder, Valley Life, "Remembering the forgotten"
Third Place, Terry Wilson, Valdez Vanguard, "Loverboys left high, dry"
BEST USE OF STORY AND PHOTO
First Place, Chris Russ, Homer News, "Business is zooming for Zatz"
Second Place, Rob Stapleton, Alaska Journal of Commerce, "Pushing for pilots"
Third Place, Tony Bickert, Valdez Vanguard, "Huge tanks blocks road, business traffic"
BEST FEATURE STORY, DAILY
First Place, Doug O'Harra, We Alaskans, Anchorage Daily News, "The lifesavers"
Second Place, Doug Loshbaugh, Peninsula Clarion, "Driftnetter favors life at sea"
Third Place, Sonya Senkowsky, Anchorage Daily News, "Wild treats"
Honorable Mention, Kaylene Johnson, Alaska Magazine's Iditarod Guide, "Who was that masked man?"
Honorable Mention, Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, "Yurt cheap"
BEST FEATURE STORY, NON-DAILY
First Place, Nancy Erickson, Seward Phoenix Log, "Blind man sees more than many"
Second Place, Joel Gay, Homer News, "Historic boat anchors at Pratt Museum"
Third Place, Tony Bickert, Valdez Vanguard, "VHS 'goths, geeks, jocks, preps, react to Colorado massacre"
Honorable Mention, Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Press, "Pulling his beard"
BEST COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OR SERIES, DAILY
First Place, Tim Bradner, Cathy Brown, Jon Holland, Svend Holst, Doug Loshbaugh and Lori Thomson; Juneau Empire, Peninsula Clarion, Alaska Journal of Commerce; "Between Worlds: The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act"
Second Place, Kristan Hutchison, Juneau Empire, "Fish farming: Is wild-caught washed up?"
Third Place, Jeff Richardson, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "In whose care? Dementia: Alaska's long-term problem"
Honorable Mention, Tom Bell, Beth Bragg, Lew Freedman, S.J. Komarnitsky, Craig Medred and Eve Rose; Anchorage Daily News, "Iditarod 1999"
Honorable Mention, Douglas Fisher, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner; "Crossroads: The Permanent Fund Vote"
BEST COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OR SERIES, NON-DAILY
First Place, Nancy Pounds and Ingrid Martin, Alaska Journal of Commerce, "Whittier" Built it and they will come"
Second Place, Tony Bickert and Terry Wilson, Valdez Vanguard, "Ten years after the spill"
Third Place, Melanie Brubaker Mazur, The Frontiersman, "Matanuska Maid series"
Honorable Mention, Hal Spence, Chris Russ and J. Michael Lyons, Homer News, "Exxon Valdez: 10 years downstream"
Honorable Mention, Sarah Burridge, Dutch Harbor Fisherman, "The Aleut evacuation"
BEST REPORTING ON GOVERNMENT OR POLITICAL ISSUE, DAILY
First Place, Deanna Thomas, Ketchikan Daily News, "Funding the future"
Second Place, Brian O'Donoghue, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Critics wary of tapping fund stocks"
Third Place, Jim Paulin, Anchorage Daily News, "Fisherman's complaint expands quota program"
BEST REPORTING ON GOVERNMENT OR POLITICAL ISSUE, NON-DAILY
First Place, Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Press, "Allan Tesche vs. Joe Six-Pack"
Second Place, Tracy Wilson, The Frontiersman, "Just look around?"
Third Place, Hal Spence, Homer News, "Rough water ahead for city complex on Spit"
BEST REPORTING, BUSINESS/ECON/CONSUMER SUBJECT, DAILY
First Place, Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News, "Flop costs Ketchikan $300,000"
Second Place, Tony Hopfinger, Anchorage Daily News, "Coal dreams up in smoke?"
