Murphy – The Cherokee Scout, the local news and information provider for Cherokee and surrounding counties since 1889, has earned 14 honors in the N.C. Press Association’s 2024 Better Newspapers Contest.
The honors will be handed out during N.C. Press’ annual convention Thursday, Sept. 19, in Raleigh. Other awards, including General Excellence, will also be handed out at that time.
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North Carolina's contest is one of the largest in the country, with more than 3,500 entries from over 125 news organizations. The entries were published from March 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024.
Editor Randy Foster headed up the local news pack with 11 awards.
“I’m very pleased that the professionals judging the contest recognized that the Scout doesn’t just focus on one area of local news coverage, but a wide variety of important subjects,” Publisher David Brown said. “In almost every weekly edition, the newspaper publishes items that deserve consideration for the contest. Special thanks to our readers, who inspire us to want to get even better every year.”
Those honored so far from the Scout are:
- Business Writing, second place, “From Illinois home brew to Main Street,” Staff Correspondent Nicole Wright. Judge’s comment: “This was a fantastic business profile. To start, it painted a lovely picture of who the new and previous business owners are and their commitment to the town. I also loved how the article addressed what patrons can expect to change and what they can expect to stay the same. However, what I loved most about the story was it clearly illustrated that fact that the brewery is a town staple.”
- General News Photography, second place, “Flying high at the fair,” Foster.
- Religion & Faith Reporting, second place, “Easter love and unity,” Brown. Judge’s comment: “Great job, it touches the soul.”
- General News Reporting, second place, “Twins’ death came amid divorce,” Foster. Judge’s comment: “What a horrible tragedy to cover. Kudos to the editor for digging up important court documents that shed some light on what led to the horrifying outcome for these twin boys. I hope there are follow-up stories outlining how people should deal with drug abuse and mental health. Great journalism for a tough story!”
- Serious Columns, second place, for three columns on the opinions page, Brown. Judge’s comment: “Excellent points on topics shared around the country.”
- Photo Illustration, second place, “A hot and cold oyster,” Foster. Judge’s comment: “Subtle shift in background color adds a lot to this simple illustration.”
- Magazine or Niche Publication, second place, Celebrating Our Veterans 2023, staff. Judge’s comment: “You can never go wrong with a veterans section! This has solid writing. Photos add to it. Good tribute to area veterans.”
- Business Writing, third place, “Mill closure affects 300 county jobs,” Foster. Judge’s comment: “In such a short word count, Foster managed to explore the devastating impact of the mill's closing. As well as the surrounding area's commitment to helping those impacted get back on their feet and keep their community going.”
- Education Reporting, third place, “Parents scold school board,” Foster. Judge’s comment: “This is good community journalism. The original story needed to be followed-up, and this follow-up captures the community's anger, surprise and emotion about a public decision that affects so many of them so dearly.”
- Photo Illustration, third place, “What’s in county’s new plan?” Foster. Judge’s comment: “A lot of useful information that's been well-organized and is easy to read and digest.”
- News Enterprise Reporting, third place, “Helicopter ambulance 24/7,” Foster. Judge’s comment: “A fun, informative and thoroughly enjoyable read about something people often see and wonder what goes on behind the scenes. The reader is taken there by a skilled storyteller-tour guide. Well done.”
- News Feature Writing, third place, “A home for Beulah: Ailing dog finally gets adopted,” Foster. Judge’s comment: “Emotionally tolls without becoming maudlin. Beautiful piece of writing shows off the talents of this author.”
- General News Photography, third place, “A mobile view of the universe,” Foster.
- Spot News Photography, third place, “Fire crews divided at highway blazes,” Foster.