D.C. Dateline Awards
Judges Comments
Robert D.G. Lewis Watchdog Award candidates:
- Gaithersburg-owned rentals a surprise to city officials – weekly newspapers, investigative reporting
- Call 911 – with the sidebar – Trouble in the ER (Washingtonian Magazine) – Magazine, investigative reporting
- Brett Zongker: King family draws fees from DC memorial project. – Weekly newspaper business/financial
- “Taking Taxpayers For A Ride” – Radio, investigative reporting By Mark Segraves WTOP 103.5 FM
Judges comments: “Taking Taxpayers For A Ride” forcefully speaks truth to power. Reporter Segraves’ tenacity and thorough sourcing makes for an ear-opening series of reports.”
Weekly Newspapers – Investigative Reporting
- Gaithersburg-owned rentals a surprise to city officials
Judges comments: If all news is local, then this is a good look at what appears to be a very screwy local program. The reporter clearly outlines the questionable validity of the home-rental program, but delves deeper into the projected capital costs to taxpayers to maintain the properties leased to city employees at below market rates. The expected resolution to rent the homes at market rates ˆ after the newspaper raised the question ˆ is a great example of why reporting on local government always resonates with readers.
- Earmarks: Hide and Go seek
Judges comments: What a clever way to shine a little light on the hypocrisy often found in Washington. A perfect illustration of how politicians tend to "forget" the spirit of the laws they design. I would not have thought of this angle as a way to tell the story.
- Little oversight of AIG before bailout
Judges comments: Those pesky calendars. By reviewing appointment calendars of several federal officials, the reporters showed a low interest level by the feds in the problems of AIG prior to its bailout. The reporters' work should raise a collective, "You've got to be kidding me," among the populace. And the explanations from the federal officials are simply quintessential bureaucratic double-talk.
Investigative Reporting – Dailies
- Matthew Cella: Videos, tests show failures by D.C. EMS (The Washington Times)
Judges comments: The reporter's use of public records strongly supported a look at what appears is a dysfunctional paramedic system in the DC area that affects so many and made it stand out from the rest. The reporter's work should make everyone wonder who the heck is hiring DC paramedics.
- Alan Suderman: Tuitioin Assistance (Washington Examiner)
Judges comments: Trickle, trickle trickle. I love these type of bulldog efforts by reporters who doggedly keep track of an issue that begins innocuously enough, but with each story new information trickles out until it becomes a tsunami. Tuition assistance to buy guns, take Yoga classes? Where do I sign up in Montgomery County.
- Brian Westley and Brett Zongker: Neglected National Mall: Congress sends extra money back home (Associated Press)
Judges comments: Even for the casual DC visitor like myself, this is a disturbing story. The reports break down very visually the deteriorating conditions around the Mall and measures that against the hypocrisy of politicians who secure earmarks for their home states but ignore the needs of a crown jewel among American cities. Great use of data and quotes.
Group: Magazine – Investigative reporting
- Call 911 – with the sidebar – Trouble in the ER (Washingtonian Magazine)
Judges comments: A hugely important story that affects such a large metropolitan area. and should rain outrage down on DC officials from the public they are sworn to serve. This copy was crisp, detailed and left me wanting more. The reporter went to great lengths to present all sides in what seems to be a long-standing turf war by talking with multiple sources, exposing a schizophrenic approach to management and through excellent use of research and statistics. Great stats but not enough to overwhelm me.
- Who killed Danny Petrole? (Washingtonian Magazine)
Judges comments: These type of stories often are shaped to highlight a victim, lending itself to the notion that an injustice has been committed. That wasn't the case here and that's good. It was hard to identify a victim in this sad tale of misguided youth, because the reporter's matter-of-fact presentation doesn't allow for it. Instead, the reporting provides readers with realistic a look into the inconsistencies and self-protective comments common among characters in murder cases.
Group: Weekly Newspaper, Business/Financial Reporting
- Kevin Bogardus: Lobbyists raising money for lawmakers' portraits.
Judges comments: The Hill's overall coverage of the business of lobbying was impressive. This entry stood out from several quality stories for showing an angle to lobbyists' methods of influence that I think even the most jaded observer would find surprising. The piece had a good level of detail about who was contributing and connected the dots about why we should care.
- Jim Snyder and Silla Brush: Billions still up for lobbyist grabs in the fiscal stimulus.
Judges comments: A solid, timely piece on how lobbyists were gearing up to fill in the gaps on the new stimulus legislation. Good Washington insider knowledge on display.
- Roxana Tiron: Lobbyist hired to combat Somali pirates.
Judges comments: This is a surprising story to say the least. Excellent example of the gems that can be found by monitoring public records.
Group: Daily Newspaper, Business/Financial Reporting:
- Brett Zongker: King family draws fees from DC memorial project.
