Newspaper recognized for ‘Excellence in Photo & Design’
The Southern Ute Drum newsroom brought home 10 awards from last week’s Colorado Press Association newspaper conference where the 2023 Better News Media contest winners were announced on Saturday night, Sept. 23 in Denver. The Drum won a total of five first place awards and four second place awards in both the Editorial and Photo & Design categories — while also taking home the coveted sweepstakes award for “Excellence in Photo & Design” in the newspaper contest’s Class 8 division.
A judge’s comment regarding Robert Ortiz’s winning mental health feature states, “A comprehensive understanding of the facility and its various components. Handles sensitive information well.” Krista Richard’s win for a photo of the Tribal Fair Grease Pole contest garnered this reaction from a judge, “THIS is a photog that understood the assignment. I can feel the magnitude and pride of this event from the photos.”
Divine Windy Boy’s first -place win for her image of Southern Ute Navy Veteran, Raymond Baker bringing in the American Flag ahead of the powwow was defined by a judge as, “Strong, powerful and impactful.” The photography portfolio entry by Jeremy Wade Shockley also garnered a first-place win, described by a judge as having, “Solid compositions that tell a story. Colors are vibrant without the unnatural hues we often see these days. Photos of people were strongest.”
This year’s convention, presented by the Google News Initiative, and in collaboration with the Colorado Media Project and COLab, saw a great turnout for in person sessions and networking, where colleagues from across the state, came together to exchange ideas, and glean insights from industry experts.
The Colorado Press Association’s 145th Annual Convention was held in historic downtown Denver. The theme of this year’s convention was “Build Back Better — Revenue, reach & reporting to enhance trust, expand inclusiveness & elevate business resiliency,” highlighting key focus areas addressed during the three-day conference.
According to the Colorado Press Association, the convention is designed to enhance newsroom journalism know-how, foster innovation, and build sustainable businesses that contribute to informed and robust communities. “We have assembled a diverse panel of experts from both national and local backgrounds, who will share valuable information and fresh perspectives on revenue generation, audience engagement, and impactful reporting.”
The Southern Ute Drum newspaper has been an active member of the Colorado Press Association since 2010.
Editorial: Best Agriculture Story
First Place – Jeremy Wade Shockley – The Southern Ute Drum
“Tribe holds annual bison round up ahead of winter”
Editorial: Best Environmental Story
Second Place — Divine Windy Boy — The Southern Ute Drum
“Planet Women sponsors overflights of the Colorado River Basin”
Editorial: Best Health Enterprise/Health Feature Story
Second Place – Robert L. Ortiz – The Southern Ute Drum
“Behavioral Health now has space for growth”
Photo and Design: Best Photography Portfolio
First Place – Jeremy Wade Shockley – The Southern Ute Drum
“Jeremy Wade Shockley | Photography Portfolio”
Photo and Design: Best Feature Photograph
First Place – Divine Windy Boy – The Southern Ute Drum
“100th Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair | Section Front”
Photo and Design: Best News Photograph
First Place – Divine Windy Boy – The Southern Ute Drum
“Southern Ute Tribal Fair Powwow”
Photo and Design: Best News Photograph
Second Place – Krista Richards – The Southern Ute Drum
“Southern Ute Tribal Fair Grease Pole Contest”
Photo and Design: Best Photo Slideshow- Gallery or Photo Essay
First Place – Divine Windy Boy – The Southern Ute Drum
“Kicking up dust in Fort Duchesne”
Photo and Design: Best Photo Slideshow- Gallery or Photo Essay
Second Place – Jeremy Wade Shockley – The Southern Ute Drum
“National Native American Veterans Memorial dedication brings tribes together in Washington, D.C.”