Environment Ontario

61 ENTRIES

1

HALIBURTON COUNTy ECHO

A well written feature that celebrates the passion of those behind this forest school project. Environment stories often reflect the passion of a person or people to get something done, and that is well showcased in reporter Sue Tiffin’s article.

2

VOICE Of pELHAM

Well researched piece by Don Rickers that no doubt caught the attention of bird watchers but also offered others an opportunity to learn more about bird migration.

3

dEEp RIVER NORTH RENfREw TIMES

Time and effort are on display in Terry Myers’ article about the development of major low-level waste disposal site. Both sides of the issue are given ample opportunity to be expressed.

GENERAL COMMENT

For the most part, this category offered a diversity of stories and issues from more than 60 entries. Some positive journalism work going on here but sometimes the best showcase for stories was from how they appeared in print as opposed to website presentation. Photography and layouts remain powerful components in helping illustrate a story and drawing the reader in. While community relevance was a judging aspect of stories, there were numerous entries that tended to quote ‘experts’ rather than residents in your communities. Stories always carry greater relevance when the issues you are covering can be translated to people in your communities and how they are affected or take an interest in a given topic. Without that element, particularly in a category like the environment, the commentary can be a little dry for readers to stay interested from beginning to end. The top three stories each had different elements and topics that were well written and reflected elements of passion for the people involved that help readers take an interest in the topic being covered.

Judge

Barry Gerding

Regional Desk Editor Black Press Okanagan Valley, BC

Barry Gerding has been a journalist in the community newspaper industry since 1981. He has worked as a reporter and editor of more than nine different publications in different communities across the province of British Columbia, having won numerous writing and newspaper excellence awards over the span of his career. Currently, Barry is the regional desk editor for Black Press Okanagan division, overseeing the pagination of 15 newspapers along with contributing stories on a weekly basis. He lives in Kelowna, married with two teenage children and far too many pets.