For the fifth time in six years, the Record-Eagle has been awarded "Newspaper of the Year" in the Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
The Record-Eagle also won first place in the General Excellence category and is a finalist for the MPA's Public Service Award, plus additional awards for writing, photography and design.
The "Newspaper of the Year" award is presented to the top newspaper in eight circulation classes based on points accumulated in all Editorial contest categories. The Record-Eagle competes in the 15,000 to 40,000 circulation classification and earned a total of 1,130 points.
Statewide, the competition included 3,341 entries from 126 daily and weekly newspapers.
Below you'll find the comprehensive list of the Record-Eagle's awards, complete with the judge's comments and links to the award-winning entries when possible. For complete results, visit michiganpress.org.
General Excellence, 1st Place
Judge's Comments: This paper serves a wide region, bringing local and national news to readers well. The beautifully crafted front page sets the tone for the entire product. This is a top-notch product-- news, sports, ads and production/press.
- Entry consisted of three complete newspaper editions (not available online).
News Enterprise Reporting, 1st Place, Brian McGillivary
Judge's Comments: Excellent entry in a category that had many top-notch reports. The fact that the newspaper did not back off the story in light of a $250,000 ad contract is testament to the commitment to inform readers of a vitally important story.
- Meijer and Village to pay $1.5M
- No ‘goodwill gesture’ yet
- Village had large role in Acme saga
- Meijer, Village settle for $75K
- Boltres settles lawsuit with the Village
- Appeals court: Meijer can be prosecuted
- Meijer appeals ruling allowing prosecution
- Supreme Court ruling limits Meijer probe
- Supreme Court ruling limits Meijer probe
News Enterprise Reporting, 2nd Place, Brian McGillivary and Art Bukowski
Judge's Comments: Great job of investigative reporting and use of FOIA. Readers are well-served by the TC Record-Eagle's efforts to get the full story.
- Officer legally unscathed after crash
- Handling of officer's crash prompts probe
- Report: No ice on road when officer crashed
- TC officer may still be cited in crash
- Witnesses: Officer 'flying' before crash
- Soffredine suspended; disturbance probed
- Investigation of crash may lead to charges
- Officer sanctioned for undisclosed incident
Design, 1st Place
Judge's Comments: Many strong entries in this category. This newspaper's "curb appeal" gives it the edge.
- Entry consisted of three complete newspaper editions (not available online).
Editorial Pages, 1st Place
Judge's Comments: This was the most diverse entry -- many letters/voices. The "Forum" is a good avenue for participation ... made easy to accept because of strong editorials to get readers interested in the debate.
- Entry consisted of opinion pages from three editions (not available online).
Sports Picture, 1st Place, Douglas Tesner
Judge's Comments: What a unique photo. Love the reflections. Nice!
Sports Writing, 1st Place, James Cook
Judge's Comments: Good writing. Loved the first paragraph and how it went with the picture.
Special Section, 1st Place
Judge's Comments: Wow! Loved everything about this from the photos to the layout to the stories. (I would love to have a copy).
- "Traverse City Then and Now -- Your Community, Your Newspaper" (Our 150th anniversary section reprinted and updated with stories that can be viewed at record-eagle.com/150
Sports Coverage, 2nd Place
Judge's Comments: Loved the front page coverage and great photos.
- Local runners win Bayshore (plus other Bayshore stories not available online)
- Crosstown Showdown
- St. Francis wins Division 7 title (plus related content)
Lifestyle Section, 2nd Place
Judge's Comments: I especially enjoyed "Generation Why," but submitted entries were nicely done.
- Entry consisted of lifestyle pages from three editions (not available online).
Editorial Writing, 3rd Place, Dave Miller
Judge's Comments: Tackled a tough issue tracking law enforcement.
Sports Picture, 3rd Place, Douglas Tesner
Judge's Comments: Great action photo. Way to capture the moment.
Sports Column, 3rd Place, James Cook
Judge's Comments: Liked the overall style and ease of reading.
- Lions headed in right direction
- Lions, fans may need shrink
- Deer camp is a yearly homage to childhood
Picture Story, Honorable Mention, Jan-Michael Stump
Judge's Comments: Great story! Interesting photos. Love the dancing feet, very unique and clean.
Sports Column, Honorable Mention, Mike Eckert
Judge's Comments: Loved the column on Tiger Woods.
Sports Feature, Honorable Mention, James Cook
Judge's Comments: Loved the photos -- very good.
News Enterprise Reporting, 1st Place, Brian McGillivary for 'Meijer Saga'
Raw Video: Man Rescued From River in China
Beyonce Entertains the First Family
Celtics crush Sixers in Game 7
Alleged Lego Thief Faces Felony Charges
Has Snooki Named Her Baby?
Heat Wave Warms Holiday Weekend
Inspiration for the class of 2012
Colorado College Student Shot While Trespassing
Will Smith & Josh Brolin on "Men in Black 3"
80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump
JWoww Sizzles in a Black Bikini
Sliders on the Grill
Cruise ship crunch
Backstage With Beyonce
Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest
Jenny McCarthy's New Man
Tyler's Classic Coleslaw
Britney Spears Under X Factor Fire
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
