Attendees celebrate the achievements of local journalism at the California Journalism Awards.
A California publication achieved remarkable success at the 2024 California Journalism Awards, securing a total of 10 first-place awards and 7 second-place awards. Competing against others in its circulation category, the publication showcased its commitment to quality journalism with awards spanning various categories, including Best Newsletter, Agricultural Reporting, and Coverage of Business and the Economy. The awards highlight the significance of local journalism and its role in reflecting community issues and engagement.
In an impressive showcase of journalistic talent, a notable publication in California has achieved a record milestone at the 2024 California Journalism Awards, securing 10 first-place awards and seven second-place awards for exemplary work produced throughout the year. The awards, which celebrate outstanding journalism across the state, were presented by the California News Publishers Association over the weekend.
The publication competed against weekly newspapers with a circulation between 4,301 and 11,000 and distinguished itself in several categories, reflecting its commitment to quality reporting and community engagement. In addition to first and second-place finishes, the publication bagged third-place awards and numerous other recognitions for its coverage of a wide range of topics.
Among its notable achievements, the publication excelled in the “Best Newsletter” category, claiming first place for its “Executive Dining Guide”. It also received third place for “Real Estate Weekly” and fourth for “Daily Update”. The publication dominated the “Agricultural Reporting” category, winning first place for its in-depth coverage of significant industry changes, including Central Valley Meat’s acquisition and layoffs at a Cargill beef plant in Fresno. Additional awards in this category included third place for reporting on avian flu and fourth for coverage of farmland selloffs.
In the realm of technology, the publication’s diligence shone through with a first-place award for a story package on artificial intelligence and a second-place finish for a feature on the Black-owned tech firm Quiq Labs. Furthermore, its website, thebusinessjournal.com, was acknowledged with first place in the “Home Page Layout & Design” category, showcasing the publication’s digital excellence.
The publication’s design team excelled in print, claiming second place for “Print Front Page Layout & Design”. Lead graphic designer Cecilia Lopez was also awarded first place for her illustrations related to the Farmer’s Almanac and INC 5000. Reporter Frank Lopez secured first place in the “Coverage of Business and the Economy” category for his thoughtful piece on employment opportunities for individuals on the spectrum and additional awards in the same category for his work on the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation.
Lopez further showcased his versatility by winning first place for “Labor Reporting” by utilizing data from local labor unions and earned first place in “Coverage of Youth and Education” for a collaboration story between a Fresno engineering firm and Fresno State. Additional awards included third place in education for the efforts of a former reporter on college partnerships.
The publication’s “Made in the Central Valley 2024” manufacturing supplement took first place in the “Print Special Section” category, alongside additional first-place recognition for its special section cover. In the travel and tourism sector, a second-place award was earned by Ben Hensley for an article focusing on tourism spending, and his work in the arts category garnered additional commendation.
The publication’s commitment to community engagement was highlighted with a second-place finish in the inaugural “Audience/Community Engagement Award” for its annual program “60 Ideas in 60 Minutes.” In terms of sports reporting, Dylan Gonzales earned second place for a nostalgic story related to a baseball game, while a piece by Jaramillo on a Fresno State athlete addressed crucial NIL rights matters.
The California Journalism Awards aim to recognize the hard work and dedication of reporters and publications across the state. This year’s ceremony underscored the importance of local journalism in fostering informed communities and highlighting regional issues. Other local news teams, including Fresnoland, Valley Voice, and GV Wire, also received accolades, showcasing a rich tapestry of reporting that serves the diverse needs of California’s populace.
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