2024 S.C. Press Association Annual Meeting & Awards Program

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March 14-15, 2024 • Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS
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106 Outlet Pointe Blvd. Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 750-9561 scpress.org

2023-2024Officers President

Richard Whiting Index-Journal Greenwood

Vice President, Weeklies

Nathaniel Abraham Jr.

Carolina Panorama Columbia

Vice President, Dailies

Hal Welch TheJournal , Seneca Treasurer Barbara Ball

The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County

Immediate Past President

Charles Swenson

CoastalObserver Pawleys Island

Executive Committee

Jane Alford

The Lancaster News

Kyle Osteen

The Sumter Item

Autumn Phillips

The Post and Courier Charleston

Stephen Robertson

My Horry News , Conway

Jonathan Vickery

The People-Sentinel Barnwell

Co-Executive Directors

Jen Madden

Randall L. Savely

Welcome back to our state’s capital.

No, Charleston. You had your time as the capital. This is Columbia, the heartbeat of the Palmetto State and the most equidistant place for us to gather annually for our state’s Press Association meeting.

Having emerged from the COVID-era Zoom meetings, our members have been able to enjoy honest-to-goodness face time with each other here in Columbia the past couple of years. Changes in our industry and escalating costs have wrought change in how we conduct our meetings, too. These changes are positive ones. While other press associations in the nation have had to forego annual gatherings, Jen Madden and Randall Savely have worked hard to ensure we can yet gather as a body, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, pose for gripand-grin photos and simply enjoy the camaraderie and the opportunities for sharing war stories.

Much is now packed into what has essentially become a one-day event with some meetings and workshops that are rounded out with a single mid-day banquet that brings weekly and daily members into one room. To me, this new arrangement is logical and welcome. We are all in this profession together, aspiring to tell the stories of the communities we serve. Committing good journalism is our common bond, so there is no need to celebrate separately.

Yes, our industry has changed and continues to change. We strive to do more with less, as it were, and while we often find ourselves wearing even more hats than before, wehave this opportunity to break —even if briefly now —from the day-to-day grind and come together as one, celebrating our accomplishments. Here, today, we are validated by our peers in another state. And doesn’t that feel good and worthy of celebration, especially at a time when many of us are working harder and facing the outcry that we are “fake news” and “the enemy of the people?”

We might make errors and need to write corrections, but we are hardly fake news. We reflect the communities we serve and we are the very best tellers of ourcommunities’ news. Moreover, in our watchdog journalistic efforts, we are the friends, not the enemy,of the people as we seek to keep them well-informedwith fairness and equity.

It’s OK to be proud of your work, especially today. Enjoy the celebration and commit to continuing to do the good and necessary work you do.

Remember this. Good journalism is not a job. Good journalism is a calling.You have been called.

Sincerely,

Richard Whiting

Executive Editor, Index-Journal SCPA President

March 3, 2024

SCHEDULE |

3 – 5 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting SCPA Offices

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Opening Reception

Bierkeller | 600 Canalside St., Suite 1009, Columbia, SC 29201

Join us at Columbia's riverfront brewery and biergarten for a casual reception featuring great German beer (wine and other drinks, too), authentic German snacks and lots of fun! Come mingle with SCPA's staff, Executive Committee, members and Annual Meeting sponsors! Make sure to invite your newsroom friends for a night of Gemütlichkeit on the banks of the Congaree River! Bierkeller is family and pet friendly if you'd like to bring them along, too!

Dinner on your own

You may wish to stick around Bierkeller for a traditional German dinner, but check out the following page for other restaurant and bar recommendations in the Vista!

MEETING INFO

VISIT THE REGISTRATION DESK:

• Pick up a program, your nametag and other goodies!

• Find out where to go... Most sessions are in Lexington A and the Awards Celebration Luncheon is in Richland.

• Ask questions about SCPA services like press IDs, SLED checks, how to sign up for the weekly eBulletin newsletter and more!

IN THE PREFUNCTION AREA:

• Meet our awesome sponsors by visiting their tables!

• Browse the winners exhibit. Can't find your wins? All winners are displayed. Ask an SCPA staff member to help!

• Take photos with your awards. Make sure to tag us!

BEVERAGES:

The coffee and water station is in Lexington A, the location of our training sessions and business meeting.

WI-FI:

• Connect to CMCC Guest

• Wait for a pop-up login page (If splash page does not appear, type gateway01.cmcchotspot.com in your web browser.)

• Select General Plan - Free and Continue

• You will then be connected!

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

SCHEDULE |

MARCH 15

Friday's events will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, located at 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia, SC 29201.

8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration, Sponsor Tables and News Contest Winners Exhibits Open

Lexington-Richland Prefunction

8:30

– 10:30 a.m. Independent/Family-Owned Newspaper Breakfast Roundtable

Lexington B

This ticketed event is the time for key leaders and owners of the Palmetto State’s family-owned and independent newspapers to come together to connect, share and learn from each other, as well as discuss the unique business issues that family-run newspapers face. The programming and robust discussions will re-energize you and help you plan for your newspaper’s future.

10:45 – 11 a.m.

SCPA Business Meeting & Election of Officers

Lexington A

Join SCPA for a brief update on legal/FOI, membership and financial matters. In addition to electing officers, SCPA members will vote on amending the Constitution to allow online publication members.

