Tuesday, July 18, 2006 9:08 AM
A. JOURNALISTS OF THE YEAR
A1. PRINT (Over 100,000 circulation)
REPORTER, COLUMNIST OR EDITOR
First Place:
Barbara Demick
LA Times
Glimpses of a Hermit Nation
Judges’ comments: Exhaustively researched, very well written journey into a world that is very difficult to cover. Demick tells an important story with vivid details, giving readers a rare look at a closed society. Her exemplary work ferreting out the people and the facts under such strict political and government regulations was stellar work and the stories were enlightening.
Second Place:
Sebastian Rotella
LA Times
Europe’s Boys of Jihad
Honorable Mention:
Alan Mittelstaedt – editor
LA Weekly
What You Can’t See Can Kill You
A2. PRINT (Under 100,000 circulation)
First Place:
Anat Rubin
Los Angeles Daily Journal
Exploration of Legal Aid Organizations
Judges’ comments: In a series of stories, Anat Rubin explored the challenges faced by legal aid organizations and their effectiveness in providing services to poor clients. Her diligence in finding the stories and sourcing them was evident. Her coverage provided readers with insight into the deficiencies of the Los Angeles legal aid system. Rubin provided a sobering assessment of the lack of resources that prevent low-income people from receiving justice against rogue landlords. She also pursued a novel story outlining how legal aid organizations were trying to perform political jujitsu and use a Bush administration rule for faith-based organizations to procure more funds. In a city where daily living comes with high costs and many challenges, Rubin lifts up the plight of our low-income neighbors and raises reader awareness of injustices occurring in the community.
Second Place:
Jason Armstrong
Los Angeles Daily Journal
Honorable Mention:
Leslie Simmons
Los Angeles Daily Journal
A3. TELEVISION JOURNALIST
First Place:
David Goldstein
KCAL9
Judges’ comments: Solid investigative pieces. What impressed us the most was the amount of time David was willing to stick with a story, specifically the MTA bus driver piece. These stories also helped the public understand issues many may not even know about. As journalists, that’s our job well done.
Second Place:
Ana Garcia
NBC
A4. RADIO JOURNALIST
First Place:
Frank Stoltze
KPCC
Judges’ comments: This journalist should stand as an example of how radio news can be an integral part of a community, especially a multi-cultural area where different populations strive to learn more about others. This diversity is a clear element in his stories, bringing the factual news to a human level to tell thorough and informative stories. Mr. Stoltze displays strong interview abilities, clear writing and authoritative, yet conversational delivery. It is just fine journalism.
Second Place:
Tavis Smiley
KPCC (PRI)
Honorable Mention:
Warren Olney
KCRW (PRI)
A5. SPORTS JOURNALIST – Print, broadcast or online
First Place:
T. J. Simers
Los Angeles Times
Judges’ comments: We liked the unpredictability of T.J. Simers’ columns. They weren’t just a columnist’s rant. He offered an insider’s view (though at times it could be a bit confusing to someone unfamiliar with the L.A. sports scene). Still, Simers shared wonderful details with the reader that only someone on the scene would know: such as the taped line that the media had to stand behind at the Shaq press conference. Great detail. His column describing his love-hate relationship with Jeff Kent was also a winner. Too often, it’s one or the other from a columnist.
Second Place:
Bill Plaschke
Los Angeles Times
A6. ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST – Print, broadcast or online
First Place:
Patrick Goldstein
Los Angeles Times
Judges’ comments: One judge described this entry as a cross between Mickey Spillane and the Wall Street Journal. Proof that great reporting doesn’t have to be dull to read. Another said: He has a real storytelling flair and the reporting elevates the coverage well above your normal entertainment fare.
Second Place:
Mary McNamara
Los Angeles Times
Honorable Mention:
Claude Brodesser
KCRW-FM
A7. PHOTO JOURNALIST
First Place:
Francine Orr
Los Angeles Times
Second Place:
Damon Winter
Los Angeles Times
A8. DESIGNER – Print or online
First Place:
Christine Palma
KXLU
EchoInTheSense.com
Judges’ comments: Christine’s design solutions come as the logical conclusion of a process that is realistic and makes sense of design and technology decisions.
A9. HEALTH JOURNALIST
First Place:
Entry Title: Alan Zarembo, Assorted Works
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of Entrant: Alan Zarembo
Judges’ comments: This was a surprise. The entry begins with a story about problems, and ultimately a shutdown, of a liver transplant clinic run by a university medical center. It is well researched and a written. But in subsequent entries, he proves to be able to grasp medical issues, current theory, ripoffs and personal stories. In the end, a reader has a better grasp of what was really going on and what to look out for. He chased down one charlatan as he moved from location to the location. He found another one simultaneously confounding a roomful of experts and attracting another desperate possible victim. While he may not be functioning in the traditional role of a “medical reporter” – regularly reporting on medical issues and developments (and several of the entrants are doing that very well) – his work stands out.
Second Place:
Shari Roan, Assorted Works
Los Angeles Times
Shari Roan
Honorable Mention:
Dr. Bruce Hensel, Assorted Work
KNBC-TV
Dr. Bruce Hensel
B. DAILY/WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS
(Over 100,000 circulation)
B1. HARD NEWS
Single day coverage of breaking news written on a deadline by one
person or a team.
First Place:
Staff
Los Angeles Times
“Katrina”
Second Place:
Staff
Los Angeles Times
“London Bombings”
Honorable Mention:
Staff
Los Angeles Times
“Tragedy on the Rails”
B2. NEWS FEATURE
First Place:
Death and Deliverance
Los Angeles Times
Richard Marosi
Judges’ comments: Simple storytelling at its best. We can relive the story in our minds. Every sentence was packed with meaning. Story was cohesive.
