1. news

Television Broadcast:
Spot or Breaking News Reporting
First place
Heather Catallo, Johnny N. Sartin, Jr., Marie Gould, WXYZ news team
Kwame Kilpatrick Verdict Day
Judges’ comments: A fast-breaking story, expertly and colorfully told through facts, graphics, records, and new
technologies.
General News Reporting
First place
Heather Catallo, Johnny N. Sartin, Jr., Randy Lundquist
WXYZ-TV
The Sheriff's Text Messages
Judges’ comments: A very compelling story, told through articulate sources and well-researched.
Investigative Reporting
First place
Ross Jones, Randy Lundquist, Johnny Sartin
WXYZ-TV
Go Green, Spend Green
Judges’ comments: The winner in a tight race, all entries did a good job on unique subjects, showed smart work by the
reporter
Second place
Heather Catallo, Ann Mullen, Tracy Wujack, Scott Anderson
WXYZ-TV
Moral Malpractice
Third place
Ross Jones, Randy Lundquist, Johnny Sartin, Ann Mullen
WXYZ-TV
The Youngest Pensioner
Honorable Mention
Ross Jones, Randy Lundquist, Ann Mullen, Ramon Rosario
WXYZ-TV
Guilty and Gone
News Special/Documentary
First place
Geri Alumit Zeldes, Alyssa Firth
MSU
U.S. v. Narciso, Perez & the Press
Judges’ comments: The documentary was well produced
Second place
WXYZ NEWS TEAM
Kilpatrick Verdict Special
Judges’ comments: Really important stories and the packages were well done.
Best Videography
First place
David Kalman
WXYZ-TV
Apartment Ceiling Collapse
Judges’ comments: Good job in getting to the best video first. Nice way to follow the collapse and to look quickly for a
reaction.
Best News Editing
First place
Randy Lundquist
WXYZ-TV
Judges’ comments: The graphics were very well executed and professional. Editing was well paced and the 3D animation
was a great highlight.
Radio Broadcast:
Spot or Breaking News Reporting
First place
Quinn Klinefelter
WDET-FM
Detroit Files For Bankruptcy
Judges’ comments: Story added good insight with nice cuts on what I'm sure was a tight deadline.
Second place
Quinn Klinefelter
WDET-FM
Detroit Qualifies For Bankruptcy
Third place
Dick Haefner, Ann Thomas
WJR-AM
Breaking The Glass Ceiling
General News Reporting
First place
Quinn Klinefelter
WDET-FM
Detroit Can't Bury Its Homeless
Judges’ comments: Tragic story. Introducing the subject with one man who died is especially powerful.
Feature Reporting
First place
Dick Haefner
WJR-AM
Going To the Store
Judges’ comments: Nice illustration of a local business and the challenges it's facing.
Second place
Jerome Vaughn
WDET-FM
Kennedy Assassination Anniversary
Third place
Dick Haefner
WJR-AM
The Wrath Of Grapes
Investigative Reporting
First place
WDET News
Food Series
Judges’ comments: The reporting shows an extraordinary effort to cover every facet of "FOOD" for school age youth.
Quality work through the entire series exploring food programs, success and failures....and best practices.
Second place
Dick Haefner
WJR-AM
Reinventing Detroit, Part 4
Judges’ comments: Interesting story, nice elements throughout.
Newscast
First place
Pat Batcheller
WDET-FM
WDET News 12/03/13
Judges’ comments: Outstanding newscast---good balance, fast moving, informative, well done WDET.
Second place
Pat Batcheller
WDET-FM
WDET News 11/06/13
Third place
Pat Batcheller
WDET-FM
WDET News 08/13/13
News Special/Documentary
First place
WDET News
Election Night 2013
Judges’ comments: Thorough and professional job in covering election night. Well done.
Second place
Craig Fahle, Jerome Vaughn, Laura Weber-Davis, J. Carlisle Larsen
WDET-FM
Emergency Financial Manager Special Coverage
Print, Class A:
Writing and reporting
Spot or Breaking News Reporting
First place
Detroit Free Press Staff
Detroit emergency manager's meeting with creditors
Judges’ comments: This was an extremely difficult category to judge -- four of the five entries could have tied for first
place. I chose this one for first place because of the complexity of the material, which was presented in an excellent
package on a quick turnaround.
Second place
Tim Higgins
Bloomberg News
GM Picks Mary Barra as First Female CEO
Judges’ comments: I chose this entry for second place not only because of the extensive, wide-ranging analysis (also
seen in three of the other entries), but also because this reporter was the first to break the news.
Third place
Robert Snell, Mike Wilkinson, Christine MacDonald
The Detroit News
Detroit Corruption Trial
Judges’ comments: Almost impossible to choose between the two excellent entries about this event, both of which I could
have chosen in a tie for first place. But there can be no ties, so I chose the Detroit News package by the narrowest of
margins because it seemed to be a bit more engaging for readers.
Honorable Mention
Detroit Free Press Staff
Kilpatrick corruption verdict
Judges’ comments: Again, all four of these stories could have been tied for first place!
General News Reporting
First place
John Carlisle, Romain Blanquart
Detroit Free Press
Detroit fire fighters feeling the heat
Judges’ comments: A truly excellent story that pulls the reader in and tells not only the story of these firefighters but also
the story of the struggles of the city itself. The vignettes of the individual fire calls show the reader the routines of these
firefighters -- even the parts of their routines that seem extraordinary, unusual and even absurd (e.g., the frustration these
firefighters feel when talking with colleagues from other departments in other cities). The last paragraph, which highlights
the never-ending nature of their struggles, is not how I expected the story to end, but it is realistic albeit sad. All that being
said, there is a hope and even lightheartedness in this story (such as the friendly competition between the two engine
companies). Overall, this is a multifaceted story to which readers I'm sure can easily relate. Great job!