Third Place, Kristan Hutchison, Juneau Empire, "Pinching pennies for a market edge"
Honorable Mention, Brian O'Donoghue, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Spring Crude Slowed"
BEST REPORTING, BUSINESS/ECON/CONSUMER SUBJECT, NON-DAILY
First Place, J. Michael Lyons, Homer News, "Chargers wrestle safety concerns"
Second Place, Dristen Hawley, Skagway News, "Princess and shuttle companies duel it out for a day"
Third Place, Beryl Anderson, Senior Voice, "Home repairs and lack of regulation"
Honorable Mention, Joel Gay, Homer News, "Seafood business eyes Homer"
BEST REPORTING ON EDUCATION, DAILY
First Place, Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, "The math guys"
Second Place, Charles Bingham, Bering Strait Record, "Senate bill threatens schools"
Third Place, Mike Dunham, Anchorage Daily News, "The final bell"
BEST REPORTNG ON EDUCATION, NON-DAILY
First Place, Eowyn Lemay Ivey, The Frontiersman, "Into the light"
Second Place, Carey Restino, Homer News, "Schools adopt new approach"
BEST PROFILE, DAILY
First Place, Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News, "Maximum Max"
Second Place, Andromeda Romano-Lax, Anchorage Daily News, "The Pawnbroker"
Third Place, Debra McKinney, Anchorage Daily News, "History by Harrie"
Honorable Mention, Eric Fry, Juneau Empire, "Man died the way he lived"
Honorable Mention, Diana Campbell, Heartland, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "In grandma's time"
BEST PROFILE, NON-DAILY
First Place, Susy Buchanan, Anchorage Press, "Uno Dos - Hector Ortiz moves Anchorage one slinky step at a time"
Second Place, Tom Spoth, The Frontiersman, "The Valley loses a legend"
Third Place, Sara Burridge, Dutch Harbor Fisherman, "Smooth ride in a rough place"
BEST REPORTING ON THE ENVIRONMENT, DAILY
First Place, Doug O'Harra, Anchorage Daily News, "Legacy of a spill"
Second Place, Kristan Hutchison, Juneau Empire, "Spawning environmental worries"
Third Place, Eric Fry, Juneau Empire, "What's happening to wetlands?"
BEST REPORTING ON THE ENVIRONMENT, NON-DAILY
First Place, Tony Bickert, Valdez Vanguard, "State documents: Exxon Valdez lost at least 25 million gallons"
Second Place, Scott Christiansen, Anchorage Press, "Survival of the cutest"
Third Place, Terry Wilson, Valdez Vanguard, "Spill Response Disaster Sparks Evolution of SERVS"
BEST REPORTNG ON CRIME OR COURTS, DAILY
First Place, Karen Aho, Anchorage Daily News, "Victims of the system/Domestic abuse tries the courts"
Second Place, Douglas Fischer, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Cars Behind Bars"
Third Place, Eric Frey, Juneau Empire, "Who guards the children?"
