‘Excellent and compelling.’ Sun Herald wins Mississippi Press Association awards
The Mississippi Press Association awards were supposed to be held in Biloxi this year, but the new coronavirus changed those plans to a Zoom livestream.
The ceremony may not have been on the Coast, but the Sun Herald brought home multiple awards to South Mississippi.
This Sun Herald competes in the highest division for newspapers alongside outlets such as the Clarion Ledger and Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal.
In 2019, the Coast saw the tragic death of a Biloxi police officer, the impact of the Bonnet Carre Spillway’s record openings and other stories that the reporters and editors of the Sun Herald have covered every step of the way.
These are the stories, photos and videos that have won Mississippi Press Association awards:
In-depth Investigative Coverage
1st: Anita Lee, Mary Perez and Alyssa Newton for the Devastating Effects of the Record Bonnet Carré Spillway Openings
Judges comment: “This was an excellent and compelling look at the environmental trade offs and side effects of flood management.Tremendous breadth of information gathered. It also brought in the human element by talking to those most directly affected.”
Community Service
3rd: Sun Herald for the Bonnet Carré Spillway in-depth coverage
Judges comment: “Thorough investigative reporting.”
The Sun Herald also held a community forum in August where nearly 200 people listed to a panel of experts and were able to ask questions about the spillway’s openings and its affects.
Spot News Story
2nd: Sun Herald for the Fatal shooting of Biloxi officer Robert McKeithen
General News Story
3rd: Mary Perez for Camille Cut is no more. A look at new changes to the barrier islands of the Mississippi Coast.
Business Story
1st: Mary Perez for It was Al Capone’s hideout and Elvis’ playground. The Coast could lose it forever.
2nd: Mary Perez for Does the Mississippi Coast really need more casinos? Here’s what operators said.
Sports game story
2nd: Patrick Magee for ‘It felt brutal.’ Picayune’s Dodd Lee spitting fire as he wins his way to retirement.
Sports news story
2nd: Patrick Magee for “Southern Miss administration, head coach at odds over decision to not hire Art Briles”
Sports feature
3rd: Patrick Magee for ‘It keeps her alive.’ Picayune’s undefeated season is therapy for grieving coach
Feature Story
3rd: Margaret Baker for ‘There is a way out.’ After cycle of abuse nearly killed her, Coast woman shares her story.
Daniel M. Phillips Freedom of Information award
3rd: Margaret Baker for coverage of George County lawmaker Doug McLeod, Read deputy’s full report from the night of Mississippi lawmaker’s domestic violence arrest
Online Video
1st: Alyssa Newton for “They’re all dead,” Mississippi oyster farmers take hit from Bonnet Carré Spillway
Judges comment: “Great coverage. It was clear that a story was being reported. The video had multiple viewpoints which added to the cohesiveness. I enjoyed watching and listening to the report.”
2nd: Alyssa Newton, Margaret Baker for ”George County domestic violence survivor shares story in hopes others leave abusive relationships”
Judges comment: “The video and additional story was moving. The interview style was nicely executed and added flow to the video.”
3rd: Justin Mitchell for “These drag queens are stepping into new doors, ‘straight’ spaces on the Mississippi Coast”
Judges comment: “This video was short and sweet. A fun video with good quality. The different video shots caught and kept my attention”
Spot News Photo
2nd: Alyssa Newton, Vigil for 3 teen boys who drowned
3rd: Justin Mitchell, Final flag for Officer McKeithen
Best use of social media
2nd: Justin Mitchell, “’Brain drain’ on the Coast has Potential to Get Worse, Experts Warn. Can it be Fixed?”
Judges comment: “This is a tough subject matter to go after when you show why millennials are leaving. Great use of videos, interweaving the Facebook page, site and print edition together.”
3rd: Justin Mitchell, “These drag queens are stepping into new doors, ‘straight’ spaces on the Mississippi Coast”
Judges comments: “Well produced video that tells a great story and really makes what could have been just another news article into asocial media discussion. Looking at the comments, this was definitely an engaging piece. Keep up the good work!”
Website
1st: Sun Herald, sunherald.com
General Excellence
3rd: Sun Herald
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Find the full list of 2019 Mississippi Press Association winners here.