Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting ( Division A )Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Wisconsin State Journal Entry Title: State of Intoxication: Drunken Driving on the Rise Entry Credit: Barry Adams, Joe States, Terri Pederson, Alexander Shur Judge Comment: I expected a familiar approach to a familiar issue: Wisconsin has a drinking problem. But this was exemplary reporting, going beyond statistics and peeling back the longstanding challenges and legislative stalemates to reverse this dangerous trend. Outstanding job in a terribly competitive category. Well done!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Post-Crescent Entry Title: The new Wisconsin family? 1.7 kids, no picket fence and child care costs more than college Entry Credit: Madison Lammert, Jeff Bollier Judge Comment: A fabulous job of making Wisconsin's changing (and challenging) economy come to life. The reporting roared past statistics and data and told the story through the eyes of those most affected: Everyday Wisconsin families. Very sophisticated storytelling.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Green Bay Press-Gazette Entry Title: Emma was 17, autistic and unable to balance her inner, outer worlds. What her death by suicide tells us. Entry Credit: Natalie Eilbert Judge Comment: This was a painfully evocative story that breaks the heart. The reporter won the confidence of sources to tell a memorable story that sadly resonates and is being repeated across the country.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: The Cap Times Entry Title: More Wisconsin workers are organizing. How much leverage do they have? Entry Credit: Natalie Yahr Judge Comment: Another well-reported enterprise package that captured the fascinating economic trends and the empowerment of a new generation of workers and those shaping the labor movement statewide.
Competition Comment: This was an OUTSTANDING collection of enterprising work -- well-told, well-researched, compelling writing, sophisticated approaches beyond statistics and from-the-heart storytelling. This was a tough category to judge; there could've been 6-7 top-shelf winners. Keep at it, Wisconsin! Readers across your state need this kind of work. -- RAG
