1 2016 NJ-SPJ AWARDS for work done in 2015 (includes all categories except Courage Under Fire) NEWS COMMENTS CATEGORY AWARD ENTRY TITLE WINNER OUTLET COMMENTS CONTINUED

JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR For setting the pace of NJ coverage of Bridgegate and WNYC BEST MULTI-MEDIA PACKAGE

“In Heroin’s Grip” is, quite simply, one of the best treatments of the heroin epidemic I’ve experienced to date. In fact, it’s heartbreaking — not simply because it so compelling chronicles the costs and consequences of the heroin epidemic, writ large in one community, but because it acknowledges the very real social and economic context in which it exists. The project carries so much emotional power through the videos. There is so much dignity conveyed here, so much loss. It allows each person’s story to speak for itself. This kind of reporting doesn’t just happen — it requires an enormous investment of time and planning, trust and vulnerability, but the Best Multi-Media The Record (Bergen result was more than worth it. The writing, the still photography, the Package First Place In Heroin's Grip Rebecca D. O'Brien County) videos, the editing — all outstanding. Welcome to Herointown is a novel, data-driven treatment that communicates the size and depth of the heroin problem. By asking the audience to participate in a thought experiment — to imagine a city populated by every resident addicted to heroin, it Stephen offers a frame, a clarity of perspective and scale. The most compelling Stirling,Andre part of this project, however, is the collection of crowd-sourced, first- person accounts. It’s an illustration of the power of digital tools to Best Multi-Media Malok,Ashley collect and present a large set of diverse voices, giving users the Package Second Place Welcome to Herointown Peskoe power to explore the story in their own way. This map shows the This is an excellent and engaging data presentation that allows users to experience both a big-picture view and a granular one, down to Best Multi-Media racial makeup of every precise locations. It’s fascinating, and it invites so many questions and Package Third Place block in N.J. Stephen Stirling The Star-Ledger could be the source for so many stories. CARTOONING

Rutgers Football Under New Brunswick Speaks volumes about the Rutgers football program while utilizing a CARTOONING First Place Arrest Sam Romero Today common football reference. 2

BEST WEB VIDEO Thomas Video story entries offered a nice diversity of Franklin,Lindy The Record (Bergen Powerful storytelling, and deft camera work and editing in bringing subjects and ingenuity with camera types and editing Best Web Video First Place Bringing back Buddy Washburn County) out a man's battle with Parkinson's. software. Albert Anastasia’s Fort Video story entries offered a nice diversity of Lee Home Being StateBroadcastNew Profile of interesting property with a sordid past. Great use of historic subjects and ingenuity with camera types and editing Best Web Video Second Place Auctioned Steve Lubetkin s.com news reel to tie house to the present day. software. Video story entries offered a nice diversity of Rutgers Tower Jump Great camera work in capturing the feel of jumping from the 10m subjects and ingenuity with camera types and editing Best Web Video Third Place Challenges Students Cameron Bowman Rutgers Today high dive. software. BEST PODCAST

midcenturymodern The Chemo Files: A Debbie mag.com Cancer Patient Holds the Galant,Noah https://soundcloud Best Podcast First Place Mic on Herself Levinson .com/chemo-files/ Sampler of five episodes: 16 (Albert Straka), 25 (Beth Fowler), 31 (Thomas Franklin), 32 (Debra www.backgrounder Best Podcast Second Place Vizzi), 37 (Jim Florio) Paul Brubaker pod.com David Furst,Matt Katz,Joseph The Christie Tracker Capriglione,Nancy WNYC/New Jersey Best Podcast Third Place Podcast Solomon Public Radio BEST INDEPENDENT BLOG 3

As the journalistic industry continues to transition, we look to independent bloggers who see themselves as news providers to uphold the tenants of our tradition, including the notion that we be "accurate, fair and thorough." We apply the winning submission's hyper-local news coverage tracking conflict of interest questions. Posts are presented in news style with hyper links to primary sources, offering an example of how the traditions of the past can be honored while taking advantage of the Blog - Independent Blog First Place Rahway Rising Mark Hrywna RahwayRising.com opportunities modern technology presents. As the journalistic industry continues to transition, we look to independent bloggers who see themselves as news providers to uphold the tenants of our tradition, including the notion that we be "accurate, fair and thorough." We apply the winning submission's hyper-local news coverage tracking conflict of interest questions. Posts are presented in Test Publisher Pearson news style with hyper links to primary sources, offering an example of how the traditions of the past Spies on Students Taking can be honored while taking advantage of the Blog - Independent Blog Second Place PARCC Bob Braun Bob Braun's Ledger opportunities modern technology presents. As the journalistic industry continues to transition, we look to independent bloggers who see themselves as news providers to uphold the tenants of our tradition, including the notion that we be "accurate, fair and thorough." We apply the winning submission's hyper-local news coverage tracking conflict of interest questions. Posts are presented in news style with hyper links to primary sources, offering an example of how the traditions of the past NJMoneyHelp.com: can be honored while taking advantage of the Blog - Independent Blog Third Place Smart advice. Every day. Karin Price Mueller NJMoneyHelp.com opportunities modern technology presents. BEST MEDIA-AFFILIATED BLOG 4