BEST REPORTNG ON CRIME OR COURTS, NON-DAILY
First Place, Amy Menerey, The Frontiersman, "Nationally infamous peeper from Valley still on the lam"
Second Place, Hal Spence, Homer News, "Animal abuse case called one of the most appalling ever discovered"
Third Place, Amy Menerey, The Frontiersman, "Murderess gets 30 years for botched burglary"
BEST REPORTING ON HEALTH OR SCIENCE, DAILY
First Place, Doug O'Harra, We Alaskans, Anchorage Daily News, "Hunting for killers"
Second Place, Cathy Brown, Juneau Empire, "Solving problems"
Third Place, Linda Weiford, We Alaskans, Anchorage Daily News, "David's story"
Honorable Mention, Doug O'Harra, We Alaskans, Anchorage Daily News, "Iceberg in the Sound"
Honorable Mention, Josie Hartwell, Juneau Empire, "High risk: diabetes"
BEST REPORTING ON HEALTH OR SCIENCE, NON-DAILY
First Place, Sarah Burridge, Dutch Harbor Fisherman, "Biologists study long-term salmon effects"
Second Place, Hal Spence, Homer News, "Health fairs find problems"
Third Place, Sarah Burridge, Dutch Harbor Fisherman, "Early arrival"
Honorable Mention, Carey Restino, Homer News, "Holistic healer treats with love"
BEST EDITORIAL WRITING, DAILY
First Place, Sam Bishop, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Second Place, Lori Evans, Peninsula Clarion
Third Place, Mark Kelsey, Peninsula Clarion
BEST EDITORIAL WRITING, NON-DAILY
First Place, Mark Turner, Homer News
Second Place, Editorial staff, The Frontiersman
Third Place, Ron Loesch, Petersburg Pilot
BEST COLUMNIST, DAILY
First Place, Ed Schoenfeld, Juneau Empire, "Behind the News"
Second Place, Barbara Brown, Anchorage Daily News
Third Place, Diana Campbell, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
BEST COLUMNIST, NON-DAILY
First Place, Eowyn LeMay Ivey, The Frontiersman
Second Place, Elise Patkotak, freelance
Third Place, Edna Woolston, Senior Voice
BEST SPORTS NEWS REPORTING, DAILY
First Place, Doyle Woody, Anchorage Daily News
Second Place, J.R. Rardon, Anchorage Daily News
Third Place, Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News
BEST SPORTS NEWS REPORTING, NON-DAILY
First Place, Casey Ressler, Frontiersman
Second Place, Tommy Wells, Homer Tribune
BEST SPORTS FEATURE, DAILY
First Place, Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News
Second Place, Donna Freedman, Anchorage Daily News
Third Place, Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News
BEST SPORTS FEATURE, NON-DAILY
First Place, Scott Christiansen, Anchorage Press
Second Place, Corenne Stewart, Alaska Star
Third Place, Chip Leeper, The Nome Nugget
BEST SPORTS GAME/EVENT STORY, DAILY
First Place, Doyle Woody, Anchorage Daily News
Second Place, Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News
Third Place, Charles Bingham, The Juneau Empire
BEST SPORTS GAME/EVENT STORY, NON-DAILY
First Place, Charles Bingham, The Arctic Sounder
Second Place, Dimitra Lavrakas, Skagway News
Third Place, Casey Ressler, Frontiersman
BEST SPORTS COLUMNIST
First Place, Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News
Second Place, Doyle Woody, Anchorage Daily News
Third Place, Casey Ressler, The Frontiersman
BEST COVERAGE OF THE ARTS, DAILY
First Place, Warren Rhodes, Anchorage Daily News, "Bluer pastures"
Second Place, Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News, "Down but not out"
Third Place, Mary Beth Smetzer, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Carver's art inspires a spiritual journey"
BEST COVERAGE OF THE ARTS, NON-DAILY
First Place, Tim Moffatt, Homer News, "Special Olympics artist gains national attention"
Second Place, Rachel McLellan, Anchorage Press, "Knocker rock"
Third Place, Chris Russ, Homer News, "Mars Cove: portrait of a volunteer oil spill clean-up effort"
BEST SECTION, DAILY
First Place, Sports staff, Anchorage Daily News
Second Place, Juneau Empire staff, "Celebrate 2000"
Third Place, 8 Magazine staff, Anchorage Daily News
BEST SECTION, NON-DAILY
First Place, Alaska Journal of Commerce staff, "Top 25 Most Powerful Alaskans"
Second Place, The Frontiersman staff, sports section
Third Place, The Frontiersman staff, "Valley Life"
BEST HEADLINE WRITING, DAILY
First Place, Jeff Helminiak, Peninsula Clarion
Second Place, Julie Stricker, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Third Place, Mike Kelsey, Peninsula Clarion
BEST HEADLINE WRITING, NON-DAILY
First Place, Robert Meyerowitz, Anchorage Press
Second Place, The Frontiersman
Third Place, Joel Gay and Mark Turner, Homer News
BEST WEEKLY NEWSPAPERr
First Place, tie, Anchorage Press, Homer News
Third Place, Alaska Star
BEST EDITORIAL CARTOON, DAILY
First Place, J.P. Martin, Alaska Star, "Lead Dog Governor"
Second Place, J.P. Martin, Alaska Star, "Blank Check"
BEST EDITORIAL CARTOON, NON-DAILY
First Place, Chuck Legge, The Frontiersman, "Missed"
Second Place, Chuck Legge, The Frontiersman, "And he'll growl at deficits . . ."
