Golden Press Card East Tennessee Professional Chapter Society of Professional Journalists Golden Press Card Awards May 1999

1999 GOLDEN PRESS CARD RESULTS AND JUDGES' COMMENTS This year was a record -- 210 journalists in the East Tennessee area, including Chattanooga, Maryville, Sevierville and more, submitted entries to the contest. This year the judges were from the Mid-Georgia Pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Generally, there are two winners in each category, the Award of Merit and the Award of Excellence. In the case of team entries that won an Award of Excellence, a team representative received the plaque. All the team members also received an Award of Excellence certificate. Additional Award of Excellence plaques can be ordered from Oak Ridge Loans , Grove Center, in Oak Ridge (Phone 483-1402). In a few cases the judges gave only one award. But overall, they were impressed with the quality of the entries. And the winners are . . . 1-A Deadline/Spot News Reporting, Newspapers 1. Staff, The Daily Times, "Bus crash kills teacher, student" The judges said: Stellar! Exactly the way a package shold be done. Great communication, collaboration and combination. Kudos to all involved - writers found amazing detail, photographers found great angles and everyone did exactly what good news folks do. 2. Award of Merit, or second place ... Jamie Satterfield, Knoxville News Sentinel, "Longtime sweethearts, partners commit suicide." The judges said: Satterfield found the story in this one. Great read. 2-A General Reporting, Newspapers 1. Kevin Wiatrowski, Chattanooga Times, "School suffers downtime" Good investigative instinct, good job coupling facts and figures with readable copy. Wiatrowski covered all angles for a perfect multi-sourced and meaningful story. 2. Jamie Satterfield, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, "Stolen purse" A story that had to be found -- shows Satterfield is on top of the beat and doesn't lose sight of the people in the story. 2-B General Reporting, Non-Daily Newspapers 1. Ed Hooper, Tennessee Star Journal, "Much 'kaboom' about nothing." Explanatory, interesting, multi-sourced, well-written and it raised questions. 2. Jim Andrews, Inside TVA, "Long journey for tiny ash." Informative and well-written 3-A Feature Writing, Newspapers 1. John North, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, "Fire on Tillman Road" Of the many fine entries this paper submitted, this one hit the heart the most. Style and plot stood out the most of any. It made me feel. 2. Joe Tarr, Metro Pulse, "Four Weeks at the 5th Ave. Motel" This story's intro was the best of all. Had the writer been able to hold that pacing, it would have won this category. 3-B Feature Writing, Non-Daily Newspapers 1. Jim Andrews, Inside TVA, "Arms of Reconciliation" Andrews takes full advantage of the compelling life stories of TVA employees. Without being overly sentimental or trite, he tells Wade Frank's poignant story concisely and powerfully. 2. Nellan Young, Press Enterprise, "No Words for Anger" Solid reporting helps Nellan Young provide enough telling details to bring the reader in. Fine work. 4-A Series/Package/Project Writing, Newspapers 1. Larisa Brass, The Oak Ridger, "Atomic Cities" Brass took a dry, complex topic and made it digestible -- and some of the best, most comprehensive reading in Tennessee's newspapers. Excellent! 2. Jacques Billeaud, Paul Efird, David Keim, Add Seymour Jr., The Knoxville News-Sentinel, "College Homes" Excellent job 4-B Series/Package/Project Writing, Non-Daily Newspapers 1. Charles Winfrey, The Lafollette Press LaFollette "Churches battle eviction" A great catch that clearly made a difference in a community. 5-A Investigative Reporting, Newspapers 1. Bill Brewer & Wesley Loy, Knoxville News-Sentinel, "Southern Gentlemen" I awarded this package first place simply because of the scope of the story and the detailed roprting itl took. The reporters did an excellent job connecting what seemed to be disparate events and unrelated people. 2. Wesley Loy, Knoxville News-Sentinel, "When Old Friends Fight" Mr. Loy did a very good job not only reporting, but telling this story. His use of the "Village" residents was crucial to understand the impact Butcher's actions had on real people. 5-B Investigative Reporting, Non-Daily Newspapers 1. Ed Hooper, Tennessee Star Journal "Classified Top Secret: The untold story of Vietnam" This story was well-researched; it could have provided a little more context. Good job! 6-A Sports Reporting, Newspapers 1. Gary Lundy, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, "Hard road to success - The Jerry Green story" Lundy's touch and clarity help frame Jerry Green's life for readers, whether they are sports fans or not. Wonderful storytelling, brilliant writing. 