Celebrating Excellence: Highlights from the Sunshine State Awards
Spotlighting Awards in Journalism
The Sunshine State Awards are known as Florida's premier journalism competition, rewarding the best in the industry. This prestigious event recently showcased excellence, inviting entries from talented journalists in Florida and beyond. With the awards celebrating outstanding contributions from the previous year, they are a testament to the dynamic storytelling that helps inform and engage communities.
A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting
This year marked a notable addition with the introduction of the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting. This significant award acknowledges the vital role that investigative journalism plays in ensuring accountability and transparency within society. Supported by a generous grant, the prize underscores the importance of empowering citizens through well-researched and compelling narratives.
Distinguished Recipients of the A-Mark Prize
Journalists from various backgrounds and mediums competed for the A-Mark Prize, leading to exceptional entries recognized for their depth and impact. The top prizes were awarded as follows:
- First Place: Trevor Aaronson and Eleanor Knight for their Audible podcast series Pulse: The Untold Story.
- Second Place: Kylie McGivern, Randy Wright, and Melanie Payne from WFTS-TV Tampa Bay for their series Pay to Stay: Incarceration Fees Stifle Former Felons.
- Third Place: Caroline Braucher and Jennifer Hunt Murty from the Ocala Gazette for their series Deaths in Custody at the Marion County Jail.
Seven Divisions Recognized
In addition to the A-Mark Prize, honors were given across seven key divisions reflecting the diversity in journalism:
- Print and Digital Writing
- Photography and Design
- Television and Video
- Radio and Audio
- Digital
- Spanish Language
- Students
A Collaborative Effort in Recognition
SPJ Florida proudly presents these awards in collaboration with various organizations, including the South Florida chapters of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists. Since its inception, the Sunshine State Awards have consistently celebrated journalistic excellence, with entries evaluated by professionals and educators from outside Florida. This peer-reviewed process ensures that only the highest caliber of work is recognized.
Open to Multiple Entries
The competition remains inclusive, inviting professionals from not just Florida but also Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Journalists from outside the region who cover stories relevant to Florida are also encouraged to submit their work. Furthermore, the Student Division is a vibrant part of this initiative, welcoming entries from higher education institutions and even high school journalists.
Looking Ahead to Future Awards
As the celebration of journalism continues, preparations for the next round of Sunshine State Awards are already underway. The 2026 competition will open for entries soon, providing opportunities for even more journalists to share their stories and insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Sunshine State Awards?
The Sunshine State Awards are Florida's largest journalism competition, recognizing excellence across various media forms.
Who sponsors the A-Mark Prize?
The A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting is supported by the A-Mark Foundation, highlighting the importance of investigative journalism.
How can journalists enter the awards?
Journalists can participate by submitting their work in the appropriate categories, with entries open to professionals from Florida and surrounding regions.
What divisions are included in the awards?
The awards feature divisions for print, digital, photography, television, and more, celebrating diversity in media approaches.
When will the next awards take place?
The next Sunshine State Awards will open for entries in January of the following year, continuing the tradition of excellence in journalism.
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