BEST ILLUSTRATION, NON-DAILY
First Place, Amy Menery, The Frontiersman, "Remembering their service"
Second Place, Sam Trout, Anchorage Press, "Johnny's Girl"
Third Place, Sarah Calloway, Anchorage Press, "Velvet and Lysol!"
BEST PAGE LAYOUT, DAILY
First Place, Jim Woolace, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Wright on time"
Second Place, Jim Woolace, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Sundae best"
BEST PAGE LAYOUT, NON-DAILY
First Place, Sam Trout, Anchorage Press, "Experimental tourist"
Second Place, Joel Gay, Mark Turner, Susan Kaplan, Chris Szymoniak, Christine Hurrell and Michael Armstrong; Homer News; front page - Sept. 2, 1999
Third Place, Amy Menery, The Frontiersman, Outdoors page
Honorable Mention, Alaska Journal of Commerce, Arts and Music
Honorable Mention, Jim Woolace, Heartland, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Tacks Through Nunavut"
BEST INFORMATION GRAPHICS, DAILY
First Place, Jim Woolace, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Copper River kings"
BEST INFORMATION GRAPHICS, NON-DAILY
First Place, Sam Trout, Anchorage Press, "Making beer"
Second Place, Brian F. Johnson, Petersburg Pilot, "Election results"
BEST NEWS PHOTO, DAILY
First Place, Hall Anderson, Ketchikan Daily News, "Capsized"
Second Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Goodbye Edgar"
BEST NEWS PHOTO, NON-DAILY
First Place, Tony Bickert, Valdez Vanguard, "Hot (couch) potatoes"
Second Place, William C. Hitchcock, The Frontiersman, "A good man remembered"
BEST PICTURE STORY, DAILY
First Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Her game is kickin"
Second Place, Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska's kid jail"
Third Place, Matt Hage, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Precious life"
BEST PICTURE STORY, NON-DAILY
First Place, Hal Spence, Homer News, "Splash site"
BEST SPORTS PHOTO, DAILY
First Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Swimming celebration"
Second Place, Matt Hage, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "HIPOW golf"
Third Place, Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News, "Early bird golf"
BEST SPORTS PHOTO, NON-DAILY
First Place, Chris Russ, Homer News, "Love on the run"
Second Place, Casey Ressler, The Frontiersman, "Out of plate"
Third Place, Casey Ressler, The Frontiersman, "Track dreams"
BEST SCENIC PHOTO, DAILY
First Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Shades of autumn"
Second Place, Matt Hage, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Seeing red"
Third Place, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Questward Ho"
BEST SCENIC PHOTO, NON-DAILY
First Place, Gene Jansen, The Frontiersman, "Half moon rising"
Honorable Mention, Nancy Erickson, Seward Phoenix Log, "Last full moon"
Honorable Mention, Anne Loesch, Petersburg Pilot, "Sunbathing"
Honorable Mention, Carey Restino, Homer News, "Season in transition"
BEST PORTRAIT, DAILY
First Place, Hall Anderson, Ketchikan Daily News, "Warming up"
Second Place, Hall Anderson, Ketchikan Daily News, "Class of '99"
Honorable Mention, Hall Anderson, Ketchikan Daily News, "Alternative art"
BEST PORTRAIT, NON-DAILY
Honorable Mention, Mike Wachsmuth, Anchorage Press, "Kazan"
BEST FEATURE PHOTO, DAILY
First Place, Stephen Nowers, Anchorage Daily News, "Survival mode"
