NLA announces 2021 NLA Awards winners, recognizing excellence in journalism
APRIL 5, 2021 — The News Leaders Association announces the winners of the 2021 NLA Awards for distinguished journalism and leadership. The NLA Awards continue the long traditions of the previous ASNE and APME Awards, and are among the most prestigious in journalism.
“The News Leaders Association awards reflect the extraordinary journalism produced in 2020 and the unprecedented special circumstances that news outlets large and small had to face to produce excellent journalism,” said NLA Executive Director Fran Reilly.
“The quality of work entered was truly impressive,” said Alison Gerber, NLA Awards Committee co-chair. “The entries showcased the value of news organizations exposing societal failures, holding the powerful to account and documenting a remarkable year filled with dramatic news events.”
Here are the winners and finalists in all categories this year.
Ron Nixon
news leader of the year
Ron Nixon, Associated Press Global Investigations Editor, is the recipient of the inaugural News Leader of the Year Award. This award recognizes an editor or team of editors who have displayed strong leadership in matching the extraordinary moment of an unprecedented year through great journalism and vital decision making on all fronts. The inaugural sponsor of the News Leader of the Year Award is the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute.
Nixon was tapped to lead his team in March 2020, and was nominated in a heartfelt letter signed by 24 members of his team who described his leadership as having “instant impact.” He led and inspired his colleagues to produce important, ambitious work through an “unthinkably challenging time.” Their work both helped free a man and put another in jail. Their investigative series on labor abuses in the palm oil industry, “Fruits of Labor,” won the 2021 Selden Ring Award for Investigative Reporting and the 2021 Anthony Shadid Award for Journalism Ethics. Nixon advocated that “the decision to diversify news staff ultimately rests with those who have hiring power.” And then, “with remarkable speed and determination, he turned word into action.” Nixon built a more diverse team and created opportunities for less experienced reporters. “His message has been clear: Break down internal barriers and infuse the broader AP with greater investigative capacity.”
Batten Medal for Coverage of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Staff at Kaiser Health News and The Guardian win the Batten Medal for Coverage of the Coronavirus Pandemic, which recognizes coverage of COVID-19, reflecting the previously unthinkable obstacles that newsrooms had to overcome in the face of a once-in-a-generation crisis. The Batten Medal is sponsored by editors from the former Knight Ridder company.
Winning work: “Lost on the Frontline”
"Lost on the Frontline” is the most complete accounting of medical staff deaths in the U.S. The collaboration between The Guardian and Kaiser Health News did what the federal government did not: account for the unnecessary, tragic deaths of frontline health workers due to inadequate planning, testing, coordination and protective gear. The news organizations took great pains to put human faces and names on the devastating toll of COVID-19 among health workers, even as they explored the trends behind the numbers. The impact of this compelling, essential journalism will continue to be felt for a long time.
Finalist: “Why COVID-19 Took So Many Black Lives” by ProPublica staff — Akilah Johnson, Lizzie Presser, Nina Martin, Annie Waldman, Duaa Eldeib, Talia Buford, Joshua Kaplan, Adriana Gallardo, Tony Briscoe
Reporters dug deep to expose death records that vividly illustrated COVID-19's disparate impact on Black and Hispanic Americans, then humanized the numbers and explained the economic and societal factors behind them. Their work changed the narrative of the pandemic, prompting newsrooms around the country to tell more meaningful stories about the toll COVID-19 was taking on their communities.
Finalist: “The Source on the Pandemic” by The New York Times staff
The New York Times, through its tough accountability reporting and massive data analysis, became the gold standard for information as the pandemic began to take hold in the U.S. No other news organization covered the toll, the failures, the data and the people as thoroughly, using all the journalistic tools available. From compelling video to extensive data analysis, photography to podcasting, the Times rose to the once-in-a-lifetime story. Its journalists put themselves at risk to go to where the story was playing out. They fought for information governments withheld, and won release. They used an army of journalists for the public good at a time citizens needed credible and complete information.
Frank A. Blethen Award for Local Accountability Reporting
Jack Dolan (top) and Brittny Mejia
Jack Dolan and Brittny Mejia with The Los Angeles Times win the Frank A. Blethen Award for Local Accountability Reporting, which recognizes outstanding work done by a news organization that holds local authorities accountable for actions (or inaction). This award is named in honor of Frank A. Blethen, who has been The Seattle Times publisher and CEO since 1985, and is sponsored by The Seattle Times.
Winning work: “Deadly Delays”
“Deadly Delays” is an investigation of the delays thousands of people in the Los Angeles County public hospital system face when referred to specialists for medical care. The paper found that patients wait on average 89 days to see specialists, and that many get sicker and some die, while waiting. The reporters built a database looking at some 860,000 records of referrals, then did the shoe-leather work to track down some of the individuals involved to document a system that leaves poor people waiting for the care they need, even with the proper medical referrals.