Second Place:
The Unvanquished: A Cop’s Story
The Los Angeles Times
David Zucchino
Honorable Mention:
War and Peace
L.A. Weekly
Michael Krikorian
B3. INVESTIGATIVE/SERIES
First Place:
“Rep. Randy ‘Duke’ Cunningham’s $2.4 million in Bribes.”
Copley News Service and San Diego Union Tribune.
Marcus Stern of Copley News Service, Union Tribune Staff and Copley News Service Staff.
Judges’ comments: A top-drawer, relentless investigation that ends in a knockout. For investigative reporters it doesn’t get any better than this. America, both blue states and red, owes a debt of gratitude to Marcus Stern, Copley News Service and the Union-Tribune for exposing a crooked congressman who put his seat in the House up for sale and for sparking the FBI investigation that brought him to justice.
Second Place:
“A Case of Doubt.”
Los Angeles Times
Scott Glover and Matt Lait.
Honorable Mention:
“Guardians for Profit.”
Los Angeles Times
Robin Fields, Evelyn Larrubia and Jack Leonard.
B4. BUSINESS
First Place:
“Guardians for Profit”
LA Times
Robin Fields, Evelyn Larrubia and Jack Leonard
Judges’ comments: This series was nothing short of astonishing. It is a classic piece
of investigative journalism, so outrageous readers rise up to demand
action – which, in this case, they got with swift changes in laws
advocates had tried, unsuccessfully, to change for years. It must
have taken a lot of very, very hard work to develop the multitude of
sources it took to tell this story – advocates for the elderly,
attorneys, conservators themselves and, most importantly, victims.
The heartbreaking details of their stories made these stories flow,
easily pulling readers to the end of each fairly long installment.
This was a clear first place winner. Great work.
Second Place:
“The New Deal”
LA Times
Peter Gosselin
Honorable Mention:
“The dragon awakes: Boom felt across the globe”
San Diego Union Tribune
Dean Calbreath
B5. SIGNED COMMENTARY
First Place:
Title: “Shedding Stigma of the ‘Psycho’ Straight-Jacket”
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of Entrant: Robert David Jaffe
Judges’ comments: Jaffe’s unabashed portrayal of his bout with psychosis provides insight into and inspires compassion about mental illness that destroys lives – not just because of their impact by the disease, but also due to the stigma linked with those suffering from hallucinations and illusions. Jaffe’s superb writing and candid descriptions help to dispel the stereotypes that can – and do – prevent healing. I’m looking forward to reading his memoir.
Second Place:
Title: “Blake trial feeling more like B-movie”
News Organization: Los Angeles Daily News
Name of Entrant: Mariel Garza
Honorable Mention:
Title: “Stay the Course?”
News Organization: Orange County Register
Name of Entrant: Bennett Ramberg
B6. COLUMNIST
One person’s viewpoint on any subject.
First Place:
Entry Title: Los Angeles Downbeat
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of Entrant: Steve Lopez
Judges’ comments: Sometimes a story can be right under your nose, but you don’t see it. Steve Lopez did. By befriending a homeless man who was playing his two-string violin near the Los Angeles Times building, and writing about it, Lopez takes his readers on a fascinating and poignant journey into the life of a Julliard-trained musician whose struggle with mental illness led him to live out of a shopping cart on the streets of Los Angeles. By telling the remarkable story of just one man, perhaps Lopez’s readers now wonder what story lies behind the face of each homeless person they pass.
Second Place:
Entry Title: Regarding Media
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of Entrant: Tim Rutten
Honorable Mention:
Entry Title: Golden State
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of Entrant: Michael Hiltzik
B7. EDITORIALS
First Place:
Title: “Malaria: The Sting of Death”
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of Entrants: Mary Engel, Dan Turner
Judges’ comments: Seldom does an editorial series come … that is as comprehensive, well-written and … as Engel’s and Turner’s series on malaria. …series is all-inclusive, beginning with a concise description of the background material … facts about the disease and prevention measures that have succeeded and on-site interviews. In Africa provide insight of the toll of malaria, especially on children, and make this a compelling read. The editorials also convey the cultural and economic aspects related to malaria, adding to the …
Second Place: (tie)
Title: “San Diego Time Bomb”
News Organization: San Diego Union-tribune
Name of Entrant: Robert A. Kibble
Second Place: (tie)
Title: “Learning from New York”
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of Entrant: Karen Klein
Honorable Mention:
Title: “Invalid Confession”
News Organization: Los Angeles Daily News
Name of Entrants: Staff
B8. ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS/CRITICISM/COLUMN
First Place:
Christopher Hawthorne on Architecture.
Los Angeles Times.
Christopher Hawthorne.
Judges’ comments: Mr. Hawthorne beautifully melds reporting with criticism, focusing on context as much as on individual buildings. This is intelligent critique conveyed in clean, populist language.
Second Place:
Counter Intelligence
LA Weekly
Jonathan Gold.
Honorable Mention:
Ella Taylor
LA Weekly.
B9. ENTERTAINMENT HARD NEWS
First Place:
Entry title: Viacom In Talks
News Org.: Los Angeles Times
Entrant Name: Claudia Eller, Sallie Hofmeister
Judges’ comments: A good topic, well-written. We like the edginess, with a little “dish.” And we give it extra points for scooping.