11 – 11:45 a.m. Punching Above Your Weight

How to do knockout accountability work in smaller newsrooms

Lexington A

SC Investigates is a new nonprofit providing free tools to journalists who are producing accountability and investigative work in today's challenging media landscape. Panelists include:

• Barbara Ball, publisher of The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County, who exposed money laundering and public corruption in her Midlands town even as the mayor targeted her.

• Matt Hensley, editor of The Post and Courier Spartanburg, formerly of Aiken Standard and Greenwood’s Index-Journal, who revealed questionable spending by Lander University’s nonprofit and teamed up with The Post and Courier to show how officials at a governor’s school flouted state purchasing and ethics rules.

• Travis Jenkins, editor of The News and Reporter in Chester, who uncovered a county supervisor trafficking meth and a sheriff stealing from his deputies.

• Moderated by Gina Smith, founder of SC Investigates and projects editor at The State, The Island Packet, The Beaufort Gazette and The Sun News

Noon – 2:30 p.m. Awards Celebration Banquet S.C. Journalism Hall of Fame Induction

Richland Ballroom

This ticketed luncheon event will showcase the Palmetto State's commitment to outstanding journalism by honoring the 2023 winners of the Daily, Weekly, Monthly and Associate/Individual Member Contests! We will induct our 2024 Hall of Fame recipient, Judith Mundy Burns of the Index-Journal.

2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Counselors Off the Cuff

Lexington A

Following the Awards Banquet, you don't want to miss our annual legal update. Join our panel of media law experts who will offer a no-holds-barred discussion on the legal, First Amendment and open government issues you're facing. Featuring Attorneys Taylor Smith, Jay Bender and Carl Muller.

Following the session, please join us for a martini (or drink of choice) next door at Liberty Taproom to celebrate Jay Bender, who has served as SCPA's attorney for 40 years! Your first drink is on us!

FRIDAY,
Smith Ball Hensley Jenkins Bender Muller Smith

929 KITCHEN & BAR

VISTA RESTAURANTS & BARS

929 Gervais St., 803-764-3825, 929kitchen.com

Modern Korean cuisine

ART BAR

1211 Park St., 803-929-0198

artbarsc.com

Unique late-night bar

BIERKELLER

(Opening Reception)

600 Canalside St., Suite 1009 (803) 338-1599

bierkellercolumbia.com

Riverfront German biergarten

BLUE MARLIN

1200 Lincoln St., 803-799-3838 bluemarlincolumbia.com

Casual dining in historic Seaboard Railroad Station

BOKU KITCHEN AND SALOON

916 Gervais St., 803-708-5877 bokukitchenandsaloon.com

Asian and ramen restaurant

CAVA

831 Gervais St., 803-888-4608 cava.com, Fast Mediterranean

COA Agaveria y Cocina

(Connected to Aloft hotel)