Meg Fry's entry was written concisely and conversationally while still presenting a solid blend of hard statistics and background along with personal opinion and commentary.

Paid family leave: Not I felt better informed after reading her submissions just for women, but not while also being left to consider my own opinions on the subject matter she had just presented - and what always equal; Cut those is a blog/editorial writer's job if not to spur one's millennial dads some readers to think more and, perhaps, see an oft- discussed topic like paid family leave from a different slack — their careers point of view. matter, too; Renting a Fresh approach to accessible issues like family leave Blog - Media_Affiliated room at the Hotel and parenting; very interesting blog entry on Blog First Place California Meg Fry NJBIZ networking in Hollywood!

Blog - Media_Affiliated The Record (Bergen Blog Second Place 'Fire and Ice' Tom Gulitti County)

Blog - Media_Affiliated The Record (Bergen Blog Third Place 'Meadowlands Matters' John Brennan County)

LOCAL JOURNALISM Awbrey New Brunswick Watergate Charlie Kratovil Today Business reporting 5

Weekly Newspaper/Local

Website - Business Downtown stays on Darius Amos Staff The Ridgewood A nice description of the steps that Ridgewood took to revitalize its Reporting First Place upswing Writer News downtown. J&J is Largest Weekly Contributor to Pharma Newspaper/Local Lobbying Group Website - Business Opposing California New Brunswick Reporting Second Place Ballot Question David Schatz Today Weekly Newspaper/Local Website - Business Reporting Third Place Little Town Gets Social Amanda Palasciano LifeinHoboken.com Tim O'Brien Weekly Newspaper/Local Invasive Anti-Cheating Website - Tim O'Brien Software Takes Rutgers New Brunswick Award First Place by Surprise Daniel Muñoz Today Weekly Records raise questions Newspaper/Local about Paterson's $1.1 Website - Tim O'Brien million in hardware Award Second Place purchases Joe Malinconico Paterson Press Weekly Newspaper/Local Zachary Website - Tim O'Brien Lyndhurst police shoot Croce,Jaimie Julia Award Third Place and kill man in Library Winters South Bergenite Headline writing Weekly Newspaper/Local

Website - Headline Super Grill Man gives a This is a clever headline that draws in the reader and sets the tone for Writing First Place char-ming performance Bill Slossar Twin-Boro News a fun column. 6

Weekly Newspaper/Local Better Safe than 'Sandy' Website - Headline Are we ready for future The Hoboken Writing Second Place storms now? Steven Rodas Reporter Concerns About Richard Weekly Corruption, Parking, and Rabinowitz,Charlie Newspaper/Local Urban Design Come Kratovil,Michael Website - Headline Together in 17 Mine Benavides,David New Brunswick Writing Third Place Street Hearings Bedford Today Enterprise/series/in vestigative Weekly Newspaper/Local Website-

Enterprise/Series/Investi New Brunswick Housing New Brunswick These articles reflect effort and guts in holding an important local gative Reporting First Place Authority Shenanigans Charlie Kratovil Today agency accountable.

Schedler series: Concern over park location continues // Leagues playing wtih field Weekly shortage // Fate of Newspaper/Local property's historic house Website- remains uncertain // Enterprise/Series/Investi Officials face open space Mark Krulish Staff The Ridgewood gative Reporting Second Place shortage Writer News Weekly Newspaper/Local Website- Garcia may modify Enterprise/Series/Investi lawsuit/Who's the The Hoboken gative Reporting Third Place boss/Citizen Grossbard Al Sullivan Reporter 7

