9th annual First Amendment Awards and Scholarship Dinner
The WFAA-TV investigative team received the Open Doors Award, and more than 40
journalists in Texas and Oklahoma were honored at the Society of Professional
Journalists, Fort Worth Professional Chapter’s 9th annual First Amendment Awards and Scholarship Dinner, April 13, 2012, at
Cacharel in Arlington, Texas.
The chapter also distributed $8,500 to 13 students who are either from Texas or
attending school in Texas; another $3,900 in Lina Davis Scholarships was
awarded to three students in May. Providing scholarships dates to the chapter’s early days in the 1940s. Close to half a million dollars has been handed out,
$202,000 of that since 2000.
The WFAA team of Mark Smith, Byron Harris, Billy Bryant and Brett Shipp joins previous Open Doors recipients The Texas Tribune; Dan Malone at Tarleton State University; Craig Flournoy, Southern Methodist University; Jennifer Autrey when she was with the Star-Telegram; Hadassah Schloss in the Texas Attorney General’s Office; Ralph Langer with the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas; Diane Wilson, who wrote “An Unreasonable Woman: A True Story of Shrimpers, Politicos, Polluters, and the
Fight for Seadrift, Texas”; and Jennifer Peebles when she was with Texas Watchdog.
The Open Doors Award celebrates the record of an individual or organization that
defends the people’s right to open government and open records. It complements the chapter’s larger First Amendment Awards competition, which recognizes work in two
divisions — over and under 50,000 circulation — that defends the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the
Constitution, furthers the people’s right to know how governments and businesses affect their lives, and champions
the powerless and disadvantaged.
First Amendment Award winners, finalists and comments (italics) from judges at
the SPJ Pittsburgh Pro Chapter:
1. Defending the Disadvantaged
• circulation over 50,000
Nolan Clay, Randy Ellis, Robby Trammell, The Oklahoman, “DHS Project”
finalists: Craig Malisow, Houston Press; Jeff Prince, Fort Worth Weekly
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• circulation under 50,000
Michael Barajas, San Antonio Current, “Council Mulls More Restrictions on Homeless Residents”
Strong reporting and writing result in a story that not only lays out both sides of the plan to confine services for the homeless in one area of San Antonio but is thought provoking as well. Barajas talked to almost everyone involved, including the homeless, clergy who run/ran programs for the homeless, and politicians, and he presents a well-rounded look at the various sides of the issue. Outstanding journalism.
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• broadcast
David Martin Davies, Yvette Benavides, “We Were Not Orphans: Tales From the Waco State Home”
A heart-rending look at a Texas institution and some of the people who lived there as children. Excellent use of interviews resulted in the story being told by some of those who actually experienced it. While their memories and opinions of the home and people who worked there varied, their stories resulted in some compelling radio.
finalists: Jenny Martinez, KRGV-TV; Ryan Loyd, KSTX-FM, Texas Public Radio
• circulation over 50,000
Nolan Clay, Randy Ellis, Robby Trammell, The Oklahoman, “DHS Project”
finalists: Craig Malisow, Houston Press; Jeff Prince, Fort Worth Weekly
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• circulation under 50,000
Michael Barajas, San Antonio Current, “Council Mulls More Restrictions on Homeless Residents”
Strong reporting and writing result in a story that not only lays out both sides of the plan to confine services for the homeless in one area of San Antonio but is thought provoking as well. Barajas talked to almost everyone involved, including the homeless, clergy who run/ran programs for the homeless, and politicians, and he presents a well-rounded look at the various sides of the issue. Outstanding journalism.
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• broadcast
David Martin Davies, Yvette Benavides, “We Were Not Orphans: Tales From the Waco State Home”
A heart-rending look at a Texas institution and some of the people who lived there as children. Excellent use of interviews resulted in the story being told by some of those who actually experienced it. While their memories and opinions of the home and people who worked there varied, their stories resulted in some compelling radio.
finalists: Jenny Martinez, KRGV-TV; Ryan Loyd, KSTX-FM, Texas Public Radio
2. General News
• circulation over 50,000
Randy Ellis, The Oklahoman, “Juvenile Justice Problem Series”
This entry is an excellent example of staying with a story and the results it can bring. The Oklahoman has been looking into the state’s child welfare system and, among other issues, why children were being returned to unfit parents who ended up killing them. The reporters uncovered some unbelievable problems, from workers stealing from children to department commissioners not bothering to read reports. They also picked up useful information from depositions in a federal class action lawsuit over foster children being harmed. The Oklahoman is vigilant, and the public benefits.
