North Country journalism wins

Will Doolittle (Source: Glens Falls Post Star)

We’ve been grumbling a bit lately about cutbacks and challenges in the North Country’s media culture, so why not enjoy a couple of quick victory laps?

First, a shout-out to Will Doolittle at the Glens Falls Post-Star, who won a Society of Professional Journalists award for his reporting on veterans dealing with the aftermath of Agent Orange exposure.  This from the Post Star.

The series was told primarily through the struggles of a local man, Charles Cooley of Fort Edward, whose benefit payments were stopped after his condition worsened and he applied to have his disability level raised.

As a direct result of the stories, Cooley’s benefits were restored at a higher level and he received a lump sum check to cover back payments.

“This is a great example of what great journalism can accomplish,” Post-Star Editor Ken Tingley said. “These stories changed the life of Mr. Cooley and helped to right a wrong. You cannot ask for anything more rewarding than that.”

And another big kudo to former NCPR freelancer Jacob Resneck, who has a byline in this week’s USA Today, reporting from Turkey on the continuing violence in Syria.  Here’s a taste:

Former Syrian secret police operative Zakaria Mohammed walked for three days from Dier al Zour to get here this weekend, he said. He deserted after regime troops arrived and began indiscriminately killing civilians and members of their own ranks who hesitated to follow orders.

“They call it the security solution,” he said. “But it’s inhumane. They have been stripped of every sense of humanity. They’ll take a whole family to prison and torture them.”

Pretty cool for journalists from our corner of the world to get that kind of exposure and recognition.  Congrats…

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14 Comments on “North Country journalism wins”

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  1. Chris Morris says:

    Also, kudos to Margaret Moran, formerly of the Lake Placid News. She did great work and was recognized for it by the New York Press Association:

    http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/530215/Lake-Placid-News–Enterprise-win-seven-NYPA-awards.html

  2. Kathy says:

    As a freelance writer I know the joy that comes with this! Congratulations to all!

    Kathy

  3. marquil says:

    Way to go RA Porter with a placing in the NYNPA cartoon awards. Your work is awesome!

  4. marquil says:

    I meant NYPA.

  5. knuckleheadedliberal says:

    journalism awards.
    seeking truth, reporting facts.
    still there is Fox News.

  6. Will Doolittle says:

    Seeking truth in blogs,
    in the Internet’s vastness,
    seeking stars at noon.

  7. Ellen Rocco says:

    (Sort of) haiku among the In Box comments? Who says there are no more miracles?

  8. marquil says:

    okay. Game on, Mr. Doolittle. . .

  9. marquil says:

    local blogs find facts
    as post-stellar newspapers
    are gazing at stars

  10. Will Doolittle says:

    Sweet! But ….

    Bloggers call themselves
    astronomers, ignoring
    papers’ gravity

  11. marquil says:

    to misquote dickens:
    there’s more grave than gravity
    about newspapers

  12. marquil says:

    don’t make me use my limericks. . .

  13. Will Doolittle says:

    Oh no. I’m waving a white flag.

  14. marquil says:

    And need I point out
    Brian Mann’s Murrow award
    is not chopped liver

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