Second place
Marney Rich Keenan
The Detroit News
A family divided by murder
Third place
Curt Guyette
Metro Times
Fairground Zero
Honorable Mention
Ben Klayman, Bernie Woodall
Reuters
UAW stakes new ground in South to survive
Feature Story
First place
Keith Naughton
Bloomberg News
Reckoning to Revival
Judges’ comments: . A sweeping, well-written and well-sourced look at the rise, fall and rise of Chrysler and the auto
industry and its ripple effect on the local economy. Told often through the eyes of those who went through the experience,
the extensive series is a business story, a news story and a feature story of the highest order.
Second place
John Carlisle
Detroit Free Press
Utopia-seeking squatters struggle to create oasis
Judges’ comments: A well-told story about squatters trying their brand of improvement in an abandoned neighborhood,
meeting with misunderstanding and mistrust.
Third place
John Carlisle
Detroit Free Press
Teen from Shepherd helps save a life
Judges’ comments: Tautly told and detailed, this story paints a chilling picture for the reader of night of terror. Well done.
Honorable Mention
John Carlisle
Detroit Free Press
Delray's diggers find scrap metal, pride and fellowship
Judges’ comments: A great look at those making treasure out of trash, working hard to get ahead in an area that's fallen
behind. The story is itself a treasure, a warm portrait of these men, their sense of family and of accomplishment.
Best Personality Profile
First place
Niraj Warikoo
Detroit Free Press
From Flint to a Violent Death in war-torn Syria
Judges’ comments: What an interesting topic. And such a challenging reporting job, given the circumstances of
Mansfield's death. I'm sure many reporters in Detroit wish they'd written this piece. Nice detail throughout. Great sources,
some of whom surely weren't eager to talk. Some of the father's quotes stuck with me long after I'd finished reading.
Second place
Joe Rexrode
Detroit Free Press
His father, and his rock
Judges’ comments: Excellent reporting. The details and quotes make Gerald Jr. and Sr. come alive as characters. Loved
the conclusion. And the anecdote describing the June 3 workout allows readers to understand the relationship between
this father and son. That scene is a perfect example of how dialogue can have a greater impact than traditional quotes.
Third place
Brett Callwood
Metro Times
The Fright Stuff
Judges’ comments: Nice description of Malerman's home. Great profile subject.
Honorable Mention
Shawn D. Lewis
The Detroit News
For Detroit teen, music soothes stress of life
Investigative Reporting
First place
Christine MacDonald
The Detroit News
Detroit Property Taxes
Judges’ comments: Excellent series. An enormous amount of data was analyzed, yet the series did not overwhelm the
reader. The situation was presented clearly, with insightful information in the graphics. And, perhaps most important, the
series resulted in government agencies changing policies to address the problem. All of the entries in this category were
very good, but this one stood out as the best.
Second place
Chastity Pratt Dawsey
Detroit Free Press
$468M for what?
Third place
Paul Egan
Detroit Free Press
Super-heavy loads, busted-up roads
Best Consumer/Watchdog
First place
Nathan Bomey, John Gallagher
Detroit Free Press
$1B in bonuses
Judges’ comments: This is a particularly well-detailed and well-written article. I like the boxes the writers pulled out for
more information. It's a smooth read and the writers made some terrific use of quotes. Nice choice to put the "bug up my
ass" quote before the jump, and good accompanying graphics. I read this and understood it.
Second place
Keith Matheny
Detroit Free Press
Royal Oak blast marks 2nd time Consumers workers left after leak
Judges’ comments: Nice job wrangling lots of interviews, quotes and information into a readable story that identifies a real
public threat.
Third place
Curt Guyette
Metro Times
Petcoke series
Judges’ comments: This series raises a public health and safety concern. It brings the issue to life through a compelling
leading interview and delves into the story in depth. Nice job.
Honorable Mention
Matt Helms, Joe Guillen
Detroit Free Press
Consultants' contracts soar to more than $62M
Judges’ comments: Solid story that documents clearly who is profiting from Detroit's bankruptcy.
Best Explanatory Story
First place
Mark Stryker, Brian Todd
Detroit Free Press
DIA in Peril
Judges’ comments: Interesting and visually appealing. Well done.
Second place
JC Reindl, Eric D. Lawrence
Detroit Free Press
Why Detroit's lights went out
Third place
John Gallagher, Nathan Bomey, Eric Millikin, Detroit Free Press Staff
Detroit Free Press
How Detroit Went Broke
Honorable Mention
Niraj Warikoo
Detroit Free Press
Syrian-Americans in Michigan aid native land during war
Best Localization of a National Story
First place
Niraj Warikoo
Detroit Free Press
With 150,000 undocumented residents, Michigan has stake in U.S. debate
Judges’ comments: Excellent story. You artfully tie in the policy-oriented news peg with a story that shows the
consequences of those policies. Additionally, the personal stories are not the only way you localize this story, but you use
many documentary sources and statistics to show the macroeconomic impact on Michigan. Great job.
