2018 contest winners for Urban Dailies

Brian September 29, 2018 Leave a comment

General Excellence

Las Vegas Review-Journal
Judge’s comment: The Review-Journal is the clear winner and obviously the “heavyweight” in this category. It’s obvious this paper has a much larger editorial staff, and it shows with a nice variety of local news, features and sports coverage. Although it pains a lifelong, die-hard Broncos fan to point out, I especially liked the “Commitment to Vegas” supplement in the April 2, 2017, issue. Great range of local stories and topics, and I loved the Raiders timeline in the double-truck. The Sunday issues you clearly give your readers their $3 worth. The cover story of the Feb. 5, 2018, issue “Claims go back decades” is an example of local investigative journalism that makes a difference in a community. It also was the right decision to run the sidebar about killing the 1998 story on the front page as well. The follow-up coverage of the shooting also was very readable, along with the story on the drug-addicted coach.
Las Vegas Sun
Judge’s comment: Not a lot of variety of local stories and a lot of news service. That said, the Opinion pages are obviously one of the main draws for your readers. Overall design is OK, but doesn’t really stand out. Lots of 6-column double-deck heads and 6-column photos. Don’t know how it works with the bottom line, but as an editorial guy, I also can appreciate there are no ads, just content.
Jon Ralston, John Smith, Orrin Johnson, Luz Gray, Jackie Valley, Megan Messerly
The Nevada Independent

Community Service

Brian Duggan, Anjeanette Damon
Reno Gazette-Journal
Death Behind Bars
Judge’s comment: This series is an excellent example of why local community journalism is incredibly important – by asking questions and pulling at the threads, we get to explore a serious issue and find the sources of causation. These stories of Washoe County Jail were nothing short of excellent.
2. Jeff German, Anita Hassan
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Oct. 1 Casino response
Judge’s comment: The writing was excellent in exploring factors that were reviewed after America’s deadliest mass shooting.
3. Siobhan McAndrew
Reno Gazette-Journal

Racist bullying in Yerington, NV

Story of the Year

Staff, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Oct. 1 Mass Shooting
Judge’s comment: Among the 20 entries, there were several that stood out. As with my selection on Journalist of the Year, there was some really great stuff.
It’s clear the quality of reporting in the aforementioned pieces were outstanding. And as far as impact, those made differences in the community, no doubt. The quality of the writing, too, is something journalists in communities across the nation should aspire to.
However, it’s just impossible to ignore a few things about this entry. For impact, this story should and will likely be referenced for generations as the definitive coverage of the nation’s worst mass shooting. It’s a day that will be impossible to forget for anyone who was alive when it happened. This will reverberate throughout history longer than any other entry in this category. The quality of writing made the stories engaging. I was so moved by an account of something I’ve read about dozens of times because of the use of language. For quality of reporting, I can’t think of how they possibly could have turned over another stone or made this better. It’s just a shining example of how to write a news story.
Judging the quality of news stories can to some extent be a gut call. I would say that is the case here. As I said previously, I was just moved by this story in a way that made it rise to the top. Bravo.

Best Breaking News Reporting

1. Las Vegas Sun Staff
Las Vegas Sun
At least 59 dead, 527 injured in mass shooting on Las Vegas Strip
Judge’s comment: Really nice, comprehensive coverage. The initial story is very comprehensive, and it was helpful from a reader standpoint to place things into separate stories as Twitter reactions and what people saw that night when they were in the crowd.
2. Todd Prince, Max Michor, Rio Lacanlale, Wade Millward, Henry Brean, Blake Apgar
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Mass Shooting Oct 2
Judge’s comment: Great coverage of the first night. Very concise and responsible breaking news coverage. There was no speculation involved.
3. Michelle Rindels
The Nevada Independent
UNLV president’s secret contract
Judge’s comment: These story obviously had a big impact. Great scoops on an interesting circumstance.
All of the coverage of the Las Vegas Strip shootings was fantastic. Clearly the whole country benefited from all your coverage.