finalists: Betty Brink, Fort Worth Weekly; Megan Rolland, The Oklahoman
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• circulation under 50,000
Michael Barajas, San Antonio Current, “Walking Wounded: The VA Missed Serious Warning Signs That Presaged Local Vet’s Violent Breakdown”
Many military members who have served in Iraq and other countries are returning home with psychological problems, which they often try to ease through alcohol and self-medication. Yet, as the article demonstrates, the VA often diagnoses them with depression, when the problems are more involved and difficult. Barajas does a good job of making this point come to life by telling the story of vet Adan Castañedas, who went on a shooting spree. This story features good reporting and writing that results in a real understanding of the subject, which is passed on to the reader.
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• broadcast
Greg Groogan, Mark Muller, KRIV-TV, “HISD Teacher Payoffs”
Public school budgets are tight everywhere, so what does the Houston district do but fire some teachers for performance while hiring others. Those fired received their salaries, which meant the district was faced with the expense of hiring their replacements. This didn’t seem to make sense, as KRIV-TV’s report showed. Solid reporting got the facts, and viewers should be incensed. Interviews with the union head and the school district representative provided interesting contrast.
finalist: Dawn Tongish, Brian Elledge, KDAF-TV, “Taser Training Under Fire”
“Taser Training” provided a graphic look at how policemen undergoing taser training have to be tasered themselves and an informative look at how it can injure them. The photography of tasering was memorable, and the viewer could almost feel the 50,000 volts. Good interviews and views from both sides, including the taser manufacturer, on whether policemen should undergo tasering as part of their training.
• circulation over 50,000
Randy Ellis, The Oklahoman, “Juvenile Justice Problem Series”
This entry is an excellent example of staying with a story and the results it can bring. The Oklahoman has been looking into the state’s child welfare system and, among other issues, why children were being returned to unfit parents who ended up killing them. The reporters uncovered some unbelievable problems, from workers stealing from children to department commissioners not bothering to read reports. They also picked up useful information from depositions in a federal class action lawsuit over foster children being harmed. The Oklahoman is vigilant, and the public benefits.
finalists: Betty Brink, Fort Worth Weekly; Megan Rolland, The Oklahoman
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• circulation under 50,000
Michael Barajas, San Antonio Current, “Walking Wounded: The VA Missed Serious Warning Signs That Presaged Local Vet’s Violent Breakdown”
Many military members who have served in Iraq and other countries are returning home with psychological problems, which they often try to ease through alcohol and self-medication. Yet, as the article demonstrates, the VA often diagnoses them with depression, when the problems are more involved and difficult. Barajas does a good job of making this point come to life by telling the story of vet Adan Castañedas, who went on a shooting spree. This story features good reporting and writing that results in a real understanding of the subject, which is passed on to the reader.
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• broadcast
Greg Groogan, Mark Muller, KRIV-TV, “HISD Teacher Payoffs”
Public school budgets are tight everywhere, so what does the Houston district do but fire some teachers for performance while hiring others. Those fired received their salaries, which meant the district was faced with the expense of hiring their replacements. This didn’t seem to make sense, as KRIV-TV’s report showed. Solid reporting got the facts, and viewers should be incensed. Interviews with the union head and the school district representative provided interesting contrast.
finalist: Dawn Tongish, Brian Elledge, KDAF-TV, “Taser Training Under Fire”
“Taser Training” provided a graphic look at how policemen undergoing taser training have to be tasered themselves and an informative look at how it can injure them. The photography of tasering was memorable, and the viewer could almost feel the 50,000 volts. Good interviews and views from both sides, including the taser manufacturer, on whether policemen should undergo tasering as part of their training.
3. Reporting on Open Government
• circulation over 50,000
Dave Lieber, Star-Telegram, “Forcing a Change in Fort Worth’s Open Records Culture”
Many reporters write about open records laws, but Dave Lieber filed a request and let the reader know what happened. He shows that Fort Worth is very slow when it comes to handling open records requests. So slow, the city was more than 300 requests behind. Lieber’s work got results, as the city attorney handling the requests resigned.
finalists: Nolan Clay, Randy Ellis, Robby Trammell, The Oklahoman; Betty Brink, Fort Worth Weekly
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• broadcast
Jenny Martinez, KRGV-TV, “Battle for the Border”
“Battle for the Border” presents various views and a thought-provoking look at one of the biggest challenges facing Texas today. The roundtable with law enforcement officials from different counties was especially informative. KRGV deserves credit for addressing the border issue in an intelligent way since too often such reporting seems more emotionally based. The reporter discussion was also enlightening as it showed their opinions and different backgrounds.
finalist: Greg Groogan, Mark Muller, KRIV-TV, “Alief, You Have a Problem”
This story unveiled little-known facts about how the Alief, Texas, school board was able to file lawsuits, set against the background of pending action, against a student and his family. Well done and a good look at one aspect of the school board’s power that most citizens probably had no idea about.