Second place
Megan Krueger
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Re-evaluating School Security Measures
General Column Writing
First place
Brian Dickerson
Detroit Free Press
Judges’ comments: Dickerson provides his readers insightful, knowledgeable analyses of what really goes on in state
government. Although his precise commentaries are loaded with detail, the writing is never dry. He is such a gifted writer
that the narratives flow smoothly from beginning to end. Dickerson is a master at fulfilling the high calling of journalists to
be the public's watchdog.
Second place
Mitch Albom
Detroit Free Press
Third place
Nancy Kaffer
Detroit Free Press
Honorable Mention
Rochelle Riley
Detroit Free Press
Sports Columnist
First place
Shawn Windsor
Detroit Free Press
Judges’ comments: Shawn Windsor exhibits a mastery of diverse subject matter, from a community squabble over
redevelopment of the old Tiger Stadium to the various forces roiling a college football program. His writing is both elegant
and approachable, and he finds a way to draw you in from the very first sentence.
Second place
Mitch Albom
Detroit Free Press
Third place
Drew Sharp
Detroit Free Press
Honorable Mention
Jeff Seidel
Detroit Free Press
Sports Reporting
First place
Mick McCabe, Mark Snyder
Detroit Free Press
It was just head games, constant head games
Judges’ comments: Really great piece about what happens when there is no system of checks and balances in any
group.
Second place
Dave Birkett
Detroit Free Press
The Lion King
Judges’ comments: I loved this piece. I liked hearing from the old players and the modern-day people connected to the
team.
Third place
Shawn Windsor
Detroit Free Press
Miguel Cabrera: Getting better with age
Judges’ comments: Nice profile of a great player with a lot of good background interviews and insights.
Editorial Writing
First place
Detroit Free Press Editorial Board
How Detroit came to betray its retirees
Judges’ comments: A cogent explanation of how Detroit dug itself into the financial/pension pits. Although numbers can
often be numbing for readers, this editorial demonstrates that even narratives laden with statistics can be compelling.
Making the piece even more powerful is the inclusion of a person who is suffering the consequences of decades of bad
decisions by others.
Second place
Detroit Free Press Editorial Board
Avoiding a crisis beat fixing one
Third place
Detroit Free Press Editorial Board
It's time for Snyder to appoint emergency manager for Detroit
Headline Writing
First place
Patty Schroth
Detroit Free Press
Judges’ comments: When judging headlines, I like to look for a few particular items. It's best to see a diversity of entries.
This demonstrates that the headline writer puts effort into his or her work whether assigned to read a news or feature
item. The headline must, first and foremost, drive the reader to the story and summarize the content. Creativity and good
use of the spec are also important, and the headline should not rob the lede. Puns for the sake of puns do not a winning
headline make. Creativity and craft rule the day here. I was very impressed with the diversity of Patty Schroth's headline
portfolio entered here. The C-section headline is amazing. In a tight spec, it forces you to read the story without robbing
the lede. Just because it's written as a police story doesn't mean it needs a boring headline. Ouch- works well as a
hammer and conveys the tone of the column. Both the snow tires head and its jump hed are conversational - I love
alliteration. The "x marks" headline appears to involve partnership with a designer -- very valuable in headline-writing. It
makes you want to read by not telling the whole story, and it draws on comments from the main source. Finally, Escapee
summarizes the feeling around town.
Second place
Dory Knight-Ingram
Detroit Free Press
Third place
Andreas Supanich
The Detroit News
Judges’ comments: The Venezuelan toilet paper shortage story could've been played for laughs. Instead, the headline
treatment refers to an "indignity" in the deck -- going against the grain and helping to end the "othering" of foreign
countries. "Arrests flip script in dramatic diamond heist" - This headline is nuanced, pushes you to read, but doesn't rob
the lede.
Photography, art and graphics
News Photography
First place
Eric Seals
Detroit Free Press
Graveyard vigil
Judges’ comments: This is a nice example of a photo that stands on its own, regardless of the context in the caption. I
didn't have to read the cutline to have a good idea of what was going on here. That, coupled with the composition and the
weather reflecting the mood of the subject, makes this a photo that effectively tells a story by itself.
Second place
Andre J. Jackson
Detroit Free Press
Bing goodbye
Third place
Ryan Garza
Detroit Free Press
Football fire
Feature Photography
First place
Daniel Mears
The Detroit News
Haunted car wash
Judges’ comments: Thoughtful storytelling. In the window's reflection, we see only the frightening face that the little girl
sees. But the full frame reveals it's just a man dressed in jeans wearing a scary mask. Horror unmasked. Nice job.
Second place
John T. Greilick
The Detroit News
Storytime for therapy dogs
Third place
Kimberly P. Mitchell
Detroit Free Press
Rock the Vote marching band
Honorable Mention
Elizabeth Conley
The Detroit News
July Fourth twins
Sports Photography
First place
John T. Greilick
The Detroit News
No title for Michigan
Judges’ comments: The perfect moment. This photo did what a great shot should do; it told a compelling story, full of
emotion, in a visually interesting frame. Well composed.
Second place
David Guralnick
The Detroit News
Octopus toss
Third place
Julian Gonzalez
Detroit Free Press
U-M vs. Indiana
Honorable Mention
Daniel Mears
The Detroit News
Getting snowed in Philly
Publication design
Page One Design
First place
Tim Good, Eric Millikin
Detroit Free Press
How Detroit Went Broke
Judges’ comments: Very strong Sunday presentation. The headline, fever line and timeline work great together. It's an
attention-grabbing, well designed centerpiece that gives the reader a lot of information above the fold, without selling itself
out. If I saw this on the rack, I'd have to buy it and read the full story.
