SD News Watch wins numerous awards
Bart Pfankuch and Stu Whitney honored by multiple organizations
South Dakota News Watch's investigative reporters took home several state and national awards recently. Here's a summary with links to the winning entries.
Stu Whitney, investigative reporter
South Dakota NewsMedia Association, multi-day publications:
- First place, best feature story non-profile, Remembering Honor: A year later, boy’s death raises questions. Judge's comment: "Wow, a devastating story, great photos, strong description of boy and his family, incredibly well done."
- Second place, best government story, Noem’s demanding style sparks staff turnover, turmoil. Judge's comment: "Excellent reporting, multiple sources, beautiful writing."
Bart Pfankuch, content director
North American Agricultural Journalists: Honorable mention, Long-held rural values at odds in South Dakota gun range debate. Judge's comment: "Bart Pfankuch ... lets each side make their case in a straightforward way, while retaining the emotional overlay of the situation."
South Dakota State Medical Association Richard P. Holm, MD Media Award, which recognizes contributions by those who have distinguished themselves by serving as an effective advocate for patient care.
South Dakota NewsMedia Association, multi-day publications:
- First place, best government story, 11 billion-pound mystery: The chemicals South Dakota trains carry. Judge's comment: "Great beginning to hook reader, thoroughly researched, excellent use of graphics, strong story structure."
- First place, best feature series, Native American artists in South Dakota travel new paths to prosperity. Judge's comment: "Impressive, multifaceted reporting, crisp writing, fantastic job of Solutions Journalism."
- First place, best portrait photo (image and story link below). Judge's comment: "This image immediately makes you feel the pain and exhaustion he has endured; he was clearly comfortable around the photographer."
- Second place, best feature story non-profile, Camp Lejeune contamination leaves South Dakota Marines with cancer – and resentment. Judge's comment: "Incredible job putting a face to this, photos are well done, terrible story well told."
This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit news organization. Read more in-depth stories at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email every few days to get stories as soon as they're published. Contact Carson Walker at carson.walker@sdnewswatch.org.