Second Place:
Entry title: Adelphia and Porn
News Org.: Los Angeles Times
Entrant Name: Lorenza Munoz, Sallie Hofmeister
Honorable Mention:
Entry title: New CEO at Disney
News Org.: Los Angeles Times
Entrant Name: Richard Verrier, Claudia Eller, James Bates, Sallie Hofmeister, Meg James, Chris Gaither
B10. ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE
First Place:
Title: “Explosively Original”
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of Entrant: Mark Swed
Judges’ comments: Swed uses a field trip to Los Alamos, New Mexico, with the director of the new John Adams opera, “Doctor Atomic,” to illuminate both the opera and drama that it portrays: the Manhattan Project and its many larger-than-life figures, such as scientists Robert Oppenheimer and Edward Teller, and General Leslie Groves, among others.
Second Place:
Title: “L’Etranger in a Strange Land: Michel Houellebecq’s Weekend in L.A.”
News Organization: L.A. Weekly
Name of Entrant: Brendan Bernhard
Honorable Mention:
Title: “The Vanishing”
News Organization: L.A. Weekly
Name of Entrant: Robert David Jaffee
B11. SPORTS
Any news or feature on sports. One story or a series.
First Place:
Title: “The Citadel: Tale of an Underdog”
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of entrant: Drex Heikes
Judges’ comments: This tale of an underdog military academy football team that signed up as a paid sacrificial lamb against Florida State’s powerful Seminoles is fabulously well reported, and the writing simply sings. It brims with human detail and constant narrative tension, and could easily reel in readers who don’t give a damn about football. The game with the Seminoles, a mismatch to the point of cruelty, is the primary tension-driver, but with his dogged reporting and keen observation, Heikes also makes us care for the individual Citadel players and coaches and what will become of them. The winning entry is anchored by a solid back-story about the economics that compel such egregious mismatches, which make both teams money, and give the little gut a shot at recognition, but at what cost? Sports Illustrated would have been lucky to get this.
Second Place:
Title: “You Think Your Job is Tough?”
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of Entrant: David Wharton
Judges’ comments: The author daily takes us into the unseen world of journeymen boxers in this gripping, well-written piece.
Honorable Mention:
Title: “DePodesta on the Way Out”
News Organization: Los Angeles Times
Name of Entrants: Steve Henson, Tim Brown
B12. SPECIAL SECTION
First Place:
Entry: What You Can’t See Can Kill You
News Organization: L.A. Weekly
Name of Entrants: L.A. Weekly Staff
Judges’ comments: This section is extremely informative and, at times, downright scary. The L.A. Weekly staff provides a tremendously comprehensive look at the problem of air pollution, tracing the problem from its roots in the legislative and business communities right down to those most affected by the smog. The writing has an edge and is supplemented by plenty of artwork and graphics. Some of the graphics are a little confusing, but as a whole, this section was the clear winner.
Second Place:
Entry: The Path Ahead
News Organization: L.A. Times
Name of Entrants: L.A. Times Staff
Honorable Mention:
Best of L.A. 2005
News Organization: L.A. Weekly
Name of Entrants: L.A. Weekly Staff
B13. HEADLINE
First Place:
Steve Eames of the LA Times, title” Star Trek Bit Players Cling On.”
Judges’ comments: The headline wordplay (Cling On for Klingon) is handled subtly. Readers who don’t know what a Klingon is will get the point of the story. (In too many headlines that use wordplay, the wordplay doesn’t work both ways). Eames used a clever means of drawing the reader into the story.
Second Place:
Amy Alkon’s syndicated column. title “Oaf Wiedersehen.”
B14. DESIGN
General comment: Despite clear rules that an entry must be “a page or pages on a related subject from a single day,” there is always someone who will not follow the rules. Unfortunately, that someone also did a great job. So, by throwing out three pages of a 9-page entry, and leaving six pages that form a special section, the result is a 1st Place winner!
First Place:
Brian Harr
Los Angeles Daily News
Pope John Paul Memorial Section
Judges’ comments: It would be an understatement to say this was a tough category to judge. Most of the entries were very, very good. Separating “very good” from “outstanding” was not easy. Using a criterion that any layout must draw a reader into the story, we decided to award top honor to a traditional newspaper layout that combined emotion with simple, effective design. We looked at the entire section and how the story, graphics and photos flowed. Interestingly, another paper also entered the same subject, and it was immediately obvious how photo selection and placement affected the emotional impact of Pope John Paul’s death. By far, the LA Daily News showed greater care in how this portrayal played out in its pages. The first photo, played full page, showed a close-up of a frail Pope John Paul. But, it was how the section ended with a full page photo titled “Farewell” that clinched the effect. That photo showed the Pontiff from a distance, seated alone with his face in his hands. Very touching. Inside, photos and text reviewed the life of the Pope; a time line and sidebars adding insight into his papacy. Again, the choice of photos and placement on the pages draw readers’ eyes to the story. This is what good newspaper layout should do. It works!
Second Place:
Tom Gapen,
Los Angeles Daily News;
Iraq War Dead
Judges’ comments: This is an incredibly powerful front page, printed on the day US military deaths in Iraq reached 2,000. The simplicity of the design with the names of American dead over a gray tone “2,000,” coupled with a single dog tag “lying” at the lower left, says a mouthful. This is truly outstanding page design!