Judges comments: This is an excellent example of watchdog journalism that obviously took a good deal of research to uncover and explain. The story was comprehensive and impactful. It also did a nice job of reporting the rationale behind the arrangement, but overall accurately conveyed how unusual the licensing fee is – and how unexpected.
- Sarah Karush: Law firms pay new hires to work for public good.
Judges comments: An interesting take on the business of law in the recession. Used good anecdotes to tell the story.
- David Sherfinski, Alan Suderman, Teddy Kahn: Foreclosure fallout
Judges comments: Nice job of explaining a complex issue for readers who may not have been familiar with what was underpinning the housing fallout.
Magazine, Business/Financial Reporting
- The Son Also Rises, by Harry Jaffe.
Judges comments: For those who have never heard of Robert Allbritton, but are familiar with Politico, this story gave a comprehensive look at how an unlikely candidate launched what's become a major force in D.C. politics. Good behind-the-scenes details on how he assembled the team, as well as criticism from those who have left. Interesting background on his family as well.
- Great Places to Work, by Sherri Dalphonse.
Judges comments: The proliferation of Best Places to Work contests makes pulling off one of these sections difficult, but this is a quality effort that combines loads of information for companies to learn from with plenty of amusing anecdotes to keep readers interested. Well done.
- Tech Titans, by Garrett M. Graff.
Judges comments: In a region stocked with tech talent, this impressive research effort provided a good cross-section of the people to watch. A service to readers.
Daily Newspapers – Features
- The Score, Sports Profiles by Brian McNally
Judges comments: Many times in professional sports, the big personalities can seem more celebrity than athlete, more star than human. McNally’s profiles, by contrast, bring D.C.’s athletes and team owners down to a level that is relatable thanks to great sourcing and terrific writing.
Editorial, Columns, Commentary
Magazine
- Amanda Pagliarini, "How Could He Just Stand There?" The Washingtonian
Judges comments: Author revisits her rape at age 14 and a reconnection with the friend who did nothing to help her. The straightforward narrative of the disturbing facts and her emotions – then and now – is poignant.
Weekly Newspaper
- A.B. Stoddard, "Obama and the oinker" The Hill
Judges comments: An insightful look at how the political landscape changed once candidate Obama became President Obama. The column, seven weeks into the new presidency, is an early indicator of things to come in 2009.
Television Spot News
- Everyday Heroes
Judges comments: Great video, good natural sound of people pulling on the car really drew the viewer in. Good get on the heroes talking afterward, really completed the story. Good story, nicely done.
Television General News
- Final Homecoming
Judges comments: Commitment to story from the airport to his final resting place. Looked like crew was all over the place to cover the story and get interviews. Felt the emotion that the family and friends were feeling.
Daily Newspaper – Spot News
- Washington Times – Horror at Holocaust museum
Judges comments: Covering the shooting at the Holocaust museum from every angle, the Washinton Times’ effort is a great example of how good journalism becomes the first draft of history. A fantastic team effort.
Online News/Features
- Elaine Grossman, Obama/Nuclear Warheads
Judges comments: The United States’ position on its nuclear arsenal is one of interest, concern and importance worldwide. The behind-closed-doors dissent within the Obama administration, thus, is enlightening and a little scary — and worthy of a first-place nod. The story is well-sourced and fair. It explains the technical concerns that are part of the debate, and represents well the dual goals represented in developing an approach to nuclear warheads: reducing the number while also ensuring that those remaining are state of the art – or at least work. The issues raised about the risk of theft and accidental detonation left this reader sobered.
- Amy Reinink: Soft Underbelly of Development
Judges comments: Here’s an example of a “who knew” story that has real quality-of-life and dollars-and-cents implications for a pretty substantial area. People who buy pretty houses for a pretty penny don’t always think much about what happens when they flush or do a load of laundry. Some people with alternative septic systems have found out the hard way that their systems are not only high-maintenance and costly to fix when a problem arises, but their use also could have an effect on drinking-water quality in some cases. The fact that there’s no licensing requirement for septic-system installers just adds to the eyebrow-raising this story prompts. Good visuals made this story easier for real people to understand.
- Carol Ross Joynt: Social Diary
Judges comments: Stylishly written, these essays on people and circumstances of the author’s life are to this contest what dessert is to a fine meal. Sometimes humorous, often poignant, these essays put the reader in the author’s shoes, being mentored by Walter Cronkite, dealing with unemployment, wondering about the life of a recently deceased reclusive neighbor. By its nature, this was not a meat-and-potatoes entry, but I surely would have been sad to have missed these tasty morsels.
