Congratulations to the winners of the Utah Headliners SPJ Awards. The following is a list of award winners for work completed in 2011:
SPECIAL AWARDS
Clifford P. Cheney Service to Journalism Award:
Terry Orme, managing editor, The Salt Lake Tribune
Roy B. Gibson Freedom of Information Award:
Utah Media Coalition
Quintus C. Wilson Ethics Award:
Rick Egan and Matthew D. LaPlante
Don Baker Investigative Reporting Award:
Brooke Adams, The Salt Lake Tribune
GRAPHICS CATEGORY
G1—ART ILLUSTRATION
1st — Salt Lake Tribune Jam
2nd — Salt Lake Tribune Degrees to Nowhere
G2—BEST SINGLE-PAGE DESIGN
1st — Blain Hefner SL Tribune Superheroes
Comment: A compelling and informational front page that successfully draws the reader into the story for all the right reasons
2nd — Joshua Joye SLUG Magazine Pangea Speed
3rd — Joshua Joye SLUG Magazine Craft Lake City
HM — Joshua Joye SLUG Magazine Cupcake Social
MAGAZINES
M1—BEST MAGAZINE
1st — Utah Valley Business Q
Comment: Everything about the publication is #1: Writing, photography, ad placements—Head and shoulders above the rest.
2nd — Utah Valley Magazine
3rd — Southern Utah Youth Sports Magazine
M2 —NEWS
1st — Tom Haraldsen Utah Business Magazine Stealing the Show
Comment: The article clearly describes the incentives offered to filmmakers, as well as the intangible benefits. The writing was informative yet engaging, making for an interesting, enjoyable read.
2nd — Peri Kinder Utah Business Magazine Help Not Wanted
3rd — Nadine Wimmer Deseret Media The 5 Second Rule
M3—FEATURE
1st — Jeanette Bennett Utah Valley Magazine The Bee’s Nies
Comment: The piece had a friendly, warm style that allowed the reader to get to know the subject and see why people have become enamored with her blog.
2nd — Alexander Ortega SLUG Magazine Tooth Fractal Psychedelia
3rd — Jeanette Moses SLUG Magazine Precision builds…
M4—COVER/PAGE DESIGN
1st — Utah Business Magazine — April 2011
Comment: What a brilliant cover! The green catches your eye right away, and all the symbols draw you in. The 25th anniversary bug is a nice touch as well!
2nd — Utah Valley Magazine — March/April 2011
3rd — Utah Valley Bride — Fall 2011
NEWSPAPER DIVISION A CATEGORY
N1A—BEST NEWSPAPER REPORTER
1st — Tom Harvey SL Tribune
Comment: Harvey’s work combines a knack for getting to sources most wouldn’t and a consistently clear central conflict with writing skill that makes even a post-trial post mortem as riveting as a suspense novel. Excellent work
2nd — Stephen Dark City Weekly
3rd — Sara Israelsen-Hartley Deseret News
N2A—BEST NEWSPAPER
1st — The Salt Lake Tribune
Comment: The Tribune delivers a buffet of information and entertainment that’s hard to match. The paper looks good, reads well and gives its audience a combination of solid enterprise work with good photography and compelling features.
2nd — Salt Lake City Weekly
N3A—SPOT NEWS
1st — Melinda Rogers SL Tribune Smart to Mitchell
No comments from judge
2nd — The Salt Lake Tribune Winds buffet Utah
3rd — The Salt Lake Tribune DeChristopher: More must follow
N4A—GENERAL NEWS
1st — Judy Fahys SL Tribune Who’s Kent Jones?
2nd — Lee Davidson SL Tribune Utah Boy Scouts
3rd — Lee Davidson SL Tribune Fatality followed UTA failure
HM — Dennis Romboy Deseret News Questions swirl…
N5A—GENERAL FEATURE
1st — Melinda Rogers SL Tribune Utah’s former football star
Comments: A story that didn’t hold back any punches. Rogers didn’t miss any interview opps. and got to all folks involved, then wrote a story that drew readers in.
2nd — Christopher Smart SL Tribune For son left behind
3rd — Stephen Dark City Weekly Burned Out Cop
N6A—CONTINUING COVERAGE
1st — Thomas Burr SL Tribune Jon Huntsman’s campaign
Comment: This unvarnished look at Jon Huntsman was a great service to readers, illustrating the digging required to produce such a package.
2nd — Melinda Rogers SL Tribune Brian David Mitchell
3rd — Lindsey Whitehurst SL Tribune Polygamist leader Jeffs
HM — Donald W. Meyers SL Tribune Provo Tabernacle fire
N7A—SERIES
1st — Lois Collins & Sara Lenz Deseret News End of innocence
Comment: Excellent imagery, picking the right words and the right tones.
2nd — Brandon Loomis SL Tribune Our dying forests
3rd — Heather May SL Tribune Healthy for whom?
HM — Michael C. Lewis SL Tribune Pac-12 project
N8A—REVIEW/CRITICISM
1st — Ellen Fagg Weist SL Tribune One Day More: Les Miz
Comment: Weist’s taut pace and sharp writing keep things lively, and she delivers shrewd observations on the production that keep the reader’s interest.
2nd — David Burger SL Tribune The 5 Browns return
3rd — Scott Renshaw City Weekly The Boy Who: Harry Potter
HM — Ben Fulton City Weekly Lady MacBeth
N9A—ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
1st — Elaine Jarvik SL Tribune Junior High School Musical
Comment: Great use of detail and action to place the reader there; unique and fun to read
2nd — Austen Diamond City Weekly Golden Voices
3rd — Ben Fulton City Weekly SLC’s mega-theatre
N10A—CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING
1st — Robert Gehrke SL Tribune Shurtleff silent
Comment: Reading Gehrke’s story about Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff’s relationship with Jeremy Johnson, it’s clear that Gehrke not only did the reporting but also was dedicated to the writing part as well.