823A Lady St., 803-851-5965

coaagaveria.com

Contemporary upscale Latin cuisine and tequila bar

COLA’S RESTAURANT

1215 Assembly St. 803-771-2353

colasrestaurant.com

Fine dining

COLUMBIA CRAFT BREWING

520 Greene St., 803-799-6027

columbiacraft.com

Independently owned brewery

DI VINO ROSSO

807 Gervais St. 803-550-9699, divinorossosc.com

Traditional Italian with a local twist

GERVAIS & VINE

620 Gervais St., 803-799-8463

gervaisandvine.com

Mediterranean wine and tapas bar

GRILL MARKS

711 Gervais St., 803-661-8932

grillmarks.com

Gourmet burgers and milkshakes

HICKORY TAVERN

907 Senate St., 803-765-9280

thehickorytavern.com

Casual dining in a lively sports bar

KAMINSKY’S DESSERT CAFE

930 Gervais St., 803-550-9979 kaminskys.com

Desserts, specialty coffees and drinks

LIBERTY TAP ROOM

(Happy Hour with Jay Bender) 828 Gervais St., 803-461-4677 libertytaproom.com

Beer, steaks, chicken and burgers

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE

902 Gervais St., 803-254-5100 longhornsteakhouse.com

Steaks, seafood and chicken

M VISTA

701-C Lady St., 803-255-8878 miyos.com, Asian grill

MELLOW MUSHROOM

1009 Gervais St., 803-933-9201 mellowmushroom.com

Pizzas, calzones and salads

MENKOI RAMEN HOUSE

1004 Gervais St., 803-708-1569 menkoiramenhouse.com

Authentic Japanese noodles

MONTERREY

931-B Senate St., 803-765-1465 eatmonterreys.com

Casual Mexican cuisine

MOTOR SUPPLY CO. BISTRO

920 Gervais St., 803-256-6687 motorsupplycobistro.com

Fine dining, menu changes

OLD CHICAGO PIZZA & TAPROOM

802 Gervais St., 803-252-3100 oldchicago.com

Salads, calzones, pizzas and paninis

THE OYSTER BAR

1123 Park St., 803-799-4484 oysterbarcolumbia.com

A true old-fashioned oyster bar

PANERA BREAD

933 Gervais St., 803-799-3060 panerabread.com Sandwiches, salads and soups

PEARLZ OYSTER BAR

936 Gervais St., 803-661-7741 pearlzoysterbar.com

Seafood, raw bar, Lowcountry and regional favorites

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE

924-A Senate St., 803-212-6666 ruthschris.com

Serious steaks, sizzling personality

SAKITUMI

807 Gervais St., Suite 103, 803-931-0700, sakifresh.com

Sushi bar, grill and cocktails

SMALLSUGAR

709 Gervais St., 803-722-7506 smallsugarsc.com

Local sandwiches, coffee and pastries

SWEETWATERS COFFEE & TEA

1002 Park St., 803-253-1711

swparkst.com

Coffee, tea and baked goods

THIRSTY FELLOW

621 Gadsden St., 803-799-1311 thirstyfellow.com

Drinks, pizza, sandwiches and salads

THE DRAGON ROOM

803 Gervais St., 803-988-9980

thedragonroomsc.com

Japanese izakaya

THE HOLLOW

823 Gervais St., 803-722-4101 thehollowsc.com (803) 722-4101

Game, vegetables and cocktails.

We're social Follow us! @scpress@scpress South Carolina Press Association

In memory of those we’ve lost over the past year:

Peter Cooper | Dec. 6, 2022 | Former General Assignment Reporter, Herald-Journal

Murray Glenn | Jan. 13, 2023 | Former Reporter, Herald-Journal

Kathleen Maria Vereen Dayton | April 12, 2023 | Former Reporter, The Sun News

William Davis “Bill” McDonald | April 23, 2023 | Retired Reporter and Columnist, The State

Brett Borton | May 30, 2023 | Former Sports Editor, The Island Packet

Marion "Mac" J. Livingston | June 6, 2023 | Retired Pressman, The Newberry Observer

James Edward Bobo Sr. | June 30, 2023 | Publisher, The Community Informer News

Charles "Charlie" deV. Williams | July 11, 2023 | Retired Business Editor, City Editor, Metropolitan Editor, State News Editor, Sports Reporter, The News & Courier; Retired Business Reporter, The Post and Courier

Julia C. Aldridge | July 20, 2023 | Former Writer, The Link

Warren D. Wheat | July 23, 2023 | Former Governance and National Editor, The State

William Pressley Steele Jr. | Aug. 31, 2023 | Former Reporter, Aiken Standard; Former Reporter, The Herald; Former Reporter, The State

Jane Clute | Sept. 14, 2023 | Former News Reporter, Features Writer, Columnist and Lifestyles Editor, The Evening Herald

Eric Boynton | Oct. 6, 2023 | Former Sports Writer, Herald-Journal

Larry D. Smith | Oct. 21, 2023 | Owner, Publisher and Editor, The Community Times, The Times Upstate and The Coastal Chronicles

Warner Miller Montgomery, Ph.D. | Nov. 24, 2023 | Co-owner and Past President of The Columbia Star

William "Bill" "The Coach" King Mitchell | Nov. 28, 2023 | Retired Sports Writer, The State; Former Freelance Writer, High School Sports Report and The Associated Press

Will Lester | Feb. 7, 2024 | Reporter and Editor, The Associated Press; Sports Editor, The Lancaster News; Reporter and News Editor, The Columbia Record and The State

Lou Krasky | Feb. 8, 2024 | SC-based Photographer, The Associated Press

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HALL OF FAME

The S.C. Journalism Hall of Fame was established in 1973 to recognize and honor men and women who have excelled in their craft and made significant contributions to journalism and their communities. Eighty newspaper journalists – from the 1700s to the present – have been chosen by their peers for this recognition. The S.C. Hall of Fame began in 1972 when SCPA President William L. Kinney Jr., of Bennettsville, acting on a suggestion from Secretary-Manager Reid H. Montgomery, set in motion activities that led to the establishment of a S.C. Press Association Hall of Fame.

1973: Elizabeth Timothy (-1757)

South Carolina Gazette

1973: Francis W. Dawson (1840-1899)

The Charleston Mercury; The Charleston News; The News and Courier, Charleston

1974: Narciso G. Gonzales (1858-1903)

The State; The News and Courier; Charleston Journal of Commerce

1974: Bony Hampton Peace (1874-1934) Carolina Spartan, Spartanburg; The Greenville News; Greenville Piedmont

1974: Peter Timothy (1721-1782)

South Carolina Gazette

1974: Aaron Smith Willington (1781-1862) The Charleston Courier

1975: William Watts Ball (1868-1952)

The Evening Post; The Greenville News; Laurens Advertiser; The News and Courier; The State

1975: Arthur B. Jordan Sr. (1876-1956)

The Dillon Herald

1975: James Rion McKissick (1884-1944)Times-Democrat, Richmond, Va.; The Greenville News; Greenville Piedmont

1976: Hubert Graham Osteen (1870-1955) Watchman and Southron, Sumter; Sumter Daily Item

1976: Edward Hope DeCamp (1865-1952) The Gaffney Ledger; The State, Columbia

1977: Arthur M. Manigault (1851-1924)

The Evening Post, Charleston

1978: Harold C. Booker Sr. (1888-1960) Spartanburg Herald-Journal; Greenville Piedmont; The Sumter Daily Item; The Columbia Record

1978: Charles Oscar Hearon (1876-1959)

The Spartanburg Herald; Herald, Bristol, Va.; Times, Richmond, Va.

