Texas Managing Editors

Category: Texas Managing Editors News

2017 Texas APME contest rules

Posted on by Kelly Brown

Texas APME/Headliners Excellence in Journalism Contest

CONTEST PERIOD: Entries published by AP member newspapers in Texas between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. Continuous series or projects that began in 2016 and conclude by the Jan. 22, 2017, deadline are allowed. Any series or projects that con- clude after that deadline are not eligible in the contest. Series or projects may be entered only once.

DEADLINE:  We require electronic filing for contest entries for Division I, with exceptions made for Newspaper of the Year. Entries must be uploaded electronically no later than 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. In addition to mailing your Newspaper of the Year entries, you also must upload the PDF front pages from your News- paper of the Year entry from the selected dates to the contest site. If you do not this, your entry will be disqualified.

 When  you  upload  your  individual  entries,  be  sure  to  list  your  staff  members’  names as they would like to see them on an award. This link has instructions on how each paper should upload entries. All documents (entries and supporting letters) must be made into PDF files sized for web reproduction. Sample entries will be on the site the first week of January.

DIVISIONS:

There are four.

Division 1 is for newspapers that circulate in Texas, are regular members of the Associated Press and subscribe to the Texas state service.  Division 1 includes a category for newspapers delivering material via the Internet. Rules and a form for entering your Web page are at the back of these rules. To be eligible, your newspaper’s Web page must have operated at least part of the contest year. Texas APME contest coordinators will select a set of days during which all websites will be judged.

Division 2 is for college and university newspapers. Division 3 is for the AP staff.

Division 4 is for Spanish-language newspapers that circulate in Texas and are regular members or are editions of regular members of The Associated Press.

CLASSIFICATIONS:

Class A – Sunday circulation of 9,999 or fewer.

Class AA – Sunday circulation of 10,000 to 29,999. Class AAA – Sunday circulation of 30,000 to 124,999. Class AAAA – Sunday circulation of 125,000 or more

Newspapers will compete in the same circulation categories as they did in the 2016 Texas Associated Press Managing Editors contest, which was based on total weekly print circulation and a portion of your digital audience, as reported to The Associated Press.

In the Spanish-language newspaper division, there are no circulation classes.

DOUBLE BYLINES and TEAM ENTRIES: Allowed in all categories except where specifically noted.

FREELANCE WORK: Qualifies as long as the work is exclusive to an individual paper. ENTRANTS WHO WORK FOR MORE THAN ONE PAPER: The intent of the contest

is to avoid multiple submissions of the same entry in more than one classification. In cases in which a single entry would qualify for submission by newspapers in different

classifications, the entry must be made only in the largest eligible classification. No individual can enter more than three times total in a single category if he/she works for multiple papers.

CONTEST FEES (per newspaper): Class A – $110

Class AA – $275

Class AAA – $440

Class AAAA – $880

Non-dailies that have a parent paper – The parent paper’s fee, minus 50 percent. Such publications must compete in the parent paper’s classification.

Joint projects that use the resources of a paper in a larger classification may enter the work only in the larger classification.

There is no fee for university or college entries.

Send checks, payable to Texas APME, to Chief of Bureau, The Associated Press, 4851

LBJ Freeway, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75244. DO NOT SEND CHECKS TO THE CONTEST COORDINATORS.

Contest coordinators for the 2017 contest are:

(Class 1A and 4A) Darren Benson, managing editor, The Eagle, 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802; darren.benson@theeagle.com or 979-731-4653.

(Class 2A and 3A) Mede Nix, deputy news vertical editor, Dallas Morning News, 508 Young Street, Dallas TX 75202; mnix@dallasnews.com or 214-977-7976.

SPANISH LANGUAGE: Dino Chiecchi, professor of practice, the University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University, Cotton Memorial, Room 201, El Paso, TX 79968; dchiecchi@sbcglobal.net.

Divisions 2 and 3: Darren Benson, managing editor, The Eagle, 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802; darren.benson@theeagle.com or 979-731-4653.

JUDGES: Out-of-state newspaper editors and other respected out-of-state journalists will judge all divisions except Division 2 (university and college), which will be judged by journalism instructors or newspaper advisers. Bilingual judges will be provided for the Newspaper of the Year category of the APME contest. Judges for the Charles E. Green Star Awards will be chosen by the Headliners Foundation. Bilingual out-of-state news- paper editors and other prominent out-of-state journalists will judge the Spanish-language division.

SPANISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPERS:  Entries in the Spanish-language division must be original content produced for the paper. Material that originally appeared in another publication and was subsequently translated for the Spanish publication is not eligible. Entries to the APME Division 1 contest are permitted in categories for which there is no Spanish-language equivalent. This includes photography and design categories, as well as some writing categories. Where possible, Spanish-language writing entries outside the Spanish-language division should be translated; Spanish-fluent judges may not be availa- ble in every Division 1 category, though contest coordinators will make every effort to find such judges.

NAMING OF WINNERS: Division winners will be announced at the annual Texas Associated Press Managing Editors convention, March 24-26 at the Westin Galleria Houston. First-place winners will receive plaques. Second-place, and third-place and honorable-mention  winners  will  receive  certificates  at  the  awards  ceremonies.  Winners’ names will be announced, then transmitted to members for release in the next day’s editions. All entries that placed will be available on the web site after the convention closes.

Overall winners for each category of the Charles E. Green Star awards will be announced on the final day of the convention by representatives of the Headliners Foundation.

NUMBER OF ENTRIES: Categories in Division 1 allow differing numbers of entries. An individual may enter one category more than once as long as the category’s entry maximum is observed. An entry may be entered in more than one category. Individuals who work for more than one paper may enter up to three times in a single category.

PREPARATION OF ENTRIES:

Electronic entries

All entries must be in a PDF format, including jumps, supporting documents and letters. Whole-page electronic tearsheets are required for all entries, including jumps and photography.

Mailed entries for Newspaper of the Year

One copy of each date should be sent to the contest coordinators. Don’t forget to upload

the front-page PDFs to the website as well.  If you forget, your entry will be disquali- fied. Newspapers of the year entries should be in their own box or envelope with the pa- per’s name clearly marked on the outside.

Cover letters (one-page maximum) are required in the Community Service, Team Effort and Freedom of Information categories and for the Charles E. Green Star Awards. Cover letters (one-page maximum) are optional for Deadline Writing and Specialty Reporting categories. Do not submit letters in other categories. PDF format required for all letters.

WHERE TO SEND NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR ENTRIES:

(Class 1A and 4A) Darren Benson, managing editor, The Eagle, 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802; darren.benson@theeagle.com or 979-731-4653.

(Class 2A and 3A) Mede Nix, deputy news vertical editor, Dallas Morning News, 508 Young Street, Dallas TX 75202; mnix@dallasnews.com or 214-977-7976

SPANISH-LANGUAGE: Dino Chiecchi, professor of practice, the University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University, Cotton Memorial, Room 201, El Paso, TX 79968; dchiecchi@sbcglobal.net.