Newsletter – Washington Reporting
- Howard Buskirk and Adam Bender, Lobbyist Provision Keeps Only Some Advocates Out of the Administration
Judges comments: The Obama administration won’t allow registered lobbyists – the people who lobby Congress – to join the administration. But the same doesn’t apply for people who lobby government agencies. So when is a lobbyist not really a lobbyist? In a town where influence matters, this is a hot topic and one that’s compellingly addressed in this winning newsletter article.
- Jonathan Make: FCC Members Left Out of DTV Contracting Decision
Judges comments: This newsletter article packs a one-two punch: First, it exposes how FCC commissioners and a special advisory panel were left out of decisions on how $20 million was to be spent to help Americans through the digital-TV transition. The reporter uncovered a back story that suggests some bureaucratic bumbling at best. And second, that was gleaned from enterprise, not with the help of documents sought through a FOIA request. Way to do it the old-fashioned way!
- Jonathan Strong: How Unprepared is EPA to Regulate Greenhouse Gases.
Judges comments: The Obama Administration’s ambitious agenda includes tacking environmental issues. The effort to get relevant legislation passed is one thing. It’s another thing altogether to figure out how to implement cap-and-trade or greenhouse-gas rules. That’s the subject of this award-winning newsletter entry, which finds that the EPA is nowhere near up to the task. There simply aren’t the bodies to do all the work.
Radio – Investigative Reporting
- “Taking Taxpayers For A Ride” By Mark Segraves WTOP 103.5 FM
Judges comments: “Taking Taxpayers For A Ride” forcefully speaks truth to power. Reporter Segraves’ tenacity and thorough sourcing makes for an ear-opening series of reports.”
- “Ride At Your Own Risk” By Adam Tuss & Mark Segraves
Judges comments: Washington commuters are well-served by this series of reports.
Radio -Correspondent Award
- “Stimulus Notebook” By John Wordock, Marketwatch Radio Network
Judges comments: “Stimulus Notebook” captures breadth of topic with crisp writing and first rate production. Highly listenable and informative.
Radio -Sports
- “D.C. Divas” By: Michelle Basch, WTOP 103.5 FM
Judges comments: Reporter Michelle Basch offers outstanding blend of script and sound. This report captures competitive tension both on and off the gridiron.
Radio Business/Financial Reporting
- “The Hunt For Stimulus in D.C.” By: Adrienne Mitchell, Tracy Johnke, Andrew O’Day & John Wordock Marketwatch Radio Network
Judges comments: This series of reports perks up ears with its tight focus and top-notch production. Every reporter brought his or her “A” game.
Radio Features
- “Glass Harp” By: Brennan Haselton, WTOP 103.5 FM
Judges comments: “Glass Harp” is a delightful profile of an American musical treasure. To paraphrase the harpist: this report features what’s right with people. Wonderful on-sight
Radio General News
- “Flu Continuing Coverage” By: WTOP News Staff
Judges comments: The WTOP News staff offered comprehensive, compelling, coverage of the swine flu threat and public health response. “Ask the Experts,” and first person report from the shot clinic made highly effective radio.
Weekly Newspapers – Spot News category
- “Republican warning on spies” by Jordy Yager, The Hill
Judge’s comments: McCarthyism isn’t dead, as illustrated on this fine spot news story on four U.S. House Representatives buying into a blogger’s book about CAIR planting spies within key national security committees in Congress. Great detail on the accusations from the legislators, the book author/blogger who first leveled them – including a slew of typos from his blog – and well-balanced reporting of the accused’s side from CAIR representatives.
- “Arlen Specter’s tough choice” by Alexander Bolton, The Hill
Judge’s comments: Strong series of spot news stories covering Specter’s party affiliation change, all well sourced, well structured and replete with excellent background detail.
- “Miscarriage of justice” by Lou Chibbaro Jr., Washington Blade/DC Agenda
Judge’s comments: In-depth look at how witness reliability issues turned a manslaughter case into a simple assault charge, and all the highly charged, hate-crime issues surrounding the facts.
Weekly Newspapers – Features category
- ‘I was not a pretty girl and I felt like I was a man’ by Jordy Yager, Capital Living/The Hill
Judge’s comments: Great interview piece on a fascinating topic: The first openly transgender staffer on Capitol Hill, spiced with strong detail and sourcing on his background and work on Rep. Barney Frank’s office.
- “A different recovery act” by Kris Kitto, Capital Living/The Hill
Judge’s comments: Compelling story of a Congresswoman publicly campaigning to battle a deadly problem she has fought in her own household – prescription drug abuse and addiction.
- “Home on the hill” by Jordy Yager, Capital Living/The Hill
Judge’s comments: Strong profile of a gregarious homeless man with a penchant for chatting up politicos and his battle to hold onto his huge, tarp-covered pile of possessions.
Daily Newspaper
- Remembering the Brave. Peter Lockley, The Washington Times.
Judges comments: Striking lead photo backed up with a strong variety of additional and varied photos.