Wilson Barto "Rookie of the Year'' Black history beyond February // The mini Weekly memoir of Leslie Burger Newspaper/Local // A burgeoning The writer has a nice, conversational voice and an impressive eye for the details that turn an anecdote into a good story. This is clearly Website- Wilson Barto battlefield: Expansion The Princeton Sun someone who works hard on writing and sentence structure and Rookie of the Year First Place celebrated Erica Chayes Wida (Elauwit Media) doesn't like to waste words. Well done! Playing against the odds Weekly // A haven to help Newspaper/Local horses // Seneca grad Website- Wilson Barto gives life-saving gift this The Shamong Sun Rookie of the Year Second Place holiday Sean Lajoie (Elauwit Media) City lost most people in one zip code, but…:Still no 911 memorial in Hoboken/ Thrown out of council meeting, resident files lawsuit:Was ejected Weekly after talking about legal Newspaper/Local matter involving mayor’s Website- Wilson Barto husband/ Better safe The Hoboken Rookie of the Year Third Place than ‘Sandy’ Steven Rodas Reporter Regional News Weekly Battle for Liberty State Newspaper/Local or Park/LSP changes A complicated issue to follow, but the reporter presented all sides Statewide Website - hands/Battle for LSP The Jersey City clearly and in a way that allowed the reader to come to their own State or Regional News First Place continue Al Sullivan Reporter conclusion. Solid reporting. 8

Weekly Newspaper/Local or Statewide Website - State gets $2M for Izod State or Regional News Second Place closure Meghan Grant South Bergenite Review writing Weekly Newspaper/Local Montclair Times Theater Enjoyed that this review actually showed some criticism of the Website - Review Review: 'Thrill Me: The The Montclair performance. Many reviewers today pull punches; this review Writing First Place Leopold & Loeb Story" Gwen Orel Times doesn't, and it's refreshing. Weekly Newspaper/Local Website - Review A sparkling, wearying The Montclair Writing Second Place 'Misalliance' Gwen Orel Times Weekly Newspaper/Local Website - Review 'I Hate Hamlet': A The Montclair Writing Third Place Loveletter to Theater Gwen Orel Times Page One Design Weekly Newspaper/Local The Ridgewood A feel-good local business piece anchors the page nicely. Well-placed pull quote draws reader in, and info box with need-to-know details Website - Page One Edward Virgin News completes the package. Attractive choice in fonts plus smart use of Design First Place Aug. 7 Editor (northjersey.com) space leaves page readable and uncluttered. Weekly Newspaper/Local Community Life, Pascack Valley Clean Page 1 design with an impactful main art piece depicting multi- Website - Page One November 19, 2015 Community Life Community Life generational bonds in observance of military service, an historical Design Second Place issue Staff (northjersey.com) category for the United States. Weekly Newspaper/Local

Website - Page One Edward Virgin Town News Unique, almost improbable package for a Page 1 but photos lend Design Third Place 12-Mar Editor (northjersey.com) readers to the sense of urgency and panic in an unforeseen accident. Feature Writing 9

Weekly Newspaper/Local

Website - Feature Part of suicide missions North Bergen This is a well-written, well-researched story. The topic is compelling, Writing First Place in WWII Art Schwartz Reporter with good color and clearly a lot of care put into it. Well done. The belated victims of Weekly 9/11: How suicide and Newspaper/Local cancer are still claiming Steven Website - Feature lives of those who Rodas,Joseph The Hoboken Writing Second Place weren’t in the buildings Passantino Reporter Weekly Newspaper/Local Website - Feature The Mt. Laurel Sun Writing Third Place Ebo strong Mike Monostra (Elauwit Media) Profile Writing In a troubled neighborhood, Paterson teen helps his family This story hooked me from the start. It illustrated not only the subject with money from his of the profile, but a specific area of Paterson and what it is like to live Profile Writing First Place summer job Joe Malinconico Paterson Press there. It had great details and voices. Village girl's wish comes Diana Oliviera Staff The Ridgewood Profile Writing Second Place true Writer News For Combat Vet from Roxbury, Fireworks No TAPintoRoxbury Profile Writing Third Place Fun at All Fred Aun (TAPinto.net) Health/Science/Tech /Enviro writing

Weekly

Newspaper/Local This article was a great way to use a personal story to bring a very Website- Health- Science- serious issue to light. You were drawn in with this great story of a cute kid, but at the same time you learned about his very rare disease Technology and Bellmawr Boy Battles Gloucester City and the battle both doctors and his family have trying to fight it. Environmental Reporting First Place Rare Genetic Disease Anne Forline News Great Job! 10

Weekly Newspaper/Local Website- Health- Science- Meghan Technology and Heroin trend hits home, Grant,Zachary Environmental Reporting Second Place compassion for addicts Croce,Joe Phalon South Bergenite