2nd — Dennis Romboy Deseret News Feds arrest St. George man
3rd — Sara Israelsen-Hartley Deseret News After 17 years in prison
HM — Aaron Falk SL Tribune In life or death
N11A—BUSINESS/CONSUMER REPORTING
1st — Sarah Kramer City Weekly Nuclear Deal
Comment: Great reporting and solid writing make this entry stand out.
2nd — Brian Maffly SL Tribune Fits and Startups
3rd — Eric S. Peterson City Weekly Zombie Homes
HM — Austen Diamond City Weekly Whittle Me This
N12A—EDUCATION REPORTING
1st — Lisa Schencker SL Tribune How do schools spend your money?
Comment: Excellent use of a single family and a single school district to examine the issue of class size and education spending. Graphic was especially good and helpful.
2nd — Eric S. Peterson City Weekly Bad call
3rd — Dan Nallen City Weekly The New U
N13A—GOVERNMENT REPORTING
1st — Robert Gehrke SL Tribune Move to dilute GRAMA
No judge comments
2nd — Eric S. Peterson City Weekly Fix-It Man
3rd — Matt Canham SL Tribune Is Hatch hurting himself?
HM — Stephen Dark City Weekly Neighborhood Watched
N14A—MEDICAL/SCIENCE REPORTING
1st — Heather May SL Tribune Bad things can happen
Comment: This story really captures the heart-breaking helplessness that these children and their families feel. Heather May’s writing brings you so much into their lives, you want to give them a hug. This story is truly a piece of enterprise journalism.
2nd — Kirsten Stewart SL Tribune Concierge medicine
3rd — Wendy Leonard Deseret News Chronic fatigue
HM — Lois M. Collins Deseret News Rare disease
N15A—MILITARY REPORTING
1st — Matthew D. LaPlante City Weekly Special services
Comment: A thorough examination of the questionable trend toward court systems for specific constituencies. Excellent and well-written narrative.
2nd — Kristen Moulton SL Tribune For Utah families…
3rd — Julia Lyon SL Tribune SLC housing agency
HM — Kristen Moulton SL Tribune National Guard
N16A—MINORITY ISSUES REPORTING
1st — Christopher Smart SL Tribune From boy to man
Comment: There’s a “real”ness to this story about a lost childhood, and the candor with which the subject speaks about this frustrations comes out in clear writing.
2nd — Stephen Dark City Weekly Immigrant Goal
3rd — Stephen Dark City Weekly Tainted Saint
HM — David Montero SL Tribune Arizona immigration law
N17A—PERSONALITY PROFILE
1st — Eric S. Peterson City Weekly Chaffetz revealed
Comment: An engaging read backed by thorough reporting and some spunky style and observation.
2nd — Steven Dark Cilty Weekly Mormon celebrity meltdown
3rd — Thomas Burr SL Tribune Huntman’s journey
N18A—RELIGION/VALUES REPORTING
1st — Lisa Schencker SL Tribune Utah rabbi helps teens
Comment: Very well put together story. In clear language, the writer explains how the rabbi, in his own way, is planting a seed.
2nd — Jesse Fruhwirth City Weekly Yoganomics
3rd — Donald W. Meyers SL Tribune An angel on high
HM — Peggy Fletcher Stack SL Tribune Sex and the single Mormon
N19A—SPORTS DEADLINE
1st — Brian T. Smith SL Tribune Jazz ripped apart by Knicks
Comment: Great job capturing the feel of a team in a tailspin.
2nd — Brian T. Smith SL Tribune Sloan calls it a career
3rd — Michael C. Lewis SL Tribune RSL falters at home
N20A—SPORTS NON-DEADLINE
1st — Bill Oram SL Tribune Dad never wavered
Comment: Great job making what can seem like a complicated relationship easily understood.
2nd — Brian T. Smith/Mike Gorrell SL Tribune Jazz empire
3rd — Bill Oram SL Tribune Babe Ruth owned SLC
N21A—EDITORAL CARTOON
No entries in this category
N22A—EDITORIAL
1st — Marilyn McKinnon SL Tribune Leg’s shell game
Comment: Gives a lot of facts in a short space, as good editorials should, and does so with persuasive clarity that doesn’t abandon common sense for the sake of a good hook.
2nd — George Pyle SL Tribune Now it’s up to you
3rd — Marilyn McKinnon SL Tribune Fireworks backfire
HM — Doug Gibson Standard-Examiner Pols work for Wall Street
N23A—OPINION COLUMN
1st — Jay Evensen Deseret News Jeffs a monster
Comment: The author’s focus is consistently intact…makes his point, does it with good, clean writing that carries the reader’s interest from one graph to another.
2nd — Peg McEntee SL Tribune Unintended consequences
3rd — Terry Orme SL Tribune Closing the door
HM — Jay Evensen Deseret News Time for occupiers…
N24A—SPORTS COLUMN
1st — Kurt Kragthorpe SL Tribune Sloan was one of us
Comment: Fantastic job of capturing what it can mean to a city and state when a legend like Sloan decides to step aside.
2nd — Gordon Monson SL Tribune BYU should offer an open hand
3rd — Amy Donaldson Deseret News Olympian Jeret Peterson
HM — Mike Sorensen Deseret News Tiger Woods still has magic
N25A—HUMOR/LIFESTYLE COLUMN
1st — Scott Renshaw City Weekly The 40-year-old coffee virgin
Comment: Fun and funny column, with some history of local culture and social mores blended into the story.