Honorable Mention:
Christina Martinez and Scott LaFee,
San Diego Union-Tribune;
“Howabunga”
Judges’ comments: The San Diego Union-Tribune utilizes a neat layout trick of “wrapping” (double-trucking) graphics from front to back pages of sections. We selected this particular story on how science plays into the sport of surfing because of the catchy graphics that really explain every dimension of catching that special wave. Specifically, each element was clear and straight-forward, yet graphically linked across the page. A lot of effort went into showing the science of waves and surfing, and we feel the designers/artists were successful in letting the graphics tell the story in an understandable manner. Throw in the catchy title, “HOWabunga,” and we get the picture of HOW this all works. Good job!
C. DAILY/WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS
(Under 100,000 circulation)
C1. HARD NEWS
First Place:
NY-bound jet’s pilot avoids disaster
Daily Breeze
Doug Irving, Josh Grossberg, David Zahniser
Comments: Solid news piece done on tight deadline. The evidence is in the reporting that the team worked hard to get all the facts and include a wide range of voices. Especially like the detail color: the passenger’s cell phone text messages and those in the air who watched their own drama unfold on their seat monitors.
Second Place:
Murphy Will Quit as Mayor of San Diego
Los Angles Daily Journal
Claude Walbert
Honorable Mention:
All bark and no bite
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Marianne Love and Shirley Hsu
C2. NEWS FEATURE
First Place:
“The Evil Stepmother Dies”
The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles
Teresa Strasser
Judges’ comments: An almost lyrical narrative of a ghastly family tragedy. From the brutally honest lead to the thoughtful last line, we couldn’t put the story down.
Second Place:
Apple Powerbook Guy
The Daily Breeze
Mellissa Heckscher
Honorable Mention:
Two Families’ Dreams Were Not Demolished
The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles
Howard Blume
C3. INVESTIGATIVE/SERIES
First Place:
“The Meth Menace.”
Long Beach Press-Telegram.
Jenny Marder.
Judges’ comments: Ms. Marder brings to light the dark world of crystal methamphetamine and its possible links to AIDS. The power of the series emanates from the great interviews Ms. Marder elicited from the sad addicts whose lives were ruined by drugs.
Second Place:
“Money Train.”
LA City Beat.
Chip Jacobs
Honorable Mention:
“Turmoil at the Local Red Cross.”
Pasadena Star News.
Marshall Allen
C4. BUSINESS
An article or series on business, finance, investments or the economy.
First Place:
Title: “Philanthropist’s Path”
News Organization: L.A. Business Journal
Name of Entrant: Laurence Darmiento
Judges’ comments: Unflinching look at L.A.’s self-described “venture philanthropist” Eli Broad. Fascinating profile was well researched and featured multiple sources. The reporter didn’t back down when describing Broad’s style and missteps. Overall an encouraging portrait.
Second Place:
Title: “QM Relationships Tangled”
News Organization: Long Beach Press-Telegram
Name of Entrant: Jason Gewirtz
Honorable Mention:
Title: “CEOs Under Siege”
News Organization: L.A. Business Journal
Name of Entrants: Kato Berry, Hilary, Potkewitz, Howard Fine, James Nash, Laurence Darmiento
C5. SIGNED COMMENTARY
First Place:
Andrew Gumbel columns
Los Angeles City Beat
Judges’ comments: This entry embodies what good column writing is all about – the columns make their point clearly and concisely with solid reporting, elegant writing and touches of sarcasm where appropriate. The columns we read produced a range of emotions from outrage (The Heart of Darkness) to sadness (Ask the President) to compassion (Saving Tookie). Clearly the winner in this category.
Second Place:
Amy Alkon columns
Syndicated
Honorable Mention:
John Boston columns
The Signal.
C6. COLUMNIST
First Place:
Name of Columnist: Teresa Strasser
News Organization: Jewish Journal of Greater L.A.
Judges’ comments: Just luv’d her stuff. Ms. Strasser brings a fresh and funny perspective on an age old topic: Romance. She’s the Jewish Carrie Bradshaw of Greater L.A.
Second Place:
Keven Chavez
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Honorable Mention:
Amy Klein
Jewish Journal of Greater L.A.
C7. EDITORIALS
Presented on the editorial page. May be one or series of columns on a related subject over time, credited to an individual or an editorial team.
First Place:
“No Justice in System”
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Steve Scauzillo
Judges’ comments: Scauzillo’s compelling, well-written editorial puts a human face on the victim and his family as well as the killer who slipped through the legal system repeatedly. But the editorial goes much further, alerting readers to failures in the courts and penal system that enabled the perpetrator to continue his criminal pursuits.
Second Place:
The Jewish Journal
Rob Eshman
Honorable Mention:
Daily Breeze
Mike Carroll
C8. ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS/CRITICISM/COLUMN
First Place:
Tom Teicholz
Title: “The Gift of Larry David and Other Chanukah Miracles”
News Organization: The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles
Judges’ comments: Teicholz adroitly uses an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” in which Larry David was faced with donating a kidney and learned that he was possibly adopted, to look at the larger, religious symbolism of his character and to draw parallels with David’s earlier work with the “Seinfeld” show.
Second Place:
Title: “The Blessed, Accursed Hunter”
News Organization: Los Angeles City Beat
Name of Entrant: Andy Klein
Honorable Mention:
Title: “Divorce for this ‘Honeymooners’”
News Organization: The Signal
Name of Entrant: John Boston
C9. ENTERTAINMENT HARD NEWS
Breaking/deadline news on any entertainment subject by one person or a team.
No C9 winner
C10. ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE
Feature coverage of any entertainment subject by one person or a team.