Best Feature Writing

1. Anita Hassan, Colton Lochhead, Brian Joseph
Las Vegas Review-Journal
One family’s path through horror of shooting
Judge’s comment: Absolutely heartbreaking story about one family’s horror through the Las Vegas shooting. I admire the reporter for being able to write this long, twisting story.
2. Christopher Lawrence
Las Vegas Review-Journal
A look back at Vegas wrestling show ‘GLOW’ before Netflix debut
Judge’s comment: This was a very fun, insightful look at the origins of GLOW. Very good job.
3. John Przybys
Las Vegas Review-Journal
After 15 years of Ringling Bros circus, clown plans next act
Judge’s comment: Emotional look at one man’s struggle to find his next chapter after his dream career was taken away from him. Very good localization. Be proud!

Best Nonstaff Story

1. John M. Glionna
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Man who shined light on Las Vegas tunnel dwellers moving on
Judge’s comment: This is a compelling look at part of the Las Vegas community who exist mostly out of sight. One person’s compassion is told in a story that smoothly transitions from the immediate storyline to O’Brien’s history, personality and reasons for this outreach. The story describes the community who lives “beneath the lavish casinos” in a kind of alternate universe that couples compelling storytelling and imagery with a description of a man who selflessly engages with people who need help – and who has created a nonprofit to help. It’s a fascinating look at a transition from writer to activist. And at the end of his time in Las Vegas, he’s leaving a legacy. Great, in-depth reporting with lots of time spent with the subject himself, as well as people who have been helped by him. Very well fleshed-out and vivid story. The writer clearly has a gift for painting a picture so readers can experience what he does – and explain why they should care. Truly compelling.
2. John M. Glionna
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Motel, once a haven, now a crime-ridden jungle in downtown Las Vegas
Judge’s comment: The story of a part of town – framed in the lede by one specific hotel and business owner – that once was a glitzy tourist destination and has now spiraled into the darker side of Vegas. It was a really interesting contrast to talk with a hotel owner who’s lost control – and hope – as well as law enforcement. The two sides of the story complement each other perfectly. The struggle to upgrade the part of town and empower Yeh in her business is a very interesting story, and one that’s relevant to the whole city of Las Vegas. What an interesting way to show that things aren’t just what they seem.
3. John M. Glionna
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Pioneering spirit lives on in rural Esmeralda County
Judge’s comment: This rural setup is very different from the hustle of Las Vegas. And a life where quick access to amenities, schools and health care isn’t guaranteed is enough to pique interest – what would I do in that situation? The volunteers the writer profiles are doing their best to serve a widespread community amid their own struggles – primarily age. This ties to a larger point of small communities that appear to be complete opposites of Vegas. An interesting mix of profiles. A really good read about a way of life that is, as the story states, slowly disappearing.

Best Business Spot News Story

1. Richard N. Velotta
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Steve Wynn resigns as chairman, CEO after sexual misconduct reports
Judge’s comment: A very comprehensive look at a heated issue during the rise of the #MeToo movement. It’s only fitting that Las Vegas’ newspaper got the goods.
2. Mike Higdon
Reno Gazette-Journal
Only on RGJ: Shoppers Square $34 million renovation plans revealed
Judge’s comment: A nice scoop on a project that will likely have a huge impact for local readers.
3. Jason Hidalgo
Reno Gazette-Journal
Google filing seeks energy alternatives to Warren Buffett’s Nevada utility
Judge’s comment: Story was well-written and it was a good scoop.

