This year marked the 50th meeting of the Hoosier State Press Association’s (HSPA) Newsroom Seminar and Better Newspaper Contest awards luncheon. During the conference, publishers, editors, reporters, and photographers from across Indiana met to learn the best-practices of their industry, as well as celebrate the achievements of their colleagues.
“The newspaper industry in Indiana is strong,” remarked Steve Key, HSPA executive director and general counsel.
“We have been, and will continue to be the backbone of how Indiana stays informed.”
The conference featured speakers from around the country. Some of the nations leading publications were also represented, such as USA TODAY, and the Chicago Tribune.
“The content this year was great,” said Chris White, president of the HSPA board of directors.
“The lineup of topics and speakers hit home with our teams and truly armed them to hit the newsrooms in excellence.”
Attendees also congratulated several award recipients including Blue Ribbon daily winner, South Bend Tribune, and Blue Ribbon nondaily winner, Ferdinand News.
The Herald Bulletin (Anderson) was recognized as the story of the year winner, and the Daily Reporter (Greenfield) earned honors for the photo of the year.
General Excellence awards were given to The Times Post (Pendleton), Brown County Democrat, The Commercial Review (Portland), Daily Reporter (Greenfield), The Herald-Times (Bloomington), and South Bend Tribune. The Times (Munster) was named the 2016 James W. Brown Innovation Award winner.
Dozens of other papers were recognized for their work as editorial cartoonists, in website publishing, and reporting divided by category.
The contest judges included members of the Michigan Press Association. All award winners, stories, and contest materials may be found at hspa2.aimmediallcindiana.com.