First Place:
Leslie Simmons,
Los Angeles Daily Journal,
“Attorney Doubles as Porn Star”
Second Place:
Naomi Pfefferman,
Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles
Honorable Mention:
Steve Appleford,
Los Angeles Citybeat
C11. SPORTS
Any news or feature on sports. One story or a series.
First Place:
Title: “A Life on the Ropes”
News Organization: Press-Telegram
Name of entrant: Doug Krikorian
Judges’ comments: Entertaining. Don’t have to like boxing to like this story. Nice lead, good wrap, well-written.
Second Place:
Title: “From Coast to Coast”
News Organization: Press-Telegram
Name of entrant: Bob Keisser
Honorable Mention:
Title: “What Does Science (?) Want …”
News Organization: Press-Telegram
Name of Entrant: Bob Keisser
C12. SPECIAL SECTION
Fashion, health, technology, real estate, automobiles or other special section not covered in other categories and not paid advertising. Any article, series or package including art. Single publication or regularly published.
First Place:
Andy Fixmer and Staff,
Los Angeles Business Journal,
“Who Owns Downtown?”
Second Place:
Pasadena Weekly Staff,
Pasadena Weekly,
“Fall Arts Preview”
Honorable Mention:
Linda Renaud,
Palisadian Post,
“Real Estate News & Views”
C13. HEADLINE
First Place:
Show me the mummy
Daily Breeze
Jim Farber
Judges’ comments: Nice play on a popular catch phrase – but more than that it worked because the humor was appropriate to the exhibits needs to raise money.
Second Place:
Cain, Enabled
Syndicated
Amy Alkon
Honorable Mention:
Let My People Merlot
Jewish Journal of Great Los Angles
Shoshana Lewin, Morris Masur, Adam Wells
C14. DESIGN
First Place:
Entry Title: My Iraq
The Jewish Journal
Daniel Kawinski and Carvin Knowles
Judges’ comments: The use of type and graphics made this cover story stand out. This much covered subject was made fresh and invited the reader to journey with
the subjects..
D. ART/PHOTOGRAPHY
(Print – Newspaper/magazine/wire service/online)
D1. NEWS PHOTO
A single image relating to a breaking story.
First Place:
Carolyn Cole,
Los Angeles Times,
“Katrina Boy”
Second Place:
Raul Roa,
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Honorable Mention:
David Crane,
Los Angeles Daily News
D2. FEATURE PHOTO
A single image created for a feature story, or as a stand-alone.
First Place:
Leo Hetzel,
Long Beach Press-Telegram,
“Snow Meets the Sea”
Second Place:
Carolyn Cole,
Los Angeles Times
Honorable Mention:
Stephen Georges,
Long Beach Press-Telegram
D3. SPORTS PHOTO
A single sports image.
First Place:
Jeff Gritchen,
Long Beach Press-Telegram,
“Ice Dog Hit”
Second Place
Keith Birmingham,
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Honorable Mention:
Wally Skalij,
Los Angeles Times
D4. EDITORIAL CARTOON
An editorial cartoon. May include several cartoons on a specific topic.
First Place:
Patrick O’Connor,
Los Angeles Daily News,
“Undocumented Workers”
Second Place:
Dwayne “Mr. Fish” Booth,
LA Weekly
D5. PHOTO ESSAY (single topic)
At least two images published the same day, or as a series, on a single topic. By an individual or a team.
First Place:
Francine Orr,
Los Angeles Times,
“Uganda”
Second Place:
Carolyn Cole and Robert Gauthier,
Los Angeles Times,
“Katrina”
Honorable Mention:
David Crane,
Los Angeles Daily News,
“Mexico”
E. TELEVISION
E1. REGULARLY SCHEDULED NEWSCAST (35 minutes or less)
First Place:
CBS 2 “News at 11”
KCBS News Team
E2. REGULARLY SCHEDULE NEWSCAST (over 35 minutes)
First Place:
Title: KCAL 9 News at Ten
News Organization: KCAL 9
Name of Entrants: KCAL 9 News Team
Judges’ comments: Incredibly compelling newscast. Photojournalists captured moments after moment of intense drama and tragedy. Reporters seemed to be everywhere. Delivery, solid stories and news viewers could use. “Cold Open Into B Block” was great. Could have done without the “Exclusive” tagline. You don’t need it. The newscast sold itself.
E3. BREAKING NEWS
Any breaking news. One reporter or a team.
First Place:
“Train Crash”
KTLA
Jeff Wald
Judges’ comments: Outstanding coverage that evolved as the story did. Helicopter/ traffic coverage gave way to extended breaking news coverage as the severity of the crash became clear. The reporters used their significant access to the scene to follow the investigation in real time as the possible causes developed from a two-train collision, to an accident with a vehicle on the tracks and eventually to an intentional act. In some of the coverage, you could actually watch other journalists overhear KTLA’s interviews and then join in because KTLA’s reporters were breaking so many updates to the story.
Second Place:
“La Conchita Landslide”
KCBS/KCAL
Paul Button
E4. FEATURE
Non-breaking news features, analysis, personalities, lifestyle, special topics.
First Place:
“Stanley ‘Tookie’ Williams”
KTTV
Chris Blatchford
Judges’ comments: Outstanding work to dig deep into the background of Stanley “Tookie” Williams on the eve of his execution. The story cut through the rhetoric to show that the reality of “Tookie” Williams was far different from the portrayal of his supporters. This story took a great deal of legwork to find old acquaintances and old video, but the effort paid off in a story that revealed a great deal of new information.
