The life of a journalist often comes with its share of challenges and bad news, from closures of esteemed outlets to layoffs and political attacks on the profession.
Even at the Kansas Reflector, a nonprofit news organization, the challenges can be daunting, especially during intense periods like legislative sessions and facing hurdles like being removed from Facebook.
Receiving recognition can be a ray of sunshine amidst these difficulties. Kansas Reflector recently celebrated winning six first-place awards at the Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence.
Kansas Reflector Podcast (Credits: Live Radio)
Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith garnered first place in news and religion stories, highlighting the paper’s coverage of the Marion County Record’s clash with law enforcement and the intersection of religion and politics.
I also had the honor of winning first place in editorial writing, a recognition that brings me great joy. Additionally, a longtime contributor, Max McCoy received first place for column writing, showcasing our commitment to insightful commentary.
As a team, Kansas Reflector excelled in various areas, winning accolades for best use of social media and our weekly podcast. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and talent of our newsroom.
The Kansas Reflector (Credits: kansasreflector.com)
Adam Kealoha Causey, the national editor at States Newsroom, praised the team for their exceptional work, highlighting our relentless reporting on important issues.
Other team members also received recognition, such as senior reporter Tim Carpenter and reporter Rachel Mipro, whose stories delved into critical topics like agriculture and the relationship between church and state in Kansas.
At the core of our work is the belief that Kansans deserve well-informed news, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to deliver stories that matter to our community.