Best Business Feature

1. Wade Tyler Millward
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Collectors pursue memorabilia associated with Las Vegas shooting
2. Jenny Kane
Reno Gazette-Journal
Green gold: A Nevada mining town straddles the Wild West and marijuana culture
3. Eli Segall
Las Vegas Review-Journal
The house was for sale — but the sign suddenly went missing

Best Explanatory Journalism

1. Nicole Raz, Brian Joseph
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Oct. 1 Fundraising
Judge’s comment: There were many very good stories, but the way the aftermath of the Las Vegas mass shooting was reported and the various angles taken impressed me the most.
2. Kim Palchikoff
Las Vegas Sun
Get Back in the Game Right Now
Judge’s comment: Kim Palchikoff does an excellent job at bringing home issues that has affected or continues to affect many families.
3. Yvonne Gonzalez
Las Vegas Sun
Mass killings have wide reach, even for those who weren’t there

Best News Feature Story

1. Rachel Crosby
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Husband’s frantic 22-hour search to learn wife’s fate after Las Vegas shooting
2. Briana Erickson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
My heart is empty’ Seven killed in Route 91 shooting were from Southern California county
3. Briana Erickson, Henry Brean
Las Vegas Review-Journal
‘One big family’

Best Investigative Story

1. Meghin Delaney, Amelia Pak-Harvey
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Broken Trust
Judge’s comment: Earnest reporting. One of the most impactful series of stories I can remember reading as far as creating meaningful change.
2. Anjeanette Damon, Brian Duggan
Reno Gazette-Journal
Death Behind Bars
Judge’s comment: Strong work. Not only impactful, but so well-written, the series almost seemed like a book I didn’t want to put down.
3. Jeff German, Anita Hassan
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Oct. 1 Casino response
Judge’s comment: Diligent reporting and an excellent example of holding public entities accountable for the betterment of your community.
A case could be made for any of the top three stories to be the first-place winner. Very difficult to judge because they were so well done.

Best Local Column

1. Jon Ralston
The Nevada Independent
Jon Ralston
Judge’s comment: Very strong, well-written columns that show this is an editor who takes his job seriously. They are a bit too long at times and occasionally contain words that send readers to their dictionaries, but they clearly are the cream of the crop in this category.
2. Rachel Crosby
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Judge’s comment: Vegas Vice: During Las Vegas shooting,journalists ran into gut-wrenching chaos, Sorry doesn’t bring back lives lost to drunken driving, Teen defendants get important advice
Strong, well-written crime beat columns. Nicely done!
3. Richard N. Velotta
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Judge’s comment: Allegations shocking contrast to Steve Wynn’s business vision, LVCVA swings for the fences with $80M naming rights deal, Bad-beat poker jackpot players hoping for holiday miracle
Interesting business beat columns. The one on Wynn held my attention like a good novel!

Best Local Non-staff Column

1. Jane Ann Morrison
Las Vegas Review-Journal
County Commissioner, Puppygate, Former Nevada politician
Judge’s comment: So well written, easily explained to someone who knew no one involved.
2. John L. Smith
The Nevada Independent
Cloud of sleaze and corruption spreads in pimp case
Judge’s comment: Good variety of issues.
3. Orrin Johnson
The Nevada Independent
Government Budgeting: Setting the Record Crooked