Second Place:
“Mennonite Mob”
KNBC
Ana Garcia
Honorable mention:
Susan Haag
Hal Fishman KTLA
E5. INVESTIGATIVE/SERIES
Reports showing enterprise, initiative, research. By one reporter or a team. Single report or a series.
First Place:
“Danger in the Rearview Mirror”
KCAL/KCBS
Paul Button
Judges’ comments: This story used several investigative tools – including ambush and dogged document work – to expose a real public danger. They found bus drivers whose driving records are so bad that if they applied for the job again, they couldn’t be hired. This investigation was a true public service.
Second Place:
“Tow Truck Pirates”
KNBC
Ana Garcia
Honorable Mention (Tie):
“Biggie Smalls”
KTTV
Chris Blatchford
Honorable Mention (Tie):
Title: “Bad Santas”
News Organization: KCBS/KCAL
Name of entrant: Paul Button
E6. SPORTS
Any news or feature on sports. One story or a series.
First Place:
Damon Andrews and Ted Green
KTLA
“Famous Father’s Sons”
E7. ENTERTAINMENT NEWS OR FEATURE
Coverage of any entertainment subject, by an individual or team.
No E7
E8. TALK/PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Single episode of locally produced news, talk or public affairs series.
First Place:
“California Connected” KCET
a project of KCET, KVIE, KPBS, KQED
Marley Klaus, Lisa McRee
Judges’ comments: Brilliantly executed from start to finish. Both topics (outsourcing health care, Prop 76) were explained thoroughly and interestingly. Solid hosts, editing and graphics. The school board graphics were great. Also loved the idea of high school students learning and exploring issues. The statistics on assumption were shocking and fascinating. Great perspective from industry and patients.
Second Place:
“Sticks and Stones”
CWK Network
Adam Wilkenfeld
Honorable Mention:
“Against All Odds”
CWK Network
Adam Wilkenfeld
E9. DOCUMENTARIES
A single non-fiction program on a documentary subject.
First Place:
KCET
California Connected
“New Horizons”
Second Place:
KTLA
“Gangs of L.A.”
F. RADIO
F1. NEWSCAST
Regularly scheduled newscast from a single day.
First Place:
KNX 1070
11/10/05
Judges’ comments: The pace and tone keeps the listeners’ attention. Nice job intermingling the traffic and weather with news. The conversational style attracts a broad audience.
Second Place:
KCSN 88.5 FM
10/27/05
Judges’ comments: A broad range of topics is covered in an articulate and clear newscast.
F2. BREAKING NEWS
Any breaking news.
First Place:
“Metrolink Crash”
KNX
KNX News Staff
Judges’ comments: Excellent job of bringing the latest news to listeners. The flow of new information was consistent and understandable.
Second Place:
“Train Eyewitnesses”
89.3 KPCC-FM
John Rabe, Frank Stolze
Honorable Mention:
“La Conchita Slide”
KCLU-FM
Lance Orozco, John Palminteri
F3. FEATURE
First Place:
“Illegal Employers”
89.3 KPCC-FM
Rachel Myrow
Judges’ comments: Solid reporting with great writing and delivery. The reporter drives the main points of the story home effectively – case in point comparing the consequences for the legal immigrant vs. the employees side-by-side.
Second Place:
“Voice-over Actor”
89.3 KPCC-FM
Ben Adair, Ayda Ben-Yehude
Honorable Mention:
“Criminal Immigrants”
89.3 KPCC-FM
Frank Stolze
F4. INVESTIGATIVE/SERIES
First Place:
Surf n’ Turf: Port Issues Series
KPCC 89.3
Rachael Myrow
Judges’ comments: Great production. Very thorough treatment of subject with an obvious knowledge of what the story should be about. Use of natural sound makes the listener think they’re right there with the reporter. Great example of what a professional radio series should sound like.
Second Place:
Illegal Immigrants: Benefit or Burden?
KPCC 89.3
KPCC News Department
Honorable Mention:
Ibogaine-Drug Series
KNX 1070
Michael Linder
F5. ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING/CRITICISM
First Place:
Ben Adair
89.3 KPCC
“Sam Stern”
Second Place:
Michael Jackson
KNX CS Radio
Michael, Jamie and Ray
Honorable Mention:
TV, Film Productions Lured Back to the United States
Anthea Raymond & Loretta Williams
NPR Los Angeles
F6. SPORTS
First Place:
Little League
KPCC 89.3
Steven Cuevas
Judges’ comments: Very interesting feature on Little League using great natural sound and good interviews. Reporter paints a great picture for the listener.
Second Place:
Sports Commentary
KNX 1070
Steve Grad
Honorable Mention:
USC Football: Right Here, Right Now
KMPC-1540 The Ticket
Ann Beebe
F7. USE OF SOUND
First Place:
“Arroyo Toad”
89.3 KPCC
Ilsa Setziol
Judges’ comments: The seamless editing of natural sounds and sound bites left me feeling like I was right there in the story. Wonderful use of natural sounds to capture the ear and tell a story. The reporter clearly put a lot of effort and time into this production. The story stood out from all the rest!
Second Place:
“Tim Hawkinson: Creating Art with Moving Parts”
KCRW
Sarah Spitz
Honorable Mention:
“Water on the Border”
89.3 KPCC
Laura Belous, Ben Adair
F8. TALK/PUBLIC AFFAIRS
An episode or a locally produced news, talk, information, education or public affairs show or series.
First Place:
Title: “Which Way L.A.? Commuter Railroad Disaster”
News Organization: KCRW
Name of entrants: Will Lewis, Warren Olney
Judges’ comments: Thorough review of breaking news. Excellent guests who explained the significance of this tragedy. Great radio.