• circulation over 50,000
Dave Lieber, Star-Telegram, “Forcing a Change in Fort Worth’s Open Records Culture”
Many reporters write about open records laws, but Dave Lieber filed a request and let the reader know what happened. He shows that Fort Worth is very slow when it comes to handling open records requests. So slow, the city was more than 300 requests behind. Lieber’s work got results, as the city attorney handling the requests resigned.
finalists: Nolan Clay, Randy Ellis, Robby Trammell, The Oklahoman; Betty Brink, Fort Worth Weekly
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• broadcast
Jenny Martinez, KRGV-TV, “Battle for the Border”
“Battle for the Border” presents various views and a thought-provoking look at one of the biggest challenges facing Texas today. The roundtable with law enforcement officials from different counties was especially informative. KRGV deserves credit for addressing the border issue in an intelligent way since too often such reporting seems more emotionally based. The reporter discussion was also enlightening as it showed their opinions and different backgrounds.
finalist: Greg Groogan, Mark Muller, KRIV-TV, “Alief, You Have a Problem”
This story unveiled little-known facts about how the Alief, Texas, school board was able to file lawsuits, set against the background of pending action, against a student and his family. Well done and a good look at one aspect of the school board’s power that most citizens probably had no idea about.
4. Investigative
• circulation over 50,000
Kevin Krause, Ed Timms, The Dallas Morning News, “Bail Bondsman: Working the Number”
Wow! These stories provided an education on how the bail bond system works in Texas and what a mess it is, with everything from millions of default judgments going uncollected by Dallas County to a conflict of interest on the part of the county bail bond board chair, who bought property from a lawyer who writes bail bonds. The reporters did this through clear writing and by explaining how the system, and those of surrounding counties, works.The strong stories brought action with a review of the system by a state Senate committee.
finalists: Randy Ellis, The Oklahoman; John Nova Lomax, Houston Press
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• circulation under 50,000
Michael Barajas, San Antonio Current, “Former CIA Agent Claims the Military Poisoned His Family at Camp Stanley”
While this article is shocking for what has happened to the Shipp family at the hands of the federal government, it was a story that had to be told. Michael Barajas’ research, which had to be challenging, is evident, and his writing unfolds the story of a family whose lives were ruined because the government refused to take responsibility for the contamination in their home on a military base.
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• broadcast
Mark Smith, Byron Harris, Billy Bryant, WFAA-TV, “Crooked Teeth”
“Crooked Teeth” is investigative work with bite (no pun intended) that could be used as a how-to sample in journalism schools. It does an excellent job of laying out the problem (an increasing number of bills paid by Texas Medicare for orthodontia that is often unnecessary), who is exploiting it (dental clinics) and what can be done. The research and use of experts was impressive, as were the facts, including that Texas Medicare pays for more orthdontia than any other state in the nation. Hopefully, this investigative work will lead to some changes in the law and WFAA will provide follow-up.
• circulation over 50,000
Kevin Krause, Ed Timms, The Dallas Morning News, “Bail Bondsman: Working the Number”
Wow! These stories provided an education on how the bail bond system works in Texas and what a mess it is, with everything from millions of default judgments going uncollected by Dallas County to a conflict of interest on the part of the county bail bond board chair, who bought property from a lawyer who writes bail bonds. The reporters did this through clear writing and by explaining how the system, and those of surrounding counties, works.The strong stories brought action with a review of the system by a state Senate committee.
finalists: Randy Ellis, The Oklahoman; John Nova Lomax, Houston Press
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• circulation under 50,000
Michael Barajas, San Antonio Current, “Former CIA Agent Claims the Military Poisoned His Family at Camp Stanley”
While this article is shocking for what has happened to the Shipp family at the hands of the federal government, it was a story that had to be told. Michael Barajas’ research, which had to be challenging, is evident, and his writing unfolds the story of a family whose lives were ruined because the government refused to take responsibility for the contamination in their home on a military base.