Best Sports Spot News Story

1. Mike Grimala
Las Vegas Sun
All eyes on Armani
Judge’s comment: 1. I especially liked the unique format of have six other (those closest to him) contacts for the story to provide quotes and details about the main person. I like the aspect of getting people to talk about other people.
2. I also really liked the behind the scenes inside details and quotes in chronological order of the main person’s playing career to that point. It tells how he got there, and the side stories within the main story were very entertaining.
3. By the time I was done, I felt I knew everything I needed to know, and then some, about the person the story was about. It was a lot of interesting information displayed in a format that would take up the least amount of space in print formats.
This was a tough competition as all the entries were well deserving to be nominated and the decisions to narrow down to the top three were difficult.
It was also even more difficult to separate the top three.
I based my decisions on not only the criteria, but also what stories would I remember more and really stick with me in the future, such as “oh yeah, I remember reading that.”
2. Ray Brewer
Las Vegas Sun
Coach: Realignment again fails Eldorado football
Judge’s comment: 1. This was a tough decision to not have at No. 1 as the writer did an excellent job of capturing the emotion of a contentious debate.
2. Great lede – short, to the point and ironic in “selling the story” as well.
3. The writer captured the overall mood of his main contact early and used the rest of the story to back it up on why with good quotes with the right amount of words, not too much or too little.
4. The writer also knew his subject matter really well and displayed his research in a way that was easy to read. Switching high school classifications can become confusing.
5. The main story was about Eldorado High School, but also giving short summaries or updates of other school’s moves made it a well-rounded story.
3. Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
Sweet 16! Wolf Pack digs out of 22-point hole to shock Cincinnati
Judge’s comment: 1. This is solid coverage of a game, which isn’t always easy on a tight deadline. Great introduction to clearly depict what happened at the end of the game and the level of emotion displayed.
2. I also liked having the description of how big the win, and the comeback to get it, early in the story to immediately back up the lede and introduction.
3. I also like only the important play-by-play was mentioned such as the final minutes and seconds or big swings earlier in the game. Sometimes a game story can get bogged down with too much play-by-play. That didn’t happen here.
4. The only drawback was most of the paragraphs were rather long. They could’ve been broken up while still keeping with the flow of thought. Same with most of the quotes that were rather long. The writer didn’t have to relay everything that was said, which led to some repetition, just quote the really good stuff.

Best Sports Feature Writing

1. Siobhan McAndrew
Reno Gazette-Journal
$690,000 to fix ADA compliance mistake on Mackay Stadium
Judge’s comment: First place was evident, but second and third were very hard. Anything with nines were truly compelling, the placing was just given to the other story for their creativity and memorability which both indeed have.
2. Ben Gotz
Las Vegas Review-Journal
LV Lights FC brings Chelis on as valley’s newest entertainer
3. Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
Why Kim Norvell is the toughest member of the Wolf Pack

Best Sports Column

1. Ed Graney
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Tragedy hits home, Golden Knights unite LV, Calvary Chapel silent
Judge’s comment: I feel first place is what a column embodies. It is evident this person has a love for Vegas sports and its correlation to society, and doesn’t fair putting their own life situations into it to relate and create a personal connection the reader connects to. Second place doesn’t do it as much, but has well structured columns that show their opinion in an effective matter. Third place shows its potential to connect personally through a column through its well structured writing.
2. Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
Meet Nina DeVore, Wolf Pack’s soon-to-be 100-year-old super fan
3. Ray Brewer
Las Vegas Sun
From The Press Box

Best Entertainment Writing

1. Steve Bornfeld
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Clue-driven treasure hunt leads you through downtown Las Vegas; Danny G hosts enthusiastic communal karaoke at Dino’s Lounge; 10 minutes of career highlights with Harry Connick Jr.
Judge’s comment: Creative and fun. Almost felt like being there.
2. Carol Cling
Las Vegas Review-Journal
A selection from Carol Cling
Judge’s comment: Well written and informative. Easy to read, which is what most people want with entertainment stories.
3. Johnathan L. Wright
Reno Gazette-Journal
A selection by Johnathan L. Wright

Best Critical Writing

1. Christopher Lawrence
Las Vegas Review-Journal
A selection of work by Christopher Lawrence
Judge’s comment: These reviews are fun to read, thanks to the appropriate level of snark added to straight-up critique. Nicely done!
2. Riley Snyder
The Nevada Independent
Fact-checks
Judge’s comment: Great approach to these fact-check pieces. Solid, important political journalism with a twist of fun at the end!
3. Jason Bracelin
Las Vegas Review-Journal
A selection of work from Jason Bracelin
Judge’s comment: Good description and scene setting in these concert reviews. Well-written!