1979: Robert Lathan (1881-1937)

The News and Courier, Charleston; The State, Columbia; Asheville (NC) Citizen; 1924 Pulitzer Prize Winner

1980: Tom O’Connor (1902-1969)

Hampton County Guardian; Allendale County Citizen

1980: Louis W. Cassels (1921-1974)

United Press International

1981: Robert Craft Peace (1899-1968)

The Greenville News

1981: George A. Buchanan (1898-1976)

The Columbia Record; Dean of Journalism, USC

1982: Robert M. Hitt, Jr. (1914-1968)

Bamberg Herald; Charleston Evening Post

1982: W.W. Smoak (1877-1947)

Press & Standard, Walterboro

1983: Wood Davidson Grist (1865-1925)

Yorkville Enquirer; Atlanta Constitution

1983: Hall Thomas McGee (1889-1963)

Charleston Evening Post; The News and Courier, Charleston

1983: Edmund A. Ramsaur (1925-1976)

The Greenville News; Greenville Piedmont

1983: James Loyal Sims (1914-1962)

The Times and Democrat, Orangeburg

1984: James Edward Chaffin (1913-1977)

The Index-Journal, Greenwood

1984: Ambrose E. Gonzales (1857-1926)

The State, Columbia; The News and Courier, Charleston

1984: William E. Gonzales (1866-1937)

The State, Columbia

1985: William R. Bradford Sr. (1874-1957) The Fort Mill Times; The State, Columbia

1985: Elbert Herman Aull (1857-1929)

The Newberry Herald and News

1985: Ernest Allen Cutts (1912-1980)

Charleston Evening Post

1986: Noah Graham Osteen (1843-1936)

The Item, Sumter

1986: Phil Buchheit (1907-1978)

Spartanburg Herald-Journal

1986: R. Frank Mundy (1915-1982)

The Index-Journal, Greenwood

1986: Samuel L. Latimer Jr. (1891-1975) The State, Columbia

1986: Harry L. Watson (1876-1956)

The Index-Journal, Greenwood

1987: Robert Melvin Hitt (1886-1963)

Bamberg Herald

1987: John Kelly Sisk (1913-1980)

Greenville News-Piedmont

1987: Wilson William Harris (1889-1955) The Clinton Chronicle

1987: William Light Kinney (1902-1983) Marlboro Herald-Advocate, Bennettsville

1988: Talbot Patrick (1897-1980)

Chicago Evening Post; The Goldsboro (NC) News-Argus; The Herald, Rock Hill

1988: Frank Wilmore Sossamon (1887-1979) The Gaffney Ledger

1989: Paul S. League (1920-1978)

The Lancaster News

1989: Edward Manigault (1896-1983)

Charleston Evening Post

1990: Edd A. Burch (1907-1985) Greer Citizen

1993: Hubert Duvall Osteen (1904-1987) The Item, Sumter

1993: Miles Benjamin McSweeney (1855-1909) The Ninety-Six Guardian; Hampton County Guardian

1995: Thomas Pettigrew Davis (1926-1990) Georgetown Times

1995: James A. Rogers (1905-1990)

Florence Morning News

1996: William D. Workman (1914-1990) The News and Courier, Charleston; The Greenville News; The State, Columbia

1998: Joseph F. Smoak (1936-1993)

The News and Courier, Charleston; Charleston Evening Post

1998: Marcellus C. Garner (1920-1992)

The Sun News, Myrtle Beach; The Myrtle Beach News; The Myrtle Beach Sun; The Field, Conway; The Horry Herald; The Loris Sentinel

1999: Reid H. Montgomery (1909-1993)

The State, Columbia; The Item, Sumter; Winthrop College; University of South Carolina; South Carolina Press Association

2002: August Kohn (1868-1930)

The News and Courier, Charleston

2002: Annie Laurie Mayer Kinney (1902–1999) Marlboro Herald-Advocate

2003: Annie Howell King (1893-1973) Aiken Standard

2005: William E. Rone (1926-1998) The State, Columbia

2005: Alfred B. Williams (1856-1930) News and Courier, Charleston

2007: Dr. Robert Wilson Gibbes (1809-1866) The South Carolinian

2008: Felix Gregory de Fontaine (1834-1896) Charleston Daily Courier, The South Carolinian; Daily South Carolinian; New York Herald

2009: Robert Quillen (1887-1948) Fountain Inn Tribune

2010: Henry Timrod (1829-1867) Charleston Mercury

2011: William Gilmore Simms (1806-1870) Charleston City Gazette, Daily South Carolinian, The Phoenix

2011: Charles H. Wickenberg Jr. (1923-2004) The State

2012: Peter Manigault (1927-2004) The News and Courier, Charleston

2012: Benjamin F. Perry (1805-1886) Greenville Mountaineer; Southern Patriot, Greenville

2012: Robert Ashe Pierce (1928-2007) The State, Columbia

2013: Col. Thomas Bissell Crews (1832-1911) The Laurensville Herald, Laurens

2014: John Miller (1744-1807)

The South Carolina Gazette and Daily Advertiser

2015: Samuel A. Cothran (1915-2010) Aiken Standard and Review

2015: Wilton E. Hall (1901-1980) Anderson Independent

2016: Henry F. Cauthen Sr. (1901-1977) The State, The Columbia Record, The News & Courier

2018: Lewis Timothy (1699-1738)