---
• broadcast
Mark Smith, Byron Harris, Billy Bryant, WFAA-TV, “Crooked Teeth”
“Crooked Teeth” is investigative work with bite (no pun intended) that could be used as a how-to sample in journalism schools. It does an excellent job of laying out the problem (an increasing number of bills paid by Texas Medicare for orthodontia that is often unnecessary), who is exploiting it (dental clinics) and what can be done. The research and use of experts was impressive, as were the facts, including that Texas Medicare pays for more orthdontia than any other state in the nation. Hopefully, this investigative work will lead to some changes in the law and WFAA will provide follow-up.
5. Opinion or Commentary
• circulation over 50,000
Editorial Staff, The Oklahoman, “Supreme Court”
A victory for the public, press and free flow of information. That’s what The Oklahoman helped achieve through its editorials against the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s plan to drastically reduce the amount of personal information available to the public. The editorials are strongly and clearly written and include the necessary background for readers who may not be familiar with what was going on.
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• circulation under 50,000
Greg Harman, San Antonio Current, conservation/energy/climate change
Conservation and economic development can coexist, if not thrive, according to this thought-provoking column. Greg Harman makes his point with examples of protected species that didn’t get in the way of economic development, despite what many people think. Well reasoned and written.
• circulation over 50,000
Editorial Staff, The Oklahoman, “Supreme Court”
A victory for the public, press and free flow of information. That’s what The Oklahoman helped achieve through its editorials against the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s plan to drastically reduce the amount of personal information available to the public. The editorials are strongly and clearly written and include the necessary background for readers who may not be familiar with what was going on.
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• circulation under 50,000
Greg Harman, San Antonio Current, conservation/energy/climate change
Conservation and economic development can coexist, if not thrive, according to this thought-provoking column. Greg Harman makes his point with examples of protected species that didn’t get in the way of economic development, despite what many people think. Well reasoned and written.
6. Green News
• circulation over 50,000
Peter Gorman, Fort Worth Weekly, “Down the Pipe”
This article tells a cautionary tale of what can happen following drilling for gas pipelines: many problems for those whose land has been drilled. It is well written and researched and makes good use of interviews with average citizens whose property was negatively affected. It presents facts and shows the depths of the problem and why something must be done.
finalist: Gayle Reaves-King, Fort Worth Weekly
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• circulation under 50,000
Greg Harman, San Antonio Current, “The ‘San Antonio Seven’ Still Sidelined by Illness Years After Chemical and Mold Exposures”
This is an excellent follow-up with former Southwest Airlines employees suffering from serious illnesses due to exposure to various chemicals in the building where they worked. Even though they haven’t won their lawsuits, their compelling story deserves to be retold and, as Harman did, shown how it relates to others in similar situations. Good job of educating the public.
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• broadcast
Ryan Loyd, Matt Olsen, KEYE-TV, “A Burning Problem”
A well-produced, informative report about what appears to be a little-known piece of information — that Texans can report drivers they observe throwing live cigarette butts from cars. How this is helpful and how it empowers the average citizen leaves a strong message.
• circulation over 50,000
Peter Gorman, Fort Worth Weekly, “Down the Pipe”
This article tells a cautionary tale of what can happen following drilling for gas pipelines: many problems for those whose land has been drilled. It is well written and researched and makes good use of interviews with average citizens whose property was negatively affected. It presents facts and shows the depths of the problem and why something must be done.
finalist: Gayle Reaves-King, Fort Worth Weekly
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• circulation under 50,000
Greg Harman, San Antonio Current, “The ‘San Antonio Seven’ Still Sidelined by Illness Years After Chemical and Mold Exposures”
This is an excellent follow-up with former Southwest Airlines employees suffering from serious illnesses due to exposure to various chemicals in the building where they worked. Even though they haven’t won their lawsuits, their compelling story deserves to be retold and, as Harman did, shown how it relates to others in similar situations. Good job of educating the public.
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• broadcast
Ryan Loyd, Matt Olsen, KEYE-TV, “A Burning Problem”
A well-produced, informative report about what appears to be a little-known piece of information — that Texans can report drivers they observe throwing live cigarette butts from cars. How this is helpful and how it empowers the average citizen leaves a strong message.
