The Lebanon Reporter named Blue Ribbon paper a second time
Oct. 9—The Lebanon Reporter was recognized as a Blue Ribbon Newspaper 2023 by the Hoosier State Press Association during a luncheon and awards banquet Friday at the Indianapolis Marriott North.
It was the second consecutive year The Reporter won the award, which is the highest distinction a newspaper can earn from the trade association founded in 1933 that represents 142 daily and non-daily Hoosier newspapers. The Lebanon Reporter is in the contest's Division 2, non-dailies with a circulation of more than 1,500, but won the blue ribbon distinction among all non-daily newspapers in the state.
The award was given to the staff as part of the HSPA Better Newspaper Contest. The Oklahoma State Press Association judged Hoosier entries this year.
The Blue Ribbon selection is based on "depth of coverage, quality of reporting, copy editing, news judgment, content balance, general appearance, originality, reader interest and overall professionalism."
"We were so surprised. It's almost unheard of to win this honor two years in a row," Editor Kathy Linton said. "I'm so very proud of my team. They work hard and make a lot of sacrifices for this newspaper
"It's not easy working for a small-town paper because people are often more apt to criticize than praise. Knowing that other professional journalists recognize their talent means a lot."
The Reporter also received the General Excellence Award based on cumulative points earned in all categories. Only one paper per division can win this award.
Editor Kathy Linton earned a first place award for column writing. She and Reporter Maria Flora also teamed up to win a first place for editorial writing.
Sports Editor Will Willems brought home two first-place plaques, one in the best sports news or feature category and one for the best sports feature photo.
Freelance writer Melissa Gibson earned a first place for an in-depth feature.
In all, The Lebanon Reporter staff brought home 21 awards. Six were first place, in addition to Blue Ribbon and General Excellence.
The staff, which also includes Reporter Kiara Conley, took second place for best website and best in-depth feature or feature package.
Flora earned a second place for best general news photo.
Willems earned second places for best sports action photo and best multiple picture group, and third place for best feature photo.
Gibson earned three second place awards in the categories of best profile feature, best business/economic news coverage, and best news coverage under deadline pressure.
The Reporter also took first for best general news photo, second for best short feature story, and third in the best multiple picture group.
"Our parent company, CNHI, was well represented in the winner's circle of this year's HSPA awards banquet," Linton said. "Several CNHI papers earned awards. I feel blessed to work with such a great team."
The Kokomo Tribune, another CNHI paper, earned the Blue Ribbon 2023 in the daily newspaper division.