The South Carolina Gazette

2019: John C. Shurr (1947-2015) S.C. Associated Press Bureau Chief

2020: Ken Burger (1949-2015)

The Post and Courier

2021: Dean B. Livingston (1933-2014) The Times and Democrat

2021: John Henry McCray (19101987) Lighthouse and Informer

2023: Scott Beale Hunter (1949-2018) Aiken Standard

2023: Louis C. Sossamon (1921-2019) The Gaffney Ledger

2024: Judith Mundy Burns (19472019) Index-Journal

If you have a Hall of Fame nominee, contact SCPA for eligibility and citation requirements. Deadline to submit a 2025 Hall of Fame nomination: Dec. 6, 2024

South Carolina Press Association

Hall of Fame

Judith Mundy Burns

1947-2019

President and Publisher, Index-Journal

A steel magnolia full of grace

Judith Mundy Burns was raised in a newspaper world.

Her father, R. Frank Mundy, became the sole owner and publisher of The Index-Journal Co. following the deaths of his two business partners and led the paper from 1977 until his death in 1982. Mundy was succeeded as publisher by his widow, Eleanor Metts Mundy, and Judi was named president. When her mother died in 1998, Judi took the reins as publisher and president until her death in 2019.

Judi steered the Index-Journal through some significant changes as one of only a small handful of women publishers serving South Carolina newspapers.

She led the newspaper when it brought back the Saturday edition after a nearly two-decade hiatus and was at the helm when the publication changed from an afternoon to a morning newspaper. She invested in the newspaper when and where needed. When the 30-year-old Harris press her father had installed needed to be replaced to increase color capability and greatly improve reproduction, she bought a new Goss Community press in the early 2000s.

Judi was born May 2, 1947 in Greenwood, S.C., and died at age 72 on Aug. 15, 2019. Her death came six months after the newspaper celebrated its 100th year of serving the Greenwood area.

Judi graduated from Greenwood High School and was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of South Carolina’s College of Journalism.

“Judi never gave up trying new ideas but didn’t neglect the quality of the printed newspaper,” Bill Rogers said in learning of Judi’s passing. At the time, Rogers was executive director of the S.C. Press Association and the two worked together many years. “She was committed to her newspaper and her community,” he said.

Judi served as the Press Association’s treasurer, vice president for dailies and then as president in 2015. Despite her various roles and accomplishments, Judi was humble and modest.

When the Women’s Leadership Conference in Greenwood gave Judi the Trailblazer Award during a banquet in 2016, she asked: “What trail did I blaze?”

She told attendees her mother, Eleanor M. Mundy, was the trailblazer; she merely followed in her mother’s footsteps.

Judi was named South Carolina’s Young Woman of the Year for 1976. She served on numerous boards and committees, including the South Carolina Festival of Flowers, March of Dimes and Cancer Society Drives. She was involved in organizations including garden and study clubs, along with boards for colleges and universities, as well as the Cambridge Academy Board of Trustees.

The newsroom flourished thanks to her belief in and support of community journalism. The press awards the newsroom amassed with her at the helm are a testament to her leadership.

Judi did not shy away from the public’s right to information. A staunch supporter of government transparency and investigative journalism, Judi agreed to sue the state Department of Public Safety for the release of dashcam footage under South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act. She won her case.

“Judi had a soft voice and a polite demeanor that disguised a fierce commitment to the Index-Journal and the role of a free press in our democratic society,” longtime press attorney Jay Bender, who represented the newspaper against Public Safety, said after Judi passed. “Even in a time of tight newspaper budgets, Judi was willing to fight in court to challenge instances of improper government secrecy. Her marching orders often were, ‘We can’t let them get away with that.’”

She described her role as owner of Greenwood’s daily newspaper as “a privilege and a great responsibility” in 2006 when talking about the importance of keeping the family-owned publication in the hands of locals.

ATTENDEES

Patricia Abraham

Carolina Panorama

Columbia, SC

Nathaniel Abraham Jr. Vice President - Weeklies

Carolina Panorama Columbia, SC

Cam Adams

Index-Journal Greenwood, SC

Seanna Adcox

SC Daily Gazette

Columbia, SC

Jane Alford

Executive Committee

The Lancaster News

Carolina Gateway Lancaster, SC

Robert Ariail

Charleston City Paper

Charleston, SC

Sharon Bailey

S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC

Barbara Ball

Treasurer

The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County Blythewood, SC

Mac Banks

The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC

Tony Bartelme

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Linda Beattie

The Island News Beaufort, SC

Jay Bender

S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC

Dede Biles

Aiken Standard

Aiken, SC

Greg Booras

Creative Circle Media Solutions

Dahlonega, GA

John Boyette

Aiken Standard

Aiken, SC

proudlyservingthe PalmettoState’snewspapers since1852 ADVOCACY•SERVICE•SUPPORT

ATTENDEES

Andy Brack

Charleston City Paper Charleston, SC

Vanessa Brewer-Tyson Pageland ProgressiveJournal Pageland, SC

Jessica Brodie South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Columbia, SC

Angela Brown Union County News Union, SC

Anna Brown

Union County News Union, SC

Bobby Brown Union County News Union, SC

Martha Rose Brown

The Times and Democrat Orangeburg, SC

Robert Brown Union County News Union, SC

Melnee Buchheit

The Greer Citizen Greer, SC

Phil Buchheit

The Greer Citizen Greer, SC

2023-2024 SCPA PRESIDENT

Richard Whiting S.C. Press Association Proudly Honors

for His Service to the Palmetto State's Newspapers

ATTENDEES

William Buchheit

The Greer Citizen Greer, SC

Alison Burns-Parham Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Joe Bustos

The State Columbia, SC

Martin Cahn Chronicle-Independent Camden, SC

Ken Campbell AdCellerant

Denver, CO Norm Cannada

The Journal

Seneca, SC

Alicia Caracciolo

USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Columbia, SC

Tommy Cardinal MyHorryNews

Waccamaw Publishers, Inc.