CHARLES E. GREEN STAR AWARDS

The Headliners Foundation of Texas and the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors have combined forces for six “Star” awards. Star Award winners will be named in six contest categories, and the winners in each classification within those categories will receive $500. Then, an overall winner for each category will be chosen from among the classification winners and announced separately. The overall winner for each category will receive a crystal award, a cash prize of $1,000 and an invitation to attend the 2017 Mike Quinn Awards luncheon in Austin at the Headliners Club to be recognized and accept their award.

Material published in 2016 is eligible, as are continuing series and projects that begin in 2016 but conclude by the Jan. 22, 2017, deadline. These are the category descriptions and judging criteria.

  1. STAR REPORTER OF THE YEAR: Five stories (sidebars to submissions do not count toward the five total stories) by a single reporter constitute an entry. There is no limit on the amount of material per entry, but editing for impact and judges’ time is encouraged. No double-bylines allowed. Work may be on a single beat or cover a variety of topics and can include news and feature stories. Newspapers may submit only one en- try in this category. A cover letter, maximum of one page, is required. First, second and third place will be awarded. Only first-place winners in each category will advance to the second level of competition.
  1. STAR PHOTOJOURNALIST OF THE YEAR: Twelve photos by one photographer constitute an entry. Electronic tearsheets of photos are mandatory or online-only photos with a screen shot of the Web page and a jpg. Newspapers may submit only one entry in this category. A cover letter, maximum of one page, is required. First, second and third place will be awarded. Only first-place winners in each category will advance to the second level of competition.
  1. STAR OPINION WRITER OF THE YEAR: Five columns, editorials or blog posts designed to influence public opinion and/or effect change that are published in print or on a digital platform by a single writer constitute an entry. Emphasis is on the persuasiveness of the writing and on change effected by the writing. A series can be submitted, but each separate column/editorial/blog post counts as one toward the limit of five. No double bylines allowed. Newspapers and digital-only publications may submit only one entry in this category. A cover letter, maximum of one page, is required. First, second and third place will be awarded. Only first-place winners in each category will advance to the second level of competition.
  1. STAR INVESTIGATIVE REPORT OF THE YEAR: Entries in this category can include a story, series or special section, but an entry should include no more than 10 stories. Newspapers may submit three entries in this category. A cover letter, maximum of one page, must be submitted with each entry. Edit the entry to respect the judges’ time, focusing on the work that makes the most impact. First, second and third place will be awarded. Only first-place winners in each category will advance to the second level of competition.
  1. STAR BREAKING NEWS REPORT OF THE YEAR: Recognizes one day’s cover- age of a breaking news story. Entry may include multiple stories and graphics from one news cycle. This also can include the online portion as the story broke throughout the day. Newspapers may submit three entries in this category. A cover letter, maximum of one page, must accompany each entry. First, second and third place will be awarded. Only first-place winners in each category will advance to the second level of competition.
  1. STAR ONLINE PACKAGE OF THE YEAR: Recognizes excellence in online content by Texas-based media. Entry should represent a robust multimedia approach to storytelling and/or utility in covering a major news event, investigative project or feature subject. Entry should demonstrate a creative and effective use of range of appropriate multimedia tools such as text, graphics, audio, video, still photography and interactivity that combine to produce a smart, high-impact package. Entries should provide a URL taking judges directly to the entry. If the entry has been archived or does not appear in one place on the site, editors should provide a digital disc containing the package as it appeared online. Editors are encouraged to note in a cover letter innovative aspects of their multimedia entry and impact the package had on the audience or in the community. First, second and third place will be awarded. Only first-place winners in each category will advance to the second level of competition. We request you keep the entries live on the site for a year as reference and learning tools for member papers.

Also, Texas APME will be presenting the Star Designer of the Year award. The four first-place winners in each division for this category will vie against each other for the Star Designer title.

  1. STAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR: Six pages by one designer constitute an entry. Submissions may include news pages, feature pages or a combination of both, and may consist of single pages or include multiple pages for stories that jump. Examples should show a good use of photos and illustrations, color, entry points and typography and have an impact that make readers take notice. Newspapers may submit only one entry in this category. A cover letter, maximum of one page, is required. First, second and third place will be awarded. Only first-place winners in each category will advance to the second level of competition.
  1. THE MICHAEL BRICK STORYTELLING AWARD: Given each year to the writer of an elegant, insightful, closely observed story or stories about an everyday person or people. The award is named for the late journalist and author Michael Brick, who lived in Austin and wrote for The Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, The San Antonio Express-News, The New York Times and other papers. He was the author of “Saving the School: One Woman’s Fight for the Kids That Education Reform Left Behind,” and a collection of true stories, “Everyone Leaves Behind A Name.”

Entries should consist of 1-5 stories. Stories may be about one person or multiple people. Story or stories must be by one writer (no double bylines or contributing taglines) about an everyday person​/​people. Stories must have appeared in print and/or online during the 2016 calendar year. Judges will look for fine writing, detailed reporting, voice, empathy and surprise.

The prize for the winner is $1,000, sponsored by The Houston Chronicle and The Dallas Morning News.

DIVISION 1: NEWSPAPER CATEGORIES:

  1. COMMUNITY SERVI Covers any community project by a newspaper, such as a fund drive, editorial crusade or reporting effort with community impact. Include a cover letter (one-page maximum) describing results the entry achieved in the newspaper’s service area. Up to 10 stories may be submitted per entry. Edit the entry to respect the judges’ time, focusing on the work that makes the most impact. Limit one entry per newspaper in Classes A through AAA or two per newspaper in Class AAAA.
  2. TEAM EFFORT. Recognizes outstanding team effort in covering a single subject. Comprehensiveness of coverage and initiatives in getting the full story to the reader will be emphasized. Up to 10 stories may be submitted per entry, and more than one edition of the paper may be involved. Include a cover letter (one-page maximum). Edit the entry to respect the judges’ time, focusing on the work that makes the most impact. Limit one en- try per newspaper in Classes A through AAA or two per newspaper in Class AAAA.
  3. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION. Recognizes extraordinary contributions for persistence and tenacity in fighting for FOI. Include a cover letter (one-page maximum). There is no limit on the amount of material per entry, but editing for impact and judges’ time is encouraged. Limit three entries per newspaper in all classes.
  4. ONLINE NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR. Online newspaper of the year will be judged on quality of content, ease of use, design, interactivity and innovation. Judges may con- sider multiple URLs for a newspaper, in order to get a full picture of a newspaper’s online offerings. Judges criteria are listed below. Please make a screen shot of your newspaper’s home page(s) and include any URLs to your home page and any passwords judges need to access paid sites on one PDF.
  5. BEST BLOG. Recognizes outstanding content on newspapers’ blogs. Editors should include PDFs of the best three blog postings of any content and subject area from each of up to three blogs. For example, three blog postings for one blog, three from another, three from another for up to nine entries total. Editors should include the URL for the blog so judges can explore its current status and staying power.

6a. BEST VIDEO LESS THAN TWO MINUTES. Best video that stands alone or enhances other multimedia aspects of an online package or news or features story. Limit three entries per newspaper organization in all classes.

6b. BEST VIDEO MORE THAN TWO MINUTES. Best video that stands alone or enhances other multimedia aspects of an online package or news or features story. Limit two entries per newspaper organization in all classes.