Second place
Jean Johnson
The Detroit News
Detroit's Reckoning
Third place
Steve Anderson
Detroit Free Press
Detroit Files for Bankruptcy
Judges’ comments: I like that the Freep went above the nameplate with the headline -- it warranted that treatment. The
CP head is strong, and it's not cluttered with extraneous stories or too many elements. The layout choices are spot on.
Honorable Mention
Carolyn Watson
The Detroit News
Six Decades
Feature Page Design
First place
Robert Nixon
Metro Times
The Fright Stuff
Judges’ comments: There's a lot going on here, but it all works well together. The headline font choice, the gold flourishes,
the tintype effect on the photo -- they evoke a certain time and place, one that most of us would agree is a little eerie. As
far as all elements working together to create a complete design -- this one exceeds its competition.
Second place
James Hollar
The Detroit News
Luxurious Versatility
Judges’ comments: Very clean. The screen was ambitious -- but it's light enough and the texture is large enough that it
doesn't distract from the content. The vehicle is on display and the headlines and other elements are just bold enough to
compete for the reader's attention without becoming overpowering.
Third place
James Hollar
The Detroit News
Be Unique
Inside News Page Design
First place
Carolyn Watson
The Detroit News
Detroit: Land of Opportunities
Judges’ comments: Very nice overall page design. I like the art choices all-around -- the Joe Louis sculpture showing a
fighting spirit, the central photo showing people out enjoying life in Detroit, and the skyline conveying a powerful city still
very much alive.
Sports Page Design
First place
Amelia Eramya
The Detroit News
The Bo Speech
Judges’ comments: A great photo, a really nice quote treatment, a clean and simple headline and a nice type treatment on
the body. The whole CP just works, and it works really well. Some of the entries in this category struggled with secondary
and tertiary stories on the page competing for attention. The hierarchy here is just right. I know what's most important and
what's grabbing my attention, but it's not drowning out the other stories on the page. Really, really nice work.
Second place
Ryan Ford
Detroit Free Press
Max Scherzer Cy Young
Judges’ comments: Really nice page. It's reminiscent of the back of a baseball card, and I love that it's full of information
(past Tigers winners, vote getters, a pull quote, jersey number, season stats) but it's never busy or overwhelming. It's
structured really well and everything's compartmentalized so that the reader can take in each piece of information one at a
time, without the others interfering.
Third place
Rob L'Heureux, Kim Storeygard, Amelia Eramya
The Detroit News
Inside the World of Magatron
Judges’ comments: Great illo.
Cover Design
First place
Robert Nixon, John Dunivant
Metro Times
Halloween
Second place
Robert Nixon
Metro Times
Lust
Third place
Jose Zamudio, Lauren Jeziorski, Kelly Buren
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Metro Parent - February 2013
Magazine Spread Design
First place
Jose Zamudio, Lauren Jeziorski
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Busy Mom Beauty Tips
Judges’ comments: Very clean. Nice use of color. The handwriting is a very nice touch and appropriate to the subject
matter.
Second place
Jose Zamudio, Meredith Miotke
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Raising a Biz Kid
Judges’ comments: The illustrations here are beautiful.
Print, Class B
Newspapers of less than 100,000 circulation and their websites
Writing and reporting
Spot or Breaking News Reporting
First place
Chad Halcom, Bill Shea, Dustin Walsh, Kirk Pinho
Crain's Detroit Business
A velvet glove
Judges’ comments: Easy for the reader to locate info related to areas of interest as well as providing an overall view.
Second place
Paul Kampe
The Oakland Press
OU basketball players held by police after sex assault allegations
Third place
Dave Phillips
The Oakland Press
Layne found guilty of murdering grandson
General News Reporting
First place
Tom Henderson
Crain's Detroit Business
Chemical reaction
Judges’ comments: Good story telling. Well organized. Nice job.
Second place
Jay Greene
Crain's Detroit Business
Unmaking of Beaumont-Henry Ford merger
Third place
John Turk, Carol Hopkins
The Oakland Press
Sylvan Lake deaths: Residents push for increase in marine patrols
Feature Story
First place
Don Gardner
Macomb Daily
Invasive species killing migrating birds
Judges’ comments: Great job spotting an important story that could have easily gone unnoticed. I thought the reporting
done here was strong, and the piece was well thought out.
Second place
Nathan Skid
Crain's Detroit Business
Creative license
Judges’ comments: Good story.
Third place
Sherri Welch
Crain's Detroit Business
Post-Boston crowd security
Judges’ comments: This was a nice way to bring a national topic home.
Best Personality Profile
First place
Chris Gautz
Crain's Detroit Business
Granholm's next act
Judges’ comments: Reporter Chris Gautz delivers a well-written review of former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's
transition from moderate governor to outspoken liberal commentator.
Second place
Gina Joseph
Macomb Daily
Macomb Pathologist Spitz offers observation from JFK assassination
Third place
Gina Joseph
Macomb Daily
Father Solanus: A Christmas miracle
Investigative Reporting
First place
Dustin Walsh
Crain's Detroit Business
Revstone
Judges’ comments: Crain's Detroit Business reporter Dustin Walsh effectively pulled back the curtain and broke down the
complex allegations leveled at the founder of a major company in the midst of government investigations and a highprofile bankruptcy case.