2. Gary Lundy, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, "Ballpark Estimate" Thorough reporting, story writing, excellent execution on this sports story that highlights the business of stadium projects. 7-A Editorial Writing, Newspapers 1. Jesse Fox Mayshark, Metro Pulse Pointed and relevant, Mayshark's editorials spur action and stimulate debate. Sometimes subtle, sometime fiery, Mayshark proves to be formidable editorialist against local powers. 2. Hoyt Canady, The Knoxville News-Sentinel Clean and to the point. Canady has solid arguments and clear writing to drive home his points. 7-B Editorial Writing, Non-Daily Newspapers 1. Dan Ping, Press Enterprise Dan Ping carefully considers all sides, then makes logical points in well-crafted pieces. His thoughtful editorials have impact and change minds. 2. Larry Smith, The LaFollette Press My guess is Smith isn't too popular with the mayor and council, but the public really likes him. His folksy columns maintain accountability for officials and does a great public service. 8-A Columns, Newspapers 1. Don Williams, The Knoxville News-Sentinel Williams wins because he's original. His approaches to the impeachments and honoring Pat Summitt's achievements are fresh and clever. He's a columnist worth reading. 2. Sam Venable, The Knoxville News-Sentinel Venable does humor right. He takes life's oddities and relates them as if he's telling a friend about something wacky. Great reads and very entertaining. 8-B Columns, Non-Daily Newspapers 1. Brian Johnson, Press Enterprise, "Wife helps break male code of borrowing tools" Brian Johnson's humor, eye for detail, writing and story made me laugh and picture the whole tale. 2. Tabitha Prock, Monroe Co. Advocate & Democrat, "Picking myself up and dusting myself off" Honest and engaging. 9-A Reviews/Criticisms, Newspapers 1. Coury Turczyn, Metro Pulse, "Movie Guru" 2. Hillari Dowdle, Metro Pulse 10-B News Reporting, Television 1. Amy Jo Coffey & Ken Earnshaw, WTVC-TV NewsChannel 9, Chattanooga, "Silverdale Shakedown" This entry had all the elements of a winner -- good video, compelling sound bytes, key interviews and complete reporting. Original and refreshing. 2. Mike Dunne & Newschannel 9 Team, WTVC-TV, NewsChannel 9, "Casteel Verdict" Saturation coverage of murder verdict capture the drama and emotion live. Those following the case found thorough coverage and closure by WTVC's reporting. 11-B Feature Reporting, Television 1. Richard Simms, WTVC-TV NewsChannel 9, "Barbership Music" Storytelling at its best. Simms didn't get in the way of this wonderful snapshot of real life in a Tennessee barbershop. This story makes the viewers smell the hair tonic and hear the harmony of bluegrass. Great work! 2. John Madewell, WTVC-TV NewsChannel 9, "Honduras Humanity" The piece evoked emotion and told the story of giving. This feature both inspired and saddened at the devastation of Hurricane Mitch. 12-B Investigative Reporting, Television 1. Don Dare, Jason Grant, WATE-TV, "Play for Pay" Dare and Grant utilized technology to tell an interesting and important story. They followed logical extensions to expose a problem. Thorough reporting, good video solid example of investigative reporting. 14-B Documentary/Public Affairs Programming, Television 1. Don Dare, Jason Hensley, Jason Grant, Tim Petree, WATE-TV 6, "Witness and Legacy" By following students learing about the Holocaust WATE accomplished two goals: told the story of the Holocaust and told the story of the contemporary students learning the need to appreciate diversity. Wonderful message professionally done. 2. Adina Chumley, Neil Stiles, Mike Watson, WVLT-TV, "Celebrating Knoxville" This special effort is recognized for great photography, wonderful storytelling and seamless editing. Each segment was compelling and complete. 15 Headline 1. Jim Andrews, Inside TVA Andrews handles the challenge of tabloid headline restrictions with humor and punch. Great headlines for any publication. 2. Suzanne Foree Neal, Knoxville News-Sentinel Entries were clever and appropriate in tone. Neal showed that she puts extra effort in headline writing. 16-A Page One Design, Newspapers 1. Jeff Schnick, The Mountain Press Nice use of dropouts, color and headline typefaces. Sunday promos are bright and inviting. 16-B Page One Design, Non-Daily Newspapers 1. Larry Smith, The LaFollette Press Clean design with bold headlines and impact photos. It's an easy-to-read product that beckons readers. 2. Dan Ping, West Side/Farragut Press Enterprise Modular layouts with easy-to-digest fonts and sigs. Good use of centerpiece photos. 