Dayton Daily News, WHIO-TV and WHIO Radio win statewide awards

A first-place finish for Best Investigative Reporting was earned by Josh Sweigart and Jeremy Kelley for “Teacher Misconduct” (Nearly 600 teachers disciplined; 125 had licenses revoked last year in Ohio).

READ THE TEACHER INVESTIGATION HERE

“This investigation in one of the most unique undertakings reported in some time. It raises many alarms and shed light in an area untouched from scrutiny,” judges said of the top effort.

The Best Business Writer award was won by Kaitlin Schroeder, who covers health care issues. The judges said of Schroeder’s work, “The writer consistently explored new and interesting stories on health and business in Ohio.”

Dayton City Hall reporter Cornelius Frolik won for Best News Writer in the state.

Amelia Robinson took second place in the Best Columnist category.

Tom Archdeacon nabbed second place for Best Sports Writer.

“Great storytelling and strong reporting combined with insightful commentary,” the judges said of Archdeacon’s work

The Dayton Daily News received third place in the Best Public Service category for "The Path Forward" project which looks at issues impacting the region such as jobs, challenges facing Dayton schools, and fighting the opioid crisis.

MORE: The Path Forward Project: Dayton Daily News

Third place in Best Full-Page Design went to the Dayton Daily News.

“Designers have a lot to contend with at the top of the page, so the clarity and contrast provided by this display attract the eye,” explained the judges.

“Our team is working very hard every day to produce in-depth investigations and local news and reporting that our readers can’t get anywhere else and it is good to see their work recognized as some of the best in Ohio,” Dayton Daily News Editor Jim Bebbington said.

WHIO-TV awards

WHIO-TV Channel 7 took first place in the Best Newscast category ad Emily Gay took first for Best Producer.

“Good use of all types of media (graphics, maps, live shots, VO,SOTS), headlines were snappy and kept you watching for the full report,” the judges said of Gay’s effort.

“Excellent team coverage of big story from several angles. Good history and perspective. Also, a nice follow on an enterprise story,” the judges noted for Best Newscast.

Kirstie Zontini and McCall Vrydaghs placed first and second, respectively, for Best Weathercast.

PODCAST: Check out Cloudy with a chance of Podcast featuring McCall Vrydaghs and Kirstie Zontini

“Great pacing, consistent and very pleasant to watch. Nice use of social media as well as other technology. Viewers were well prepared for what awaited them on the roads,” the judges said of Zontini’s effort, adding about Vrydaghs, “From a viewer’s standpoint, I think she broke down important WHIO-TV, Dayton information in terms that the public could easily understand. Love the weekend breakout.”

CHECK OUT WHIO'S WEBSITE

WHIO took second for Best Digital Presence.

“Web homepage was well organized; weather page was informative; was surprised at the placement of county jail bookings,” the judges said.

WHIO Radio awards

AM 1290 and News 95.7 WHIO won three awards Saturday from the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors.

WHIO won first place for Best Spot News Coverage for coverage of school violence.

“Clear, polished and informed presentation of an event affecting not only a community, but a nation,” the judges said.

COVERAGE OF SCHOOL SAFETY FORUM

The radio station also came in first for Best Newscast.

“Not knowing anything about WHIO, within 30 seconds you can tell they do news right,” the judges said. “Excellent presentation and content.”

WHIO also came in first for Best Digital Presence.

“I’m very proud of the work our news team has done under the leadership of our news director Brittany Otto.” said WHIO Radio Program Director Jeremy Ratliff.