Second Place, Jim Lavrakas, Anchorage Daily News, "Field of dreams"
Third Place, Evan R. Steinhauser, Anchorage Daily News, "Bleach boys"
Honorable Mention, Eric Engman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Artistic driving"
Honorable Mention, Brian Wallace, Juneau Empire, "Brrr"
BEST FEATURE PHOTO, NON-DAILY
First Place, Amy Menerey, The Frontiersman, "Veterans honor"
Second Place, Tony Bickert, Valdez Vanguard, "Street level"
RADIO
BEST REPORTING, SINGLE STORYFirst Place, Anne Sutton, KTOO-Juneau, "The Spirit of 98"
Second Place, John McWhorter, KUAC-Fairbanks, "Pirate Radio"
Third Place, Amy Miller, Coast Alaska, "Park Service, Glacier Bay"
BEST REPORTING, COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OR SERIES
First Place, Jessica Cochran, Alaska Public Radio Network, Homeless Education series
Second Place, Joe Viechnicki, KFSK-Petersburg, "Lesley Ann Seized"
BEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM, ONE-TIME SPECIAL
First Place, Steve Heimel, Ellen Lockyer, Matt Miller, Alaska Public Radio Network, "Voices of the Spill"
Second Place, Ed May, KHNS-Haines, "Our Town Through Visitors' Eyes"
Third Place, Scott Rhode, KENI 650 News Radio, "99 in Review"
BEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM, ONGOING
First Place, Steve Heimel, Alaska Public Radio Network, "Talk of Alaska: Wilderness"
Second Place, Richard Lobdell, KENI 650 News Radio
BEST COMMENTARY, EDITORIAL OR REVIEW
First Place, Amy Mayer, KUAC-Fairbanks, "Israel"
Second Place, Barbara Brown, freelance, "Scrooby"
BEST DOCUMENTARY
First Place, Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, "First News"
Second Place, Amy Miller, Coast Alaska, "Treaty Documentary"
Third Place, John McWhorter, KUAC-Fairbanks, "Dog Pound"
BEST SHORT NEWSCAST
First Place, Geoff Kennedy, Alaska Public Radio Network, "Midday News"
Second Place, Steve Heimel, Alaska Public Radio Network, "Alaska Morning News"
Third Place, Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, "Midday News"
BEST REPORTING ON POLITICAL ISSUE
First Place, Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, "Vote No"
Second Place, Joe Viechnicki, KFSK-Petersburg, "Revenue Sharing Cut"
Third Place, John Greely, KTOO-Juneau, "Balancing the Budget"
BEST REPORTING ON BUSINESS, ECONOMIC, CONSUMER OR EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
First Place, Katie Bausler, Alaska Public Radio Network, "B-P Arco Merger and West Coast Gas"
Second Place, Sara Huges, KDLG-Dillingham, "Kosher"
Third Place, Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, "Potato Chip"
BEST REPORTING ON THE ENVIRONMENT
First Place, David Webster, KBBI-Homer, "Keeper Monitors"
Second Place, David Webster, KBBI-Homer, "Geese in the Slough"
Third Place, Anne Sutton, KTOO-Juneau, "Mendenhall Glacier"
BEST REPORTING ON CRIME, COURTS
First Place, Theresa Bakker, KUAC-Fairbanks, "Youth Court"
Second Place, Jodi Engle, KYUK-Bethel, "Airport Vandalism"
Third Place, Amy Miller, Coast Alaska Network, "Courts & Goshawks"
BEST EDUCATION REPORTING
First Place, Alexei Rubenstein, KDLG-Dillingham, "Squaw Creek"
Second Place, Anne Sutton, KTOO-Juneau, "The Goldberg Project"
Third Place, David Webster, KBBI-Homer, "Cyber Safari"
BEST REPORTING ON HEALTH OR SCIENCE
First Place, David Webster, KBBI-Homer, "Defibrilators for Cops"
Second Place, Anne Sutton, KTOO-Juneau, "Denali Kid Care"