Second place
Gina Joseph
Macomb Daily
Proposed nuclear waste dump
Best Explanatory Story
First place
Chad Halcom
Crain's Detroit Business
Kilpatrick analysis
Judges’ comments: Countless reporters covered the federal trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick but Crain's
Detroit Business reporter Chad Halcom took a refreshing and insightful approach that gave readers a clear picture of the
business community's role in the ex-city executive's demise
Second place
Pat Caputo
The Oakland Press
There are no gimmies
Best Localization of a National Story
First place
Chad Halcom, Amy Haimerl, Kirk Pinho
Crain's Detroit Business
Detroit bankruptcy
General Column Writing
First place
Chad Selweski
Macomb Daily
Sports Columnist
First place
Pat Caputo
The Oakland Press
Fracassa, Robinson, Kampe
Judges’ comments: Very nice job on the coach profiles and the "42" review. The information was concise and painted a
clear picture of these coaches and how they came to be where they are today. Also enjoyed the "storyteller" aspect of
these columns. Great reads.
Second place
Matthew Mowery
The Oakland Press
Avilas, Cabrera, Scherzer
Judges’ comments: Nice coverage on a subject that's starting to get talked about a bit more but is still considered taboo -injured players and how the team is so often seen as more important than the players' health, and the frustration that no
one is really looking out for their best interests. I was frustrated for these guys by the time I was done reading about them.
Also, nice story on the humble baseball player who insists on sharing credit with his teammates. You have a nice
conversational tone to your writing.
Sports Reporting
First place
Bill Shea
Crain's Detroit Business
Who's on deck?
Judges’ comments: Very comprehensive story (and great hedline, too -- "Who's on Deck?"). Appreciate the info box on
estate tax laws and the mugshots so readers can put the names to faces. Very interesting sidebar on how team
transitions aren't always smooth for estates. Very well researched and tight writing. Great job getting the information on
owners and nice use of examples on other teams.
Second place
Bill Shea, Dustin Walsh
Crain's Detroit Business
Detroit soccer no free kick
Judges’ comments: A lot of good information and background here. Appreciate the sidebar/info box. You took a topic that
could get confusing very easily and you spelled it all out nicely. Good job.
Third place
Paul Kampe
The Oakland Press
Oakland University is home sweet home for veteran coach
Judges’ comments: Nice profile of Oakland University veteran basketball coach Greg Kampe. Good examples of his
personality -- not allowing his players to wear shirts with another school's name on it, his reluctance to leave the school
after coaching there for so many years.
Honorable Mention
Paula Pasche
The Oakland Press
Mega-Win Stafford tricks, Johnson treats as Lions stun Cowboys
Judges’ comments: I didn't watch this game on TV, but I felt like I was there watching it as I read your story -- I could
definitely feel the tension mounting. Nice job.
Headline Writing
First place
Bob Allen
Crain's Detroit Business
Judges’ comments: I enjoyed this collection of entries. The headlines exhibited a fun play on words (Gilt trip, Padded
sells) while also fulfilling their mission: to draw the reader into the respective stories. Good job and well thought out.
Second place
Gary Piatek
Crain's Detroit Business
Photography, art and graphics
News Photography
First place
David Dalton
Macomb Daily
Reserve officer's wife calls husband a ‘hero’
Judges’ comments: This was a nice example of a photo that tells a story on its own. All the context one needs to know
what's going on is provided in the picture.
Feature Photography
First place
Vaughn Gurganian
The Oakland Press
Controlled burn
Judges’ comments: The use of scale in this photo is very effective, showing just how big this fire actually was.
Second place
Nathan Skid
Crain's Detroit Business
Comerica Park
Sports Photography
First place
David Dalton
Macomb Daily
Regina wins home opener against Cousino
Judges’ comments: Intensity is the name of this game. Who says girls don't play tough? This photo shows the pure
adrenaline that takes over as the players battle for the loose ball.
Publication design
Page One Design
First place
Jeff Johnston
Crain's Detroit Business
Jan. 21, 2013
:
Feature Page Design
First place
Kevin Martin
Macomb Daily
Oscar preview
Judges’ comments: This page has good structure.
Second place
Pierrette Dagg, Nathan Skid
Crain's Detroit Business
Crain's 40 Under 40
Third place
Susan Dzbanski
The Oakland Press
Yates Cider Mill
Inside News Page Design
First place
Bob Allen
Crain's Detroit Business
Degree of Difficulty
Judges’ comments: Some empty spaces in a photo where there is no type is good because it gives the reader visual relief
and allows the photo to be a photo.
Sports Page Design
First place
Matthew Mowery
The Oakland Press
Unlocked
Judges’ comments:
Print, Class C:
Writing and reporting
Spot or Breaking News Reporting
First place
Steve Toloken
Plastics News
Hostage had to buy freedom
Judges’ comments: The writer offers good details and a clear explanation regarding the struggles of a businessman who
was held hostage for 5 days in China by employees who were upset with his company.
Second place
Brad Lindberg
Grosse Pointe News
K-9 Raleigh was a friend of the community
Third place
Brad Lindberg
Grosse Pointe News
Motorcycle, car crash injures 1
Honorable Mention
Terry Oparka
C & G Newspapers
Cipriano pleads - jury selection continues
General News Reporting
First place
Trevor W. Coleman
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Driving Dirty
Judges’ comments: This entry narrowly beat out the feature on Veterans Court because I felt it was important to a wider
audience. The author does a great job of taking a serious issue in Detroit and explaining how it came about and why it
matters to the reader. The reporter also does a great job of drawing in the reader with a narrative lede. An excellent
enterprise news story.
