The Potomac Almanac was named 2001 Newspaper of the Year by the Maryland Delaware D.C. Press Association at an awards function last Friday, March 1.
The Almanac competes in the mid-sized weekly category; more than 80 newspapers compete in six categories small, mid-sized and large circulation for daily and weekly papers. The Washington Post was named Newspaper of the Year in the large daily category and Legal Times garnered the award for small weeklies.
The Potomac Almanac won 16 awards in addition to being named Newspaper of the Year, including honors in public service, general news writing, breaking news, continuing coverage, sports writing, specialized coverage of state and local government, medical science and religion. The Almanac also won awards for photography and informational graphics. See box for complete list.
Ken Moore, the Almanac’s managing editor, won 14 awards in all, including first and second place for public service, and a Best in Show award for public service. The Almanac’s extensive coverage of the review of the Potomac Master Plan was judged the best public service entry of any newspaper in the competition, including the dailies. Judges praised the coverage for thorough research and inspiring readers to get involved in the Master Plan process.
Moore won in a wide variety of categories, including sports story, coverage of a murder and photography.
The Almanac’s coverage of Potomac’s response to the events of Sept. 11, “Potomac Begins to Heal,” written by Moore and Chuck Schilken, won top honors for general news writing. Judges called the package the “best of a very strong group of entries.” Coverage included obituaries of Potomac residents who died in the terrorist attacks, coverage of candlelight and prayer vigils and community efforts to raise funds for victims of the attacks.
Coverage of the debate over a possible techway and a new bridge across the Potomac River won first place in continuing coverage. “Engaging. Entertaining. Balanced. Comprehensive,” read the judges comments.
Graphics related to proposals for the techway won both first and second place for informational graphics.
The contest was judged by the Hoosier State Press Association in Indiana.