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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 10, 2013
The Dallas Morning News Editorial Writer Named National Opinion Journalist of the Year Rodger Jones recognized by the Association of Opinion Journalists for his extraordinary opposition to the death penalty in Texas
(DALLAS) – The Dallas Morning News today announced that editorial writer, Rodger Jones, has been named the 2013 National Opinion Journalist of the Year by the Association of Opinion Journalists (AOJ). Jones was chosen from a category of newspapers with a circulation of 100,000 and more.
According to contest judges, Jones earned this recognition through his journalistic pursuit of compelling arguments for criminal justice reforms that promoted healthy public debates and civic culture. Through his writing, he searched for a better, more evenhanded criminal-justice system in Texas. Most notably, Jones took a stand opposing the death penalty in Texas by arguing with clarity and eloquence the unconstitutional execution of a person with a diminished IQ and the lack of evidence provided to juries.
"First, I am flattered by the award, because it is nice to be recognized by an organization like the Association of Opinion Journalists,” said Jones. “I am also pleased that this is in response to a line of commentary that our editorial page set as a priority when we came out in opposition to the death penalty in 2007."
Working with the Morning News for more than 19 years, Jones has served as both reporter and editor, exploring issues in transportation, education, state legislature, criminal justice and the arts. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University in 1975.
“This is the first such individual honor won by a Morning News editorial writer and we are honored to have Rodger receive this national recognition from the Association of Opinion Journalists,” said Keven Ann Willey, vice president and editorial page editor at The Dallas Morning News. “Rodger exemplifies great dedication in pursuing arguments and views for various social issues. He goes above and beyond in promoting conversations that affect our civic culture and communities.”
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Each year, the AOJ recognizes the achievements of two opinion journalists. Judging is based on clarity, strength of writing, creativity and impact on public policy, and quality of life that each journalist presents in their work. One journalist is recognized from the 100,000 and more circulation and the other from the 100,000 and under circulation category.
Jones will receive the National Opinion Journalist of the Year award at the Association of Opinion Journalists annual conference held from Oct. 13 to 15 in Newport, Rhode Island.
The AOJ is a professional organization dedicated to improving the quality of opinion journalism and public debate through professional development, education and the exploration of issues that are important to the public. AOJ was originally founded in 1947 as The National Conference of Editorial Writers and is the only national organization that incorporates all forms of newspaper opinion, not just columns.
In 2011, the AOJ named the Morning News as Opinion Page of the Year by recognizing all editorial pages as the best in the nation in the 100,000 and more circulation category.
To learn more about The Dallas Morning News, its digital growth, portfolio of brands or subscribing to the paper, visit www.DMNMedia.com. To get daily news updates about North Texas, visit www.DallasNews.com or via Facebook and Twitter.
About The Dallas Morning News Established in 1885, The Dallas Morning News is Texas’ leading newspaper and the flagship newspaper subsidiary of A. H. Belo Corporation. It has received nine Pulitzer Prizes since 1986, as well as numerous other industry awards recognizing the quality of its investigative and feature journalism, design and photojournalism. Its portfolio of print and digital products reaches an average daily audience of more than 1.1 million people and includes online news and information sites; iPhone, Android and iPad apps; Al Día (www.aldiatx.com), the leading Spanish-language publication in North Texas; neighborsgo (www.neighborsgo.com), a consumer-generated community news outlet; and Briefing, the free, home-delivered quick-read. In addition to the editorial drivers within the Morning News, CrowdSource was created as an independent business division to assist event organizers and producers with its operational, marketing and promotional needs. To advertisers, the portfolio of products is represented by DMNmedia (www.DMNmedia.com), the marketing solutions group of The Dallas Morning News, Inc. For more information about the publication and its entities, visit www.dallasnews.com.
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