Weekly Newspaper/Local Website- Health- Science- Technology and North Bergen Environmental Reporting Third Place Crying Fowl Art Schwartz Reporter Commentary The commentary competition provided some A well-written editorial that exposes a significant problem then comes excellent entries for consideration. It's important to up with solid reasoning on how to address the issue of missing realize that small community newspapers such as Weekly parking meter funds. Takes to task local government and the little these are critical for residents. In most cases they oversight it provided that enabled the problem to grow unchecked. provide the only reliable news and information Newspaper/Local Adding up village's Darius Amos Staff The Ridgewood Editorials such as this highlight the importance of local journalists in people will receive on local issues. That's an Website - Commentary First Place losses Writer News making sure governments operate transparently and responsibly. important service. The commentary competition provided some excellent entries for consideration. It's important to realize that small community newspapers such as Weekly The education of an these are critical for residents. In most cases they provide the only reliable news and information Newspaper/Local occasionally hungry Carolyn Molyneaux Pascack Valley people will receive on local issues. That's an Website - Commentary Second Place actress U-Turn Columnist Community Life important service. The commentary competition provided some excellent entries for consideration. It's important to realize that small community newspapers such as Weekly these are critical for residents. In most cases they provide the only reliable news and information Newspaper/Local There's no replacing people will receive on local issues. That's an Website - Commentary Third Place history Antoinette Rainone Town News important service. Public Service Weekly Stories on failings of The aggressive reporting displayed in these stories makes this entry a clear winner. Not only does the reporter expose the problems that Newspaper/Local Paterson's special face this special education program, but his inquiries also push the Website - Public Service First Place education program Joe Malinconico Paterson Press district to make changes. A clear display of public service journalism. 11

Determined yet careful reporting makes this entry stand out. The Weekly Jaimie Julia paper's detailed report about a mayor who pushed for police candidates who failed psychological exams was particularly Newspaper/Local Change in government Winters,Zachary noteworthy, and demonstrated the paper's commitment to servicing Website - Public Service Second Place sought in Lyndhurst Croce South Bergenite its community with important stories that hold officials accountable. Sports Reporting Weekly Newspaper- The Moorestown

Local Website - Sports Sun (Elauwit The definitive piece on the growth of a lacrosse in the New Jersey Reporting First Place Leaders in lacrosse Mike Monostra Media) region, through the eyes of the people who made it happen. Matthew Weekly Newspaper- Bircenough Among several entries about the legacies of longtime coaches, this Local Website - Sports Coach's legacy reaches Assistant Sports The Ridgewood one stands out for humanizing the coach and his affection for the lives Reporting Second Place far beyond the court Editor News he touched. Chatham Football Stuns Weekly Newspaper- Randolph on Adams-to- Local Website - Sports Moskowitz TD on Final TAP into Chatham Reporting Third Place Play Ed Barmakian (tapinto.net) A fine example of how to elevate a typical game cover. Best Local News

Weekly New Schools Good reporting that didn't stop after the first story. This is why Newspaper/Local Superintendent's History Maplewoodian.co newspapers, and coverage of meetings and public entities, are so Overall, a lot of good work in this category, but the Website Best Local News First Place and Questionable Ties Joe Strupp m important. top three stood out from the rest.

Weekly Drug trade continues at

Newspaper/Local notorious Paterson Reporter provided a great sense of place -- showing, not just telling -- Overall, a lot of good work in this category, but the Website Best Local News Second Place corner Joe Malinconico Paterson Press in this piece. top three stood out from the rest.

Weekly This is a great example of smart reporting. This incident could easily Newspaper/Local 80-year-old man North Bergen have been relegated to the police blotter or a brief, but writer made it Overall, a lot of good work in this category, but the Website Best Local News Third Place survives Pontiac Plunge Art Schwartz Reporter an interesting tale. top three stood out from the rest. MAGAZINES Business reporting 12

Magazine - Business Inside Jersey Reporting First Place The High Cost of Jersey Karin Price Mueller (nj.com) Magazine - Business Sticker Shock / The High Inside Jersey Reporting Second Place Cost of College Karin Price Mueller (nj.com)

Executive consolidations Magazine - Business reward longevity but The NonProfit Reporting Third Place spark controversy Mark Hrywna Times Investigative reporting Postmortem: Why New Jersey's Medical Magazine - Investigative Examiner System Is Inside Jersey Reporting First Place Broken Kevin C. Shelly (nj.com) Magazine - Investigative New Jersey Reporting Second Place Unwanted Guests Anthony DePalma Monthly George Magazine - Investigative America's Growing Drug Beck,Daniel Del NJ Blue Now Reporting Third Place Problem Valle Magazine Opinion 'Don't Blame Yourself, I