2nd — Robert Kirby SL Tribune How Mormon is Too Mormon?
3rd — Ann Cannon SL Tribune Stingray attacks
N26A—HEADLINE WRITING
1st — John A. Davis SL Tribune Germain Clown Posse
2nd — Greg McElvain SL Tribune Look, a Gift Horse…
3rd — John A. Davis SL Tribune Squawking wounded
HM — Greg McElvain SL Tribune Puma cum laude
N27A—PAGE DESIGN—FRONT PAGE
1st — Kimberly Worner SL Tribune Back to Earth
Comment: The choice of art on top was great. The space shuttle image is fantastic. The page also does a great job of packing a lot of information without looking cluttered or too busy.
2nd — Kimberly Worner SL Tribune Armed Forces Bowl
3rd — Kimberly Worner SL Tribune Net Worth
N28A—PAGE DESIGN—FEATURE PAGE
1st — Blain Hefner SL Tribune Pac-12
2nd — Jenna Busey SL Tribune Measuring Stick
3rd — Jenna Busey SL Tribune Big Al
N29A—MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
1st — Cimaron Neugebauer SL Tribune Homeowners brace for river..
Comment: Cim obviously has a great sense of how to tell a story. I enjoy how he tells it with an array of media that allows the consumer understand the full scope. He has a good grasp on all of the fractional components (video, live on-the-scene tweeting, photography). Well played. I felt the drama and tension.
2nd — Erin Alberty SL Tribune 24 hours of Occupy SLC
3rd — Brooke Adams SL Tribune Police clear occupiers
HM — Cimaron Neugebauer SL Tribune Semi drivers
NEWSPAPER DIVISION B CATEGORY
N1B—BEST NEWSPAPER REPORTER
1st — Heidi Toth Daily Herald
Comment: In a number of stories, covering a broad range of topics, Toth’s hallmark is her ability to write about real-life issues in a real-life language. She shows an ability to cover a breadth of subject matter with great skill, from hard news to community planning to human-interest pieces.
2nd — Brian Ahern The Spectrum
N2B—BEST NEWSPAPER
1st — Daily Herald
No judge comments
2nd — The Spectrum
3rd — The Daily Universe
N3B—SPOT NEWS
1st — Jordan Carroll The Daily Universe News of Bin Laden’s death
Comment: It’s clear that the reporter acted quickly to bring local voices into a huge national story and performed well to let those voices bring the color to the piece. Good instincts and quick action made this story possible.
2nd — Jim Dalrymple Daily Herald Orem plastic surgeon
N4B—GENERAL NEWS
1st — Jim Dayrymple Daily Herald Former Hale actor
Comment: The story puts the reader in the courtroom with the sweaty, panting defendant. The conversation between the defendant and the judge tells the whole story.
N5B—GENERAL FEATURE
1st — Doug Fox Daily Herald Utah Valley brothers….
Comment: This well-timed holiday story about two brothers who received organ transplants is heavy on details and has several nice writing touches.
2nd — Heidi Toth Daily Herald Provo printing museum
3rd — Brian Passey The Spectrum Searching for Sasquatch
N6B—CONTINUING COVERAGE
1st — Jim Dalrymple Daily Herald Ramon Somoza trial
Comment: It’s not easy to capture new details from a highly public criminal trial day after day while simultaneously keeping the coverage fresh but honoring the need to inform new readers about the background of the case. Dalrymple does so in the case.
2nd — Heidi Toth Daily Herald Steve Turley coverage
3rd — Brian Ahern The Spectrum Flood follow-up 2011
N7B—SERIES
1st — Heidi Toth Daily Herald Illegal. But now what?
Comment: This series offers an impressively comprehensive look at Utah’s role in the complex issue of illegal immigration.
2nd — Heidi Toth/Genelle Pugmire Daily Herald Orem vision
N8B—REVIEW/CRITICISM
1st — Cody Clark Daily Herald “The Mechanic” review
Comment: The writer makes a compelling case for his opinion on the film (it’s not good) and offers sage advice to readers (don’t bother seeing it). And along the way, he offers a wittily worded send-up of not only the film at hand but also the extreme fringe of the genre it represents.
2nd — Jim Dalrymple Daily Herald Disc break: Desert noises
N9B—ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
1st — Court Mann The Daily Universe Love, sweat and tears
Comment: Mann’s review of a concert by the band Fictionist is a lesson in finding just the right details to make a point.
2nd — Doug Fox Daily Herald There’s no place like Kansas
N10B—CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING
1st — Jim Dalrymple Daily Herald Strate found not guilty
Comment: A solid description of the scene at the courthouse and a thorough retelling of the events of the case. Clean and informative.
N11B—BUSINESS/CONSUMER REPORTING
1st — Lindsey Larson The Daily Universe Author employs horse
Comment: A fun and insightful look into a slice of life involving one of America’s best known brands. Lindsey’s use of the Mythbusters angle also worked well in describing the author’s promotional event.
2nd — Jim Dalrymple Daily Herald Provo restauranteur overcomes
N12B—EDUCATION REPORTING
1st — Kelly Bluth The Daily Universe Low teacher salaries
Comment: This story shines a spotlight on an important, real-life result of cuts in education spending, with strong voices representing educators who face an uphill battle.
N13B—GOVERNMENT REPORTING
1st — David DeMille The Spectrum Pipeline’s price tag
Comment: This story does a good job of explaining the issue at hand, the feelings on all sides of the issue and the reason it matters to people on a practical level. And it adds in a good feel for the history and philosophy behind people’s feelings.