Conway, SC

Kathryn Casteel

The Greenville News

Greenville, SC

Jason Cato

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Mandy Catoe

The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC

Scott Chancey Morning News Florence, SC

Brian Chilton

PopMount Richmond, VA

Matthew Christian

Aiken Standard Aiken, SC

John Clayton

Laurens County Advertiser Laurens, SC

Ted Clifford

The State Columbia, SC

Macy Cochran

The Greer Citizen Greer, SC

Jeffrey Collins Associated Press Columbia, SC

Donna-Maria Conzalina

The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC

Bruce Cook Union County News Union, SC

Dale Cook Union County News Union, SC

Russell Cox

Municipal Association of SC Columbia, SC

We have some great training events planned for 2024! We would love your ideas for session topics and speakers! Email jmadden@scpress.org to let us know what interests you! THANKS to the SCPA Foundation Smoak Fund for sponsoring this event
ATTENDEES

ATTENDEES

Anne Cushman Columbia, SC

Gwinn Davis

Gwinn Davis Media Simpsonville, SC

Sandi Davis

Gwinn Davis Media

Simpsonville, SC

Kyle Dawson Aiken Standard Aiken, SC

Elijah de Castro

The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC

Lydia Derrick Wherry

The Edgefield Advertiser Edgefield, SC

Suzanne Detar

The Daniel Island News Daniel Island, SC

Mary Dimitrov

The Island Packet Hilton Head Island, SC

St. Claire Donaghy Index-Journal Greenwood, SC

Jonathan Drew Associated Press Columbia, SC

Justin Driggers

Morning News Florence, SC

Delayna Earley

The Island News Beaufort, SC

Congratulatio

RESIDENTSUPFOR 202 P’ C

First Place

The Staff at The Post and Courier

News Section or Special Edition: “24 hours on Folly Beach”

Breaking News Reporting: “Coverage of South Carolina’s missing F-35B jet”

Community Service: “Salt and Steel”

Website: www.postandcourier.com

Second Place

The Staff at The Post and Courier

Election and Political Coverage

Digital Project: “24 hours on Folly Beach”

Third Place

The

Staff at The Post and Courier

Sports Section or Magazine: Sports section - Jan. 29, 2023

Series of Articles: “Boom & Balance”

Newspaper’s Use of Social Media

E
In
In
In

ons

EXCELLENCE

to the s.c. press association award-winning journalists of

ndividual First Place winners:

Grace Beahm Alford

Tony Bartelme

Laura Bilson

Jon Blau

David Cloninger

Jocelyn Grzeszczak

ndividual Second Place winners:

Laura Bilson

Jon Blau

Lillia Callum-Penso

Kenna Coe

Tom Corwin

Clare Fieseler

Jocelyn Grzeszczak

Conor Hughes

ndividual Third Place winners:

Isabel Adams

Seanna Adcox

Laura Bilson

Tom Corwin

Clare Fieseler

Megan Fernandes

Maura Hogan

Lisa Justus

Beth Harrison

Alan Hovorka

Tony Kukulich

Gavin McIntyre

Parker Milner

Adam Parker

Lisa Justus

Tony Kukulich

Brandon Lockett

John McDermott

Gavin McIntyre

Parker Milner

Kalyn Oyer

John Ramsey

Kelly Jean Kelly

Brandon Lockett

Gavin McIntyre

Andrew Miller

Kalyn Oyer

Autumn Phillips

John Ramsey

Ali Rockett

Gene Sapakoff

Cindi Ross Scoppe

David Slade

Henry Taylor

Ali Rockett

Cindi Ross Scoppe

Benjamin Simon

Henry Taylor

Andrew J. Whitaker

Warren L. Wise

Ema Schumer

Cindi Ross Scoppe

Benjamin Simon

Scott Stubbs

Henry Taylor

Andrew J. Whitaker

Warren L. Wise

Bryn Eddy

The Sumter Item

Sumter, SC

Jeff Evans

The Island News

Lowcountry Weekly Beaufort, SC

Margaret Evans

The Island News

Lowcountry Weekly Beaufort, SC

Terri (Alex) Feagin

The Manning Times

Manning, SC

Sonja Fox

The Twin-City News

Batesburg-Leesville, SC

Sammy Fretwell

The State

Columbia, SC

Anna Frey

Walton Press

Monroe, GA

Brian Garner

The News & Reporter

Chester, SC

Jenny Garner

The News & Reporter

Chester, SC

Ashley Ghere

The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County

Edinboro, PA

ATTENDEES Proud to represent the South Carolina Press Association Media Law • Free Speech • First Amendment • Privacy Copyright • Government Transparency • Civil Rights Taylor M. Smith IV, Attorney 803.779.2211 • taylor@meriwetherfirm.com • 923 Calhoun Street, Columbia

