Daily Herald recognized for public service, news innovation
The Daily Herald has won five Illinois Associated Press Editors Association awards including major recognition for public service reporting and news innovation.
The first-place award for public service went to Tax Watchdog Editor Jake Griffin, whose weekly Suburban Tax Watchdog column investigates governments' use and misuse of taxpayers' dollars.
The Daily Herald also was named News Innovator of the Year for engaging readers through popular contests such as the Cook of the Week Challenge, The Fittest Loser and Suburban Chicago's Got Talent.
The other honors were for front-page design, general excellence and sports photography.
The first-place award for print newspaper page design went to Copy Editor Sean Stangland for “Again,” the Daily Herald's front page on the day after President Barack Obama's re-election.
The general excellence recognition was a second-place award honoring the overall quality of the newspaper.
Daily Herald Photographer Rick West's photo of Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro, “Crossing the Plate,” won a third-place award in the sports action photo category.
“It is gratifying to see the staff's dedication recognized by the judges,” said Daily Herald Senior Vice President/Editor John Lampinen. “Our objective each day is to serve our readers and the community and these honors are a reflection of that.”
The winners were announced Tuesday. Awards will be presented at the IAPEA banquet June 13 in Springfield.