  1. BEST PHOTO GALLERY. Best collection of still photography produced by staff members. If the entry resides on the newspaper’s Web site, please provide an opening page printout with a URL taking judges directly to the entry. If the entry has been archived or taken off the site, editors should provide a digital disc containing the photo gallery as it appeared online. Also, state the date the entries debuted on the web. Limit three entries per newspaper in all classes.
  2. DEADLINE WRITING. A single story constitutes an entry (sidebars not accepted). An optional cover letter (one-page maximum) may be included.

The intent is to recognize a single breaking news story of the day. To honor that intent, judges should give less weight to entries that include elements that could have been produced before the news broke. If the story or topic could have been planned in advance, it is not eligible in this category. Limit five entries per newspaper in all classes.

  1. FEATURES. Includes news features, profiles and features from all sections of the paper. A single story constitutes an entry (sidebars not accepted). Limit five entries per newspaper in all classes.
  1. FEATURE SERIES. Entries may include no more than 10 stories identified as part of a series or package. This is not designed for hard news or investigative content. Limit three entries per newspaper in all classes.
  2. SHORT FEATURES. One story of 450 words or fewer constitutes an entry. Double bylines not permitted. Limit three entries per newspaper in all classes.
  3. BREAKING SPORTS NEWS (renames Spot Sports). Recognizes coverage of a breaking sports story. One story constitutes an entry (sidebars not accepted). The intent is to honor a single breaking news story of the day. If the story or topic could have been planned in advance, it is not eligible in this category. Game stories from individual events, however, qualify since the writer could not have known the outcome ahead of time. Limit five entries per newspaper in all classes.
  4. SPORTS FEATURES. One story constitutes an entry. Limit five entries per newspaper in all classes.
  5. SPORTS COLUMN WRITING. Three columns per person constitute an entry. Double bylines not permitted. Limit three entries per newspaper in all classes.
  6. GENERAL COLUMN WRITING. Includes opinion, personal and feature columns. Three columns per person constitute an entry. Double bylines not permitted. Limit three entries per newspaper in all classes.
  7. EDITORIAL WRITING. Five editorials constitute an entry. A series of editorials is ineligible, but one editorial from the series can be entered. Entries must be the official position of the newspaper, not a personal column. Emphasis is on the persuasiveness of the writing. Limit three entries per newspaper in all classes.
  8. COMMENT AND CRITICISM. Reviews and criticisms of entertainment, arts, movies, books, etc. In Classes A and AA, one story constitutes an entry. In Classes AAA and AAAA, three stories constitute an entry. Limit three entries per newspaper in all classes.
  9. BUSINESS REPORTING. One story constitutes an entry. Story may be columns, spot news, features or enterprise. Limit three entries per newspaper in all classes.
  10. SPECIALTY REPORTING. For an individual reporter’s work in a single subject. Up to three stories constitute an entry and must be from the same general content subject or issue. It is designed to honor the best work of a traditional beat writer. Double bylines not permitted. Limit three entries per newspaper in all classes. An optional cover letter (one- page maximum) may provide detail about the stories and the beat.

PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

20a. SPOT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY. A single photo constitutes an entry, although sequence shots or photo strips are allowed as single entries. If the photo ran online only, include a screen shot or URL of the photo and a jpg are admissible. This is intended to be a breaking news event, one that could not be planned. Limit five entries per newspaper in all classes.

20b. GENERAL NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY: News photos from coverage that could have been planned. General news photography does NOT include spot/breaking news. If the photo ran online only, include a screen shot or URL of the photo and a jpg are admissible. Limit five entries per newspaper in all classes.

  1. FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY. A single photo constitutes an entry, although sequence shots or photo strips are allowed as single entries. If the photo ran online only, include a screen shot or URL of the photo and a jpg are admissible. Limit five entries per newspaper in all classes.
  2. SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY. A single photo constitutes an entry, although sequence shots or photo strips are allowed as single entries. If the photo ran online only, include a screen shot or URL of the photo and a jpg are admissible. Limit five entries per newspaper in all classes.
  3. PHOTOJOURNALISM. Recognizes effective telling of a single story in pictures, including online slide shows. Use of several photos is required. An entry may be a picture strip, feature page or any other combination of photography and text. Limit three entries per newspaper in Classes A through AAA or five per newspaper in Class AAAA.

DESIGN AND GRAPHICS AWARDS

  1. HEADLINES. Six headlines by the same person constitute an entry. Team entries not permitted. Limit three entries per newspaper in Classes A through AAA or five per newspaper in Class AAAA. Be sure your entry is clear about which headlines on a page are the entry, even if it takes a separate PDF that spells it out for judges. Individual entrants who work for multiple papers may submit a maximum of three entries combined for all the papers for which he or she works.
  2. NEWS PAGE DESIGN BY AN INDIVIDUAL. Six pages designed by the same per- son. Only single pages will be judged (a double truck counts as a single page). This cate- gory is open to Page 1, sports, business and metro pages. Emphasis is on communication, news judgment, organization, good use of art. Team entries not permitted. Limit three entries per newspaper in Classes A through AAA or five per newspaper in Class AAAA. One person may have more than one entry. Individual entrants who work for multiple papers may submit a maximum of three entries combined for all the papers for which he or she works.
  3. FEATURE PAGE DESIGN BY AN INDIVIDUAL. Six pages designed by the same person. Only single pages will be judged (a double truck counts as a single page). Emphasis is on creativity, impact, good use of art, color, typography. Team entries not permitted. Limit three entries per newspaper in Classes A through AAA or five per newspaper in Class AAAA. One person may have more than one entry. Individual entrants who work for multiple papers may submit a maximum of three entries combined for all the papers for which he or she works.
  4. TEAM PAGE DESIGN. One page designed by a team. Only single pages will be judged (a double truck counts as a single page). This category is open to all news and features pages with an emphasis on organization, use of art, typography. Team may consist of designers, photo directors, graphic artists – or any who collaborate and contribute to the success of the design. Limit team to five names. Limit three entries per newspaper in Classes A through AAA or five per newspaper in Class AAAA; an individual may be included in more than one team.
  5. INFOGRAPHICS. Recognizes effective use of infographics in communicating facts. A single graphic or several graphics in one package constitute an entry. This category is for print and online entries. Limit three entries per newspaper in Classes A through AAA or five per newspaper in Class AAAA.

NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes overall excellence in reporting, writing, photography and design. All sections of the newspaper, including editorial and opinion pages, excluding advertising or any clearly marked advertorial, will be evaluated. Judges will give special attention to original enterprise, depth and breadth of coverage, and ease of navigation. A winner will be chosen in each division. Second and third place or honorable mention are optional. An entry consists of three complete editions of specified dates. Mandatory contest dates are April 22, 2016, and June 20, 2016, with the third date at the discretion of the entering newspaper. In cases in which a newspaper did not publish on either of the mandatory dates, the newspaper must pick the next closest date of publication. Do not forget to upload a PDF of each of the front pages from your entry to the contest website. If you forget, your entry will be disqualified.

