LRPR Staff Shines at Arkansas SPJ Diamond Journalism Awards
The Arkansas Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) honored Little Rock Public Radio (LRPR) staff with multiple awards at the 2024 Diamond Journalism Awards ceremony. This recognition is a testament to their dedication to delivering high-quality journalism to the community.
The awards reflect a wide range of LRPR’s editorial work, including politics, education, and profiles. One notable report, “New superintendent talks about the future of the LRSD,” won first prize in the Education – Audio/Video category. This report stood out for its thoroughness and the judge praised the interviewer’s ability to cover all the necessary bases. Similarly, the report “Democratic Party of Arkansas delays choosing a new chair during emotional meeting” took home first prize in the Politics – Audio/Video category, lauded for its emotional depth and solid presentation.
LRPR’s News Director, Daniel Breen, was a finalist in the Politics – Audio/Video category for his report “Sarah Huckabee Sanders is expected to win Republican primary for Arkansas governor,” which aired nationally on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Breen also received a first prize award in the Profiles – Radio/Audio category for his report “In Arkansas, slain journalist leaves behind long legacy.”
The awards highlight the exceptional work of LRPR staff, demonstrating their commitment to in-depth, emotive, and informative reporting that resonates with the community.
The Arkansas SPJ Diamond Journalism Awards recognized outstanding work in the region, drawing 363 entries from various categories. The judges, members of the Washington, D.C., Chapter of SPJ, commended the entries for their dedication to high-quality journalism and community engagements.
The Arkansas SPJ uses the proceeds from the competition to fund scholarships for college students pursuing a career in journalism. This emphasizes the importance of nurturing future journalists to maintain the high standards set by LRPR and other award winners.
These awards underscore the impact of outstanding journalism in informing and engaging the community, highlighting LRPR’s role in upholding professional norms and inspiring future generations of journalists.
- LRPR staff won awards in Education – Audio/Video and Politics – Audio/Video categories.
- Daniel Breen received a first prize award in the Profiles – Radio/Audio category.
- Awards support scholarships for college students in journalism programs.
These achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of LRPR staff, further solidifying their reputation for exceptional journalism.