Freedom of the Press

1. Las Vegas Review-Journal
Judge’s comment: The Review-Journal has chronicled an impressive record over the course of the year in holding government agencies accountable, particularly during a time of great strife in Las Vegas after the massacre at the country-music festival. It’s a shame that so much needs to be exposed. But it’s what newspapers must do, and the Review-Journal has been up to the challenge.

Editorial of the Year

Brett McGinness, Kelly Scott
Reno Gazette-Journal
Free speech, no exceptions: Our view
Judge’s comment: Concise, well-written editorial that gets right to the point and makes it strongly.

Best Editorial Writing

1. Brett McGinness, Kelly Scott
Reno Gazette-Journal
RGJ Editorial Writing – Brett McGinness
Judge’s comment: Tight writing with impactful graphics kept me reading.
A tough category, but appreciated those that didn’t jump on the bandwagon and saw an outside opportunity to effect change.
2. Victor Joecks
Las Vegas Review-Journal
New strategy needed for response, Raiders headquarters, SEIU trying to shakedown taxpayers
Judge’s comment: A tough category, but appreciated those that didn’t jump on the bandwagon and saw an outside opportunity to effect change.

Best Editorial Page

1. Brian Greenspun, Ric Anderson, Mike Smith, Las Vegas Sun Editorial Page Staff
Las Vegas Sun
Las Vegas Sun for Best Editorial Page
Judge’s comment: A good blend of local and national issues. Inclusive of letters and guest columnists.
2. Mark Robison, Brett McGinness
Reno Gazette-Journal
Reno Gazette Journal opinion page

Best Overall Design

1. Staff
Las Vegas Review-Journal
2. Staff
Las Vegas Sun

Best Page One Design

1. Staff
Las Vegas Sun
Judge’s comment: Strong statements and purpose come out on the front page.
Good entries, hopefully more competition next year?
2. Staff
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Unimaginable, Mass shooting, Deadliest Year, Out of the Dark, New Bill
Judge’s comment: A little text heavy, some interesting main stories draw you in.

Best Graphic Designer

1. Mark Antonuccio
Las Vegas Review-Journal
I can’t hear you now, Out of the Dark, One Month Later
Judge’s comment: Strong work all the way around, minus the ad heavy bottoms. Great job.
Great work, some stood out above the others.
2. Severiano del Castillo Galvan, Wes Rand
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Carnage on the Strip, Deadliest Year, Yucca mtn.
3. Jose Antonio Morales
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Holiday Preview, Popcornucopia, Totally GAGA

Best Headline Writing

1. David Edwards
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Classic case of sibling revelry, Separated at girth: Kids in study prefer slenderness; Greek food festival sates LV craving for ouzo and aahs
Judge’s comment: Clever word play; nicely done!
2. George Riggle
Las Vegas Review-Journal
You may kitsch the bride, The kidders are all right, Caught in a trope
3. Paul Pearson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Lucas’ latest cliffhanger: Who gets his museum?: Art collection goes beyond a galaxy far, far away, “Roos-N-More? Moapa zoo’s no more,”, WOUNDED, STILL WARRIORS: Games help veterans with personal recovery,

Photo of the Year

1. Chase Stevens
Las Vegas Review-Journal
People assist a wounded woman at the Tropicana following mass shooting in Las Vegas
Judge’s comment: Striking image of one of the most newsworthy and heartbreaking stories to come out of the state. Photo says it all.
Lots of amazing photos, hard to pick.

Best News Photo Coverage

1. Benjamin Hager, Chitose Suzuki, Richard Brian, Chase Stevens
Las Vegas Review-Journal
‘It was a horror show’: Mass shooting leaves at least 59 dead, 527 wounded on Las Vegas Strip
Judge’s comment: The staff acted quickly, efficiently and with great taste in the face of a deadly and horrible news event hitting their home city.
2. Jason Bean
Reno Gazette-Journal
Napa Fires
Judge’s comment: The different images in this edit helped push it ahead of other wildfire coverage in the state. Great access, use of light and moments.
3. Richard Brian, Chase Stevens, Erik Verduzco, Benjamin Hager
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Funeral held for Metro officer killed in Las Vegas shooting
Judge’s comment: Great job covering an emotional event from multiple vantage points with emotional care and technical quality.