N14B—MEDICAL/SCIENCE REPORTING
1st — Emma Penrod The Daily Universe Polar Bear study
Comment: The writer uses quotes well to advance the pace of the story and avoids the trap of suffocating the sources, allowing well-spoken experts to have their say. Nicely done.
2nd — Scott Kerbs The Spectrum Facing Anorexia
N15B—MILITARY REPORTING
1st — Allison Goett McCoy The Daily Universe Veterans suffer pains of war
Comment: The writer sheds light on an often-overlooked facet of the military experience and, by sharing one soldier’s tale, offers hope for those who experience troubles after having served their country.
N16B—MINORITY ISSUES REPORTING
1st — Stacie Carnley The Daily Universe Church members teach English
Comment: The writer’s touch skillfully helps the reader understand the difference in motivation.
N17B—PERSONALITY PROFILE
1st — Brooke Ward The Daily Universe Kaufusi eye system
Comment: Readers get a good sense of how family, friends and a strong will to return to the court help drive the woman’s recovery. Nicely done.
2nd — Jim Dalrymple Daily Herald Utah County defense attorney
3rd — Paul Delos Santos The Spectrum Breaking barriers
N18B—RELIGION/VALUES REPORTING
1st — Brian Passey The Spectrum And with your spirit
Comment: The Catholic church doesn’t change its ways very often, and this story covers a significant shift.
N19B—SPORTS DEADLINE
1st — David Cordero The Spectrum Thunder in the Night
Comment: It’s nice to come across a story with such originality. Great lede (bordering on boosterism, but it worked) with some fine game reporting woven into a good analysis of what the contest’s biggest plays meant.
2nd — Jason Franchuk Daily Herald Brandon Davies suspended
N20B—SPORTS NON-DEADLINE
1st — Neil Warner Daily Herald Coaching a new attitude
Comment: What makes the story stand out is what wasn’t done — the story deftly stayed away from being too sappy and it gave a complete picture without being too long. A sports story that non-sports fans could enjoy.
N21B—EDITORIAL CARTOON
1st — JJ Despain The Daily Universe Jimmer as Moses
Comment: The cartoonist captured the hysteria that briefly surrounded Jimmer-mania with a clever concept.
N22B—EDITORIAL
1st — Jim Tynen/Randy Wright Daily Herald Price controls in Utah
Comment: The editorial is argued in a way designed to be strategically persuasive to its audience. The writing is rhythmic and engaging. It’s an example of first-class commentary.
2nd — Jim Tynen/Randy Wright Daily Herald Wrong way to choose
3rd — Todd Seifert The Spectrum Santa Clara’s woes
N23B—OPINION COLUMN
1st — Jade McDowell The Daily Universe They’re killing GRAMA
Comment: The column informs and opines for the public good, while also serving as an excellent piece of explanatory journalism. It addresses and avoids the “media-centric” criticism that surely followed its publication and performed a valuable function of the Fourth Estate.
2nd — Todd Seifert The Spectrum GOP candidates
N24B—SPORTS COLUMN
1st — Jared Lloyd Daily Herald The Jimmer-ization
Comment: The column has a clear message for readers (enjoy Jimmermania while it lasts) and forecasts how fleeting the feeling may be.
2nd — David Cordero The Spectrum Heavy hearts for Team RAW
N25B—HUMOR/LIFESTYLE COLUMN
1st — Cody Mann Daily Herald The Skinny: Twilight
Comment: This clever condensing of the Twilight films gives a knowing nod both to those who are fans of the franchise and those who are repulsed by it. And it does so without revealing which way the author leans on the issue.
N26B—HEADLINE WRITING
1st — Doug Fox Daily Herald Portfolio
Comment: The best of the bunch: “Trans phat! TSO delivers steady diet of rock opera excess”
N27B—PAGE DESIGN—FRONT PAGE
1st — Joseph Tolman Daily Herald 9/11 anniversary
Comment: Simple and clean works every time. Good photo choice, and the type-on-photo treatment is tastefully done.
2nd — Joseph Tolman Daily Herald Fourth of July
3rd — Joseph Tolman Daily Herald Literary crisis
N28B—PAGE DESIGN—FEATURE PAGE
1st — Marydalene Lawrence Daily Herald Skin Deep
Comment: Good information, presented in a clever treatment.
2nd — Marydalene Lawrence Daily Herald Shupe to Thrill
3rd — Joseph Tolman Daily Herald Out of the Ashes
NEWSPAPER DIVISION C CATEGORY
N1C—BEST NEWSPAPER REPORTER
1st — Geoff Liesik Uintah Basin Standard
2nd — Tania Navarro OKespanol
3rd — Tim Gillie Tooele Transcript
N2C—BEST NEWSPAPER
1st — Tooele Transcript-Bulletin
Comment: Best all-round package balancing hard news and features for all readers. Layout meets expectations for such a publication.
2nd — Sugarhouse Journal
3rd — In This Week
N3C—SPOT NEWS
1st — Tom Haraldsen/Caroline Kingsley The Valley Journals TRAX accident
Comment: Good, thorough reporting of all aspects of this tragedy.
2nd — Lisa Christensen Tooele Transcript Dugway lockdown
3rd — Dan Smith Utah Statesman USU grad arrested
HM — Chris Lee Utah Statesman Heroes lift car
N4C—GENERAL NEWS
1st — Tim Gillie Tooele Transcript City paid Sant
Comment: Good use of open records to hold public officials accountable.
