2021 VPA News and Advertising Contest

In-depth or Investigative Reporting ( Daily Group 3)Back

  • Place Name: First Place
    Contestant Name: The Roanoke Times
    Entry Title: Social Services Under Strain
    Entry Credit: Alison Graham
    Judge Comment: Tremendous personal stories add so much to this series of stories. The commentary from the woman struggling with addiction could dominate the piece, but it is creatively weaved in that engages the reader to the struggle. Very well done.
  • Place Name: Second Place
    Contestant Name: The Virginian-Pilot
    Entry Title: Blake Bailey was an ODU star. Faculty and students say he abused and harassed women for years.
    Entry Credit: Gary Harkki, Jane Harper, Editorial
    Judge Comment: Very in-depth reporting with extraordinary level of trust placed on staff by those coming forward to tell their story. The details from accusers are frightening, well-sourced and the story flows together incredibly well.
  • Place Name: Third Place
    Contestant Name: The Washington Times
    Entry Title: Smuggler Series: Smugglers making major profits from border surge; Smartphones, social media reshape smuggling operations; Dollars override danger: Inside a smuggle's mind
    Entry Credit: Stephen Dinan
    Judge Comment: Incredibly interesting package about a topic many people many not know about. Interesting look at finances and technology behind trafficking.