Used You. I Took NJ Blue Now Great storytelling on a topic that has always been a bit taboo. I felt on Magazine - Opinion First Place Advantage of You.' George Beck Magazine the front lines as I read it. Compelling. Creative. Complete. George America's Growing Drug Beck,Daniel Del NJ Blue Now Magazine - Opinion Second Place Problem Valle Magazine New Jersey Magazine - Opinion Third Place Why Jersey Roads Suck Breanne McCarthy Monthly Feature & profile writing 13

A compelling look at how atlantic City has changed through the eyes Magazine -News- and experiences of won who grew up there "in the day." Yet this is more than just a reminiscence, it addresses vital changes to Feature & Profile Where Have You Gone Inside Jersey the city. This has a strong narrative that keeps the reader involved Writing: First Place Atlantic City? George Anastasia (nj.com) until the end. An original look at the subject of parents; responsibility for paying for Magazine -News- Peter Proko,Erica their child's college tutioj, even if the parries are no longer speaking. The story is balanced, well-sourced and written with strong quotes. Feature & Profile The Price of an Bauwens,John South Jersey Citing of relevant legal precedents demonstrates the topic is a valid Writing: Second Place Education Errichetti Magazine one. Inside Jersey (The Magazine -News- Star-Ledger's A strange and inteseting topic told in a way that keeps the reader's Feature & Profile My uncle, the Jersey monthly glossy attention to the end. Good sourcing, although the personal angle Writing: Third Place Devil S.P. Sullivan magazine) makes the story even more compelling. NEWS- LETTERS Stories were written in an engaging, conversational style. The clear format made it easy to navigate, and the solid advice is grounded with I enjoyed reading these publications that targeted Newsletters - Overall First Place NJMoneyHelp.com Karin Price Mueller NJMoneyHelp.com expert quotes. I'd turn to this publication for financial advice. such distinctly different audiences. Nice work by all. Engaging centerpiece stories with clear organization and lively, Sherri Somers concise writing. Nice graphics on Round Up Page. Q&A felt ,Kara Rutgers University conversational. Only criticism: Occasionally the graphics seemed to overpower the content on some pages. ACCESS, Excellence in Donaldson,John School of Arts and I enjoyed reading these publications that targeted Newsletters - Overall Second Place the Arts and Sciences Chadwick Sciences such distinctly different audiences. Nice work by all. The black-and-white format works well overall. Clearly organized -- the audience will know what to expect. The quizzes are a nice "extra." The Q&A's were convincing. Only criticism: Presentation could be a I enjoyed reading these publications that targeted Newsletters - Overall Third Place Jersey Jazz Mike Katz Jersey Jazz Journal little livelier. such distinctly different audiences. Nice work by all. PHOTO- JOURALISM Feature 14

The picture captures the size and scale of both the wave and the The Philadelphia area's impact from it, as well as freezing both in time with great Photojournalism Feature First Place "Storm Wave" Steven M. Falk Inquirer clarity. Recycled racers The Princeton Sun Photojournalism Feature Second Place compete at camp Erica Chayes Wida (Elauwit Media) The Record (Bergen Photojournalism Feature Third Place Dive into Summer Kevin Wexler County) Spot News First and second were excellent images. Good moments. The first place photo had immediate impact, the second place image wasn't as powerful, but a nice job of seeing by the photographer. The images dropped off from there, and the third place Photojournalism Spot The Record (Bergen photo was the most interesting of the standard stuff- News First Place "My son! ..My son!" Thomas Zehawi County) on-fire spot news images. First and second were excellent images. Good moments. The first place photo had immediate impact, the second place image wasn't as powerful, but a nice job of seeing by the photographer. The images dropped off from there, and the third place Photojournalism Spot The Record (Bergen photo was the most interesting of the standard stuff- News Second Place "A Drivers Remorse" Tariq Zehawi County) on-fire spot news images. First and second were excellent images. Good moments. The first place photo had immediate impact, the second place image wasn't as powerful, but a nice job of seeing by the photographer. The images dropped off from there, and the third place Photojournalism Spot The Community photo was the most interesting of the standard stuff- News Third Place All is lost Nick Messina News on-fire spot news images. Sports

The Record (Bergen Excellent action shot with multiple athletes - the facial features makes Photojournalism Sports First Place Corner Kick Leap Kevin Wexler County) the viewer feel as if they were in the middle of the action. Shawnee wins South Jersey Group IV Sun Newspapers Photojournalism Sports Second Place championship Mike Monostra (Elauwit Media) The Philadelphia Photojournalism Sports Third Place "Group Selfie" Steven M. Falk Inquirer 15

RADIO Enterprise Sarah Gonzalez,Jenny Dirty Little Secrets: New Ye,John Jersey's Poor Live Keefe,Karen

Surrounded by Frillman,Noah WNYC/New Jersey Great investigative journalism that exposes a public health emergency Radio Enterprise First Place Contamination Veltman Public Radio everyone knew existed, but that had yet to be effectively quantified. Matt Katz,Andrea A nice job not taking politicians at their word and instead using Bridgegate Fall Guy was Bernstein,Nancy WNYC/New Jersey documents to show the behind-the-scenes of a big story like Radio Enterprise Second Place Inside Man Solomon Public Radio Bridgegate.