2nd — Caroline Kingsley The Valley Journals Fourth teen pedestrian accident
3rd — Kasey Van Dyke The Signpost Snakes on campus
N5C—GENERAL FEATURE
1st — Catherine Meidell Utah Statesman A student image obsession
2nd — Cecilia Skinner OKespanol Desamparados entre manos
3rd — Meredith Kinney Utah Statesman One year later…
HM — Emma Penrod Tooele Transcript A buried legacy
N6C—CONTINUING COVERAGE
1st — Tim Gillie Tooele Transcript Redistricting
Comment: Concise and complete, well done
2nd — Andrew Kirk The Park Record Chefdance owing money
3rd — Cecilia Skinner OKespanol Se apaga una estrella Latina
HM — Caroline Kingsley The Valley Journals Neighbors suffer flooding
N7C—SERIES
1st — Lisa Christensen Tooele Transcript Wendover: Trouble and hope
Comment: Interesting and provocative narrative of a town centered on gambling.
2nd — Tania Navarro Series Monterrey OKespanol
N8C—REVIEW/CRITICISM
1st — Daisy Blake In This Week Plan B’s “Borderlands”
Comment: Informative. Exceptionally clear and concise writing. Wonderful phrases like “unflinchingly realistic” and “the conversations are like intricate dances.”
N9C—ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
1st — Missy Bird Tooele Transcript Arts festival scrapped
2nd — Amy Stewart The Valley Journals Hillcrest Laramie Project
3rd — Autumn Thatcher In This Week Twilight
HM — Caroline Kingsley The Valley Journals Schoor gallery
N10C—CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING
1st — Geoff Liesik Uintah Basin Standard Justice for Othea
2nd — Lisa Christensen Tooele Transcript Did Johnson take fall
3rd — Peri Kinder The Valley Journals Charges filed…missing
N11C—BUSINESS/CONSUMER REPORTING
1st — Andrew Kirk The Park Record Homeowners fight
Comment: Kirk takes a complicated topic and tells it clearly, explaining why it matters to Utahns.
2nd — Tim Gillie Tooele Transcript Racetrack shifts strategy
3rd — JM Martin The Valley Journals Living Planet Aquarium
N12C—EDUCATION REPORTING
1st — Catherine Meidell Utah Statesman USU professional school
Comment: Well researched and put together.
2nd — Reinaldo Escobar OKespanol Bilinguismo mejora
3rd — Dan Smith Utah Statesman Utah wage gap
HM — Tim Gillie Tooele Transcript Harris Elementary
N13C—GOVERNMENT REPORTING
1st — Tim Gillie Tooele Transcript Tooele council takes heat
Comment: A cautionary tale for all cities as outlined in Gillie’s piece.
2nd — Linda Petersen The Valley Journals A citizen, chickens and city hall
3rd — Reinaldo Escobar OKespanol Luz Robles
HM — Andrew Kirk The Park Record Big firms paying less
N14C—MEDICAL/SCIENCE REPORTING
1st — Sarah Miley Tooele Transcript Brave Face, Difficult Disease
2nd — Crystal Liechty The Valley Journals Girl battling rare disease
3rd — Tania Navarro OKespanol Las caras del cancer de seno
N15C—MILITARY REPORTING
1st — Dan Smith Utah Statesman USU vet cope with PTSD
Comment: A well-sourced story, lots of interviews, compelling
2nd — Lisa Christensen Tooele Transcript More mysteries at Dugway
3rd — Ron Bevan The Valley Journals Sandy soldier dies
N16C—MINORITY ISSUES REPORTING
1st — Reinaldo Escobar OKespanol Costos de la immigracion
Comment: Judging from this story and other entries, the Spanish language paper in Utah seems very strong and very necessary for a percentage of population.
2nd — Tim Gillie Tooele Transcript County bucks diversity
3rd — Cecilia Skinner OKespanol La violencia domesticatiene
N17C—PERSONALITY PROFILE
1st — Linda Petersen The Valley Journals A long journey from Ukraine
Comment: Wonderfully crafted personality feature that told a great story.
2nd — Lisa Christensen Tooele Transcript A different kind of service
3rd — Caroline Kingsley The Valley Journals Physician of the Year
N18C—RELIGION/VALUES REPORTING
1st — Raili Jacquet The Valley Journals Holladay teen instrumental…
Comment: Nicely reported and written story. Contains a lot of great detail and sources. Gives a real sense of the kids and their goals. Good use of quotes and transitions.
2nd — Sarah Miley Tooele Transcript Soldier of God
N19C—SPORTS DEADLINE
1st — Nathan Davis The Signpost Wildcats send Mac off
Comment: Loved the lead—sounds like a wonderful coach and a fitting tribute.
2nd — Megan Allen Utah Statesman Women’s basketball splits
3rd — Tavin Stucki Utah Statesman USU drops another close one
N20C—SPORTS NON-DEADLINE
1st — Meredith Kinney Utah Statesman USU lacrosse player
Comment: A compelling story of an athlete’s recovery from a horrific accident and return to the field of play.
2nd — Adam Nettina Utah Statesman Even in motherhood…
3rd — Megan Allen Utah Statesman USU ranks high in grad rate
HM — Anthony Cusumano The Valley Journals Kearns’ Newsome
N21C—EDITORIAL CARTOON
1st — John Christian Perkins Tooele Transcript County taxpayers
Comment: Makes a point clearly, with help from a little humor.
N22C—EDITORIAL
1st — Megan Allen Utah Stateman Lent not limited
Comment: Not the heaviest of topics for an editorial, but the quality of the writing set this entry apart. The writer made a compelling argument that Lent was a good time to take stock of our lives and make things less complicated, regardless of our religious beliefs.