DIVISION 2: UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE NEWSPAPERS:

All college or university newspapers published in Texas are eligible. A newspaper’s three best issues during the contest year constitute an entry. There are no circulation classes. The two categories are Daily (published at least four times weekly) and Non-daily (published fewer than four times weekly). A sponsor may write a cover letter (one-page maximum) explaining special problems or circumstances the newspaper faced. It should be glued or stapled inside the cover of a manila folder containing the entry. On the outside

of the folder, write: newspaper name, school and location, date of publication, Division 2, University and College Newspapers, category (specify daily or non-daily). Judging is on quality of the writing and news coverage, editing, layout, graphics and photos. Entries must be received by the contest coordinator no later than 5 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2017. Send them to: Darren Benson, managing editor, The Eagle, 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802; darren.benson@theeagle.com or 979-731-4653.

DIVISION 3: AP STAFFER OF THE YEAR AWARDS:

These recognize the best writing and best photography by Texas AP staff members.

  1. WRITING. A three-story portfolio constitutes an entry. Limit one entry per staffer.
  2. PHOTOGRAPHY. A portfolio of up to five photographs constitutes an entry. Limit one entry per staffer.

Entries should conform to guidelines for Division 1.

DIVISION 4: SPANISH-LANGUAGE (All entries must be electronic.)

  1. NEWS. Includes breaking news, general news, investigative and enterprise. A single story and one sidebar constitutes an entry. An optional cover letter (one-page maximum) may be included. Limit three entries per newspaper
  2. FEATURES. Includes news features, profiles and features from all sections of the paper. A single story constitutes an entry (sidebars not accepted). Limit three entries per newspaper.
  1. SPORTS WRITING. Includes coverage of a breaking sports story and sports features. One story constitutes an entry. Limit three entries per newspaper.
  2. OPINION WRITING. Includes opinion, personal and feature columns; editorials; and reviews and criticisms. Three columns, editorials or reviews constitute and entry. Limit three entries per newspaper.
  3. HEADLINE WRITING. Three headlines by the same person constitute an entry. Team entries not permitted. Limit three entries per newspaper.

NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR.

This award recognizes overall excellence in reporting, writing, photography and

design. All sections of the newspaper, including editorial and opinion pages, excluding advertising or any clearly marked advertorial, will be evaluated. Judges will give special attention to original enterprise, depth and breadth of coverage, and ease of navigation. An entry consists of three complete editions of specified dates. Mandatory contest dates are April 22, 2016 and June 20, 2016, with the third date at the discretion of the entering newspaper. In cases in which a newspaper did not publish on either of the mandatory dates, the newspaper must pick the next closest date of publication. Do not forget to upload a PDF of each of the front pages from your entry to the contest website. If you forget, your entry will be disqualified.

SEND SPANISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR ENTRIES to Darren Benson, managing editor, The Eagle, 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802; darren.benson@theeagle.com or 979-731-4653.

TEXAS APME ONLINE NEWSPAPER CONTEST NOTES

GUIDELINES FOR JUDGING WEB PAGES

  1. Quality of content. Is content the result of original newsgathering? Is it up-to-the- minute? Does it provide full news reports as well as daily news digests?
  2. Ease of use. Does the paper follow a logical online sequence, beginning with the front page, leading readers elsewhere? Is there a table of contents? Can readers move easily around the site without wasted time? How many clicks does it take to get to a destination? What is the load time? Is a text-only version available as well as one with full graphics?
  3. Design. Is the online paper visually attractive? Is there photography or mainly text? Does the product include advertising?
  4. Interactivity. Does the online product provide readers with an opportunity to contact the newspaper’s staff? For example, can readers respond to daily polls, complain to columnists, submit letters to the editor and suggest story ideas? Can readers talk to each other?
  5. Innovations. Is the online newspaper designed basically to mimic the paper newspaper, or does it offer subscriber’s links to more information on a topic, expanded versions of stories, extra photos? Does the site include methods of communication that aren’t traditionally used in newspapers, such as audio, video or chat boards? Does it give readers access to the paper’s archives?

2016 Texas APME Award Winners

Posted on by Kelly Brown

By The Associated Press

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — The Texas Associated Press Managing Editors presented its 2015 journalism awards at its annual convention over the weekend. Winners also were announced in the Headliners Excellence in Journalism competition.

The Headliners awards are selected among the star division winners in each category except Star Designer by a separate panel of judges selected by the Headliners Foundation. Entries for Star Online Package of the Year also compete with division winners of the Texas AP Broadcasters contests.

______

HEADLINERS AWARDS

Reporter of the Year: Brian Rosenthal, Houston Chronicle

Photojournalist of the Year: Smiley Pool, Dallas Morning News

Investigative Report of the Year: Andrea Ball, Eric Dexheimer, Andrew Chavez, Christian McDonald, Laura Skelding, Jeremy Schwartz, Kelly West, Scott Ladd, Austin American-Statesman.

Breaking News of the Year: Staff, Dallas Morning News.

Online Report of the Year: Jennifer Emily, Diane Jennings, Dallas Morning News.

Opinion Writer of the Year: Lisa Falkenberg, Houston Chronicle.

______

Class AAAA

Newspaper of the Year: First, Dallas Morning News; Second, Austin American-Statesman; Third, Houston Chronicle

Community Service: First, Austin American-Statesman; Second, Houston Chronicle; Third, Austin American-Statesman; Honorable Mention: San Antonio Express-News

Team Effort: First, Austin American-Statesman; Second, Houston Chronicle; Third, Dallas Morning News; Honorable Mention: San Antonio Express-News

Freedom of Information: First, Houston Chronicle; Second, Dallas Morning News; Third, Houston Chronicle

Online Newspaper: First, Houston Chronicle; Second, San Antonio Express-News; Third, Dallas Morning News

Star Reporter of the Year: First, Brian Rosenthal, Houston Chronicle; Second, Jennifer Hiller, San Antonio Express-News; Third, Jeremy Schwartz, Austin American-Statesman; Honorable Mention: Avi Selk, Dallas Morning News

Star Photojournalist of the Year: First, Smiley Pool, Dallas Morning News ; Second, Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman; Third, Marie DeJesus, Houston Chronicle; Honorable Mention: Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News

Star Opinion Writer of the Year: First, Lisa Falkenberg, Houston Chronicle; Second, O. Ricardo Pimentel, San Antonio Express-News; Third, Tara Trower Doolittle, Austin American-Statesman; Honorable Mention: Sharon Grigsby, Dallas Morning News

Star Investigative Report of the Year: Andrea Ball, Eric Dexheimer, Andrew Chavez, Christian McDonald, Laura Skelding, Jeremy Schwartz, Kelly West, Scott Ladd, Austin American-Statesman; Second, Brooks Egerton, Dallas Morning News; Third, James Pinkerton, Anita Hassan, Lauren Caruba, St. John Barned-Smith, Houston Chronicle; Honorable Mention: Benjamin Wermund, Houston Chronicle

Star Breaking News Report of the Year: First, Staff, Dallas Morning News; Second, St. John Barned-Smith, Dug Begley, Houston Chronicle; Third, Staff, Austin American-Statesman; Honorable Mention: Staff, Houston Chronicle

Star Online Report of the Year: First, Jennifer Emily, Diane Jennings, Dallas Morning News; Second, Deanna Boyd, Jared Christopher, Lee Williams, Michael Currie, Kathy Harris, Taylor Cammack, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Third, Brooks Egerton, Dallas Morning News; Honorable Mention: Team, Austin American-Statesman

