Charlotte Observer staff captures 30 NC Press Association awards
The Charlotte Observer won at least 30 awards in the annual N.C. Press Association competition, the NCPA said Friday.
The Observer earned 11 first-place awards, nine second-place awards and 10 third-place awards.
General Excellence and several other NCPA awards will be announced at the NCPA Annual Convention in Raleigh in August.
“Though we do not do this work for awards, it is heartening to be recognized for the excellence and commitment to outstanding journalism that resonates with our readers and makes a difference in the lives of the communities we serve,” Observer Executive Editor Rana Cash said. “From features and sports to investigations and public service, these awards reflect our mission and purpose.”
Awards earned by Observer staff members included:
First place
Jeff Siner: Video, “Sports Legends of the Carolinas: Dale Earnhardt Jr.”
Théoden Janes: Sports Feature Writing, “He was told he had less than 18 months to live. That was 3 years and 3 marathons ago.”
Alex Andrejev: Sports Enterprise Reporting, “Payback: The Jessica McDonald story.”
Scott Fowler: Sports Columns, Collection of Sports Columns.
Devna Bose: Religion & Faith Reporting, “Faith prevails for LGBTQ Charlotteans — even when churches reject them.”
Théoden Janes: News Feature Writing, “We followed a Charlotte woman’s quest to buy a starter home. She’s on the verge of giving up.”
Ames Alexander, Gavin Off: News Enterprise Reporting, “‘People can die.’ Staffing crisis endangers thousands inside NC nursing homes.”
Michael Gordon: Media and the Law Awards of Excellence, “Tax errors took everything from a disabled Charlotte woman and left her sleeping in a parking deck.”
Théoden Janes: Feature Writing, “As a baby, I was left on a street by ... someone. As an adult, I tried to figure out why.”
Payton Guion: Education Reporting, “Internal CMS emails reveal promise, problems with big bet on school body scanners.”
Catherine Muccigrosso, Adam Bell: Arts and Entertainment Reporting, “Secrets of the Picasso landscape exhibit: Behind the scenes at the Mint’s landmark show.”
Second place
Makayla Holder: Video, “Is uptown haunted? Legend says that these places are.”
Alex Zietlow: Sports Enterprise Reporting, “Stars align as North Wilkesboro Speedway revitalization effort shifts into high gear.”
Ames Alexander, Sara Coello, Tyler Dukes: Religion & Faith Reporting, “NC pastors among those on secret list of Southern Baptist leaders accused of sex abuse.”
Michael Gordon: News Enterprise Reporting, “Tax errors took everything from a disabled Charlotte woman and left her sleeping in a parking deck.”
Théoden Janes: Lighter Columns, Collection of Lighter Columns.
Gavin Off, Adam Wagner, Ames Alexander: Investigative Reporting, “Big Poultry in North Carolina,” an investigation by The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer.
Jeff Siner: Illustration/Photo Illustration/Print or Interactive Graphics, “Why did they leave me?”
DJ Simmons: Election/Political Reporting, “What are Mecklenburg County Latino voters’ top concerns? It might surprise you.”
Anna Maria Della Costa, Joe Marusak: Breaking News Coverage, “CMS Board of Education will meet Tuesday to fire superintendent.”
Third place
Payton Guion, Tyler Dukes, Gordon Rago: Investigative Reporting, “Security for Sale,” an investigation by The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer.
Staff: Sports Coverage.
Alex Zietlow: Sports Columns, Collection of Sports Columns.
Jeff Siner: Photography, Sports Feature, “What I’m thankful for on Thanksgiving.”
Jeff Siner: Photography, Sports, “Panthers 24, Browns 26.”
Michael Gordon: General News Reporting, “‘Accountable for the wrong you do.’ 2 years after Capitol riot, NC footprint still grows.”
Melissa Oyler, Heidi Finley: Email Newsletter, Charlotte Five.
Staff: Breaking News Coverage, “Panthers founder Richardson dies.”
Catherine Muccigrosso: Beat News Reporting, “As Book Buyers closes one chapter, another opens with new Plaza Midwood location.”
Théoden Janes: Beat Feature Reporting, “A good way to appreciate Deborah Triplett’s life? Consider what was behind her house.”
This story was originally published June 24, 2023 at 8:45 AM.