2nd — Jeff Barrus Tooele Transcript Dugway owes more
3rd — Staff The Signpost Remembrance of 9-11
N23C—OPINION COLUMN
1st — Jewel Punzalan Allen Tooele Transcript Joke of immigration policy
N24C—SPORTS COLUMN
1st — Mark Watson Tooele Transcript Region crown…
Comment: Good analysis of what’s ahead in a local rivalry.
N25C—HUMOR/LIFESTYLE COLUMN
1st — Peri Kinder The Valley Journals Half-baked for Christmas
Comment: Irresistible turns of phrase take the reader directly into the warmth and mess of a kitchen full of fun smells and busy hands. The step-by-step is charming and light-hearted, yet full of sound advice. There is some suspense, despite a sense of the inevitable promise to do it all again one day.
2nd — Peri Kinder The Valley Journals In case of emergency
3rd — Jeff Barrus Tooele Transcript One man tweeting
HM — Steve Schwartzman Utah Statesman Bringing the girlfriend home
N26C—HEADLINE WRITING
1st — Caroline Kingsley The Valley Journals
Comment: Clever and concise headlines, well done.
N27C—PAGE DESIGN—FRONT PAGE
1st — The Utah Statesman
Comment: Great use of photos, good colors, interesting mix of headline fonts. Very informative side rail. Loved the ‘interact now’ feature. (Was a little perplexed by the people kissing in top right sky box area – it did not appear to be explained)
2nd — Tooele Transcript-Bulletin
N28C—PAGE DESIGN—FEATURE PAGE
1st — Liz Arellano Tooele Transcript Combat Operations
Comment: Great layout and sharp images made this design stand above all others.
2nd — Utah Statesman Oct. 31, 2011 issue
PHOTOJOURNALISM DIVISION A CATEGORY
P1A—BEST PHOTOGPAPHER
1ST — Jeffrey Allred Deseret News
2nd — Ravell Call Deseret News
3rd — Laura Seitz Deseret News
P2A—SPOT NEWS PHOTO
1st — Chris Detrick SL Tribune TRAX death
2nd — Djamila Grossman SL Tribune Fire
3rd — Scott Sommerdorf SL Tribune Fire Kiss
P3A—GENERAL NEWS
1st — Ravell Call Deseret News Twin Brother’s funeral
2nd — Steve Griffin SL Tribune Brooke Hopkins
3rd — Sarah Miller SL Tribune Troops
P4A—FEATURE PHOTO
1st — Al Hartmann SL Tribune Brine Flies
2nd — Chris Detrick SL Tribune Holi Festival
3rd — Tom Smart Deseret News Swept Down the River
P5A—PHOTO ESSAY
1st — Jeffrey Allred Deseret News Unbreakable
2nd — Djamila Grossman SL Tribune Military Family
3rd — Djamila Grossman SL Tribune Goshute Women
P6A—SPORTS ACTION PHOTO
1st — Tom Smart Deseret News Rodeo Action
2nd — Jeffrey Allred Deseret News Dropped ball
3rd — Brian Nicholson Deseret News BYU scuffle
P7A—SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO
1st — Scott Sommerdorf Deseret News Alta loses
2nd — Chris Detrick SL Tribune Dirty Dash
3rd — Trent Nelson SL Tribune Tour of Utah
PHOTOJOURNALISM DIVISION B CATEGORY
P1B—BEST PHOTOGPAPHER
1st — Samantha Clemens The Spectrum
2nd — Kina Wilde The Spectrum
3rd — Jud Burkett The Spectrum
P2B—SPOT NEWS PHOTO
1st — Samantha Clemens The Spectrum Drowning
2nd — Jud Burkett The Spectrum Wildfire
3rd — Kina Wilde The Spectrum Student onlookers
P3B—GENERAL NEWS
None awarded
P4B—FEATURE PHOTO
1st — Mark Johnston Daily Herald Mutton Bustin’
2nd — Samantha Clemens The Spectrum Deploy
3rd — Spenser Heaps Daily Herald Math Skills
P5B—PHOTO ESSAY
1st — Kina Wilde The Spectrum Trapping prairie dogs
P6B—SPORTS ACTION PHOTO
1st — James Roh Daily Herald Kayak
2nd — Mark Johnston Daily Herald Face Smash
3rd — James Roh Daily Herald Gnarmia
P7B—SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO
1st — Mark Johnston Daily Herald Championship
2nd — Mark Johnston Daily Herald Strong Start
PHOTOJOURNALISM DIVISION C CATEGORY
P1C—BEST PHOTOGPAPHER
1st — Maegan Burr Tooele Transcript
P2C—SPOT NEWS PHOTO
None awarded
P3C—GENERAL NEWS
1st — Brian Nicholson OKespanol Ceballos Festiva
2nd — Maegan Burr Tooele Transcript Ensign Ranch
3rd — Brian Nicholson Okespanol Reliving the Swift Raids
P4C—FEATURE PHOTO
1st — Maegan Burr Tooele Transcript Money Cow
2nd — David Newkirk SLUG Magazine Precision Builds
3rd — Chad Kirkland SLUG Magazine Cupcake social code
P5C—PHOTO ESSAY
1st — Ani Mirzakhayan Utah Statesman A day at…
P6C—SPORTS ACTION PHOTO
1st — Brian Nicholson OKespanol Real Medusa
2nd — Gage Thompson SLUG Magazine Ozzy Henning
3rd — Maegan Burr Tooele Transcript Steer wrestler
P7C—SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO
1st — Brian Nicholson OKespanol Future All-Stars
2nd — Maegan Burr Tooele Transcript One Win
3rd — Robert Hoppie So. Utah Youth Mag. En Fuego
RADIO CATEGORY
R1—BEST RADIO REPORTER
1st — Randall Jeppesen KSL
Comment: Good energy, use of sound, pacing, story-telling.