17-A Inside Page Design, Newspapers 1. Jennifer Dedman, Knoxville News-Sentinel Exciting pages with great use of dropouts. Dedman isn't afraid of framing with white space and good use of photos. 2. Sharon Rasmussen, Knoxville News-Sentinel Sharon's business page designs gave pizzazz to otherwise drab subjects. Very eye-pleasing layouts. 17-B Inside Page Design, Non-Daily Newspapers 1. Dan Ping, Press Enterprise Active page design with movement and clarity. Photos used to highest potential. 2. Dwane Wilder, The LaFollette Press Wilder is not afraid to take risks. His out-of-the-ordinary design for sports is refreshing. 18 Informational Graphic 1. R. Daniel Proctor, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, weather graphic Fantastic weather graphic tells a story on a geographic, chronological and visual level. Visually appealing and functional. 2. R. Daniel Proctor, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, earthquake graphic Thorough and colorful earthquake graphic. Solid effort. 19 Art Illustration 1. Lisa Horstman and Charlie Powell, Metro Pulse, "Watch the Skies" Color, detail and juxtaposition created a humorous image that really sells the cover story on alien sightings. Wonderful artwork. Suitable for framing. 2. Don Wood, Knoxville News-Sentinel, "Resounding Return" Nature art requires patience, precision and attention to detail. Color and realism makes this piece a winner. 20 Photo Illustration 1. Clay Owen, Knoxville News-Sentinel Well thought-out, and it works very well with the content. 21-A Deadline Photography, Newspapers 1. Joe Howell, Knoxville News-Sentinel Good photos! It's very hard to get something from this kind of situation. The praying photo should have been the primary element on the page. 2. Michael Patrick, Knoxville News-Sentinel 21-B Deadline Photography, Non-Daily Newspapers 1. Dan Barile, Press Enterprise, Farragut Great photo! Well-planned, considering the deadline element -- good concentration on the right moment. 2. Ed Hooper, Tennessee Star Journal, Pigeon Forge 22-A Feature Photography, Newspapers The judge made a special note that all of the photographs in this division were especially good. 1. Margaret Bentlage, Knoxville News-Sentinel Great vision and well-executed in foreign land. Shows all the generations and how the gypsies are being treated. 2. Paul Efird, Knoxville News-Sentinel Way to go! Great image on a tough assignment! 22-B Feature Photography, Non-Daily Newspapers 1. Robert Kollar, Tennessee Valley Authority The same judge said his standards were tougher for this category because You have to go beyond the normal because you have more time to do good work. It's not only for you but for the community you live in. 22-C Feature Photography, Television 1. Hugh Williamson, WVLT-TV, "Smoky Mountain Classroom" Great angles, clear shots of faces and wonderful scenery make this piece a pleasure for viewers. Compelling and beautiful to look at. 2. Billy Hodge, WVLT-TV, "Volunteer Home Builders" Use of natural sound makes this entry stand out. Good close-ups and detail shots. Nice work! 23 Editorial Cartoon 1. Rick Baldwin, Metro Pulse Baldwin chose the Last Supper as a poignant dart to puncture Southern Baptist self-righteousness. Funniest and best portrayal of the Southern Baptist political fight that I've seen. 2. Charlie Daniel, The Knoxville News-Sentinel Simple images communicate a profound message. Daniel's work captures truth and evokes laughter. 24 Work For Other Media 1. June N. Adamson, "The SED in Oak Ridge" A fascinating look at the impact of a secret military project at Oak Ridge during World War II. Well-researched and well-written, this piece expands readers' understanding of Oak Ridge. 2. Jean Ash, "Damming the Yangtze" Thoroughly reported and clearly written. Good use of Mao's poetry to liven up the article. 25 Horace V. Wells Jr. Community Service Award Angel Hawthorne and Ben Roberts, WVLT-TV The station showed a real commitment by dedicating a series to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Roberts backed it up by signing up for the program himself. This series no doubt encouraged many people to get involved int the lives of children and making a real difference. Golden Press Card Award Don Dare & Jason Grant, WATE-TV, "Play for Pay" This series uncovered an insidious and hard-to-stamp- out problem: video game gambling. The subjects were difficult to catch in the act, requiring hidden cameras. The pieces were well-written, the video was compelling and featured especially good use of natural sound. Great journalism -- no matter what the medium!

Page Updated: May 1999
by Sally A. Guthrie