Third Place, Amy Miller, Coast Alaska, "Atlantics Spawn in Wild"
BEST RADIO FEATURE
First Place, Matt Miller, KTOO-Juneau, "Year in Review"
Second Place, Anne Sutton, KTOO-Juneau, "Golf"
Third Place, Jessica Cochran, Alaska Public Radio Network, "Fly Fishing"
BEST PROFILE
First Place, Geoff Kennedy, Alaska Public Radio Network, "Ranger Obit"
Second Place, David Webster, KBBI-Homer, "Marimba Band"
BEST SPORTS (LIVE OR PRODUCED)
First Place, John Greely and Greg Pease, KTOO-Juneau, "Friday Fish Report"
Second Place, Will Peterson, Theresa Bakker, David Webster, Jessica Cochran; Alaska Public Radio Network, "Iditarod 99: Start Special"
Third Place, Voe Viechnicki, KFSK-Petersburg, "Swim Champs"
BEST COVERAGE OF A LIVE EVENT
First Place, Edward May, KHNS-Haines, "RCCL Protest Float"
BEST ARTS
First Place, David Webster, KBBI-Homer, "Marimba Band"
Second Place, Anne Sutton, KTOO-Juneau, "Yup'ik Masks"
BEST DAILY NEWS PROGRAM
First Place, Linda Taylor and Jessica Cochran, Alaska Public Radio Network, "Alaska News Nightly"
Second Place, Theresa Bakker, Robert Hannon and John McWhorter, KUAC-Fairbanks and Community Radio of Alaska, "Alaska Edition"
TELEVISION
BEST BREAKING NEWS STORYFirst Place, Joy Bunde, Patrick McIntyre, KTVA-TV, "Girdwood avalanche"
Second Place, Kathy Dye, Mark Sabel, KTVA-TV, "Temsco rescue"
Third Place, Channel 2 News, "Millenium Celebration"
BEST TELEVISION REPORTING, SINGLE STORY
First Place, Alison Lane, Mike McCormick, KTVA-TV, "Kids and Strangers"
Second Place, Jonathan White, John Brosna, KTUU-TV, "Nathan's Story"
Third Place, Kirk Chaisson, KTVA-TV, "Exxon Valdez: After the Disaster"
BEST TELEVISION REPORTING, SERIES
First Place, Jason Moore, Scott Jensen, KTUU-TV, "Net Profit: The Copper Kings"
Second Place, Maria Downey, Scott Jensen, KTUU-TV, "Reaching Russia"
Third Place, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, Jeff Walsh, KTUU-TV, "Lone Eagle Flies Again"
BEST DOCUMENTARY
First Place, John Tracy, Tim Woolston and Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV; "America's Biggest Oil Spill: 10 Years After"
Second Place, Kevin Hartwell, KTUU-TV, "Restoring Alaska"
BEST REPORTING ON HEALTH OR SCIENCE
First Place, Annette Falwell, Michael Carl, KTVA-TV, "Orthopedic Surgery"
Second Place, Gary Fife, Jordan Placie, KTVA-TV, "Tribal Doctors"
Third Place, Aimee Rzewuski, Jordan Placie, KTVA-TV, "Rock Glaciers"
BEST REPORTING ON THE ENVIRONMENT
First Place, Jason Moore, Richard Jordan, KTUU-TV, "Russian River Conservation"
Second Place, Jason Moore, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, "Spring Trash"
Third Place, Robert Forgit, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, "Non-Newtonian Fluids"
Honorable Mention, John Tracy, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, "Exxon Anniversary"
BEST REPORTING ON CRIME, COURTS
Second Place, Alison Lane, Dave Manning, KTVA-TV, "Undercover Crack Bust"
Third Place, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV, "Domestic Violence and the Work Place"
BEST REPORTING ON POLITICS
First Place, Jonathan White, John Brosnan, KTUU-TV, "Antiquities Fear"
Second Place, Jonathan White, John Brosnan, KTUU-TV, "Missile Defense"
Third Place, Heather Montez, KTOO-TV, "Juneau Debates Passenger Fee"
BEST REPORTING, BUSINESS/ECON/CONSUMER SUBJECT
First Place, Thomas Drayton, Michael Carl, KTVA-TV, "Electronic scam?"