2nd — Dan Bammes KUER
3rd — Whittney Evans KCPW
HM — Jessica Gail KCPW
R2—BEST RADIO NEWSCAST
1st — KSL team KSL
Comment: Interesting news casts, compelling use of sound, good team coverage and localization of tsunami story.
R3—SPOT NEWS
1st — KSL team KSL
Comment: Excellent breaking news coverage, very descriptive reports, sounds urgent, info is comprehensive.
R4—GENERAL NEWS
1st — Dan Bammes KUER Untitled
2nd — Jessica Gail KCPW Arrests made…
3rd — Whittney Evans KCPW Occupy SLC protests
R5—GENERAL FEATURE
1st — Dan Bammes KUER Old Time Gardeners
Comment: Fun topic and interviews
2nd — Mary Richardsd KSL Dirty instruments
3rd — Jessica Gail KCPW Salt Lake City at night
R6—CONTINUING COVERAGE
1st — KSL team KSL Susan Powell coverage
Comment: Excellent comprehensive coverage on a compelling story.
R7—SERIES
1st — Ross Chambless KUER Plugging into Nature
R8—DOCUMENTARY
1st — KSL team KSL 9/11: Utah remembers
Comment: Great story telling and excellent production values.
R9—CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING
1st — Andrew Adams KSL Walmart investigation
Comment: Exciting pace; good investigation
2nd — Tasha Cook KUER Cops, crime and DNA
3rd — Jessica Gail KCPW UHP trooper drafts proposal
R10—BUSINESS/CONSUMER REPORTING
1st — Becky Bruce KSL Everyday radiation
Comment: Interesting, relatable topic
R11—EDUCATION REPORTING
1st — Tasha Cook KUER College Gender Gap
2nd — Mary Richards KSL Bullying
3rd — Jessica Gail KCPW Summer jobs hard to find
R12—GOVERNMENT REPORTING
1st — Jessica Gail KCPW Herbert tours flooded Weber
Comment: Good storytelling and sound
2nd — Dan Bammes KUER Coal mine
3rd — Jenny Brundin KUER Immigration
R13—MILITARY REPORTING
1st — Dan Bammes KUER Remembering Jason Workman
R14—MINORITY ISSUES REPORTING
1st — Whittney Evans KCPW The List
Comment: Interesting and compelling
2nd — Dan Bammes KUER Sheriff seeks agreement
R15—PERSONALITY PROFILE
1st — Jessica Gail KCPW Shurtleff talks about cancer
Comment: Compelling topic and reporting
R16—SPORTS REPORTING—DEADLINE
1st — Randall Jeppesen KSL Who is Wofford?
R17—SPORTS REPORTING—NON-DEADLINE
1st — Andrews Adams KSL Life without Jimmer
Comment: Very clever, fun story
R18—PUBLIC AFFAIRS/TALK SHOW
1st — Radio West KUER Barefoot running
Comment: The most interesting topic with a fantastic intro and compelling talk throughout. The idea of an industry based on dismantling an industry that is designed to help us do the most natural thing we do was fascinating. Well produced, researched, and a great conversation.
2nd — Jennifer Napier-Pearce KCPW Questioning Leadership
3rd — Jeff Robinson KCPW Justice in the U.S.
R19—BEST USE OF SOUND
1st — Randall Jeppesen KSL BYU Bell Tower
Comment: Fun story with lots of sound.
2nd — Dan Bammes KUER Reporter Goes to Jail
R20—MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
1st — Randall Jeppesen KSL
Comment: The video was a crucial element to the story along with the photo gallery that really went beyond the article and told the story of a unique experience at BYU. Excellent production and use of video, still photography, and the written reporting.
TELEVISION CATEGORY
T1-BEST TV REPORTER
1st — Chris Vanocur ABC4
Comment: Very creative way to present stories that showed viewers this guy was going to get the information despite government stubbornness.
2nd — Alex Cabrero KSL
3rd — Jennifer Stagg KSL
HM — Ben Winslow Fox 13
T2—BEST TV NEWSCAST
1st — KSL 5 News December 7, 2011 newscast
T3—SPOT NEWS
1st — Alex Cabrero KSL Huntsville wind damage
Comment: This was an excellent example of storytelling. Great interactive standup, nice use of nat sound and good lighting, and great way to tell this story.
2nd — KSL team KSL Dec. 1 wind storm
3rd — Brian Carlson ABC4 Fire destroys Layton home
HM — Shara Park KSL High winds cause property damage
T4—GENERAL NEWS
1st — Jennifer Stagg KSL Rising above the ashes
Comment: Great storytelling. The story had a lot of surprises. Wonderful writing and video, and very memorable
2nd — Alex Cabrero KSL Lehi police chief a hero
3rd — Alex Cabrero KSL Homeless children
HM — Ben Winslow Fox 13 FLDS foster homes
T5—GENERAL FEATURE
1st — Brian Carlson ABC4 Stolen and stripped cars
Comment: Excellent production—well produced with good editing and information. Fun and definitely different
2nd — Mike Anderson KSL Young soccer player
3rd — Carla Robers Pruitt KUTV Adopted from Russia
HM — Brian Carlson ABC4 U.S. skeleton team
T6—CONTINUING COVERAGE
1st — KSL team KSL Susan Powell: Missing mother
2nd — Ben Winslow Fox 13 Susan Powell searches
T7—SERIES
1st — Jennifer Stagg KSL Mental Health Court
Comment: Very well done. Her use of nat sound throughout the pieces brought us into the courtroom with her. Great asset to the subject matter, and story was a great service to the community.