Boots Gifford

The Daniel Island News

Daniel Island, SC

Caleb Gilbert

The Journal Seneca, SC

Mae Giorgi

S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC

Dionne Gleaton

The Times and Democrat Orangeburg, SC

John Gogick

The State Columbia, SC

Geoffrey Hardee Blythewood, SC

Lee Harter

The Times and Democrat Orangeburg, SC

Pam Harter

The Times and Democrat Orangeburg, SC

Sarah Haselhorst

The Island Packet

Hilton Head Island, SC

Bernie Heller

The Post and Courier

Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC

Matthew Hensley

The Post and Courier Spartanburg Spartanburg, SC

ATTENDEES TRAVEL MONEY HOME SENIORS BOOKS OUTDOORS TRIVIA SPANISH PETS You could make $50k this year with Premium Pages Bill Ostendorf, founder 401-316-3333 CURRENT TOPICS • Food • Home • Health • Money • Pets • Seniors • Education • Kids & family • Travel • Gardening • Green living • Cars • Real Estate • Technology • Entertainment news • Agriculture • Lifestyles • Outdoors • Small business • Books • Trivia, games & history • Spanish language news Sean Finch, VP/Sales 309-269-7834 Greg Booras, National Sales Director 706-600-1776

Grant Hermanns

Myrtle Beach, SC

Alexander Hicks Herald-Journal

Greenville News

Spartanburg/Greenville, SC

Stephanie Ann Hicks Spartanburg, SC

Leah Hincks

The Post and Courier

Columbia Columbia, SC

Julie Holcombe

The Greer Citizen Greer, SC

Alan Hovorka

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Cary Howard

Lexington County Chronicle Lexington, SC

Robert Howey

The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC

Hillary Hudson

USC College of Information and Communications Columbia, SC

Brandon Hunter

The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC

Emily Hunter Lancaster, SC

Elizabeth Hustad

The Post and Courier

North Augusta/The Star

North Augusta, SC

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Ashley Jenkins

The News & Reporter Chester, SC

Mary Jenkins

The News & Reporter Chester, SC

Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter Chester, SC

Rick Johnson

The Lancaster News/ Carolina Gateway Lancaster, SC

Denise Johnston

The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC

Danielle Jongewaard

PopMount Richmond, VA

Robert Jordan

Index-Journal Greenwood, SC

Austin Joyce Greer, SC

Andrea Kelley

The Journal

Seneca, SC

Jai Kim Columbia, SC

Meg Kinnard Associated Press

Blythewood, SC

Melanie Knight

The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC

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ATTENDEES

Tommie Knight

Lancaster, SC

Kailee Kokes

Lexington County

Chronicle

Lexington, SC

Jordan Lawrence

The State

Columbia, SC

Jason Lee

The Sun News Myrtle Beach, SC

Sebastian Lee

The Island Packet

Hilton Head Island, SC

Tami Lee Myrtle Beach, SC

Joshua Little Jefferson, SC

Simeon Little

Pageland Progressive Journal Pageland, SC

Nichole Livengood

The News

Kingstree, SC

Harry Logan

SCPA Foundation President

West Columbia, SC

Michael Lollis

The Journal

Williamston, SC

Hank Lunn

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

SCPublicNotices.com WHEN PUBLIC NOTICES REACH THE PUBLIC, EVERYONE BENEFITS. There’s no better way to notify the public than through the combination of S.C. newspapers and SCPublicNotices.com... the permanency of print paired with the accessibility of a statewide, searchable site. Notices from all S.C. newspapers – accessible 24 hours a day and in one convenient location. This service is provided by the Palmetto State’s newspapers at no cost to taxpayers.

ATTENDEES

Jen Madden

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

Jeremi Madden Columbia, SC

Kenton Makin

Makin’ A Difference

North Augusta, SC

Alaysha Maple

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Bristow Marchant

The State

Columbia, SC

Xavier Martin

USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications Columbia, SC

Leigh Ann Maynard

The Manning Times

Manning, SC

Mike McCombs

The Island News

Beaufort, SC

Melissa McCoy

The Manning Times

Manning, SC

Andy McKenna

OnPremise Networks

Chicago, IL

Evan McKenna

The Island Packet

Hilton Head Island, SC

ASSOCIATED PRESS BUILD AUDIENCE and REVENUE with OUR MULTIFORMAT CONTENT ap.org

Mitchell Mercer

The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC

Krys Merryman

SC Biz News

Greenville, SC

Donna Miley

The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC

Suzanne Mims Derrick

The Edgefield Advertiser Edgefield, SC

Randy Mitchell

Aiken Standard Aiken, SC

Thad Moore

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Bianca Moorman

Aiken Standard Aiken, SC

ATTENDEES

Dale Morefield

The Lancaster News/ Paxton Media Group

Lancaster, SC

Julia Moulton

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

Carl Muller

Carl Muller Law Firm

Greenville, SC

ATTENDEES

Alex Nettles

Charleston City Paper

USC School of Journalism

Zoe Nicholson

The Post and Courier

Columbia/Free Times

Columbia, SC

Andrew O’Byrne Leader Publishing Wagener, SC

Hannah Oskin

MyHorryNews

Waccamaw Publishers, Inc.