Best Feature Photo

1. Richard Brian
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Runners take part in colorful Bubble Run in Las Vegas
Judge’s comment: Love the emotion and the color.
2. Richard Brian
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas shooting memorial acts as a force for healing
Judge’s comment: Wonderful moment. Exactly what many parents felt about the LV news: hug your kids tight. Great job.
3. Steve Marcus
Las Vegas Sun
Lightning
Judge’s comment: Great technical and great photo. One of the better lightning photos I’ve seen.

Best Multiple Photo Essay

1. Erik Verduzco
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Loss of children 1 tragedy of latest Mexico City earthquake
Judge’s comment: Great editing of photos that clearly tells a story.
Difficult category to judge.
2. Andy Barron
Reno Gazette-Journal
Burning Man 2017
Judge’s comment: Beautiful lead-in portrait with solid use of light and color to really give a good sense of place.
3. Andy Barron
Reno Gazette-Journal
Gallery Back Stage At The Nutcracker
Judge’s comment: Love this as an idea, and very well executed.

Best Portrait

1. Benjamin Hager
Las Vegas Review-Journal
A day in the life of ‘Zumanity’ biker chain acrobat
Judge’s comment: Beautiful lighting and pose
2. Cathleen Allison
Nevada Momentum
Orbital Reflector artist
Judge’s comment: Love the soft lighting in this. Great job!
3. Benjamin Hager
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Family-friendly sanctuary for animals

Best Illustrated Photo

1. Benjamin Hager
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Range safety officer poses for a portrait with gun and ammo
2. Benjamin Hager
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Wine angel at Mandalay-Bay
3. Benjamin Hager
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Murray the Magician and his dogs

Best Sports Photo

1. Cathleen Allison
Nevada Momentum
Broncs and Bulls
Judge’s comment: Amazing moment with solid expression and focus, even managing to clean up the background. well done.
2. Jason Bean
Reno Gazette-Journal
Reno boxing
Judge’s comment: The key to this is the sharp focus, as there were many great photos similar that weren’t as tack sharp.
3. Andy Barron
Reno Gazette-Journal
Exreme Bulls
Judge’s comment: Clean background with funny if not terrifying moment. Way to be paying attention.

Best Editorial Cartoon

1. Mike Smith
The Sunday
Spending Tax Dollars on Football Stadium
Judge’s comment: Tough Stance on a popular local topic, addresses education priorities as well as the stadium.
2. Mike Smith
The Sunday
Yucca
3. Mike Smith
Las Vegas Sun
President Obama Used to Look Out of These Windows
Judge’s comment: Issues on local topics that haven’t been overdone received priority.

Best Special Section (Editorial)

1. Sports Staff
Las Vegas Review-Journal
FACE of the TEAM
2. Cathleen Allison, Teri Vance, Sean Nebeker
Nevada Momentum
Carson City Visitors Guide – Events & Outdoors issue
3. Cathleen Allison, Teri Vance, Sean Nebeker
Nevada Momentum
Carson City Visitors Guide – Arts & Culture issue

Best Print Ad

1. David Sly, Angela Johnson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Dr Lobato

Best Special Section or Campaign (Advertising)

1. Cathleen Allison, Teri Vance, Sean Nebeker
Nevada Momentum
Carson City Visitors Guide – Events & Outdoors issue
Best Special Section or Campaign (Advertising)
2. Cassie Osborn, Angela Johnson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Guide To Summer Fun
3. Cathleen Allison, Teri Vance, Sean Nebeker
Nevada Momentum
Carson City Visitors Guide – Arts & Culture issue

Best-In House Promotion

1. Staff , David Sly, Angela Johnson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Best of Nevada Preps
2. Staff , David Sly, Angela johnson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Miss El Tiempo
3. Staff, Angelena Gutting, David Sly, Angela Johnson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Agewell Expo

Best Niche Magazine

1. David Sly, Jorge Betancourt, Angela Johnson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Smith Center Program Book
Judge’s comment: The perfect example of a niche publication, taking advantage of an opportunity to reach a select audience.
2. Rhodora Santiago, Oscar Crespin, David Sly, Angela Johnson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
The Highlander
Judge’s comment: This is a high-quality publication for a specific community and a great way for advertisers to target these homeowners.

