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Some of the awards The Examiner has accumulated over the years.
The Examiner’s enduring endeavor is to inform and entertain readers with issues that are most impactful to them by keeping a watchful eye on people with power and shining a light on those who might abuse that power. Those efforts have inadvertently inspired the acclaim of experienced journalists – both nationally and locally – to the tune of dozens of annual awards; 2021 was no different.
The paper claimed 13 awards in August 2021 at the National Newspaper Association’s (NNA) 2021 Better Newspaper Contest, where a panel of journalism professionals from across the nation convened to recognize the United States’ best newspapers, reporters and editors. The panel scrutinizes and criticizes tens of thousands of entries each year. Two months later, The Examiner earned 35 additional awards at the Press Club of Southeast Texas’ 30th Annual Excellence in Media Awards. Those trophies perpetuate a tradition of top-notch journalism that has earned The Examiner countless accolades in its history.
The NNA, an organization with more than 2,300 associated newspapers nationwide, named The Examiner the second place in the nation for Overall Excellence. The judge in the category called it an “excellent newspaper,” adding, “It hit all the right buttons on the score sheet.”
Publisher Don Dodd won third in the nation in the editorial competition for his criticism of U.S. Representative Randy Weber and his inaction during the onset of COVID-19. A judge wrote, “This is a strong editorial questioning the actions of a member of congress on an important community health issue. It is well written and informs the readers about someone they will likely be asked to reject or choose on their ballot.”
As an investigative newspaper, The Examiner was built on in-depth coverage of corrupt tax-paying entities taking advantage of the populous. The Examiner remains Southeast Texas’ premier outlet for such reports – as evidenced by the paper claiming three out of four investigative awards on offer at the local press club awards.
"While these awards are a fantastic recognition of the hard work done at The Examiner, none of these awards are earned alone. And while it's nice to be honored with trophies and accolades, our real goal is to keep our readers informed and powerful Southeast Texans in check." - Don Dodd, Publisher/CEO of The Examiner
Managing Editor Jennifer Johnson earned first place for her coverage of Jefferson County inmates’ COVID plight during the height of the pandemic, speaking to incarcerated sources through an inmate-smuggled cell phone and earning recognition for giving a platform to voices that might normally go unheard. She earned third for her story detailing the resignation of a county-appointed board member under fire for approving her daughter’s pay raise. Johnson topped off the local awards with the coveted first-place trophy for her Reporting Portfolio. Staff Writer B. Scott McLendon earned an honorable mention for shining a light on a small-town mayor’s tight-lipped refusal to sign a document that would allow a family to remain on their Harvey-flooded property until they could afford a rebuild.
At the national awards ceremony, Johnson received second place for Investigative/In-depth reporting for her deep dive into the sale of the Ford Park athletic complex. In her story “Ford Park sale goes awry,” Johnson explores issues with the company proposing to purchase the county-owned complex and its representative, who has still failed to produce funds promised to complete the deal.
Business Journal Editor Sharon Brooks received second place nationally for Best Business Feature and Best Business Story for “Not just business as usual,” an Examiner story written at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Brooks shared information about local business closures and gave the public a rundown of where they could go to get needed supplies as businesses struggled to maintain inventory.
Brooks earned first for Magazine News Story, as well as first and second place in the Business Story competition. Further additions to her and The Examiner trophy cabinet include third for Special Reports on the need for convalescent plasma during the pandemic, as well as an honorable mention in the same category for coverage of three local men charged with cybercrimes against women. She also earned an honorable mention for her reporting portfolio.
McLendon won first place in the News Story competition, non-daily division for coverage of Lumberton’s efforts to keep crime-ridden game rooms from its city limits. Additionally, he won first place in the headline-writing competition for his “Children of the Coronavirus” story about babies born during the pandemic. He also earned an honorable mention in the same category, while splitting second and third with Johnson.
Sports and Entertainment Editor Chad Cooper and The Examiner’s Kevin Clay each claimed five awards at the local press club ceremony. Brittany Chaney, of The Examiner’s graphics department, won second for Magazine Layout Design. Columnist Stephen ‘Doc’ Watson won first, third and an honorable mention in the General Column category.
Experienced, professional journalists from around the country who read The Examiner and judge the national and local newspaper awards continue to honor The Independent Voice of Southeast Texas’ accurate, diligent and important news coverage.
The Examiner comes out every week on Thursday. Subscribe by calling (409) 832-1400 or visiting the website, www.theexaminer.com. The Southeast Texas Business Journal is a free publication and may be found at www.beaumontbusinessjournal.com or in businesses around the area.
“While these awards are a fantastic recognition of the hard work done at The Examiner, none of these awards are earned alone,” said Publisher Don Dodd. “And while it’s nice to be honored with trophies and accolades, our real goal is to keep our readers informed and powerful Southeast Texans in check.”