Conway, SC

Kyle Osteen Executive Committee

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Eddie Parham

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Lauren Pierce

The Journal Seneca, SC

James Pollard

Associated Press

Columbia, SC

Cora Powers

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

Charles Price Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Mundy Price Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Brandon Roberts

Summerville Communications Inc. Summerville, SC

SUBSCRIBE WEEKLY EBULLETIN Your connection to industry and SCPA member news Visit scpress.org to download a winner's badge that you can use in your newspaper, online or on social media.

Matt Robertson

Morning News

Florence, SC

Stephen Robertson Executive Committee

MyHorryNews

Waccamaw Publishers, Inc. Conway, SC

Tonya Rodgers

The Twin-City News

Batesburg-Leesville, SC

Bill Rogers

S.C. Press Association, Retired

Columbia, SC

Chalmers Rogland Herald-Journal

Spartanburg, SC

Ken Ruinard Independent Mail Anderson, SC

Randall Savely

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

Ema Schumer

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

ATTENDEES It’s Sunshine Week, the annual celebration of access to public information. South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) – also known as the Sunshine Law – shines a light on public records and open government. Use the FOIA to see how public officials are making decisions that affect you and your community. It’s your right to know. SUNSHINE WEEK March 10-16, 2024 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THIS NEWSPAPER AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRESS ASSOCIATION Defending open government for 172 years LEARN MORE Understand the law. Check out our Citizen’s Guide to the Freedom of Information Act. It’s available for free at scpress.org/FOI. OPEN GOVERNMENT IS GOOD GOVERNMENT.

ATTENDEES

Chris Segal

The Sun News

Myrtle Beach, SC

Katherine Seigler

USC College of Information and Communications Columbia, SC

Ray Sharpe

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

Bob Simmonds Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

David Slade

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Emma Slaven

The Daniel Island News

Daniel Island, SC

Gina Smith

The State Columbia, SC

Glenn Smith

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Taylor Smith

S.C. Press Association

Meriwether Law

Columbia, SC

Chris Sokoloski

Coastal Observer

Pawleys Island, SC

Abbie Sossamon

The Gaffney Ledger

Gaffney, SC

Cody Sossamon

The Gaffney Ledger

Gaffney, SC

Whether you’re planning a large meeting, a small discussion group or a multi-topic conference, SCPA is the right choice for you!

Conveniently located off Bush River Rd. in Columbia near I-20 and I-26, SCPA offers:

• 1,200 square feet of flexible meeting space

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FOR MORE DETAILS, CONTACT JEN MADDEN: (803) 750-9561 | JMADDEN@SCPRESS.ORG Have your next meeting at SCPA Offices!
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ATTENDEES

Andrew Sprague SC Biz News

Charleston, SC

Steve Stegelin

Charleston City Paper

Charleston, SC

Trey Stewart

The Greer Citizen Greer, SC

Janel Strieter

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Scott Suchy

Charleston City Paper

Charleston, SC

Samantha Swann Herald-Journal

Spartanburg, SC

Charles Swenson

Coastal Observer Pawleys Island, SC

Henry Taylor

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Jeff Taylor

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Brian Tolley

The State Columbia, SC

Chris Trainor

The State Columbia, SC

David Tyson Pageland, SC

local | credible | relevant | connected South Carolina newspapers Communities are stronger when they have a local newspaper Support your local newspaper S.C. newspapers cover local communities better than anyone, telling stories only local journalists can. Stories that matter and impact your community. Support high-quality local journalism. Subscribe. Advertise. Donate.

Dawn Vickery

The People Sentinel Barnwell, SC

Jonathan Vickery Executive Committee

The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC

Patrick Villegas

The Daniel Island News

Daniel Island, SC

Michael Vosburg Media Mindshift

Hannah Wade

Columbia/Free Times Columbia, SC

Dr. Damion Waymer College of Information and Communications University of South Carolina

Hal Welch Vice President - Dailies The Journal Seneca, SC

Thomas Werner

The Daniel Island News Daniel Island, SC

Alexandra Whitbeck

The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC

Let us do the heavy lifting for you. Need help with training? As an association member, you have access to free, on-demand training for new journalists and freelancers. Getting people signed up is easy. Just send their name and email address to us, and they can be up and running. For more information and a course outline, visit earnyourpresspass.com. earnyourpresspass.com ATTENDEES
Columbia, SC
The Post and Courier

ATTENDEES

Michael Whitbeck Freehold, NY

Teresa Whitbeck Freehold, NY

Richard Whiting President Index-Journal Greenwood, SC

Wendy Whiting Greenwood, SC

Lisa Wilson

The Island Packet

Hilton Head Island, SC

Samantha Winn

The Post and Courier

North Augusta/The Star North Augusta, SC

Robert York

The Island Packet

Hilton Head Island, SC

Nicole Ziege

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Special thanks to everyone who helped judge Nebraska Press Association's Contests! These swaps make our own contest possible. We're so grateful for your help!

Plaque Bases Bases

SCPA has a limited number of plaque bases for your 2nd and 3rd place awards today for only $15. Visit the registration desk to purchase. After today, the cost will be $25, which includes shipping. Reach out to SCPA if you'd like to order duplicate certificates or engraved plaques.

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South Carolina Newspaper Network

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