Finalist: “Targeted” by Kathleen McGrory and Neil Bedi, Tampa Bay Times
Reporters of the Tampa Bay Times have shown how a county’s effort to ‘improve’ its criminal justice system by way of a “cutting edge intelligence program” backfired spectacularly, instead building a system that continually monitored and harassed county residents. The system targeted more than 1,000 residents over the past 10 years, 10 percent of whom were under 18. Former deputies say the intention was to drive people out of town. Great work documenting a crime-stopping program gone seriously awry.
Finalist: “Torn Apart” by Pat Beall, Michael Braga, Daphne Chen, Suzanne Hirt and Josh Salman, USA Today
When Florida changed its law to make it easier for children to be taken from abusive or neglectful parents, the change had unintended and unfortunate consequences. As evidenced by the USA TODAY investigation, the state did not provide adequate support for its foster care system, which was, as a result of the legal change, flooded with new children. The series documents how children were placed in 200 foster care homes that had previously been reported as abusive environments. Through open records and dogged reporting, the journalists take a thorough and devastating look at the unintended consequences of placing children in the state’s foster care system.
Dori J. Maynard Justice Award
Staff at The New York Times win the Dori J. Maynard Justice award, which recognizes work covering the social justice movement that took on new life and purpose in 2020. Sponsored by the O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism at Marquette University in Milwaukee, this award is named in memory of Dori J. Maynard, who was an ASNE board member and a strong advocate for news and newsroom diversity and journalism that addressed injustices.
Winning work: "I Can't Breathe"
The Times' exhaustive and ground-breaking reporting using data, documents, interviews and video revealed that police misconduct has been pervasive throughout the United States for decades. It reviewed some 70 suffocations of citizens in police custody and disclosed the previously unknown scale of such incidents. George Floyd's last words, "I can't breathe," had been spoken by others as they died in custody.
Finalist: “George Floyd” by The Washington Post staff
In a six-part compelling series that demonstrated masterful story-telling, The Washington Post drew a portrait of George Floyd's life that detailed how structural racism shaped it. The Post conducted interviews with more than 150 people, including Floyd’s siblings, extended family members, friends, colleagues, public officials and scholars.
Finalist: “Deadly Discrimination” by USA Today staff
This six-part series from USA Today's team aptly made the case that the preexisting conditions that have seen so many Americans of color die from COVID were not coincidental or genetic. Very early on in the pandemic the reporting showed that the deadly outcomes were the result of centuries of intentional abuse and neglect.
Deborah Howell Award for Writing Excellence
Stephanie Clifford
Stephanie Clifford wins the Deborah Howell Award for Writing Excellence, which recognizes the best story on any topic, with preference given to strong and stylish writing. Sponsored by Advance Publications, Inc., this award is dedicated to former editor Deborah Howell who loved compelling writing.
Winning work: “The Journalist and the Pharma Bro”
This story was well crafted and well reported and did a remarkable job of pulling us along a wild ride about a woman who grew so infatuated with a source that she crossed every ethical boundary any profession would consider acceptable. It was the most compelling and riveting read during a year of strong writing and coverage about many important and life-threatening topics. Stephanie Clifford’s piece also stood out because it sparingly used details in a way that left you wanting to read more. Exceptional work.
Finalist: “Exodus from Venezuela” by Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times
This story took us along a harrowing and emotional journey with migrants desperately trying to flee Venezuela. The Times piece didn’t just involve interviewing migrants but the reporter and photographer climbed steep cliffs in freezing temperatures along a 125-mile path so they could truly understand and feel what their subjects did, too. This was a remarkable body of work that was exceptionally done.
Finalist: “George Floyd” by Maya Rao, The Star Tribune
George Floyd left Houston because he thought he might die there. A pastor bought his bus ticket with the hopes that he could fight his addictions and begin a new life in Minneapolis. This is one of many powerful examples of the deep reporting and writing that The Star Tribune staff did to tell the story of Floyd’s life. The story was woven in a way that captured all the emotions that Floyd felt, despair, then hope and then despair again. It was well done.
Punch Sulzberger Innovator of the Year Award
Staff at THE CITY with Columbia Journalism School and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY win the Punch Sulzberger Innovator of the Year Award, which recognizes innovation by a news organization in providing value and service that advances its mission. Sponsored by The New York Times, this award is dedicated to the memory of former publisher Arthur Ochs "Punch" Sulzberger.
Winning Work: “Missing Them”
This profoundly human journalism project was well executed, relevant and replicable in different contexts. The project gives a sense of how much the city of New York has lost with the pandemic. "Missing Them" turned the traditional obituary concept to place the audience at the center of the journalism, telling stories from people in communities that no other media organization was covering this way and presenting in a comprehensive way. Judges agreed that "Missing Them" was a sensible idea to put a face to the tragedy, simple yet very human and direct. Community outreach as a result of the reporting brought additional importance to the project. Also, partnerships with Columbia and CUNY journalism schools to cover more ground show the drive of THE CITY for innovation, when crisis reporting seems like an impossible endeavor.
Finalist: “Documenters.org” by City Bureau staff
This project definitely pushes the boundaries of the traditional methodology, format and structure by which journalism is produced. It challenges the notions of who should have the power to report what happens, and it does in a very structured and simple way, and there is its innovation. The project has already proved its concept and provides oversight and public service journalism to places where accountability is much needed. Its expansion to more cities in the past two years shows this is a replicable model.