Family and Faith Guide Karen Rouse,David

Eric Garner's Mother a Lewis,Wayne New York Public Too often, a person thrust into the limelight is forgotten about. This is Radio Enterprise Third Place Year After His Death Shulmister Radio WNYC a nice reminder about those left behind when Eric Garner was killed. News Rebecca Granet,Brian Carrey,Gene Newark Teen Fatally Michaels,Bill Radio News First Place Shot Spadaro 1010 WINS

Alexandra Hill,Doug Doyle,Phil Gregory,Ang School Superintendent Santos,Glenn Radio News Second Place Circus Crespo,Julie Daurio WBGO 16

STATE/ REGIONAL JOURNALISM

Wilson Barto "Rookie of the Year'' Nicholas Pugliese The Record (Bergen

"Wilson Barto" Portfolio Nicholas Pugliese County) What a treat! Talented young reporter there. Sports reporting Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local

websites - Sports A shining light on the The Philadelphia Heartbreaking story. Extremely well-told an well-reported. Great job Reporting First Place court Phil Anastasia Inquirer by the reporter to tackle a sensitive subject with a delicate touch. Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local websites - Sports Popular athletic turf The Record (Bergen Reporting Second Place raises worries Jeff Roberts County) Important story, well-reported. Page One Design The Record presents an attractive and easily navigated and read page one. With multiple stories Dailies- statewide The Record presents an attractive and easily navigated and read page and entry points, the layout is tight, however, very weeklies & non-local Jerry one. With multiple stories and entry points, the layout is tight, easily digested and retains interest and impact. however, very easily digested and retains interest and impact. websites - Page One Luciani,Robert The Record (Bergen Their style is clear and consistent. Overall a very effective and Their style is clear and consistent. Overall a very Design First Place In Heroin's Grip Townsend County) powerful page one. effective and powerful page one. Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local websites - Page One Design Second Place The talent snatchers Robert Russo NJBIZ 17

Dailies- statewide Greg Trevor ,Carla weeklies & non-local Cantor ,Karen websites - Page One Smith ,Andrea Design Third Place Rutgers Today Alexander Rutgers Today Tim O'Brien Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local websites - Tim O'Brien National Guard Under Award First Place Fire Christopher Baxter The Star-Ledger Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local websites - Tim O'Brien Award Second Place New Horizons Penny Ray The Trentonian Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local websites - Tim O'Brien Jersey City councilman Terrence Award Third Place charged with DWI McDonald State or regional news "Top Republican Dailies- statewide Assembly candidate weeklies & non-local drops out over bigoted websites - State or writings," by Matt POLITICO New Great example of public-service reporting on a topic that New Jersey Regional News First Place Friedman Matt Friedman Jersey voters should be grateful for. Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local A New Jersey Town websites - State or Faces Scrutiny on Police The New York Regional News Second Place Hiring Jason Grant Times Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local websites - State or Exclusive: 222,000 NJ Regional News Third Place kids tainted by lead Todd Bates Asbury Park Press 18

Enterprise/series/ investigative Dailies- statewide weekies & non-local websites-

Enterprise/Series/Investi The Record (Bergen Terrific digging into an important, challenging story, overcoming gative Reporting First Place Sex Doctor Jean Rimbach County) numerous roadblocks. Nice job peeling a very rotten onion. Dailies- statewide weekies & non-local websites- Their last resort: Inside Enterprise/Series/Investi the fight to free two NJ gative Reporting Second Place men S.P. Sullivan The Star-Ledger

Looking for a remedy//Consumers choosing to shop for Dailies- statewide prices//Delivering weekies & non-local options//Getting costs websites- under control//Changing Marion Enterprise/Series/Investi practice//What lies Callahan,Crissa Burlington County gative Reporting Third Place ahead? Shoemaker DeBree Times Editorials

Break the silence // These editorials admirably seek accountability for an apparently Dailies- statewide Crimes were botched investigation into two deaths. They lay out the facts of the New Jersey readers are well served by these editorial case and persuasively argue that multiple layers of government failed boards, which are providing thoughtful and sharp weeklies & non-local compounded // Scene of The Philadelphia to provide timely information, transparency and justice. Perhaps most commentaries on a wide range of important issues. websites - Editorials First Place the cover-up Josh Gohlke Inquirer importantly, they explain why this case should matter to readers. The gap between these entries is narrow.

