The Springfield News-Sun won three first-place awards and one second-place honor at the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists Awards announced Monday.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by Ohio SPJ for the work our reporters do covering the Springfield community,” said News-Sun Editor Ben McLaughlin. “Also important is the variety of work we’re receiving awards for, from breaking news to public service to best photographer and best reporter in Ohio.”
The News-Sun took first place in Best Deadline Reporting for its digital and print coverage of the shooting death of Matthew Yates, a Clark County sheriff’s deputy who responded to a shooting call on July 24 2022.
Initial coverage included reports from Sydney Dawes, Hasan Karim and Eileen McClory, plus photos and video from Bill Lackey and Marshall Gorby.
The judge’s comment said, “Strong reporting complemented by quality photos and video rounds out the Springfield News-Sun’s winning breaking story.”
Lackey won the Ohio Photographer of the Year award for the third time in his career. He has been at the News-Sun for 23 years.
“Easy first place decision,” the judge wrote. “Six totally different photos in six different situations, all solid. And the first two show the hardest thing to capture: humor. Together they show a great kaleidoscope of life.”
McLaughlin said Lackey showcases many aspects of life in Clark County, capturing footage from breaking news, features and sports.
Dawes, who is now with the News-Sun’s sister paper, the Dayton Daily News, was recognized as Ohio’s top reporter for his work in Springfield.
“Sydney Dawes’ portfolio combines an impressive breadth of coverage with strong storytelling,” the judge wrote.
Dawes also placed second in the Best Social Issues and Public Service Reporting category for her work on Springfield’s homelessness crisis, including stories about the multi-agency search for a solution, the removal of the tent city and the effort to buy a hotel to use it. as a refuge
Competing against newspapers in the under-60,000 circulation category, the awards are for coverage in 2022.
Credit: Springfield News-Sun
Credit: Springfield News-Sun