Finalist: “The Truth in Black and White” by Kansas City Star staff
This project presents what local media can do when time for reparations of any kind is called for. The responsibility of the media in the context of social justice debates should not be evaded and this was a decisive and affirmative way to take a stand and mark a milestone in the history of this newspaper. The actions taken as a result of the investigation were convincing and provide a model for other news organizations.
Jeneé Osterheldt
Burl Osborne Editorial and Opinion Award
Jeneé Osterheldt of The Boston Globe wins the Burl Osborne Award for Editorial and Opinion Award, which recognizes editorial writing that is excellent journalism and makes a difference in a community. The award is sponsored by The Dallas Morning News in memory of Burl Osborne, former editor, president and publisher of The Dallas Morning News.
Winning work: Columns by Jeneé Osterheldt, The Boston Globe
These columns explore America’s complicated and often brutal relationship with race with a clarity that demands your attention. Osterheldt fearlessly tackled the deeply personal while also demonstrating an ability to step back and vividly contextualize the intersection of race and culture in our society. There were moments captured in these columns that were nothing less than devastating. A beautiful but powerful voice working at the height of her powers, showing her readers exactly why this moment matters.
Finalist: Columns by Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times
This columnist tackles complex topics with a rare clarity and sense of purpose. His work oozes with authenticity and deep understanding. He shows us the toll the pandemic has disproportionately inflicted on Latinos in the region, for example, with an authority that resonates with all readers. This is how you help readers see and feel the realities of systemic inequities.
At the heart of these editorials is good, old-fashioned shoe leather journalism. The editorial board sets forth a stunning set of facts that lays bare the ethical shortcomings of Kansas City’s police chief. The board also laid out a list of clear and unquestionable changes the department and city need to make to ensure they are fairly serving all of their constituents. Without the work of the editorial board, these breaches of the public trust may have never come to light.
Special President’s Award Recognition: Kelu Chao and the journalists of Voice of America
Kelu Chao
This year, News Leaders Association President George Stanley gives special recognition to Kelu Chao who, as program director for Voice of America, courageously stood up for fact-based reporting against constant political pressure. Chao became a named plaintiff in a federal First Amendment lawsuit against the agency that governs Voice of America, leading to a preliminary injunction that prevented additional political interference. Chao praised staff across Voice of America for standing firm against political interference in numerous instances, despite great career risk. For refusing to bend their coverage despite threats that they would be fired, we honor -- as a group – the more than one thousand full-time Journalists at the Voice of America.
From Kelu Chao: “Courage in journalism sometimes is reflected through exclusive stories. Sometimes, it is demonstrated through tenacity. Sometimes, it is shown by a willingness put one’s self in harm’s way. This year, for the staff at the U.S.-funded international news organization Voice of America, courage in journalism was manifested by standing up for the principles of our craft. Journalists protested when administration officials pushed them to pursue a politically-motivated agenda in their coverage, in violation of the VOA “firewall” designed to protect news coverage from political interference. In a seven month period, some were threatened with firing, many who were in the U.S. on visas were sent home, and others were subjected to an inquisition about their beliefs.
Rather than hunker down, many “blew the whistle.” They reported the violations to oversight bodies. They simply kept reporting, recognizing the greater responsibility to cover news fairly and honestly for VOA’s weekly measured audience of nearly 280 million people. Others sued, and through that lawsuit, won a legal battle in federal court that upheld VOA’s firewall protections for journalists and their reporting. The resulting court injunction was a major victory that guarantees the quality of VOA journalism now and into the future.“
A special thank you to our judges for the 2021 NLA Awards:
Debra Adams Simmons
Kathy Best
Therese Bottomly
Sewell Chan
Sherry Chisenhall
Glenn Cook
Paul D’Ambrosio
Mike Days
Emilio Garcia-Ruiz
Alison Gerber
Dave Hage
Katrice Hardy
Charo Henríquez
Mark Horvit
Blake Kaplan
Rafael Lorente
Dennis Lyons
Carla Minet
Sarah Nordgren
Autumn Phillips
Frank Pine
David Plazas
Mitch Pugh
Mara Shalhoup
Mazin Sidahmed
Robyn Tomlin
More about the NLA Awards
Awards include cash prizes, thanks to sponsors including a group of editors from the former Knight Ridder Inc., The Dallas Morning News, Advance Publications Inc., Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute, The Seattle Times, the O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism at Marquette University in Milwaukee and The New York Times.
An awards ceremony will be held to celebrate the winners on June 15. Register here.
About News Leaders Association
News Leaders Association empowers journalists at all levels with the training, support and networks they need to lead and transform diverse, sustainable newsrooms. Formerly the ASNE and APME, the newly combined organization fosters the highest standards of trustworthy journalism, advocates for a free and independent press, and nurtures the next generation of news leaders.
Media contact:
News Leaders Association
contact@newsleaders.org
202-964-0912