River Reporter is an award winner in NYS’ Better Newspaper Contest

This year, the New York Press Association (NYPA) hosted its spring conference and Better Newspaper Contest (BNC) Awards online on April 8 and 9. According to its website, “Since 1930, NYPA members have competed on a statewide basis against their peers in the annual Better Newspaper Contest. The contest is designed to measure papers of similar size against one another in categories such as news, photography, and advertising. Approximately 4,000 entries are received each year.”

River Reporter won eight awards.

In editorial awards, outdoor writer Scott Rando won second place in the feature story division with “Nature’s aviators: the life of a bald eagle” through stunning photos and carefully researched text. The judges said, “Great feature story with wonderful photos. Very informative and interesting. Also, nice layout design on the first page.”

The Fall Upper Delaware Magazine was awarded a second place in special sections/niche publications. Edited by Laurie Stuart and designed by Amanda Reed, the magazine featured the writing of Sullivan County Historian John Conway, Linda Drollinger, Annemarie Scheutz, and Hunter Hill. with wildlife photography by Kathleen Colligan and haikus by Gary Holmes. The judges remarked  “Good visual variety.”

Design and editorial content worked together in securing a second place win in best special section advertising for the October 2020 breast cancer awareness section. The judges said, “This breast cancer awareness special section is a well-crafted educational edition. It integrates original content with a finely tuned design and great use of a unified color pallet.”

The 2020 Holiday Gift Guide with a theme of gift giving in the time of COVID-19, created by section editor Scheutz, was aptly interpreted by the image of a “quarantine bubble” with a snow globe by Reed. The judges said, “Simple but eye-catching design. Straightforward with clean fonts that don’t draw attention away from nice image.”

In a robust showing and a nod to the BEST awards, Reed’s work was also awarded  second place in best large space ad with a full page ad for Scarfalloto’s. The judges said, “Tells you all you need to know especially that they’ve been voted the ‘Best Pizza.’ They also have breakfast, lunch and dinner so they’re not a one-trick pony. Love the red and white on black. Great branding ad.”

In the small space category, Sullivan West High School’s “Shrek the Musical” was the second place winner. The judges said, “‘Shrek the Musical’ blends familiar imagery with a unique color scheme that is very easy to notice and catches the eye. Showtimes and contact info are clearly stated, as are ticket prices. A nice touch is a special offer for a family discount. Well done!”

In the best advertising campaign, Sullivan County Public Health’s coronavirus awareness campaign took second place. Reed was able to redesign the educational ad for clarity and readibility. The judges said, “Subject content very timely due to the pandemic. Copy somewhat changed as we progressed through the various stages of the pandemic. Layout/design consistent with the exception of the traffic light ad. Off base from a branding standpoint. Messaging was one of caring and not trying to sell you something.”

And finally in a nod to advertising representatives Eileen Hennessy and Barbara Winfield, the Easter Egg matching game, designed by Reed, won second place in best small space ad in multi-advertiser pages. The judges said, “An Easter contest idea that engages readers promotes advertisers and provides a subscription prize is a win for everyone involved. The design team did a great job with the colorful two-page spread, and the advertising team was successful in selling numerous sponsorships.”

“We are delighted with the strong showing,” Stuart said. “Amanda’s redesign work this past year highlights and makes attractive all of the great work by the talented writers, columnists and editors who all contribute to this amazing community news source.”