Second place
Tom Murray
Hour Detroit
Court of Compassion
Third place
Ronelle Grier
Detroit Jewish News
Haunting Deaths
Feature Story
First place
Monica Mercer
Hour Detroit
Philanthropy 2.0
Judges’ comments: Mercer's approach to the subject of philanthropy is excellent. The article touches upon generational
differences and the changing economic climate of the region, all while highlighting notable people within the community.
The writing is crisp, clear and engaging. Excellent work.
Second place
Elizabeth Atkins
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Is Atlanta The New Detroit?
Judges’ comments: A good trend piece that successfully uses data, history and anecdotes from people who've made the
move from Detroit to Atlanta.
Third place
Richard Bak
Hour Detroit
Twist of Fate
Honorable Mention
Barbara Lewis
Detroit Jewish News
Bring On The Dough
Judges’ comments: This piece is a great reminder that quality feature writing doesn't always tackle difficult subjects and/or
provide an in-depth analysis. Lewis' take on a family tradition in the kitchen is short and sweet. It's descriptive and
personal. It leaves you feeling warm, which good feature writing often does.
Best Personality Profile
First place
K. Michelle Moran
C&G Newspapers
Sheer tenacity: Park man celebrates his 50th anniversary
Judges’ comments: A personality profile with personality. This full-bodied story includes not only the subject, but his wife,
his family, his customers, those in his neighborhood -- as it should. This story is three-dimensional, and was a clear
winner in the category.
Second place
Sherri Williams
BLAC Detroit
Wayne State University's new warrior
Judges’ comments: Well written.
Third place
Jessica Strachan
C & G Newspapers
Remembering Viola Liuzzo
Investigative Reporting
First place
P.D. Lesko
The Ann Arbor Independent
City employees earning 100K+
Judges’ comments: This project offers timely, detailed reporting about the serious problems with pension funding -brought about by years of poor decisions or neglect -- that benefit a limited number of employees at a great cost to
taxpayers and other government services
Second place
Arthur M. Horwitz
Detroit Jewish News
Who Killed Burton Gordin?
Third place
Jim Bloch
Voice News
Water monitoring
Best Consumer/Watchdog
First place
Ilene Wolff
DBusiness
Charge Master
Judges’ comments: Excellent, in-depth examination of an issue of importance to everyone.
Second place
Katelyn Larese
Voice News
Landfill
Third place
Jeri Packer
Voice News
Snookers
Honorable Mention
K. Michelle Moran
C&G Newspapers
Noncompliant sex offender sought
Best Explanatory Story
First place
Ruthan Brodsky
Detroit Jewish News
Helping Hands
Judges’ comments: This piece works on several levels. It's an engaging look at an emerging field of healthcare, which
could be of use to the general public. It also provides useful tips and a balanced breakdown of the industry's shortcomings
to anybody who is considering hiring one of these professionals. Brodsky's ability to balance both of these missions is
admirable. Well done
Second place
Mark Kurlyandchik
Hour Detroit
Ebb & Flow
Judges’ comments:
Writing is as clear and naturally flowing as its subject matter. The author frames the subject of bottled and tap water in
approachable language and addresses all the important factors one must take when deciding what to drink. All around a
solid piece.
Third place
Ronelle Grier
Detroit Jewish News
Fighting Elder Fraud
Honorable Mention
Julie Halpert
The Ann
Why a Convention Center Can't Pass No
Best Localization of a National Story
First place
Richard Bak
Hour Detroit
The Darkest Friday: JFK Assassination
Judges’ comments: This version of a story done by many news outlets across the world is expertly researched and
sourced. Using a variety of sources from across Detroit to illustrate JFK's murder and the following events makes for
compelling storytelling. Very well done.
Second place
Robert Guttersohn
C & G News
U.S. Navy cuts funding to regional sea cadet program
Third place
Monica Mercer
Hour Detroit
Word of Mouth
Open Government Reporting
First place
Sarah Wojcik
C&G Newspapers
Nightingale lawsuit settled for $745,000
Judges’ comments: The reporter used an open records request to find information about a odd legal settlement between a
town's Board of Trustees and one of its members.
General Column Writing
First place
Traci R. Gentilozzi
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Judges’ comments: Nice blend of research, analysis and opinion.
Second place
Gary Gosselin
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Third place
Robert Sklar
Detroit Jewish News
Sports Columnist
First place
Brian Marshall
Voice News
Judges’ comments: I liked the super fans piece.
Sports Reporting
First place
Lynn Henning
Hour Detroit
Anatomy of a Manager: Jim Leyland
Judges’ comments: This was a nice piece with an exceptional lead graphic.
Editorial Writing
First place
Robert Sklar
Detroit Jewish News
Time To End Protest Outside Synagogue
Judges’ comments: A calm, well-reasoned commentary on why the protests outside a synagogue should end after so
many years. The editorial makes a convincing case that the continued protest is pointless while at the same time
disrupting the lives of countless number of people who have no control over developments thousands of miles away.
Second place
Paul Fletcher
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Protect reporters, and protect everyone
Third place
Bryan Gottlieb
Metro Times
The Throwdown in Motown
Honorable Mention
Robert Sklar
Detroit Jewish News
Battle Over Prayer At The Wall Not Over
Headline Writing
First place
David Sachs
Detroit Jewish News
Judges’ comments: All of these headlines made me smile. Oh, and they made me want to read the story, which is the
essence of what a good headline must do. None are obvious puns, and the decks flow nicely from the hammer headlines
and provide additional information to the reader.
Second place
Bryan Gottlieb
Metro Times
Judges’ comments: Thank you for being clear about the SEO vs print headlines you wanted me to judge! When the rubber
leaves the road is enough of a twist on a familiar phrase to make you want to read on. Nanny State is going to get people
to read it - and it works with the design as well.