Second Place, Annette Fallwell, KTVA-TV, "Dentists rate dentists"
BEST TELEVISION FEATURE REPORTING
First Place, Kathy Dye, Mark Sabel, KTVA-TV, "Bedpan Man"
Second Place, John Tracy, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, "North to Alaska"
Third Place, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV, "Arctic Sun"
BEST ARTS
First Place, Sheila Balistreri, Shawn Wilson, KTUU-TV, "Exploring the Possibilities"
Second Place, Rhonda McBride, Phil Walczak, KTUU-TV, "Merry Christmas Alaska"
Third Place, Gary Fife, Mike McCormick, KTVA-TV, "Millenium Drum"
BEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM, ONE-TIME SPECIAL
First Place, Eric Sowl, Tim Woolston, KTUU-TV, "Bitter Harvest"
Second Place, Cathy Gleason, Lynne Snifka, KTVA-TV, "Inside Alaska," "Denali Back Country Plan"
BEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM, ONGOING
First Place, Robert Forgit, KTUU-TV, "Science 2"
Second Place, Lynne Snifka, Bush Houston, KTVA-TV, "Inside Alaska"
BEST SPORTS COVERAGE
First Place, Dean Leisgang, KTVA-TV, "Chad Bentz"
BEST PROFILE
First Place, Kathy Dye, Mark Sabel, KTVA-TV, "The Most Hated Man in Juneau"
Second Place, Jonathan White, Joyhn Brosnan, KTUU-TV, "Joe Hazelwood"
Third Place, Gary Fife, Mike McCormick, "Sword Maker"
BEST EDITING
First Place, Mike McCormick, KTVA-TV, "Eagle Lady of Homer"
Second Place, Paul Martel, KTUU-TV, "Young Guns"
Third Place, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, "Ghost of the Golden North"
BEST FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
First Place, Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, "Route 66"
Second Place, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, "Inside Independence Mine"
Third Place, Mark Sobel, KTVA-TV, "El Capitain"
BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
First Place, tie, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, "Midnight Sun Ultra Marathon;" Paul Martel, KTUU-TV, "Star Boxing"
Second Place, Amy Mitchell, KTVA-TV, "State Football Champs"
Third Place, Chad Shepherd, KTUU-TV, "Mountain Bike Race"
BEST PHOTOGRAPHIC ESSAY
First Place, Mike McCormick, KTVA-TV, "Urban Moose"
Second Place, Justin Freeman, KTUU-TV, "Good Friday March"
Third Place, Paul Martel, KTUU-TV, "Smoke Hole"
BEST DAILY NEWSCAST
First Place, KTUU-TV, Channel 2 Newshour
Second Place, KTVA-TV, Alaska's Eleven News: Live at Five
Third Place, The 5:00 p.m. Report with John Tracy
OPEN TO ALL MEDIA
HUMORFirst Place, Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK Public Radio, "April Fool's Day"
Second Place, Barbara Brown, Anchorage Daily News, "Mom comes through with Jewish comfort food"
Third Place, A.E. Poynor, Peninsula Clarion, "Countdown . . ."
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
First Place, Kristen Hutchison, Juneau Empire, "Risky business"
Second Place, Julie Hasquet and Eric Sowl, KTUU-TV, "Nathanson speaks"
Third Place, Brian O'Donoghue, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "In Harm's Way"
