MADISON — “The Quiet Rooms,” a series by Jodi S. Cohen of ProPublica and Jennifer Smith Richards of the Chicago Tribune has been named the winner of the 2020 Anthony Shadid Award for Journalism Ethics, the Center for Journalism Ethics at UW-Madison announced Monday.
The series documented the unlawful use of seclusion and restraint in Illinois public schools, which within a day of publication prompted state officials to take action on banning seclusion. Lucas Graves, chair of the Shadid Award judging committee, said in the Center’s announcement the series “showed how conscientious reporting can make a real difference.”
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Kathleen Bartzen Culver, director of the Center for Journalism Ethics, said “this year’s finalists all show us the critical role journalists play in protecting vulnerable people.”
The other 2020 finalists were:
- Louise Donovan and Nasibo Kabale, The Fuller Project for International Reporting and The Telegraph. “Dumped babies are just the tip of the iceberg: The deadly consequences of curbing reproductive rights” was an investigative report on how Kenya’s restricted access to prenatal care, contraception and reproductive services is leaving women in increasingly desperate situations. According to the nomination, the reporters had to highlight the government’s repeated failure to provide women’s healthcare without shaming, blaming or exposing the women who had abandoned their babies.
- Brian M. Rosenthal, New York Times. “Taken for a Ride” was a five-part investigation that exposed one of the worst predatory lending schemes in the United States since the housing market crash, including stories on reckless loans, corrupt officials, Chicago cabbies, New York’s Taxi King and driver suicides. According to its nomination, The Times navigated a series of tough decisions about suicide and victim protection while also making a conscious effort to avoid sensationalizing the story.
- Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune. “AJ Freund case shows lapses in protection by child welfare workers” and “Two troubled people met at a McHenry County courthouse in 2012. Today, they stand charged in the murder of their 5-year-old son” chronicled how Illinois state child-welfare officials repeatedly failed to protect a 5-year-old boy who was eventually murdered by his parents. According to the nomination, Gutowski grappled with ethical issues surrounding this emotionally very difficult story such as whether to name the boy’s siblings or publish disturbing photos.
The Shadid Award is named for UW-Madison journalism alumnus Anthony Shadid, who died in February 2012 while reporting in Syria. The award honors journalists who exhibit a strong commitment to ethical journalism by acting with integrity, honoring ethical principles in their reporting or resisting pressure to compromise ethical principles. It is unique in recognizing the ethical challenges journalists face in balancing the interests of sources, subjects and the public.