Star Designer of the Year: First, Mark Hoffer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Second, Emilio Rabago, San Antonio Express-News; Third, Robert Wuensche, Houston Chronicle

Best Blog: First, Lisa Gray, Houston Chronicle; Second, Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Third, J.R. Gonzales, Houston Chronicle

Best Video, fewer than 2 minutes: First, Tommy Noel, Dallas Morning News; Second, Kelly West, Austin American-Statesman; Third, Tom Fox, Dallas Morning News

Best Video, more than 2 minutes: First, Reshma Kirpalani, Austin American-Statesman; Second, Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News; Third, Kelly West and Nancy Flores, Austin American-Statesman; Honorable Mention: Jared L. Christopher, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Best Photo Gallery: First, Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman; Second, Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman; Third, Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News; Honorable Mention: Tom Fox, Dallas Morning News

Deadline Writing: First, Avi Selk, Dallas Morning News; Second, John Whisler, San Antonio Express-News; Third, Mitch Mitchell, Monica Nagy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Honorable Mention: St. John Barned-Smith, Dug Begley, Houston Chronicle

Features: First, Alan Peppard, Dallas Morning News; Second, Monica Rhor, Houston Chronicle; Third, Ken Herman, Austin American-Statesman; Honorable Mention: Eric Dexheimer, Austin American-Statesman

Feature Series: First, Staff, San Antonio Express-News; Second, Todd Ackerman and Markian Hawryluk, Houston Chronicle; Third, Jennifer Emily, Diane Jennings, Dallas Morning News; Honorable Mention: Team, Houston Chronicle

Short Features: First, Leah Binkovitz, Houston Chronicle; Second, Lee Williams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Third, Asher Price, Austin American-Statesman

Breaking Sports News: First, David Barron and Evan Drellich, Houston Chronicle; Second, Ben Baby, San Antonio Express-News; Third, Gerry Fraley, Dallas Morning News; Honorable Mention: Kirk Bohls, Brian Davis, Austin American-Statesman

Sports Features: First, Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News; Second, Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express News; Third, Kate Hairopoulos, Dallas Morning News.; Honorable Mention: Jeff Wilson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Sports Column Writing: First, Jerome Solomon, Houston Chronicle; Second, Buck Harvey, San Antonio Express-News; Third, Kirk Bohls, Austin American-Statesman

General Column Writing: First, Jacquielynn Floyd, Dallas Morning News; Second, Ken Herman, Austin American-Statesman; Third, Ben Wear, Austin American-Statesman; Honorable Mention: Josh Brodesky, San Antonio Express-News

Editorial Writing: First, Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle; Second, Editorial Board, Austin American-Statesman; Third, Rudolph Bush, Dallas Morning News; Honorable Mention: Editorial Board, San Antonio Express News

Comment and Criticism: First, Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman; Second, Maggie Galehouse, Houston Chronicle; Third, Cary Darling, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Honorable Mention: Mark Lamster, Dallas Morning News

Business Reporting: First, Yamil Berard, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Second, Michael Brick, Houston Chronicle; Third, Bruce Selcraig, San Antonio Express-News; Honorable Mention: Richard Webner, San Antonio Express-News

Specialty Reporting: First, Jennifer Hiller, San Antonio Express-News; Second, Avi Selk, Dallas Morning News; Third, Todd Ackerman, Houston Chronicle; Honorable Mention: Dane Schiller, Houston Chronicle

Spot News Photography: First, Smiley Pool, Dallas Morning News; Second, Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman; Third, G.J. McCarthy, Dallas Morning News; Honorable Mention: G.J. McCarthy, Dallas Morning News

General News Photography: First, Deborah Cannon, Austin American-Statesman; Second, Ashley Landis, Dallas Morning News; Third, Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman; Honorable Mention: Smiley Pool, Dallas Morning News

Feature Photography: First, Laura Skelding, Austin American-Statesman; Second, Smiley Pool, Dallas Morning News; Third, Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News

Sports Photography: First, Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle; Second, Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle; Third, Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman

Photojournalism: First, Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News; Second, Tom Fox, Dallas Morning News; Third, Team, Houston Chronicle; Honorable Mention: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle

Headlines: First, John Lose, Dallas Morning News; Second, Jason Brown, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Third, Frank Christlieb, Dallas Morning News; Honorable Mention: Steve Schaeffer, Houston Chronicle

News Page Design by an Individual: First, Kevin Lueb, Dallas Morning News; Second, Jason Brown, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Third, Emilio Rabago, San Antonio Express-News; Honorable Mention: Scott Ladd, Austin American-Statesman

Feature Page Design by an Individual: First, Nadia Shakoor, Houston Chronicle; Second, Adrian Alvarez, San Antonio Express-News; Third, Jeff Meddaugh, Dallas Morning News; Honorable Mention: Randal Oliver, Austin American-Statesman

Team Page Design: First, Michael Hogue, Mike Kondracki, Mark Johnson, Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News.; Second, Susan Barber, Robert Wuensche, Amy Barron, Ken Ellis, Gladys Ramirez, Nadia Shakoor, Houston Chronicle; Third, Michael Hogue, Michael Apuan, Mark Johnson, Kyle Alcott, Dallas Morning News

Infographics: First, Christian McDonald, Robert Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman; Second, Mark Hoffer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Third, Mark Hoffer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Honorable Mention: Mark Hoffer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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Class AAA

Newspaper of the Year: First, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, El Paso Times; Third, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Online Newspaper: First, Wichita Falls Times-Record News; Second, El Paso Times; Third, Abilene Reporter-News

Community Service: First, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, Longview News-Journal; Third, El Paso Times; Honorable Mention: Amarillo Globe-News

Team Effort: First, Victoria Advocate; Second, Longview News-Journal; Third, Tyler Morning Telegraph; Honorable Mention: Abilene Reporter-News

Freedom of Information: First, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, El Paso Times; Third, Amarillo Globe-News; Honorable Mention: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Star Reporter of the Year: First, Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, Jessica Priest, Victoria Advocate; Third, Christina Lane, Longview News-Journal; Honorable Mention: Tommy Witherspoon, Waco Tribune-Herald

Star Photojournalist of the Year: First, Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, Stuart Villanueva, Galveston County Daily News; Third, Mark Lambie, El Paso Times

Star Opinion Writer of the Year: First, Robert Moore, El Paso Times; Second, Bill Whitaker, Waco Tribune-Herald; Third, Phil Latham, Longview News-Journal; Honorable Mention: Les Minor, Texarkana Gazette; Michael Smith, Galveston County Daily News

Star Investigative Report of the Year: First, Cindy Ramirez, Elida Perez, Robert Moore, El Paso Times; Second, Marty Schladen, El Paso Times; Third, Sara Sneath, Victoria Advocate; Honorable Mention: Christina Lane, Longview News-Journal

Star Breaking News Report of the Year: First, Tyler Morning Telegraph; Second, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Third, Waco Tribune-Herald; Honorable Mention: Abilene Reporter-News, El Paso Times, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Star Online Report of the Year: First, Staff, El Paso Times; Second, Team, Longview News-Journal; Third, Sarah Tuley, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Star Designer of the Year: First, Jorge Vidrio, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, Randy Ferguson, Longview News-Journal; Third, Kathryn Garvin, Tyler Morning Telegraph; Honorable Mention: Jason Hopkins, Texarkana Gazette