Photography, art and graphics
News Photography
First place
Robert Guttersohn
C & G Newspapers
Police seek answers after roommate murder-suicide
Feature Photography
First place
Roy Ritchie
Hour Detroit
Best of Detroit
Judges’ comments: So much thought must have gone into planning this photo. It is just technically perfect. Remarkable
preparation led to an incredibly interesting story. The judges loved it!
Second place
C.J. Carnacchio
The Oxford Leader
Lion Lovin
Judges’ comments: The entries in this category made the task a selecting a winner extremely difficult. One judge scored
this photo as best. The shock of what appears to be a lion in the little boy's face gives way to smiles when the cutline
reveals it's only a dog dressed as a lion. What a story! The photography captured the moment perfectly.
Third place
Roy Ritchie
Hour Detroit
The Hour of Enchantment: Spring Fashion
Honorable Mention
Jenny Risher
Hour Detroit
Call to Arms: Fall Fashion
Publication design
Page One Design
First place
Judi Orozco
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Oct. 7, 2013
Judges’ comments: A good, balanced page. The right number of stories. Small touches like the cartoon breaking out its
boundaries and the white space surrounding the centerpiece typography help make this page just a little bit cleaner.
Second place
Judi Orozco
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
July 22, 2013
Cover Design
First place
Jose Zamudio
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
BLAC - June 2013
Judges’ comments: Really nice illustration. Love the concept. Clean design, nice paring of colors, the headline and illo
work perfectly together. The refers to other stories aren't cluttered or interfering with the cover illustration, but they're
prominent enough that they're not overlooked. Great work.
Second place
Cassidy Zobl
Hour Detroit
April 2013
Judges’ comments: I love that this magazine takes on a different look every month (or at least did in the contest entries),
but the brand is still very evident -- I know exactly which magazine I'm looking at. I imagine the concept here was a
"Farmer's Almanac" motif, and it's done really well. It fits what the stories are about, and the treatment on the two main
headlines is very nice.
Third place
Cassidy Zobl
Hour Detroit
October 2013
Magazine Spread Design
First place
Cassidy Zobl
Hour Detroit
Motor City Export: Detroit-Style Pizza
Judges’ comments: Fantastic layout. Great typography. The infographic and timeline make a feature story more
informative and give the reader more opportunities to break away from the body copy. It hits all the right design notes that
make ANY story a "must-read."
Second place
Cassidy Zobl
Hour Detroit
Best Dressed: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Judges’ comments: Great relationship between photography and design. The color choices work wonderfully together,
and the lines used in the design echo the textures and patterns in the clothing and backgrounds, without getting too
organic and blending in. Much like the clothing featured in the photos, there are a lot of elements at play here, but the
design remains clean and everything is "tailored" to fit.
Third place
Jose Zamudio
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Looking For A Leader
Judges’ comments: Clean, simple and understated, but still eye catching. The use of historical imagery while addressing
the city's future play very well together, and I love the "your face here" idea. The design as a whole uses very little to say
quite a lot.
Honorable Mention
Jose Zamudio, Lauren Jeziorski
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Does Your Hair Control Your Job?
Judges’ comments: Very clean, grid-based layout that shifts the scale of its elements to keep things interesting. The result
is a design that does exactly what it's supposed to do.
Open Categories:
A, B, C, compete as a single class
Automotive Reporting
First place
Alisa Priddle
Detroit Free Press
Second place
Reuters News Team
Decline and fall of Fisker Automotive
Third place
Deepa Seetharaman, Bernie Woodall, Nadia Damouni
Reuters
Ford prepares for post-Mulally era
Car Review
First place
Mark Phelan
Detroit Free Press
Judges’ comments: Colorful, catchy headlines, and well-designed layout.
Criticism
First place
Gary Graff
The Oakland Press
Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Eminem
Judges’ comments: Homecoming king grabbed attention with Seger's photo. Eminem's photograph was also gripping and
the review was well-written. Kid Rock was well-written.
Editorial Cartoon
First place
Mike Thompson
Detroit Free Press
Judges’ comments: Clever, engaging, nice caricatures.
Informational Graphics
First place
Eric Millikin, Martha Thierry, Moses Harris, Brian Todd
Detroit Free Press
How Detroit Went Broke
Judges’ comments: Styles between all the graphics is consistent. Information is clear and easy to follow. Very nice work!
Second place
Kevin Martin
Macomb Daily
Capitol Nest Egg
Judges’ comments:
Class D:
In-House/Custom Publications
Feature Story
First place
Sue Levytsky, Timothy Paul Lentz, David DiChiera
Kresge Foundation
David DiChiera monograph: Excerpts
Judges’ comments: A good package on an interesting subject.
Second place
Nancy Rommelman, Emily White
Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine
Driven
Judges’ comments: Good writing. Nice lede.
Third place
Amy Kuras, Julia Elliott
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Contributing To Your Child's School Your Way
Judges’ comments:
Cover Design
First place
Julie Pincus
Kresge Foundation
David DiChiera monograph
Second place
Jose Zamudio, Kelly Buren, Lauren Jeziorski
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Education Detroit Vol. 1
Feature Design
First place
Julie Pincus
Kresge Foundation
David DiChiera monograph:"The Impresario"
Photo
First place
Lon Horwedel
Kresge Foundation
ARISE!