- Obama takes charge. J.M. Eddins, Jr. and photo staff. The Washington Times.
Judges comments: Well rounded selection of images from a huge historic event.
Magazine Photojournalism
- Great Places to Work. Vincent Ricardel. The Washingtonian Magazine.
Judges comments: Wonderful, spirited, lively selection of photos that capture the energy of the workplace. Subjects creatively placed for maximum visual impact. Project displays great planning with technical expertise to go beyond traditional portraits.
- Top Lawyers. Vincent Ricardel. The Washingtonian Magazine.
Judges comments: Portraits capture the seriousness and intensity of the lawyers.
- Little Boy Big Dreams. Mathew Worden. The Washingtonian Magazine.
Judges comments: Good example of getting access to a child's life for natural, spontaneous images.
Magazine—Arts Criticism
- “Days at the Museum” by Susan Baer, The Washingtonian
Judges comments: From the first anecdote about Wayne Clough’s appearance before a congressional committee, the story is loaded with personality-revealing details about the new head of the Smithsonian. It also does a fine job of explaining the complexities of his job and the controversy surrounding his predecessor. It’s an informative and beautifully written piece.
- “Making Musicians Play Like Devils and Angels” by Cragg Hines, The Washingtonian
Judges comments: The piece draws an incisive portrait of Christoph Eschenbach, new music director of the National Symphony Orchestra. The writer’s familiarity with the subject becomes obvious as he explains why Eschenbach’s arrival is so crucial. Not only did the piece make me want to read it to the end—it made me want to hear what the orchestra sounds like under Eschenbach’s baton.
- “The Second Act” by Kathleen Wheaton, Bethesda Magazine
Judges comments: All of the entries in this category stretch the definition of “arts criticism,” but this stretches it the most because it’s less analytical than the others. But taking it for what it is—a biographical profile of a great artist—it’s entertaining and well-written.
Magazine – News
- "I could see the car coming. Then I heard the screaming." by Cindy Rich, Washingtonian magazine
Judges comments: An engaging, well-structured account of how social, legal, religious and emotional factors collide in the wake of tragedy. The ripple effect detailed is wrenching and ultimately serves the public good, though never at the cost of the narrative.
- "We Lived with Fear and Anxiety for a Long Time" by Toby Harndon, Washingtonian magazine
Judges comments: An exhaustively researched, page-turning piece that unfolds with an almost cinematic feel. The author has the capacity to treat the piece's main subjects with an understanding that delivers a gut punch at the end that's nothing short of haunting.
- "I Spy" by Lisa Nevans Locke, Bethesda Magazine
Judges comments: An informative and, in this technological age, high-interest piece that presents a truckload of information but in a useable way – for both parents and children. Every side of the moral and practical snags entailed in spying is explored but they're ultimately shaped into a cogent conclusion.
Magazine Sports
- Mary Clare Fleury "Field of Dreams"
Judges comments: What an intriguing story, nicely reported and well written, that's about so much more than just football.
Weekly Newspapers division – General News category
- “Paid to do nothing” by Gregg Carlstrom, Federal Times
Judges comments: Shrinking business and inflexible labor contracts strap the U.S. Postal Service with more than $1 million in costs each week to staff “standby time,” paying about 11,000 workers at any one time to – as the headline says – do nothing. Bomb of a story broke by Gregg Carlstrom after months of work and dozens of interviews, which justly drew attention from national media outlets and generated tremendous traffic the Times’ Web site. Great reporting and great perspective storytelling of a difficult numbers piece.
Magazine Feature
- "Where do Zoo Babies Come From?" by Emily Leaman, Washingtonian
Judges comments: An informative approach to a quirky top that flows smoothly and balances colorful sources with easy-to-read science well. Descriptive passages are vividly sketched.
- "Top Lawyers" by Mrisa Kashino, Kashmir Hall, David Lat, Washingtonian
Judges comments: A colorful and thorough feature with strong attention to detail. The piece feels steeped in the town's legal culture with rich sourcing. A great read for D.C. power players and merely curious outsiders.
Blog
- Len Lazarick, Marylandreporter.com analysis
Judges comments: In a time when daily newspapers are cutting their staffs, this blog steps in to fill the void of solid reporting about local legislative issues. Excellent analysis of legislative pay. The nonprofit model of online journalism proves through this blog that it is able to uphold newspapers’ fourth-estate function as the print world shrinks.
- Andy Rosen, Marylandreporter.com
Judges comments: A fine example of what nonprofit online journalism can do to keep the public informed about local legislative and government issues. Well-written, balanced and fair.
- Carol Ross Joynt, Swimming in Quicksand
Judges comments: What an interesting personal blog should be. Well-written, relevant and keeps the reader’s attention without sounding like a pity party or a plea for attention. Equal parts personal life and social/local commentary — love the entry about the Third Crasher.