Best Blog: First, Dorothy Horne, Longview News-Journal; Second, Lindsey Anderson, El Paso Times; Third, Jon Mark Beilue, Amarillo Globe-News; Honorable Mention: Adam D. Young, Amarillo Globe-News, Scott Bruner, Longview News-Journal, Staff, El Paso Times

Best Video, fewer than 2 minutes: First, Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, Chris Olive, Waco Tribune-Herald; Third, Ron Erdrich, Abilene Reporter-News

Best Video, more than 2 minutes: First, Richard Hall, Tyler Morning Telegraph; Second, Priscilla West, Daniel Flores, McAllen Monitor.; Third, Daniel Flores, McAllen Monitor

Best Photo Gallery: First, Team, Texarkana Gazette; Second, Stuart Villanueva, Galveston County Daily News; Third, Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Honorable Mention: Rachel Denny Clow, Gabe Hernandez, Andrew Mitchell, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Deadline Writing: First, Mike Copeland, Olivia Messer, Waco Tribune-Herald; Second, Krista M. Torralva, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Third, Eboni Graham, Amarillo Globe-News

Features: First, Phil Latham, Longview News-Journal; Second, Amanda Taylor, McAllen Monitor; Third, Emily Guevara, Tyler Morning Telegraph; Honorable Mention: Aaron Davis, Amarillo Globe-News

Feature Series: First, Jacque Hillburn-Simmons, Tyler Morning Telegraph; Second, Erica Quiroz, Nadia Tamez-Robledo, Alison Ehrlich, Matt Woolbright, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Third, Timothy Chipp, Abilene Reporter-News; Honorable Mention: John Ingle, Torin Halsey, Orlando Flores Jr. Wichita Falls Times-Record News

Short Features: First, Melissa McTee, Tyler Morning Telegraph; Second, Stephanie Butts, Waco Tribune-Herald; Third, Cory McCoy, Tyler Morning Telegraph

Breaking Sports News: First, Phil Terrigno, Gabe Monte, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal; Second, Phil Terrigno, Josie Musico, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal; Third, Evan Ren, Abilene Reporter-News

Sports Features: First, Nicholas Talbot, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal; Second, Evan Ren, Abilene Reporter-News; Third, Hayden Henry, Longview News-Journal; Honorable Mention: Nicholas Talbot, Phil Terrigno, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal; Lance Lahnert, Amarillo Globe-News

Sports Column Writing: First, Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal; Second, Nicholas Talbot, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal; Third, Mike Forman, Victoria Advocate; Honorable Mention: David Sikes, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

General Column Writing: First, Bill Whitaker, Waco Tribune-Herald; Second, Les Minor, Texarkana Gazette; Third, Carlos Sanchez, McAllen Monitor

Editorial Writing: First, Bill Whitaker, Waco Tribune-Herald; Second, Robert Moore, El Paso Times; Third, Roy Maynard, Tyler Morning Telegraph; Honorable Mention: Chris Cobler, Victoria Advocate; Michael A. Smith, Galveston County Daily News

Comment and Criticism: First, Aaron Brand, Texarkana Gazette; Second, Ramon Renteria, El Paso Times; Third, William Kerns, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Business Reporting: First, Richard Yeakley, Longview News-Journal; Second, Emily Sides, McAllen Monitor; Third, Laura Elder, Galveston County Daily News; Honorable Mention: Vic Kolenc, El Paso Times

Specialty Reporting: 1.Chris Ramirez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, J.B. Smith, Waco Tribune-Herald; Third, Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Spot News Photography: First, Jennifer Reynolds, Galveston County Daily News; Second, Sarah A. Miller, Tyler Morning Telegraph; Third, Jim Williamson, Texarkana Gazette; Honorable Mention: Joel Martinez, McAllen Monitor; Nellie Doneva, Abilene Reporter-News

General News Photography: First, Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, Joel Martinez, McAllen Monitor; Third, Victor Calzada, El Paso Times; Honorable Mention: Courtney Sacco, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Feature Photography: First, Mark Lambie, El Paso Times; Second, Stuart Villanueva, Galveston County Daily News; Third, Sean Steffen, Amarillo Globe-News; Honorable Mention: Rod Aydelotte, Waco Tribune-Herald

Sports Photography: First, Kevin M. Cox, Galveston County Daily News; Second, Jennifer Reynolds, Galveston County Daily News; Third, Kevin M. Cox, Galveston County Daily News; Honorable Mention: Kevin Green, Longview News-Journal

Photojournalism: First, Sarah Miller, Tyler Morning Telegraph; Second, Rachel Denny Clow, Gabe Hernandez, Andrew Mitchell, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Third, Rachel Denny Clow, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Honorable Mention: Michael Cavazos, Kevin Green, Les Hassell, Longview News-Journal

Headlines: First, Amber Guffey, Amarillo Globe-News; Second, Brenda Jennings, Abilene Reporter-News; Third, Lloyd Strong, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal; Honorable Mention: Debra A. Parker, Abilene Reporter-News

News Page Design by an Individual: First, Jorge Vidrio, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, Charles Apple, Victoria Advocate; Third, Randy Ferguson, Longview News-Journal

Feature Page Design by an Individual: First, Charles Apple, Victoria Advocate; Second, Grant Purdom, Corpus Christi Caller Times; Third, Kathryn Garvin, Tyler Morning Telegraph

Team Page Design: First, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Third, Longview News-Journal; Honorable Mention: Victoria Advocate, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Infographics: First, John Bruce, Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Second, Orlando Flores Jr., Wichita Falls Times-Record News; Third, Charles Apple, Victoria Advocate; Honorable Mention: Amber Guffey, Amarillo Globe-News

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Class AA

Newspaper of the Year: First, Clute The Facts; Second, Odessa American; Third, Brownsville Herald

Online Newspaper: First, Ahorra Si; Second, San Angelo Standard Times; Third, Bryan-College Station Eagle

Community Service: First, Killeen Daily Herald; Second, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Third, San Angelo Standard-Times

Team Effort: First, Odessa American; Second, Harlingen Valley Morning Star; Third, Clute, The Facts 4. Laredo Morning Times

Freedom of Information: First, Killeen Daily Herald; Second, Harlingen Valley Morning Star; Third, Bryan-College Station Eagle

Star Reporter of the Year: First, Lauren Dodd, Killeen Daily Herald; Second, Corey Paul, Odessa American

Star Photojournalist of the Year: First, Patrick Dove, San Angelo Standard-Times; Second,  Edyta Blaszczyk, Odessa American; Third, Michael Miller, Temple Daily Telegram

Star Opinion Writer of the Year: First, Carlos Rodriguez, Brownsville Herald; Second, Michael Morris, Clute The Facts; Third, Andy Adams, Lufkin Daily News

Star Investigative Report of the Year: First, Holden Wilen, Clay Thorp, Lauren Dodd, Killeen Daily Herald; Second, Michelle Gaitan, San Angelo Standard-Times; Third, Lauren Dodd, Holden Wilen, Clay Thorp, Killeen Daily Herald; Honorable Mention: Emma Perez-Trevino, Harlingen Valley Morning Star; Casey Sizemore, Lufkin Daily News

