Just returned from Oklahoma City a few hours ago. I'd have stayed longer, but awards night is over and it's back to assignments here in Tulsa today.
In previous years, the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists - Professional Chapter simply had a list of winners - this journalist from this media organization won first, this journalist from this media organization won second, and so on.
However, the powers that be (view their officer profiles on the officer page, heh) wanted to do more this year and I am more than happy to comply.
For example, let's say you're Althea Peterson and you won first place in feature writing. In previous years, the award winners list would say this:
"1st place: Althea Peterson, Norman Transcript."
... not too much else. Your newspaper would then write the following in the next day's edition:
"Former Transcript education reporter Althea Peterson took first place in feature writing for her story, "Big crane on campus."
Judges said, "Great lede, tight writing, colorful quotes and fresh perspective combine to make this an award-winning feature story."But, that would unfortunately be forgotten sometime between the award's night and next year's award's night. What story was it? When did it run? What was it even about?!
Thus, the powers that be (OKSPJ officers) would like to offer something more to the respective award winners. There's a story behind "this journalist that won and the media organization s/he works for." Thus, if you are one of our award winners this year - honorable mention, third, second, first, anything, I would love to give readers a chance to check out your award-winning work.
I would also love to give readers a chance to read what their respective media outlets are saying about it...
"She also won first place in education reporting for "Knowing Jack," about retired journalism professor Jack Willis.
Judges said, "Heartwarming, engaging tale of journalism prof's effect on his students. Judging from the writing, structure and sourcing in this story, Jack did a great job teaching his students well."Ok, I'm going to knock off the self promoting. It's your turn to receive the promotion you deserve. Send me links, attachments, etc. of your award winning work and I will be sure to include a link to it here for other journalists and visitors to view. Send them to
althea.peterson@gmail.com . Check back later in the week as more of these links are added to OKSPJ.com
~AP
PS: Because of ongoing format wars with the competing systems, please scroll down to view quick links to different sections of the site. Hopefully the Web will call a truce on my systems soon.