October 23, 2012
CONTACT: Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR
San Diego Press Club
619-997-2495 or gayle@falconvalleygroup.com
San Diego’s best journalists in all media honored at
39th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards
(San Diego) - San Diego's finest reporters, photographers, writers and artists were honored tonight with the region's top awards in journalism at the San Diego Press Club's 39th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards at a fitting location – the San Diego Hall of Champions.
“Our theme, “Strength in Numbers,” may seem at odds against the layoffs, consolidations, and ever-evolving changes in our industry,” said event chairperson Gayle Falkenthal. “While change may be uncomfortable, it has also meant new opportunities. Change does not stop us from doing what we do best. The delivery methods may change but our standards of excellence never do. Our strength resides in our collective desire to produce high-quality work, clearly stated and creatively crafted.”
The San Diego Press Club's Journalism Awards is among the largest regional competitions in the United States. More than 350 awards were presented in 136 categories, with a record number of entries. Click here to see the complete list of winners.
This year’s competition featured a new category. Joining the traditional print, broadcast, and online divisions is a new division for Integrated Media, in which a single story is told across multiple media formats.
Presented for the first time in 2012 is the new San Diego Press Club Directors Award. It is presented at the discretion of the Club’s Board of Directors to recognize an individual’s special contributions and/or outstanding service advancing the interests of journalism and freedom of the press, whether or not they are members of the profession. The first recipients are Professor Max Branscomb and the staff of the Southwestern College Sun student newspaper, for fighting back against censorship by school officials; and media law attorney Guylyn Cummins, partner with Sheppard Mullin, for her efforts to preserve access to the legal system by San Diego news media.
Among multiple award winners, Jamie Reno won a record total of 12 awards, including a record-tying seven first place awards for work on behalf of ESPN.com, KPBS, Newsweek Daily Beast, Newsmax.com and the North County Times. Several individual journalists received five awards or more including Reno, Elizabeth Aguilera, Katie Euphrat, Claire Yezbak Fadden, Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR, Mary James, Ron James, Lily Leung, and Miriam Raftery.
Best of show winners for 2012 include:
Best Television Entry
Jane Mitchell, Dan Roper, Michelle Mattox, Abbie Smith
“One on One with Jane Mitchell: Celebrating 100 Shows”
Channel 4 San Diego
Best Non-Daily Newspapers Entry
Vince Meehan
“The Future of Balboa Park”
Mission Valley News
Best Magazines Entry
Thomas Shess, Phyllis Van Doren, Eva Ditler, Neal Matthews, Mark Hiss
“Stars of San Diego: 11 Visual Artists Who Color Our Lives”
San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine
Best Websites Entry
Elizabeth Hansen
Authentic Luxury Travel
Best Radio Entry
Cliff Albert, LaDona Harvey, Jim Charvat
“Junior Seau Coverage May 2, 2012”
KOGO-AM
Best Daily Newspapers and Web Entry
Morgan Lee, Janine Zúñiga
“The Cartels' Grip: A Boy, His Family, Two Nations”
U-T San Diego
Best Integrated Media Entry
Carol Goodhue Shull, Robert Shull, Lorie Hearn
“State Integrity: Holding California Accountable,” inewsource.org
Wildcard Category: The Big Blackout
Cliff Albert, LaDona Harvey
“Power Blackout 9-8-11”
KOGO-AM
Special Achievement Awards were presented to:
Harold Keen Award for Outstanding Contributions in Journalism
Hal Clement
Andy Mace Award for Career Achievement in Public Relations
Barbara Metz
San Diego Press Club Directors Award
Professor Max Branscomb and Southwestern Sun staff
and
Guylyn Cummins, Partner, Sheppard Mullin
