Ohio Capital Journal wins seven Society of Professional Journalists awards

 States Newsroom photo

“Congratulation to Loveland Magazine’s invaluable news source that reports from the Ohio Capital for you.” – David and Cassie

Commentary by David DeWitt

In the “Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest” from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Ohio Capital Journal won seven awards, including five first place finishes and two in second place. The contest covered stories and editorial from 2022.

In digital media categories, OCJ Senior Reporter Marty Schladen won first place for best news story; OCJ/WEWS Reporter Morgan Trau won first place for best government/political reporting and first place for best education issues reporting; OCJ Editor David DeWitt won first place for best editorial writing; OCJ Editor David DeWitt and Columnist Marilou Johanek won first place for best overall commentary/opinion blog section; and OCJ Reporter Susan Tebben won second place for best government/political reporting and second place for best education issues reporting.

We are incredibly honored and grateful for this recognition from our fellow journalists. We are also humbled by and grateful for all of the support we receive from our readers and Ohioans across the state.

Below we will share the award-winning entries.

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Best News Story – Marty Schladen – First Place

Ohio docs say new abortion law has them working against oaths to do no harm

Affidavits: More pregnant minors who were raped denied Ohio abortions

While in effect, Ohio’s abortion ban led to chaos, suffering, and worse health care, doctor says

Best Editorial/Criticism Writing – David DeWitt – First Place

Ohio redistricting charade continues as GOP again passes more clearly rigged maps

Campaign finance and pay-to-play corruption is also destroying the American Republic

In 1912, Ohio voters asserted their democratic authority. Now Ohio Republicans want to rip it away

Best Overall Commentary/Opinion blog (news organization) – David DeWitt and Marilou Johanek – First Place

In 1912, Ohio voters asserted their democratic authority. Now Ohio Republicans want to rip it away

Ohio Republicans’ attempted erasure of a 10-year-old rape victim is incredibly sick and disturbed

Extremist Ohio legislators created the law forcing child rape victims to give birth

Best Education Issues Reporting – Morgan Trau – First Place

Comments about the Holocaust from representative sponsoring ‘divisive concepts’ bill raise concerns

GOP passes bill aiming to root out ‘suspected’ transgender female athletes with genital inspection

Former OSU professor begs for job back after ‘manic episode,’ university refuses

Best Government/Political Reporting – Morgan Trau – First Place

Comments about the Holocaust from representative sponsoring ‘divisive concepts’ bill raise concerns

Ohio lawmaker who wrote bill requiring gun training for teachers owns gun training business

Ohio Rep. behind bill limiting transgender care had never spoken to community

Best Education Issues Reporting – Susan Tebben – Second Place

Ohio governor, education groups at odds over board of ed district deadlines

No changes planned for state board of education districts, despite redistricting changes

Resolution condemning LGBTQ anti-discrimination language passed by Ohio’s state Board of Education

Best News Story – Susan Tebben – Second Place

Ohio Republicans abandon independent mapmakers to pass slightly modified GOP maps

Deja Vu: Republicans use simple majority to pass 4-year maps

Redistricting commission punts again, defies court order