Star Breaking News Report of the Year: First, Staff, Odessa American; Second, Judith Rayo, Laredo Morning Times; Third, Jessica Cooley, Lufkin Daily News

Star Online Report of the Year: First, Staff, Ahorra Si; Second, Staff, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Third, Staff, Lufkin Daily News

Star Designer of the Year: First, Michael Morris, Clute The Facts; Honorable Mention: Esmer Olvera, Brownsville Herald

Best Blog: First, Aubrey Bloom, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Second, Rob Clark, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Third, Robert Cessna, Bryan-College Station Eagle

Best Video, fewer than 2 minutes: First, Ngan Ho, San Angelo Standard-Times; Second, Sarah Rencurrel, Clute, The Facts; Third, Edyta Blaszczyk, Odessa American

Best Video, more than 2 minutes: First, Josh Siegel, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Second, Jordan Overturf, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Third, Raul Garcia, Harlingen Valley Morning Star

Best Photo Gallery: First, Courtney Sacco, Odessa American; Second, Patrick Dove, San Angelo Standard-Times; Third, Patrick Dove, San Angelo Standard-Times; Honorable Mention: Sam Craft, Bryan-College Station Eagle

Deadline Writing: First, Lance Reaves, Clute The Facts; Second, Clay Thorp, Killeen Daily Herald; Third, Jordan Overturf, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Honorable Mention: Steve Knight, Lufkin Daily News

Features: First, Rob Clark, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Second, Jacob Brooks, Killeen Daily Herald; Third, Annette Nevins, Temple Daily Telegram.; Honorable Mention: Elizabeth Kaminicky, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Staff, Bryan-College Station Eagle

Feature Series: First, Brittany Lamas, Clute, The Facts; Second,  Staff, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Third, Rose L. Thayer, JC Jones, Killeen Daily Herald

Short Features: First, Stephanie Stevens, Lufkin Daily News; Second, Cesar G. Rodriguez, Laredo Morning Times; Third, Ian Goodrum, Clute, The Facts; Honorable Mention: Rachael Riley, Killeen Daily Herald

Breaking Sports News: First, Adam Zuvanich, Odessa American; Second, Adam Zuvanich, Odessa American; Third, Mark Molina, Harlingen Valley Morning Star

Sports Features: First, Aubrey Bloom, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Second, Gary Stallard, Lufkin Daily News; Third, Quinton Martinez, San Angelo Standard-Times; Honorable Mention: Robert Cessna, Bryan-College Station Eagle

Sports Column Writing: First, Mike Lee, San Angelo Standard-Times; Second, Robert Cessna, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Third, Allan Mandell, Killeen Daily Herald; Honorable Mention: Tim Waits, Temple Daily Telegram

General Column Writing: First, Rob Clark, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Second, Rick Smith, San Angelo Standard-Times; Third, Gary Stallard, Lufkin Daily News; Honorable Mention: Ian Goodrum, Clute The Facts

Editorial Writing: First, Patrick Canty, Laura Dennis, Odessa America.; Second, Carlos Rodriguez, Brownsville Herald; Third, Robert Borden, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Honorable Mention: Dave Miller, Killeen Daily Herald

Comment and Criticism: First, Rob Clark, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Second, Ian Goodrum, Clute The Facts; Third, Ronald Bennett, Odessa American; Honorable Mention: Ronald Bennett, Odessa American: Rob Clark, Bryan-College Station Eagle

Business Reporting: First, Steve Clark, Brownsville Herald; Second, Steve Knight, Lufkin Daily Herald; Third, Corey Paul, Odessa American.

Specialty Reporting: First, Fernando Del Valle, Harlingen Valley Morning Star; Second, Emily Wilkins, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Third, Jacob Brooks, Killeen Daily Herald; Honorable Mention: Corey Paul, Odessa American

Spot News Photography: First, Sarah Rencurrel, Clute The Facts; Second, Courtney Sacco, Odessa American; Third, Andy Adams, Lufkin Daily News; Honorable Mention: Josh Quinn, Temple Daily Telegram; Sarah Rencurrel, Clute The Facts

General News Photography: First, Eric J. Shelton, Killeen Daily Herald; Second, Brad Doherty, Brownsville Herald; Third, Brad Doherty, Brownsville Herald; Honorable Mention: Sam Craft, Bryan-College Station Eagle

Feature Photography: First, Patrick Dove, San Angelo Standard-Times; Second, Michelle Gaitan, San Angelo Standard-Times; Third, Adam Sauceda, San Angelo Standard-Times; Honorable Mention: Josh Quinn, Temple Daily Telegram

Sports Photography: First, Patrick Dove, San Angelo Standard-Times; Second,  Edyta Blaszczyk, Odessa American; Third, Michael Miller, Temple Daily Telegram; Honorable Mention: Patrick Dove, San Angelo Standard-Times; Sam Craft, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Andy Adams, Lufkin Daily News

Photojournalism: First, Patrick Dove, Jennifer Rios, Michelle Gaitan, San Angelo Standard-Times; Second,  Andy Adams, Lufkin Daily News; Third,  Patrick Dove, Jennifer Rios, Monique Ching, San Angelo Standard-Times

Headlines: First, Michael Morris, Clute The Facts; Second, Stacy Faison, Lufkin Daily News; Third, Marcus Hood, Temple Daily Telegram; Honorable Mention: Ana Villaurrutia, Harlingen Valley Morning Star

News Page Design by an Individual: First, Natalie Webster, San Angelo Standard-Times; Second, Jordan Overturf, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Third, Fabiola Muniz, Brownsville Herald

Feature Page Design by an Individual: First, Josh Siegel, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Second, Michael Morris, Clute The Facts; Third, M. Claire Haefner, Killeen Daily Herald

Team Page Design: First, Brpwnsville Herald; Second, Lufkin Daily News; Third, Lufkin Daily News

Infographics: First, Staff, Bryan-College Station Eagle; Second, Mollie Wood, Lufkin Daily News; Third, Jordan Overturf, Bryan-College Station Eagle

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Class A

Newspaper of the Year: First, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Second, Kerrville Daily Times; Third, Baytown Sun

Online Newspaper: First, Marshall News Messenger; Second, Baytown Sun; Third, Kerrville Daily Times

Community Service: First, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Second, Baytown Sun; Third, Jacksonville Progress; Honorable Mention: El Nuevo Heraldo

Team Effort: First, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Second, El Nuevo Heraldo; Third, Denton Record-Chronicle; Honorable Mention: Baytown Sun

Freedom of Information: First, Vernon Daily Record; Second, Paris News; Third, Marshall News Messenger; Honorable Mention: Marshall News Messenger

Star Reporter of the Year: First, Paul Bryant, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Second, Greg Bowen, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Third, Daniel Walker, Vernon Daily Record; Honorable Mention: Anita Miller, San Marcos Daily Record

Star Photojournalist of the Year:  First, Laura McKenzie, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Second, Derek Kuhn, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise; Third, Andrew Brosig, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Honorable Mention: Joshua Yates, Huntsville Item

Star Opinion Writer of the Year: First, Paul Bryant, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Second, Daniel Walker, Vernon Daily Record; Third, Lauren Corbell, Paris News; Honorable Mention: David Bloom, Baytown Sun