Best Special Event

1. Laura Longero
Reno Magazine
Judge’s comment: This was an incredible category to juge. Go figure that Nevada newspapers know how to throw great events. The winners I chose all took the road less-traveled, and I chose them largely because they avoided the ‘black-tie’ event model and did something unique for their communities. The overall winner was chosen based on pure ambition!
2. Siobhan McAndrew, Mike Higdon, Laura Holman, Jenny Kane
Reno Gazette-Journal
Reno Storytellers Project
3. Staff
Nevada Magazine
Focus Group

General Online Excellence

1. Peter Chen, Beth Schwatz, Guy Bertuzzi
Elevate NV
Judge’s comment: I really enjoy how clean this looks with the big graphic element first and text underneath. I like that the layout stays consistent, and like the simplicity of navigation! Great job.
2. Jon Ralston
The Nevada Independent
3. Staff
Las Vegas Magazine

Digital innovation

1. Staff
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Review-Journal studio
Judge’s comment: Great idea and use of video content. The set looks great and I appreciate the forethought to use a modular design for the set.
2. Megan Messerly, Riley Snyder
The Nevada Independent
Connection Webs/Fusion Tables
Judge’s comment: Great use of data and it really adds to the depth of reporting.
3. Staff
The Nevada Independent
Tooltips/Indy Fast Facts
Judge’s comment: Really good idea and I think it quickly (and easily) adds value to the reader.

Best online advertising

1. Katie Short, David Sly, Angela Johnson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Miss El Tiempo
Judge’s comment: Made me click happy!
2. Katie Short, David Sly, Angela Johnson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Picerne
Judge’s comment: Definitely had me interested in my next vacation. Grabbed my attention but let me down when I realized it was for a job. Well done sucking me in though!
3. Oscar Crespin, Angela Johnson
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas Review-Journal – Neon Facebook header
Judge’s comment: Vegas couldn’t be done any simpler and better than this. Plus it didn’t scream come to Vegas to lose money!

Best Digital Breaking News Story

1. Staff
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Oct. 1 mass shooting coverage
Judge’s comment: The Facebook and Twitter coverage was really interesting, being able to see almost a minute-by-minute update of what was happening. Great information there from your reporters.
You clearly have a talented team that works together well, and great editors to coordinate everything. Your web stories were a great mix of text, video and photo. This coverage was very personal, both from the journalists covering it and with the inclusion of victims through video. The mosaic of victims was a really interesting touch – you don’t see this online too often, more in print. It’s very attractive and interactive. All the content was really solid and organized.
You did a great job of keeping people informed as it happened, and then with the followup. Outstanding.
I appreciate your explanation of your process and timeline as your coverage unfolded. It’s easy to look at the final product, but going back in time to see the thought processes, planning and coordination necessary was really insightful. Really well done.
2. Staff
Reno Gazette-Journal
Las Vegas Shooting Coverage
Judge’s comment: This example provided just about everything a reader could want: photos, video, pull quotes, tweets, Q&A format and rolling updates. The team did a great job of focusing on the immediate story, then pulling back to analyze the situation – now that the event is over, what do readers want to know?
3. Marcella Corona, Sarah Litz, Jason Bean
Reno Gazette-Journal
OJ Simpson Parole
Judge’s comment: Lots of detail, organized by time so the readers know they’re getting up-to-the-minute news. Lots of photos, links to related articles and embedded tweets help break up the text and provide background/look-ahead information. Video helps provide context and place, and the previous article adds all the foundational information readers need. Really comprehensive, solid coverage.

