The Record-Eagle is Michigan’s Newspaper of the Year in its circulation category, the fifth consecutive year it’s won the state’s top newspaper honor, and the paper’s sixth such award in the past seven years.
The Record-Eagle’s website also was selected as the Michigan Press Association’s best website in its category, its first MPA win.
Members of the Colorado Press Association judged this year’s contest. Results were released Sept. 28 and include material published in the newspaper and website from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.
The Record-Eagle competes in the MPA’s Daily Class C category, for newspapers with a daily paid circulation of 15,000 to 29,999.
Other top winners included: Class A -- Detroit Free Press; Class B -- Lansing State Journal; and Class D -- Livingston County Daily Press & Argus.
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.
News Enterprise Reporting, 1st Place, Vanessa McCray
Hidden Pregnancies, Shattered Lives
Judge's Comments: Excellent commitment to addressing a community issue by shining a light on three infant deaths, with attention to resources, prevention and what it means to society.
- Questions remain after three infant deaths in region
- Three tragic cases
- Michigan offers Safe Delivery law as a last resort
Editorial Pages, 1st Place
Judge's Comments: Excellent package in response to a controversial photo that had been run on Page One. Big issues deserve big dedication of space. Use of color, photos engaging. Forum a more easily understandable term than op-ed. Advisory Board good use of community outreach.
Entry consisted of three editorial pages:
- January 16, 2011
- March 16, 2011
- June 24, 2010 (not available online)
News Picture, 1st Place, Keith King
Judge's Comments: Nice lighting, lines, overall scene-setting. Excellent photo.
Feature Picture, 1st Place, Keith King
Judge's Comments: What a fun photo highlighting the simple, well-known tradition of winter snow angels. Great color and dimension.
Picture Story, 1st Place, Garret Leiva
Judge's Comments: With pet owners spending more than 43 billion on pet food alone in 2010, this photo essay speaks right to the heart of America and pet owners everywhere. Refreshing, fun and it tells a great story.
- Dog Stars (not available online)
Lifestyle Pages, 1st Place
Judge's Comments: We loved the clean layout and feature feel to these pages. The content was solid, but its display was what made these sections the winning entry.
Entry consisted of three Lifestyle sections:
- Arts & Entertainment, Feb, 11, 2011
- Generation Why, Sept. 7, 2010
- Northern Living, May 30, 2010 (not available online)
Special Section, 1st Place, Sheri McWhirter
Judge's Comments: No comments given.
General Excellence, 2nd Place
Judge's Comments: Lots of news.
Entry consisted of three complete newspaper editions:
- March 15, 2011
- March 27, 2011
- July 15, 2010 (not available online)
Design, 2nd Place
Brian Steele, Andy Taylor, Dan Nielsen, Brenda Coglianese, Christy Succop, Pat Putney
Judge's Comments: Consistent and clean.
Entry consisted of three complete newspaper editions:
News Picture, 2nd Place, Jan-Michael Stump
Judge's Comments: No comments given.
Editorial Writing, 3rd Place, Mike Tyree
Judge's Comments: No comments given.
- Senator bags a buck as state continues to misfire
- 'Blue wall' must come down
- Harwell's broadcasts the soundtrack of summer
Local Columnist, 3rd Place, Bill O'Brien
Judge's Comments: No comments given.
- Traverse City should chart its own course
- Campaign for road money is short-sighted
- The business of politics; it’s tough
Feature Picture, 3rd Place, Jan-Michael Stump
Judge's Comments: The compelling element of this photo is the human nature shown in a homeless man's feet combined with the sterility of institutional floors and plastic totes.
Sports Picture, 3rd Place, Luke Kermode
Judge's Comments: The Colorado judges loved the lens, angle and depth of this photo. Not your normal take on an otherwise normal basketball shot.
- Soaring to the basket (not available online)
Sports Writing , 3rd Place, Mike Eckert
Judge's Comments: A good story on a local girl setting the state scoring record.
Sports Coverage, 3rd Place, Sports staff, Mike Tyree
Judge's Comments: A well put-together sports section.
Entry consisted of three Sports packages:
'Part of our family' (Ernie Harwell dies), May 6, 2010
- Ernie Harwell more than just a voice to local baseball fans
- Harwell's broadcasts the soundtrack of summer
- Harwell a true class act
Bayshore Marathon, May 29-30, 2010
- Prize $$ attracts quality Bayshore field
- Graf, Cheruiyot take Bayshore Marathon titles
- Three set Bayshore Half-Marathon marks
- Wolverines dominate Bayshore 10K
- Photos: Bayshore Marathon, 2010
Crosstown Showdown, Oct. 16-23, 2010
- League title, playoff berth on line for Trojans, Titans
- Titans roll past Alpena
- ‘Road Warriors’ return
- West near full rebound
- Students ready for annual rivalry game
- Football playoffs on the line tonight
- Local rivalry game lives up to the hype
- Titans rally in thriller vs. Trojans
- Photos: Crosstown Showdown 2010
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