Use of Photos/Graphics
First place
Jose Zamudio, Kelly Buren, Lauren Jeziorski
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Health Care Reform + You
Second place
Jose Zamudio, Kelly Buren, Lauren Jeziorski
Metro Parent/BLAC Detroit
Education Detroit Vol. 1
Online:
Spot or Breaking News Reporting
First place
Steve Toloken
Plastics News
Feng Ping workers arrested
Second place
Carol Hopkins
The Oakland Press
Second West Bloomfield sibling dies following tragic boating accident
Third place
Bill Shea
Crain's Detroit Business
Campbell-Ewald
Honorable Mention
Monica Drake
The Oakland Press
Girl sues mom's ex-boyfriend for not giving back her dog
General News Reporting
First place
Nancy Derringer
The Center for Michigan / Bridge
Auto Insurance Rates Drive Detroit Voters Into Hiding
Judges’ comments: Engaging writing and rich reporting on an issue of significant public interest. A difficult subject to
tackle but the reader grasps the dimension of the problem, thanks to lots of specific examples and informative interviews
with the city clerk and others. Well-balanced.
Second place
Ron French
The Center for Michigan / Bridge
Michigan's Redshirt Kindergartners
Judges’ comments: A very complex, important issue is explained clearly, with multiple perspectives. The disparities in
'redshirting' by district are striking, and the coverage gives readers a good understanding why. The searchable database
is excellent.
Third place
Charles Crumm
The Oakland Press
Ex-lawmakers received healthy retirement benefits while Detroit city workers hope to save Judges’ comments:
Honorable Mention
Donna Marie Iadipaolo
Ann Arbor Journal
Dioxane plume poses threat to city's water
Judges’ comments: Highlights an important environmental issue.
Honorable Mention
Anne Schieber
Michigan Capitol Confidential
House inspection series
Judges’ comments: Well-told in both print and video.
Feature Reporting
First place
Eric Seals, Ann Zaniewski
Detroit Free Press
Shipwreck hunter finds Civil War-era ship in Lake Huron
Judges’ comments: What a great feature story should be: A deep dive with a bright light into a subject that reveals itself,
like a shipwreck itself, to have many, many elements worth exploring. When laid bare like this, it offers insight into the
human condition: Why do we search? Because we can. The video is fantastic and the lively writing jumps off the page. A
phenomenal multimedia package.
Second place
David Ashenfelter
The Center for Michigan / Bridge
Michigan's Great Bookworm
Judges’ comments: Delightful profile. Engaging. Entertaining. Exceptionally well-written and well-paced.
Third place
Tom Gantert
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Union series
Judges’ comments: Strong, persistent reporting. Great series of stories on an issue that the reporter makes clear
deserves the spotlight. Tough,dogged work.
Honorable Mention
Nancy Derringer
The Center for Michigan / Bridge
Black Thursday
Judges’ comments: Great look at a fascinating subject: Disagreements with friends and family. Good research.
Best Localization of National Story
First place
Ryan Felton
The Oakland Press
Kevorkian shifted public views on assisted suicide
Judges’ comments: A thorough look at a tricky subject.
Second place
Charles Crumm
The Oakland Press
Gay Marriage Still Banned in Michigan
Investigative Reporting
First place
Ron French
The Center for Michigan / Bridge
Building A Better Teacher
Judges’ comments: I really liked the stories and felt the writer drew me into the problem and the humans working through
it.
Second place
Ted Roelofs, Pat Shellenbarger
The Center for Michigan / Bridge
Michigan's Broken Legacy
Judges’ comments: Good information and a very timely topic.
Third place
Dave Phillips
The Oakland Press
Doctor charged with $35M in Medicare fraud
Best Consumer/Watchdog Reporting
First place
Steve Neavling
Motor City Muckraker
Fire crisis in Detroit
Judges’ comments: Steve Neavling's enterprise reports are relatively short as watchdog reporting goes but they pack a lot
of punch. He goes after a fire department that appears to need a dedicated watchdog, given the serious shortcomings
Neavling uncovers. He's to be commended for his dogged reporting, and let's hope it forces some meaningful change.
Second place
Jarrett Skorup
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Corporate welfare, asset forfeiture, government waste
Judges’ comments:
Third place
Jack Spencer
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Lawmakers move to define ‘journalist’
Honorable Mention
Ryan Felton
The Oakland Press
Trash hauler pushes for Rochester Hills contract
Blogging
First place
Amy Haimerl
Crain's Detroit Business
Judges’ comments: Layout is aesthetically appealing. The Vimeo video box (and other, larger, better quality pictures) and
the running Twitter posts give a multimedia facet to it. Trending stories and comments are a nice touch but not intrusive.
Search box is obvious. The text is well-written and compelling. Amy's blogs offer a professional approach with an
understanding of the critical role that social media feedback plays in the digital world.
Second place
Paula Pasche
The Oakland Press
Third place
Karen Dybis
Detroit Unspun
Digital Media Presentation
First place
Pierrette Dagg, Norman Witte III, Amy Haimerl
Crain's Detroit Business
Detroit 2.0
Judges’ comments: This Crain's Detroit Business project is an excellent example of using multimedia tools to really
educate readers about a complex subject that's central to their city's future. This series should be a model for other news
outlets.
Second place
Pierrette Dagg, Nathan Skid, Norman Witte III
Crain's Detroit Business
20 in their 20s
Third place
Eric Millikin
Detroit Free Press
Halloween candy monster portraits
Honorable Mention
Pierrette Dagg, Nathan Skid, Norman Witte III
Crain's Detroit Business
Music