Osceola News-Gazette Shines at Florida Press Association Awards
The Osceola News-Gazette recently stood proud at the annual Florida Press Association (FPA) conference, bringing home an impressive haul of 11 statewide journalism honors, which includes three prestigious first-place awards. This recognition was celebrated during the Best Weekly Newspapers awards banquet held on August 1 in Port Charlotte, marking a significant achievement for the publication.
Recognizing Excellence in Journalism
In a competitive field of weekly newspapers with circulations exceeding 15,000, the News-Gazette excelled in every category it entered. These accolades were a testament to the dedication and passion for local journalism that has defined the paper’s mission over the years. The competitive landscape is further intensified as nominations were evaluated by press associations from neighboring states, adding another layer of prestige to the awards.
First-Place Triumphs
The News-Gazette’s first-place awards were earned in three notable categories, highlighting the paper’s commitment to quality storytelling, visual journalism, and sports coverage:
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Photo Series in One Issue: Photographer Taylor McFee captured the spirit of the Fourth of July through a stunning photo series that showcased multiple celebrations around the county. This eye-catching visual narrative not only celebrated local traditions but also reflected the community’s vibrancy.
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Sports Section: The dedicated efforts of sports contributor J. Daniel Pearson were recognized in this category for exemplary work featured in the issues of January 24 and February 1. Pearson’s coverage brought to life the thrills and challenges faced by local athletes, embodying the passion for sports that is palpable throughout the community.
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Sports Column: Ken Jackson, the News-Gazette Editor and former sports editor, won first place for his gripping column covering a major high school football clash between Osceola and Armwood high schools. This marked a significant milestone for Jackson, who last won an FPA award for a sports column in 2008, showcasing his enduring talent and dedication to engaging readers.
Additional Honors
In addition to its first-place accolades, the News-Gazette’s awards tally included several second and third-place honors that further underscored the publication’s versatility and commitment to impactful journalism. McFee also claimed second and third places in the Sports Photo category, reinforcing her prowess as a compelling visual storyteller.
Ken Jackson earned second place in the Serious Column category with his poignant piece reflecting on the tragic shooting death of a former local pastor. This narrative resonated deeply with readers, demonstrating the power of journalism to address serious community issues.
Meanwhile, the paper’s website, AroundOsceola.com, was recognized with a second-place award for Website Excellence, showcasing the News-Gazette’s efforts to adapt and engage with its audience in the digital landscape.
Celebrating Community Stories
The awards recognition did not end there. Sports contributor Robert Pincus secured a third-place award for his feature on Mac McClung, highlighting the professional basketball journey of the Osceola Magic star. This story not only captured McClung’s rise in sports but also brought attention to the local talent thriving within the community.
Other commendable achievements included third-place awards for:
- Hurricane Feature: A compelling retrospective on Hurricane Charley’s effects in Osceola County, examining how the disaster reshaped the local outlook on hurricanes over the past two decades.
- Obituary: A heartfelt piece honoring the memory of former Osceola High Homecoming Queen Destinie Diaz, showcasing the personal connections that journalism forges within the community.
- Breaking News Coverage: Reports detailing the aftermath of Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland’s resignation amid an investigation related to excessive force cases, a story that highlighted the vital role of journalism in holding authorities accountable.
The Significance of Local Journalism
In reflecting on these awards, News-Gazette Owner/Publisher Rochelle Stidham emphasized the importance of local journalism in fostering community awareness and connection. “These awards show the importance of local journalism in our community, and that it stacks up against the best in Florida according to our peers in the industry,” Stidham remarked.
Her words served as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into producing quality journalism. As the night unfolded and the winners were announced, it became clear that the commitment to excellence exemplified by the Osceola News-Gazette not only contributes to the community but also elevates the standard of journalism across the state of Florida.