FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The Fairhope Courier won first-place in the coveted “Freedom of Information-First Amendment Award” in the Alabama Press Association’s 2011 Better Newspaper Contest. The award was accepted by Lewis Odom at the APA’s 140th …
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FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The Fairhope Courier won first-place in the coveted “Freedom of Information-First Amendment Award” in the Alabama Press Association’s 2011 Better Newspaper Contest. The award was accepted by Lewis Odom at the APA’s 140th annual summer convention June 11 in Orange Beach.
Odom is the father of Courier staff writer Mike Odom, whose series of articles about the lack of written contracts between the CIty of Fairhope and attorneys led to changes in how the city retains legal counsel. Curt Chapman, editor of the newspaper’s Baldwin Living and Baldwin Living sections, also won third-place for Best News Feature Story for “Wildlife rehab center is for the birds,” a July 2010 article detailing the efforts of volunteers at a center for oil-soaked shorebirds in Mobile County.
“The selection of Fairhope Courier for first-place honors in its division for the Freedom of Information-First Amendment Award is one we will cherish for many years to come,” said Sheila Propp, executive editor. “This newspaper has a long tradition of first-place awards in general excellence and public service. The dogged determination and thorough reporting by staff writer Mike Odom has been noted by many on staff and in the community. I am glad the judges also saw its merit.”
Gabriel Tynes, editor of The Fairhope Courier, said “Mike’s persistence on this issue is an example of why print journalism is still vital and relevant in our increasingly digital environment. Preserving the integrity of the First Amendment should be a primary value of any news publication, regardless of its circulation.”
Gulf Coast Newspapers, which publishes six newspapers twice a week in Fairhope, Foley, Daphne/Spanish Fort, Bay Minette and Gulf Shores/Orange Beach was also recognized for:
• Best humorous column, 2nd place, The Foley Onlooker for “Getting prickly” by Bob Morgan
• Best sports photo, 2nd place, The Bulletin (Daphne) for “Amazing admirals” by Tony Whitehead
• Best Use of Graphics or Illustrations, 3rd place, The Bulletin (Daphne) for “Renters beware” by Thomas Boni
“The staff at Gulf Coast Newspapers takes pride in their job of reporting on the news that affects Baldwin County residents and visitors,” said Bill Atkinson, director of operations. “It is heartening to receive affirmation from their peers in other states,” he added.
According to the APA, 76 newspapers from around the state submitted 2,657 entries into this year’s contest. It was judged by the Mississippi Press Association. To read The Fairhope Courier’s winning entries in the 2011 Better Newspaper Contest, see:
Council takes up issue of attorney expenses
Fairhope moves to trial without written attorney contract
Fairhope hires second lawyer this year without a written contract