Second Place:
Title: “Crosstalk: The Future of Social Security”
News Organization: KCLU
Name of entrants: Jim Rondeau, Lance Orozco
Honorable Mention:
Title: “The Tavis Smiley Show: Stanley ‘Tookie’ Williams”
News Organization: PRI/KPCC
Name of entrant: Sheryl Flowers
F9. DOCUMENTARIES
First Place:
Ronnie Bradford and Dave Zorn, KNX 1070
Title: 40 years from Vietnam
Judges’ comments: This documentary touches everyone in some way. The producer was careful to keep the story interesting all the way through and gave it a distinct beginning and end. The listener could walk away with a true experience, much more than new information or education. Producers took good care to address the subject seriously and sensitively, while shedding new light on an old dark subject.
Second Place:
Lance Orozco, KCLU-FM
Title: The World at War
Honorary Mention:
Jon Kalish, Sarah Spitz
KCRW
Title: Rabbi Abulafias Boxed Set
F10. NEWS BUREAU
First Place:
Warren Olney, KCRW
Title: “To the Point: London Bombings”
Judges’ comments: Excellent presentation of developing news event. The line-up of guests was impressive.
Second Place:
Title: “To the Point: Katrina Evacuees”
News Organization: KCRW
Name of entrants: Will Lewis, Warren Olney
Judges’ comments: A lot of information about an interesting story. Very solid radio.
Honorable Mention:
Title: “Tavis Smiley Show: Stanley “Tookie” Williams
News Organization: PRI/KPCC
Name of entrant: Sheryl Flowers
Judges’ comments: Powerful and rare interview with newsmaker. Well done!
G. MAGAZINES
(Including magazines with L. A. bureaus)
G1. NEWS/INVESTIGATIVE
First Place:
Title: “Big Pharma’s Shameful Secret”
Organization: Bloomberg News
Name of Entrants: David Evans, Michael Smith, Liz Willen
Judges’ comments: Comprehensive, well-written, decently-packaged. Most important, the people touched by this remarkable scandal carried the narrative and kept me reading. The clear winner.
Second Place:
Title: “How They Got Scott”
News Organization: People
Name of Entrant: Vickie Bane
Judges’ comments: Nice inside job.
Honorable Mention:
Title: “Justice Is Done”
News Organization: New Oxford Review
Name of Entrant: Theresa Marie Moreau
Judges’ comments: Good effort.
G2. FEATURE/COMMENTARY
First Place:
“The Frontiers of Flavour.”
The Walrus.
Nelson Handel.
Judges’ comments: “Mr. Handel takes readers on a romp through the
complex yet fascinating flavor industry, where scientists and foodies merge to transform molecules into mouth-watering sensations. Mr. Handel writes with self-deprecating humor and authority, simplifying the nuances of a complicated technology into laymen’s terms. He also weaves in memorable anecdotes about his technological and gastronomic encounters, incorporating descriptive language (Construction cranes fill the horizon like wheat in a Saskatchewan field.) and making good use of quotes (Still, the average American eats like shit.) all the while. The article is a compelling look into this burgeoning industry.”
Second Place:
“In Defense of Happy Pills.”
Reason Magazine
Maia Szalavitz.
Honorable Mention:
“Castaways.”
People Magazine.
Oliver Jones and Cathy Free.
G3. ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS/CRITICISM/COLUMN
Written by one critic
First Place:
Matt Welch and Nick Gillespie
Reason
“Exploring the Cultural Impact of Free Agency in Sports”
Second Place: John Boston, Santa Clarita Valley Living
Honorable Mention: Joe Woodward, Poets and Writers Magazine
G4. ENTERTAINMENT NEWS OR FEATURE
First Place:
Entry title: Gray Matters
News Org.: Emmy
Entrant name: Lyndon Stambler
Judges’ comments: Inspiring storytelling that puts even the youngest reader in the shoes of an experience writer. Balanced reporting.
Second Place:
Entry title: Delicate Balance
News Org.: Emmy
Entrant name: Lyndon Stambler
Honorable Mention:
Entry title: Delayed Gratification
News Org.: The Boston Globe
Entrant name: Nelson Handel
G5. IN HOUSE OR CORPORATE PUBLICATION
Single best issue published by a company, agency or organization, for internal or external distribution.
First Place:
Entry Title: Los Angeles Firefighter
News Organization: Los Angeles Firefighter
Entrant: Jim Perry
Judges’ comments: Contents of interest to audience. Lots of compelling “action photos” not typical of this type of publication. Clean readable design, no nonsense writing by practitioners that is well-edited.
G6. DESIGN
A page or pages on a related subject from a single issue, demonstrating outstanding art direction, layout, graphics or page design.
First Place:
Entry Title: Venice Paper, August 2005
News Organization: Venice Paper
Entrant: Gary King
Judges’ comments: Eye-popping cover is appropriate for Venice area, and clearly illustrated the month’s cover feature! “Secret to keeping your bikini top on” What more could you ask for.
H. NEWS BUREAUS AND CORRESPONDENTS
H1. BREAKING NEWS
Single day breaking news.
First Place:
Title: “Katrina and the Aftermath”
New Organization: L.A. Times
Name of entrant(s): Scott Gold
Judges’ comments: Nicely-written, with an especially good eye for detail. Especially enjoyed the you-are-there look at the Louisiana Army National Guard. Would have liked to know the deadline pressures that the writer faced for all three enclosed pieces. Good job.