Star Investigative Report of the Year: First, Christopher James, David Bloom, Mark Fleming, Baytown Sun; Second, Bridget Ortigo, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Daniel Walker, Vernon Daily Record

Star Breaking News Report of the Year: First, Marshall News Messenger; Second, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Vernon Daily Record; Honorable Mention: Marshall News Messenger

Star Online Package of the Year: First, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise; Second, Marshall News Messenger

Star Designer of the Year: First, Juan Carlos Sanchez, El Nuevo Heraldo; Second, Kim Cox, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Kim Foli, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Honorable Mention: Travis Webb, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung

Best Blog: First, Trey Wood, Marshall News Messenger; Second, Mike Midkiff, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Bryan Partee, Marshall News Messenger

Best Video, fewer than 2 minutes: First, Kevin Green, Marshall News Messenger; Second, Kevin Green, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Zulema Baez, El Nuevo Heraldo; Honorable Mention: Kim Foli, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel

Best Video, more than 2 minutes: First, Staff, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Second, Les Hassell, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Zulema Baez, Juan Sanchez, Carlos Vela, El Nuevo Heraldo; Honorable Mention: Michael Cavasos, Marshall News Messenger

Best Photo Gallery: First, Derek Kuhn, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise; Second, Laura McKenzie, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Third, Michael Cavasos, Marshall News Messenger; Honorable Mention: Jessica Kuhn, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise

Deadline Writing: First, Jessica Kuhn, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise; Second, Daniel Walker, Vernon Daily Record; Third, Jenna Duncan, Denton Record-Chronicle.; Honorable Mention: Christian McPhate, Denton Record-Chronicle

Features: First, Victoria Aldrich, Kerrville Daily Times; Second, Jo Anne Embleton, Jacksonville Daily Progress; Third, Lucinda Breeding, Denton Record-Chronicle; Honorable Mention: Dalondo Moultrie, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung

Feature Series: First, Adam Boedeker, Steve Gamel, Brett Vito, Patrick Hayslip, Denton Record-Chronicle; Second, Christian McPhate, Denton Record-Chronicle; Third, David Berkowitz, Baytown Sun; Honorable Mention: Jessica Kuhn, Steffanie Agnew, Derek Kuhn, Felicia Frazar, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise

Short Features: First, Christine Broussard, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Second, Tom Waddill, Huntsville Item; Third, Alysha Beck, Huntsville Item

Breaking Sports News: First, Adam Boedeker, Denton Record-Chronicle; Second, Brett Vito, Denton Record-Chronicle; Third, Tucker Stephenson, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise; Honorable Mention: Maddie Kuhn, Paris News

Sports Features: First, Steve Gamel, Denton Record-Chronicle; Second, Joe Vozzelli, San Marcos Daily Record; Third, Doyle Barlow, Baytown Sun

Sports Column Writing: First, Jim Finley, Baytown Sun.; Second, Nathan Hague, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Kevin Gore, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel

General Column Writing: First, David Berkowitz, Baytown Sun; Second, Jim Finley, Baytown Sun.3. Rich Flowers, Athens Daily Review; Honorable Mention: Mark J. Armstrong, Kerrville Daily Times

Editorial Writing: First, Scott Parks, Denton Record-Chronicle; Second, Cait Shields, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Mark Graxiola, Mark J. Armstrong, Jeanette Nash,  Kerrville Daily Times; Honorable Mention: Chris Lykins, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung

Comment and Criticism: First, Preston Barta, Denton Record-Chronicle; Second, Lucinda Breeding, Denton Record-Chronicle; Third, Matt DeGrood, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Honorable Mention:  Matt DeGrood, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel

Business Reporting: First, Paul Bryant, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Second, Jared Meisinger, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Third, Jared Meisinger, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung 4. Eleska Aubespin, Baytown Sun

Specialty Reporting: First, Robin Y. Richardson, Marshall News Messenger; Second, Victoria Aldrich, Kerrville Daily Times; Third, Robin Y. Richardson, Marshall News Messenger; Honorable Mention: Dalondo Moultrie, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung

Spot News Photography: First, Daniel Walker, Vernon Daily Record; Second, Mike Chacanaca, Vernon Daily Record; Third, Michael Cavasos, Marshall News Messenger; Honorable Mention: Derek Kuhn, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise

General News Photography: First, Chad Wilson, Athens Daily Review; Second, Andrew Brosig, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Third, David Minton, Denton Record-Chronicle; Honorable Mention: Jessica Kuhn, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise

Feature Photography: First, David Minton, Denton Record-Chronicle; Second, Les Hassell, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Laura McKenzie, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Honorable Mention: Les Hassell, Marshall News Messenger

Sports Photography: First, Andrew Brosig, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Second, Joshua Yates, Huntsville Item; Third, Michael Cavasos, Marshall News Messenger; Honorable Mention: David Minton, Denton Record-Chronicle

Photojournalism: First, Laura McKenzie, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Second, Laura McKenzie, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Third, Team, San Marcos Daily Record. 4. Les Hassell, Marshall News Messenger

Headlines: First, Travis Webb, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Second, Kim Cox, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Tom Waddill, Huntsville Item; Honorable Mention: Brandon Wilken, Denton Record-Chronicle

News Page Design by an Individual: First, Travis Webb, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung; Second, Gene Schallenburg, Huntsville Item; Third, Derek Kuhn, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise; Honorable Mention:  Tom Waddill, Huntsville Item

Feature Page Design by an Individual: First, Kim Foli, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel; Second, Kim Cox, Marshall News Messenger; Third, Mariel Tam-Ray, Denton Record-Chronicle; Honorable Mention: Kim Foli, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel

Team Page Design: First, Athens Daily Review; Second, El Nuevo Heraldo; Third, El Nuevo Heraldo; Honorable Mention: Denton Record-Chronicle

Infographics: First, Juan Carlos Sanchez, El Nuevo Heraldo; Second, Stephanie Allums, Paris News; Third, Kathleen Morrow, Paris News; Honorable Mention: Daniel Walker, Vernon Daily Record

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Spanish Language

Newspaper of the Year: Al Día (Dallas Morning News)

Opinion Writing: Raúl Caballero, La Estrella

News: Marlon Sorto, Ahorra Si

Features: Liliana Valenzuela, Ahorra Si

Headline Writing: Jorge Chávez, Al D ía (Dallas Morning News)

Sports Writing: Germán Fernández-Moores, La Voz

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Jack Douglas Award: For significant contributions to the Texas APME and Texas journalism: Dale Leach, AP regional director based in Dallas, executive director of the Texas APME, past president of the Texas Freedom of Information Foundation.

Texas AP Staff Reporter of the Year: First, Nomaan Merchant, Dallas; Second, Jim Vertuno, Austin; Third, Jamie Stengle, Dallas.

Texas AP Staff Photographer of the Year: First, Tony Gutierrez, Dallas; Second, Pat Sullivan, Houston; Third, Eric Gay, San Antonio; Honorable mention, L.M. Otero, Dallas.

College Newspaper of the Year: First, The Baylor Lariat, Baylor University; Second, The Et Cetera, Eastfield College; Third, The Flare, Kilgore College; Honorable mention, The Collegian, Tarrant County College.

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