Dailies- statewide New Jersey readers are well served by these editorial This author makes strong, clear arguments. The first sentences grab boards, which are providing thoughtful and sharp weeklies & non-local The Editorials of Alfred The Record (Bergen your attention and the last lines force you to pause and think about commentaries on a wide range of important issues. websites - Editorials Second Place P. Doblin Alfred P. Doblin County) what you've just read. Few, if any, words are wasted in between. The gap between these entries is narrow. 19

Space invaders // Dailies- statewide Storms took N.J. to class New Jersey readers are well served by these editorial This is an important and well-written series of editorials. They make a boards, which are providing thoughtful and sharp weeklies & non-local // Weaker than the The Philadelphia convincing case that New Jersey isn't doing enough to prepare for commentaries on a wide range of important issues. websites - Editorials Third Place storms Cynthia Burton Inquirer environmental threats. The gap between these entries is narrow. Business reporting Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local This category included an abundance of strong work, websites - Business The Philadelphia Well-reported, high-impact story. The peep show business serves as a must of it shining new light on the collapse of Reporting First Place Parcels kept off tax rolls Amy S. Rosenberg Inquirer wonderful example. Atlantic City's casino industry. Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local A hard-hitting angle on New Jersey's flagging economic fortunes. This category included an abundance of strong work, websites - Business Business rebates unpaid The Record (Bergen Journalists often write about businesses that renege on promises. This must of it shining new light on the collapse of Reporting Second Place by New Jersey Hugh Morley County) revealing story shows a state doing so on a grand scale. Atlantic City's casino industry. Dailies- statewide The gun store next door: weeklies & non-local Residential firearms A completely fresh angle on the guns controversy. I had never heard This category included an abundance of strong work, websites - Business businesses booming in of home-based gun retailers. An eye-opening, yet even-handed must of it shining new light on the collapse of Reporting Third Place N.J. Brian Amaral The Star-Ledger report. Atlantic City's casino industry. Public Service In Heroin's Grip is a journalistic masterpiece that shows deep reporting, immersive storytelling and impressive sourcing. The package thoughtfully (and without any doubts) how suburban painkiller addictions, urban drug-dealers, industrial blight and violence are all connected. The series shows why local journalism is as important as ever to a community. Dailies- statewide And the series was as compelling as it was informative. Good visuals at the top of the online package to frame the presentation. Incredible weeklies & non-local The Record (Bergen video storytelling. Very impressive to have so many vulnerable people websites - Public Service First Place In Heroin's Grip Rebecca D. O'Brien County) share their personal stories to drive the narrative. Stephen Dailies- statewide Stirling,Andre weeklies & non-local Malok,Ashley websites - Public Service Second Place Welcome to Herointown Peskoe The Star-Ledger 20

Dailies- statewide $50M taken from NJ weeklies & non-local child protection lead Todd Bates,Jeff websites - Public Service Third Place fund Colson,Bob Bielk Asbury Park Press Local News Dailies- statewide Snapped Water Pipe in Compelling, humorous lede that makes what could be a dry topic weeklies & non-local Hoboken Upsets City’s The New York suddenly interesting. Good use of quotes and explaining — concisely websites-Local News First Place Daily Routine Jason Grant Times but thoroughly — the cause of the infrastructure problem. Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local We're rooting for you, Philadelphia Daily websites-Local News Second Place Wenonah Jason Nark News Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local Evesham tough on The Philadelphia websites-Local News Third Place cellphone drivers Michael Boren Inquirer Feature Writing Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local Murtaza Its compelling design is only surpassed by its intricate reporting on an websites- Feature Hussain,Razan important criminal justice matter. The lede anecdote is gripping, and Writing First Place CHRISTIE’S CONSPIRACY Ghalayini The Intercept the story only improves from there. Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local Gritty reporting and storytelling on an undiscovered topic with a compelling character. The kicker offered a comic, touching end to a websites- Feature The Record (Bergen story that in a lesser writer's hand could have become overly Writing Second Place Transgender soldier Todd South County) wrought. Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local A stunning account of the final days of a tower of a tortured man, websites- Feature The Final Days of John with local and global import. The writing throughout, and the kicker, Writing Third Place Nash Mark Mueller The Star-Ledger haunted this reader in a poignant way. Health/Science/ Tech/Enviro writing 21

Dailies- statewide weeklies- non-local websites - Health- Is this the beginning of A lot of very strong entries here on a wide variety of An exhaustive account of what is is happening in the Pine Barrens and topics. It is clear that New Jersey journalists care Science- Tech and the end for the Todd Bates,Tom how the people in the surrounding area impact and are impacted by deeply about their state's environment and public Environmental Reporting First Place Pinelands? Spader,Jeff Colson Asbury Park Press that. health.