Best Digital News Feature Storytelling

1. Jason Bean
Reno Gazette-Journal
Swan Lake flooding
Judge’s comment: Beautifully done! Shows the damage done in great detail and kudos to adding maps to give the flood some perspective.
These three placers stood out from the rest of the field.
2. Anjeanette Damon, Andy Barron
Reno Gazette-Journal
Homeless frostbite victim, covered by Medicaid, never received care
Judge’s comment: This story tugged on my heartstrings. When you can play on people’s emotions, you’ve done your job. This was a great piece and could have nearly placed first in my eyes.
3. Michael Quine
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Detective recalls murder confession from 20 years ago
Judge’s comment: Tragic story that like the second-place winner, tugged on my heart strings.

Best Digital Sports Storytelling

1. Jason Bean
Reno Gazette-Journal
Jace Billingsley journey to the NFL
Judge’s comment: It’s a straightforward interview, with good photos and clips, and quality production that tells the story of hometown kid made good.

Best Digital Business News

1. Jason Hidalgo
Reno Gazette-Journal
Housing crunch: White picket fence dreams in Reno’s nightmare housing market
Judge’s comment: Good use of video and data.
2. Jason Hidalgo
Reno Gazette-Journal
Reno renters buckle from record-high apartment rent, ‘near-zero’ vacancy
Judge’s comment: Very strong imagery.
3. Jenny Kane, Andy Barron
Reno Gazette-Journal
Green gold: A Nevada mining town straddles the Wild West and marijuana culture
Judge’s comment: Use of images helps illustrate the story and people.

Digital Entertainment or Feature Storytelling

1. Mike Higdon
Reno Gazette-Journal
The origin of the Picon punch, a quintessential Western cocktail
Judge’s comment: Great sourcing of historical documents and good use of video to enhance the story for the readers. Nice package of information showed well.
2. Jason Bean, Siobhan McAndrew
Reno Gazette-Journal
Husband of wife killed by a drunk driver in Somersett goes on with life for his daughter
Judge’s comment: Fantastic writing and solid presentation on this package. Really well done.
3. Rachel Aston
Las Vegas Review-Journal
The Moulin Rouge: a fight for the west side
Judge’s comment: Fantastic production value and a solid story. The creator has a real eye for images.

Best Video Program or Series

1. Rachel Aston
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Vegas Stripped
Judge’s comment: Best of the bunch. I love the individual profiles of ordinary people such as myself. Also short, sweet and to the point. Well done!
First place stood out above the second and third place winners.
2. Victor Joecks, Larry Mir, Tara Mack, Zac Pacleb, Nathan Asselin
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Nevada Politics Today
Judge’s comment: Very professionally done. Nice transitions between the reporter and scenes and graphics. A bit long for my liking.
3. Chris Murray, Jim Krajewski, Duke Ritenhouse
Reno Gazette-Journal
RGJ Sports Week
Judge’s comment: Very solid piece, but like the second place winner, a bit long for my liking.

Best Podcast

1. Scott Gulbransen, Scott Winter, Matt Gutierrez
Las Vegas Raiders Report
Las Vegas Raiders Report Podcast Gains Local and National Audience
Judge’s comment: Excellent performance metrics.
2. Staff
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Vegas Nation
Judge’s comment: Great use of SoundCloud.
3. Megan Messerly, Jackie Valley, Elizabeth Thompson, Jon Ralston
The Nevada Independent
IndyMatters
Judge’s comment: Great use of SoundCloud.

Best Platform Writing

1. Jon Ralston
The Nevada Independent
Ralston Reports
2. Brett McGinness, Brian Duggan
Reno Gazette-Journal
The Reno Memo
3. Johnathan Wright
Reno Gazette-Journal
The Reno Taste