2021-22 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
101 Grand Award - Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year ( Travel Audio-Podcasts and Guides,Travel Audio-Radio,Travel Magazines,Travel Coverage in General Magazines,Newspapers)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The New York Times Entry Title: Stephen Hiltner Entry Credit: Stephen Hiltner Judge Comment: Stephen Hiltner doesn’t just write about the places he explores in his travels; he takes readers along for the adventure. With his video and audio embedded in online articles, readers find themselves surrounded by the scenery and the sounds of a place. For instance, his paddling trek in the Florida Everglades comes to life with a sound bite of flapping wings as birds take flight and a video as he glides through mangroves, the rhythmic sound of his paddle slicing the water. Spectacular photos fill out the imagination of a destination, and it’s easy for travelers to picture themselves wherever he is. Hiltner’s writing is lyrical and frank. He is an insightful wordsmith as well.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: christopher reynolds Entry Title: Christopher Reynolds Entry Credit: Christopher Reynolds Judge Comment: Christopher Reynolds lends a folksy flavor to his writing as he opens the door to readers and invites them to join the fun as he explores a variety of California places. And he warns readers about the pitfalls so they can decide whether this is the place for them. Reynolds’ writing is strong and served with a helping of flair.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Ali Wunderman Entry Title: Ali Wunderman Entry Credit: Ali Wunderman Judge Comment: Belize, anyone? Yes, please. Iceland? Sign up, ASAP. Both responses are likely for anyone reading some of Ali Wunderman’s articles. She captures the scenery, history, must-see or -do attractions and, in the case of the noted destinations, the environmental concerns. In other work, she serves travelers with tips for staying safe on adventures outdoors where wildlife encounters may occur. In the column “The Reason I Kept My Jewish Last Name,” Wunderman combines the importance of family heritage and travel and provides moving testimony that reveals the depth of her writing skills.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Jennifer Broome Entry Title: Jennifer Broome Entry Credit: Jennifer Broome Judge Comment: Jennifer Broome likes adventures, and luckily for viewers, she likes to film, curate and share her visual travelogues. Whether the scene is a geothermal hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, snowmobiling to promote visiting Yellowstone National Park in winter, or hiking the challenging maze of narrow canyons on the Fiery Furnace trail in Utah’s Arches National Park,she captures the thrills and uniqueness of each site. As an added bonus, Broome, a meteorologist, sprinkles her videos with occasional weather information for travelers.