7. Opening the Books
• circulation over 50,000
Craig Malisow, Houston Press, “Betting Their Lives”
Excellent job uncovering a distasteful scam — selling interest at less than face value in securitized pools of life insurance policies of the sick or elderly. Investors lost their money, and a con man made a fortune. Schemes like this can be convoluted and hard to follow, but Malisow does a good job of making it understandable.
finalist: Paul Monies, The Oklahoman
• circulation over 50,000
Craig Malisow, Houston Press, “Betting Their Lives”
Excellent job uncovering a distasteful scam — selling interest at less than face value in securitized pools of life insurance policies of the sick or elderly. Investors lost their money, and a con man made a fortune. Schemes like this can be convoluted and hard to follow, but Malisow does a good job of making it understandable.
finalist: Paul Monies, The Oklahoman
8. Community Watchdog
• circulation under 10,000
Megan Grey, The Ellis County Press, “Duran Resigns as Fire Chief”
This story is to the point in delivering the news about a longtime public official’s resignation.
• circulation under 10,000
Megan Grey, The Ellis County Press, “Duran Resigns as Fire Chief”
This story is to the point in delivering the news about a longtime public official’s resignation.
9. Student Work
Staff, smudailymustang.com and The Daily Campus, “Light of Day Project: Campus Crime”
This ambitious Light of Day project looked into campus crime across Texas. SMU students also explored crime at their own school, and the result is an impressive series of stories, statistics and interactive web maps. The work was thorough and featured solid reporting and writing. One thing stands out in particular: The series included the Cleary Act and its provisions. This important information is often not included in college media stories about campus crime, or it’s mentioned with no context or details. Well done!
Staff, smudailymustang.com and The Daily Campus, “Light of Day Project: Campus Crime”
This ambitious Light of Day project looked into campus crime across Texas. SMU students also explored crime at their own school, and the result is an impressive series of stories, statistics and interactive web maps. The work was thorough and featured solid reporting and writing. One thing stands out in particular: The series included the Cleary Act and its provisions. This important information is often not included in college media stories about campus crime, or it’s mentioned with no context or details. Well done!
10. Online Project
Jennifer Peebles, Lynn Walsh, Mike Cronin, Texas Watchdog, “Corruption and Cronyism in the Houston Schools”
This series of eye-opening articles delivers a true public service, especially to those whose taxes are supporting the Houston school district. Contracts to cronies of school board members, junkets to Costa Rica and overall questionable ethics ... it all makes for fascinating reading. Texas Watchdog made good use of government records to gain key information. Each story was well written, and the links to background information, etc., were especially useful. These issues deserve Texas Watchdog’s continued watch.
finalist: Steve Miller, Texas Watchdog
Jennifer Peebles, Lynn Walsh, Mike Cronin, Texas Watchdog, “Corruption and Cronyism in the Houston Schools”
This series of eye-opening articles delivers a true public service, especially to those whose taxes are supporting the Houston school district. Contracts to cronies of school board members, junkets to Costa Rica and overall questionable ethics ... it all makes for fascinating reading. Texas Watchdog made good use of government records to gain key information. Each story was well written, and the links to background information, etc., were especially useful. These issues deserve Texas Watchdog’s continued watch.
finalist: Steve Miller, Texas Watchdog
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2012 Texas Gridiron Club Scholarships
Staley and Beverly McBrayer Scholarship
Caitlin Giddens Baylor University
Caitlin Giddens Baylor University
Donna Darovich Scholarship
Katherine Love Texas Christian University
Katherine Love Texas Christian University
Jack B. Tinsley Scholarship
Bethany Peterson Tarrant County College
Bethany Peterson Tarrant County College
Joe Holstead Scholarship
Andrew Nepsund Texas Tech University
Andrew Nepsund Texas Tech University
Jay Milner Scholarship
Bianca Montes UT Arlington
Bianca Montes UT Arlington
Gridiron Scholarship
Kelsey Fahler Texas Christian University
Edna Horton UT Arlington
Kassidy Ketron Texas Tech University
Joshua Knopp Tarrant County College
Lindsay Medina Texas State University
Dylan Nikoletopoulos Texas Tech University
Shelly Williams UT Arlington
Brett Winegarner Texas Tech University
Kelsey Fahler Texas Christian University
Edna Horton UT Arlington
Kassidy Ketron Texas Tech University
Joshua Knopp Tarrant County College
Lindsay Medina Texas State University
Dylan Nikoletopoulos Texas Tech University
Shelly Williams UT Arlington
Brett Winegarner Texas Tech University
Lina Davis Scholarships ... announced in May
Lindsey Juarez UT Arlington
Vallari Gupte UT Arlington
Shelly Williams UT Arlington
Vallari Gupte UT Arlington
Shelly Williams UT Arlington
