Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The New York Times Entry Title: The New York Times Entry Credit: Amy Virshup, Travel Editor Judge Comment: The unique perspectives on typical and atypical story ideas are as enjoyable and surprising as the coverage. The 180-degree story, turning the camera around on the travel photographer experience during COVID, was brilliant. The wonderfully enigmatic interpretation of “Enslaved to a Founding Father” is artful and an inspirational way to capture the mystique of a place. There’s an exceptional contrast in the types of journalism behind “Six Days Afloat,” “A Town That Saved a Mountain” and the stories of the reconnected relationships in “With Tears, Hugs and Balloons.” Interactive graphics and incorporated maps bring added functionality to numerous stories.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Star Tribune Entry Title: Star Tribune Entry Credit: Simon Peter Groebner, Travel Editor, Kerri Westenberg, Madalyne Bird, Melanie Radzicki McManus, Chris Riemenschneider Judge Comment: The print product is stunning, with bold design, wonderful typography and lead photos that command attention. The experience is so pleasant that reading is a joy. The Iceland and The Dakotas packages are produced with the vision and service that readers seek. Online, the guide to fall colors, using maps, photography and excellent typography, is a great example of how the Star Tribune also serves its readers well online.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Washington Post Entry Title: The Washington Post Entry Credit: Amanda Finnegan, By The Way Editor, Nicole Arthur, Travel Editor Judge Comment: The editorial judgment and story idea selection are strong. The investigation into the three new low-budget airlines was in-depth and interesting. Seeing a trend of small airlines and providing detail is a good example of the Post’s portfolio and method. Meanwhile, “30 Observations From My First Vaccinated Flight” was a charming first-person account presented in graphic novel form. Photos are used, but many of the lead visual elements are well-conceived illustrations.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Plain Dealer Entry Title: The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) Entry Credit: Susan Glaser, Travel Editor Judge Comment: Wonderful voice comes through these stories. Readers of the Plain Dealer get insights, experiences and large photos. Anyone with pride in Ohio and the greater region will appreciate the Float Troy event while also learning the details about Michigan’s Mackinac Island. Perspective is diverse. Exploring the dust-up at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is important state news any day, but this author has taken the time and effort to explain the issue with nuance and detail.
