Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Cardinal News Entry Title: The Cardinal: News of Virginia podcast talks data centers, surveillance and more Entry Credit: Dutchie Jessee, Lisa Rowan, Sherry Quinley, Zachary Shelton Judge Comment: The Cardinal: News of Virginia Podcast earns first place for its exceptional depth and its unique ability to navigate the complex intersection of rural and urban Virginia. Whether investigating the 'ticking time bomb' of data center expansion in Pittsylvania County or the surprising demographic shifts between Northern and Southwest Virginia, the team delivers high-stakes journalism with local heart. By bringing together veteran columnists like Dwayne Yancey and field reporters like Grace Mamon, this podcast has become an indispensable resource for understanding the evolving landscape of the Commonwealth.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Fredericksburg Free Press Entry Title: The Tribe Entry Credit: Joey LoMonaco, Taft Coghill Jr., Kendall Perkinson, Lindley Estes, Kathy Knotts Judge Comment: A well-deserved second-place finish for a podcast that isn't afraid to 'call foul' on historical misconceptions. The Tribe dives into the heart of Virginia’s Patawomeck community, exploring the tension between tribal citizens and those who dispute their family ties. It is an essential, challenging, and beautifully produced examination of legacy and truth in Stafford County.
