Spotlight Newspapers was recently recognized in a range of categories in the New York Press Association 2011 Better Newspaper Contest.
The awards were distributed at NYPA’s annual spring convention in Saratoga Springs, which took place March 30-31. Over the two days, Spotlight Newspapers was given awards for editorial, design, advertising and photography.
“We have always won for editorial excellence. This year, that’s spilled over into all the other categories,” said Spotlight Publisher John McIntyre. “Our entire staff does good, meaningful work every week, and these results affirm that.”
Spotlight Newspapers came home with the following 11 awards: Best front page (first place, Schenectady County Spotlight); Best newspaper website (third place); Spot news coverage (third place, John Purcell); Editorials (honorable mention); Sports action photo (second place, Bob Goo); sports action photo (third place, John McIntyre); Sports feature photo (third place, Bob Goo); Best newspaper image promotion (second place); Best advertising campaign (third place); best small space ad (third place); and best house ad/campaign (second place).
Reporter John Purcell’s coverage of Hurricane Irene and its aftermath earned him the spot news award. He also received an award in the 2010 Better Newspaper Contest. The paper submitted three editorials commenting on the Albany County budget, the Town of Colonie landfill and the Vista Technology Park. The judges praised the paper’s editorials for taking strong positions, educating the public and providing leadership. Purcell was also recognized for his photography accompanying the news coverage.
“It’s really a great honor to receive recognition on so many fronts,” said Managing Editor Charles Wiff. “Our division includes the largest papers in NYPA, so to have our work be named among the best in the state says a lot about the caliber of the product we put out.”