#NewYorkPressAssociation #Awards #Recognition #SpotlightNews #TheSpot518
ALBANY — Spotlight Newspapers, the Capital District newspaper chain responsible for publishing The Spotlight, Colonie Spotlight and The Spot 518, earned five awards in New York Press Association’s 2017 Better Newspaper Contest — including first place honors for its coverage of the arts.
Honorees were recognized during NYPA’s annual spring conference and trade show this past weekend in Albany.
Managing Editor Michael Hallisey and The Spot 518 reporter Kaitlin Lembo each earned first place honors in the Coverage of the Arts category. This is the second honor in as many years in which The Spot 518 has been recognized for its coverage of the arts.
Colonie Spotlight reporter Jim Franco earned a second place award for his in-depth coverage surrounding the actions of the New York state Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.
“[Franco] shows what dogged determination can produce,” stated one judge. “The series provides an exhaustive look at questions surrounding a state agency. The stories are well written and leave readers fully informed.”
Franco also earned a second place award for Best News Series.
The Spotlight earned additional recognition with a second place honor under best Editorials and a third place award for Overall Design Excellence.
Judges pointed out the merits of The Spot 518’s events calendar for its placement in the overall design category. The weekly arts and entertainment newspaper also runs as the B-section in both The Spotlight and Colonie Spotlight.