Second Place:
Title: “New Heroes, New Hope”
News Organization: People Weekly
Name of entrants: Keri Lee, Karen Emmons, Courtney Rubin
H2. INVESTIGATIVE/SERIES
Category H2 – News bureaus investigative journalism
First Place:
Big Pharma’s Shameful Secret
Bloomberg News
David Evans, Michael Smith and Liz Willen
Judges’ comments: The judges were impressed by the depth of the reporting and the significance of the problem. This was an important story. To that end, we must add that the writing and structure of the main article left a lot to be desired. Characters popped in and out of the story. If not for the cover letter, it would have been difficult to tell exactly why the project was being done. That’s too bad. With strong editing, this could have been regarded nationally as an important piece of journalism.
Second Place:
Castaways
People Magazine
Oliver Jones and Kathy Free
H3. ENTERTAINMENT NEWS OR FEATURE
Coverage of any entertainment subject
First Place:
Title: “The Originals”
News Organization: People Weekly
Name of entrant: Champ Clark
Judges’ comments: This is a great story idea that was well-executed. It doesn’t try to sugarcoat the racism inherent in the entertainment industry but examines it in the light of day. Excellent way of handling the story with profiles of those who came first. It was done in bite-sized stories which are easier for readers to handle. Well-done!
Second Place:
Title: “Risk and Reward”
News Organization: Emmy Magazine
Name of entrant: Lyndon Stambler
First Honorable Mention:
Title: “The Greatest Gift”
News Organization: People Weekly
Name of entrant: Tom Cunneff
Second Honorable Mention:
Title: “Sexiest Man Alive”
News Organization: People Weekly
Name of entrants: Elizabeth Leonard, Julie Jordan
I. ONLINE
I1. ONLINE NEWS STORY, FEATURE, SERIES OR PACKAGE
A single story or package
First Place:
The San Diego Union-Tribune
Two Reports on Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham
Second Place:
Jon Gerung,
Los Angeles Daily News
“Fiftieth Anniversary Interactive of James Dean’s Death”
I2. ONLINE COLUMN/COMMENTARY/CRITICISM
One person’s point of view on any single subject, published on the Web.
First Place:
Ronald Bailey
Reason Magazine
“Creation Summer Camp”
Second Place:
Bennet G. Kelley
DemocraticUnderground.com
Honorable Mention:
Nick Gillespie
Reason Magazine
I3. DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Best website design
First Place:
Christine Palma
KXLU
EchoInTheSense.com
Second Place:
Martha Hernandez
Variety
Variety.com
Honorable Mention:
Clare Sup
Los Angeles Times
LATimes.com
I4. ONLINE SPORTS NEWS/FEATURE/COMMENTARY
Best single piece of sportswriting online.
No I4.
I5. ONLINE ENTERTAINNMENT
NEWS/FEATURE/COMMENTARY
Best single piece of entertainment writing online.
First Place:
Steve Pond
Los Angeles Times
Backstage Confidential
I6. WEBLOG, INDIVIDUAL
Writing, voice, and value-added of a single person; submit any two consecutive days.
First Place:
J. Craig Williams
MayItPleaseTheCourt.com
Second Place:
Luke Y. Thompson
LYTrules.com
Honorable Mention:
Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky
Los Angeles Times
LakersBlog
I7. WEBLOG, GROUP
Best collective or institutional weblog; submit any two consecutive days.
First Place:
LAVoice.org
Mack Reed, Editor
Second Place:
LOSANJEALOUS
LosAnjealous.com
Honorable Mention:
Reason Magazine
Hit and Run
Tim Cavanaugh, Editor
I8. WEBSITE, ONLINE-ONLY
Best website of a native Internet publication.
First Place:
Christine Palma
KXLU
EchoInTheSense.
Second Place:
Ben Sullivan
ScienceBlog.com
I9. WEBSITE, NEWS ORGANIZATION
Best website of print or broadcast outlet.
First Place:
latimes.com
Joel Sappell, Editor
Second Place:
Variety.com staff
Variety.com
Honorable Mention:
KCBS2 / KCAL 9 Web Team
J. INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM
Print, radio, TV or Online. An English translation of all entries must be submitted along
with an original or copy of the original work. All entries must be about issues, personalities and events in Southern California.
J1. HARD NEWS
First Place:
“Hurricane Katrina”
BBC Los Angeles bureau
David Willis, Mark Orchard, Andrew Clark
Judges’ comments: These BBC reporters did real fine work in seeking (and often finding) unique angles to this story of stories. Congratulations for a fine piece of work under trying circumstances for all concerned.
J2. NEWS FEATURE
Profiles, lifestyles, humorous, and other topics by one person or a team.
First Place:
Helena Groll
Swedish Broadcasting
“Marines Train in LA”
Judges Comments:
An excellent piece of work. The reporter’s script was very well written. Her use of natural sound and translation of what the U.S. Marines were saying was great. This was a good example of an international journalist making all the facets of the story understandable to her audience in another country. This is a story which could, and maybe will, be played for American journalism students. They would learn a lot about how to tell a story and make it work for their audience-something which should never be forgotten.
Second Place:
Michael O’Sullivan
Voice of America
Honorable Mention:
Michael O’Sullivan
Voice of America
J3. ENTERTAINMENT NEWS OR FEATURE
First Place:
Claes Andreasson
Swedish National Public Radio
“Wilhelm and Wolly”
Second Place:
Tom Tugend
Jerusalem Post
Honorable Mention:
David Willis
BBC Los Angeles Bureau
J4. COLUMN
One person’s point of view on any subject.
