Heralds bring home the gold at NYPA

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The Herald Community Newspapers came up big in the New York Press Association’s 2016 Better Newspaper Contest, taking 15 honors in the statewide competition, for which 184 newspapers submitted nearly 3,000 entries. The awards were presented at NYPA’s annual convention in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., last weekend.

Among the accolades were first-place awards for Rookie Reporter of the Year, In-Depth Reporting, News Series, Coverage of the Environment and Art Photo. Sixteen members of the editorial department were recognized for journalistic excellence, including Laura Lane, the editor of the Glen Cove Herald Gazette, Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald Gazette and Oyster Bay Guardian. In all, the Heralds received 170 points in the contest, placing them among the top five community newspaper groups in the state.

“Our reporters, editors, sales executives and production staff produce some of the best local newspapers in the state,” noted Co-Publisher Stuart Richner. “I’m delighted that others in the industry have recognized the work they do week in and week out. It’s particularly rewarding to see our rookie reporters recognized for their outstanding work.”

“It takes a talented team to win,” said Rhonda Glickman, the Heralds’ vice president of advertising sales. “I am honored to be part of that team.”

The Changing Face of L.I.

The Heralds took first place for In-Depth Reporting and News Series for a nine-part series on Long Island immigration, “The Changing Face of Long Island,” which examined how immigrants arrive on the Island and how they are shaping its economic, educational and political landscapes. The series was more than two years in the planning.

Executive Editor Scott Brinton was the series editor as well as one of its writers. Other writers included Lane, Micah Danney, Stephany Reyes, Daine Taylor, Rossana Weitekamp and intern Alex Boyd. Christina Daly was the photographer.

Judges wrote of the series, “The best so far. Lots of good color in the stories, good data and research, and the editorial at the end bringing it home shows real planning and execution.”

They also commented, “A wide-ranging, face-of-the-situation series that breaks through the stereotypes and informs us in breezy, engaging detail … Obviously a lot of planning in this one, and photography propels the narrative.”

Editorial excellence

The Heralds earned second place for three editorials written by former Executive Editor John O’Connell, who is very active in the Glen Cove Hibernians and was the Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal in 2014. Judges wrote, “Well written editorials about child sex abuse, Clinton/Trump voting and showing respect for our [veterans]. Moving.”

Chasing Mangano

The Heralds also received a second-place award for News Story for their coverage of County Executive Ed Mangano’s arrest on corruption charges last fall. Writers included Brinton, Strack, Erik Hawkins and Anthony Rifilato, and Daly and Hawkins took the photographs.

Rifilato also wrote a second story on elected leaders’ reactions to the arrest.

Judges remarked, “Teamwork pays off. This is journalism that taps readers on the shoulders and shows everyone newspapers are needed. Excellent effort.”

“The range of honors we received demonstrates the level of talent and dedication of our staff,” Brinton said. “I’m so proud to work alongside journalists who are truly committed to making a difference in the lives of our readers and in the world.”