Dailies- statewide weeklies- non-local Teen demands right to websites - Health- use medical marijuana A lot of very strong entries here on a wide variety of topics. It is clear that New Jersey journalists care Science- Tech and in N.J. school, wants ban very good story with a balanced look at a tough topic and an excellent deeply about their state's environment and public Environmental Reporting Second Place overturned Susan Livio The Star-Ledger discussion of both sides of the issue. health.

Dailies- statewide LEGACY OF DUPONT weeklies- non-local PLANT’S POLLUTION websites - Health- LOOMS LARGE FOR A lot of very strong entries here on a wide variety of topics. It is clear that New Jersey journalists care Science- Tech and PEOPLE OF POMPTON Thorough reporting on a complicated issue here. No easy answers to deeply about their state's environment and public Environmental Reporting Third Place LAKES Scott Gurian NJ Spotlight this problem but story does a good job of setting up the mystery. health. Column writing Tired of race-bating // Ruling should change Dailies- statewide print right // There are good weeklies & non-local reasons // Book offers websites- Column fuller portrait // GOP The Philadelphia Nice job following the thread of race through many issues including Writing First Place chasing pipe dream Harold Jackson Inquirer politics and pop culture. Dailies- statewide print weeklies & non-local websites- Column The Record (Bergen Writing Second Place Column of Charles Stile Charles Stile County) Really nice writing and persuasive. Review writing 22

Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local Smart, socially-conscious criticism that draws from a breadth of websites - Review Subaru's Sprawling The Philadelphia knowledge. Fine work that shows that reviews are an important part Writing First Place Waste of Money Inga Saffron Inquirer of any newspaper. Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local The title is "Passion in every dish," though Craig imbues passion in websites - Review The Philadelphia every word as well. Evocative, specific writing about food from a critic Writing Second Place Passion in every dish Craig LaBan Inquirer who displays a deep love of the culinary arts. Headline writing Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local Man comes in for traffic It's great when a headline can be clever while giving readers an idea This category included many clever twists on words websites - Headline ticket, stays for drug The Record (Bergen of what to expect: This headline says it all — and allows readers to enticing readers to delve deeper. The first-place Writing First Place charges Orlando Lorenzo County) laugh at the hardships of being human. winner had plenty of tough competition. Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local This category included many clever twists on words websites - Headline Breaking the brass The Record (Bergen enticing readers to delve deeper. The first-place Writing Second Place ceiling Gary Miller County) winner had plenty of tough competition. Dailies- statewide weeklies & non-local This category included many clever twists on words websites - Headline Gov.'s freedom from the The Philadelphia enticing readers to delve deeper. The first-place Writing Third Place press Peter Rozovsky Inquirer winner had plenty of tough competition. TELEVISION/ CABLE Enterprise/investigat ive ENTERPRISE/SERIES/INV ESTIGATIVE REPORTING First Place Railroaded Christie Duffy WPIX 23

Walt Kane,Karin Attonito,Anthony ENTERPRISE/SERIES/INV Kane In Your Corner: Cocco,Mark News 12 New ESTIGATIVE REPORTING Second Place FEMA Grant Problems DiPietro Jersey Walt Kane,Karin ENTERPRISE/SERIES/INV East Orange Health Attonito,Anthony News 12 New ESTIGATIVE REPORTING Third Place Department Cocco Jersey News

Shanida Carter,Kurt Siegelin,Carissa Lawson,Tony Caputo,Chris Keating,Luke Margolis,Monica Guy ,Jill DeSilva,Jim Fisher,Jamie Gillette,Mike Nugent,Kevin June 30, 2015 - Gov. Smith,Jessica Christie Announces Frech,James News 12 New Television/Cable News First Place Presidential Run Gregorio Jersey 24

Shanida Carter,Bryan Jenkins,Roxanne Evans,Karen Lee,Rick Holmes,Danielle Elias,Marisa Brahney,Raquel Guarino,Ronald Tomaino,Matt Korley,Jonathan Sept. 25, 2015 - 530pm Pearl,Jessica News 12 New Television/Cable News Second Place Pope Visits NYC Frech,Dave Curren Jersey Television/Cable News Third Place A Close Call Christie Duffy WPIX