Stacey Barchenger named journalist of the year by Arizona Newspapers Association
Stacey Barchenger, who covers the governor's office and state politics, was named Arizona journalist of the year by the Arizona Newspapers Association for 2022.
Barchenger has covered politics for The Arizona Republic since 2021, focusing her attention on Arizona’s governor and attorney general. In 2022, she was on the campaign trail as Arizonans chose their next governor, Democrat Katie Hobbs, over Republican challenger Kari Lake.
“Arizona is fortunate to have Stacey Barchenger on the side of truth, on the side of democracy,” Arizona Republic Executive Editor Greg Burton said. “She’s an oasis of clarity surrounded by political tempests and utterly deserving of this recognition.”
Barchenger delivered deep coverage in Arizona's most high-profile and tense campaign, staying outside the swirl of one candidate's very public attacks.
"No story was bigger last year than the race for governor. And no journalist covered the Governor’s Office and the campaign for it as thoroughly and aggressively as Stacey. She has kept up that hard-nosed reporting with the new administration, and Arizona is better for it." said Wyatt Buchanan, who as state politics editor supervised Barchenger's work.
Her other work has highlighted loopholes in campaign finance law that allow officeholders to take money without telling the public about the source of funding and allow long periods without any public disclosure.
Barchenger revealed Hobbs’ unprecedented fundraising from special interests for the 2023 inauguration, reporting that led to a state law that will limit such fundraising for future governors.
Covering previous Gov. Doug Ducey, Barchenger proved that despite his frequent claim that his administration cut state regulations, two rules were created for every one erased.
Other wins by The Republic in the annual Arizona Newspapers Association contest included:
Reporter Andrew Ford's series "Blood and Money" won first place for best sustained coverage or series.
Reporters Joseph Darius Jaafari, Jimmy Jenkins and Justin Price took first place in the investigative reporting category for "The Prison Sell."
Reporter Joan Meiners won first place in the best column or commentary category for a piece on reaction to her climate reporting.
The Republic's podcasts won first place for producer Kaely Monahan's episode on Arizona's independent voters on The Gaggle and producer Amanda Luberto's Valley 101 episode answering why are air conditioning units on roofs.
The Republic also won overall first place in Division 1 for large newspapers, taking first place in categories of website, newsletter, editorial page excellence and page design excellence.
The Daily Courier in Prescott was recognized as the 2023 Arizona Newspaper of the Year.
Kelly Presnell of the Arizona Daily Star was named the 2023 Photographer of the Year. This is Presnell’s sixth consecutive win.
Judy Vann of The Daily Courier was named the 2023 Account Executive of the Year.
The New Mexico Press Association judged newspaper, newsroom, and advertising categories for the contest.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Stacey Barchenger of The Republic named Arizona journalist of the year