2nd — Carla Roberts Pruitt KUTV Road Trippin’
T8—DOCUMENTARY
1st — Nancy Green KUED Freedom’s promise
Comment: Excellent. It is obvious many hours of hard work went into this piece. Photography was exceptional, and story wonderfully told!
2nd — Carole Mikita KSL An Army of Faith
T9—CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING
1st — Ben Winslow Fox 13 The Jeffs Tapes
Comment: Great job of sifting through evidence to find the sound to tell a compelling story.
2nd — Lori Prichard KSL Prosecuting sex crimes
3rd — Ben Winslow Fox 13 Tim DeChristopher sentencing
T10—BUSINESS/CONSUMER REPORTING
1st — Lori Prichard KSL Layton man files lawsuit
Comment: Good job putting the story together. You really felt for the subject of the story.
T11—EDUCATION REPORTING
1st — Lori Prichard KSL State says Canyon District…
Comment: Very thorough and well assembled story. Easy to understand the issues.
T12—GOVERNMENT REPORTING
1st — Lori Prichard KSL Critics
Comment: Great job uncovering a system that appears out of control
2nd — Chris Vanocur ABC4 Oops!
3rd — Chris Vanocur ABC4 Governor refuses…
T13—MILITARY REPORTING
1st — Jennifer Stagg KSL A true American
Comment: Great job of allowing the subject to tell his emotional story. Well shot and put together.
2nd — Alex Cabrero KSL Artillery training
3rd — Alex Cabrero KSL Soldier finally home
T14—MINORITY ISSUES REPORTING
1st — Antonio Lujan KTVX Illegal undercover
Comment: A unique perspective from day laborers. Great job.
T15—PERSONALITY PROFILE
1st — Ben Winslow Fox 13 Modeling for Jesus
Comment: Loved this story. I felt like I got to know both the model and the artist. Inspiring and great writing.
2nd — Jennifer Stagg KSL Defying the Odds
CATEGORIES T16-T19
No entries this year
T-20—MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
1st — Ben Winslow Fox 13 DeChristopher hearing and various clips
Comment: Great multimedia package. Solid TV reporting, solid video production and editing for fast paced, exciting news. Professional coverage with many ways to consume the news.
2nd — Mike Anderson KSL Warren Levee breach
VIDEOGRAPHY CATEGORY
V1—BEST VIDEOGRAPHER
1st — Darren McQuade ABC 4/KTVX
Comment: Showed consistency in his photography skills in all five stories. He knows how to effectively use the NPPA style of photography, paying attention to sequencing, tight shots, natural sound, well-lit and framed.
V2—SPOT NEWS
1st — Darren McQuade ABC 4/KTVX Utah Street Tracing
Comment: Nice effort to shoot steady shots and close-ups in an uncontrolled setting. Great effort at getting interviews from the racers.
V3—SPORTS
1st — Brian Baade/Brian Forwood SLUG Magazine Summer of Death
2nd — Richard Teasdale Daily Herald Cougarblue Basketball
V4—FEATURE
1st — Richard Teasdale Daily Herald AF Strongmans Club
Comment: Good variety of camera angles, nice framing, especially showing juxtaposition of raw power. Makes viewer feel tired—in a good way.
2nd — Darren McQuade ABC4/KTVX Paranormal Activity
3rd — Rick Egan SL Tribune Summer Skiing
WEB CATEGORY
W1—BEST NEWS-ORIENTED WEBSITE
1st — Salt Lake Tribune
Comments: A well-organized and easily navigated homepage with interesting local news stories and photos. Enjoyed the blogs.
2nd — Salt Lake Tribune Preps
3rd — City Weekly.net
HM — Weber State Signpost
W2—BEST OVERALL BLOG
1st — Colin Wolf City Weekly The Secret Handshake
Comments: This blog is all personality. It’s hilarious, has great content, is creative and conversational.
2nd — Gavin Sheehan City Weekly Gavin’s Underground
3rd — Trent Nelson SL Tribune Fly on the Wall
HM — Peggy Fletcher Stack SL Tribune Following Faith
W3—BEST SINGLE BLOG POST
1st — Colin Wolf City Weekly The Secret Handshake
Comment: Wolf had the winning combo of engaging writing and multimedia aspects woven through the story to move along the narrative.
2nd — Sean Means SL Tribune Utah filmmaker finds…
3rd — Jared Whitley Utah Policy Changing face of media
W4—BEST PODCAST (VIDEO OR AUDIO)
1st — SLUG Magazine Soundwaves from the underground
Comment: Good use of audio—sounds, voices and music—to weave an interesting narrative. Compelling editing
2nd — Cimaron Neugebauer SL Tribune Utah mother recovers
3rd — Kim McDaniel/Scott Sherman SL Tribune Three questions
W5—BEST MULTI MEDIA ONLINE
1st — Djamila Grossman SL Tribune Four generations of Goshute
Comment: Grossman combined photos, video and audio to create a compelling in-depth look at a family of Goshute women. Solid reporting.
2nd — Daily Herald staff Photos of the Year
3rd — Rick Egan SL Tribune What’s Killing Our Nation’s Forests
W6—BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
1st — KSL Interactive KSL
Comment: Asked live questions on its Facebook page during a report on memory/brain function. It elevated the story and truly made it “interactive.”
2nd — Ben Winslow Fox 13
3rd — Pinterest page SL Tribune
Utah SPJ 