BetterBNC

Excellence in Editorial Writing (Weekly) ( Class III) Back

Place Name: First Place
Contestant Name: DeWitt - The Observer
Entry Title: Trevis Mayfield DeWitt Observer Editorials
Entry Credit: Trevis Mayfield
Judge Comment: These classic watchdog-style editorials, calmly and thoroughly recounted, reassure the reader that it’s someone’s job to look out for official obfuscation and mischief – and they’re doing it well. Approachable style explains issues clearly, avoiding overstatement that dings credibility or polarizes readers and pointing out both what is and isn’t known in their fact-finding. Kudos also for the work the newspaper did in pursuing legal action – and ensuring readers know they’re doing it and at what price.
Place Name: Second Place
Contestant Name: Sheldon - The N'West Iowa Review
Entry Title: Excellence in Editorial Writing
Entry Credit: Tom Lawrence
Judge Comment: These well-executed explainers and advocacy pieces center the issue and the audience over the writer. The selected pieces show the editorial page holding government accountable for transparency and competence. Tight, precise writing shows clear thinking and makes a very smooth ride for the reader.
Place Name: Third Place
Contestant Name: Davenport - The Catholic Messenger
Entry Title: Keep minors out of meatpacking plants
Entry Credit: Barb Arland-Fye
Judge Comment: The newspaper takes on substantive and locally important issues while tying them to their own mission. The piece on minors working in meatpacking is spare yet vivid. An editorial on affordable housing used an anecdote effectively before pivoting to statistics and fnally a clear set of “asks” for readers. The editorials translate issues in the news to actionable reminders of faith and works in an accessible style.