Shaw Media journalists earned 19 awards for excellence in reporting, photography, and sports coverage Thursday night at the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association’s annual awards competition.
Shaw Media publications swept several categories, including in-depth news reporting, feature photography and sports writing, while also earning top honors for breaking news, community features and special sections.
The Daily Journal in Kankakee won first place in the special section category for “Stronger Together – Kankakee County’s Recovery” about the aftermath of the tornadoes that swept the region in March.
Shaw earned first place in in-depth news reporting for its staff-produced “Dealing Death” story on fentanyl-laced pills. Payton Felix took second place for reporting on steer-tailing, while Amanda Marrazzo and Tom Collins received third place for their reporting on human trafficking.
Daily Chronicle photographer Mark Busch swept the feature photography category, winning first, second, and third place. He also earned second- and third-place honors in sports photography.
Tiffany Blanchette of the Daily Journal earned first place in general feature writing for her story about a rare clover discovered on Langham Island in the Kankakee River. She also won first place in sports photography and second- and third-place honors in spot news photography.
Northwest Herald sportswriter Russell Hodges swept the sports story category, taking first, second, and third place.
Scott Anderson of The Times earned first place in spot news photography.
Kane County Chronicle reporter Brenda Schory won first place in spot news reporting for her coverage of a former Campton Hills police chief charged with 41 felonies. She also took third place in localized news reporting for her story about a man documenting immigration enforcement arrests.
“These awards reflect the exceptional work being done every day in our newsrooms,” said Eileen Brown, executive editor of Shaw Media. “What makes me especially proud is the range of journalism being recognized — from in-depth reporting and breaking news to sports, photography and stories that capture the character of our communities. It’s a reminder of the talent and dedication of the journalists who serve our readers.”
The Northern Illinois Newspaper Association’s annual competition recognizes outstanding journalism produced by newspapers throughout the region.
