Reporters, editors and other media professionals gather for conference and awards program remotely and in person 

(5/9/25 – Annapolis, MD) – Members and supporters of the Maryland | Delaware | DC Press Association came together this week to highlight news with integrity and excellence in journalism by recognizing the winners of the Contest, which celebrates print and online work completed in 2024.  

The contest, governed by the Association’s Editorial and Advertising Committees, admitted over 1,620 entries among 86 categories.  There are six divisions in the contest, which group member publications into categories governed by total audience numbers, combining print and digital readership.  One Best in Show award is given in each category across all divisions.  These entries were judged by news media professionals at the Washington State Press Association.   

There are several top awards given across all divisions to the publication.  These include the James S. Keat Freedom of Information Award for demonstrating use of public information act requests in its reporting, Courage in Journalism, honors acts of courage in journalism and strength in adversity while uncovering truth, and Best Moves, which highlights the most important thing MDDC member organizations did in 2024.  The contest also honors top personnel in design and sales and honors new journalists.  Members of the MDDC Press Foundation board of directors and journalism academics judged the top awards and the video audience voted on the Best Moves.  The capstone award, one per division, is News Organization of the Year. 

The Baltimore Banner won the James S. Keat Freedom of Information Award for a wide-ranging portfolio of substantive projects that used public records in reporting.  From deaths at the Harford County Detention Center to an investigation at Howard Community College, to ghost guns in Baltimore city and a coverage of the Key Bridge, Banner reporters were persistent in their pursuit of public records. The work has been impactful, leading to the release of more information and stronger explanations for the public.  The award is named for Jim Keat, a retired editor and foreign correspondent for the Baltimore Sun, who was a long-time advocate for public information access. Keat is also a member of the MDDC Newspaper Hall of Fame.  Read more.

The Baltimore Banner won the Courage in Journalism award for a comprehensive series on opioid deaths in Baltimore City. The newsroom spent over two years—and more than $500,000—investigating. It fought a legal battle to obtain public records, collaborated with The New York Times’s Local Investigations Fellowship, and partnered with other local outlets to share its data nationwide. The reporting team faced immense obstacles in the investigation from difficulty in maintaining contact with sources, many of whom were unhoused or battling addiction and stonewalling from city officials. A free press cannot be swept aside or silenced.  This award honors acts of courage in journalism and strength in adversity while uncovering truth.  The Courage in Journalism Award was established in memory of those killed at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis in 2018 and in honor of those who survived.  Read more. 

The Baltimore Banner was awarded the Best Move of 2024 for its addition of obituaries and paid death notices to its website. The winner was determined by audience vote. Read more.  

The Association recognized a new journalist with the Rookie of the Year award.  This award honors a new journalist with less than 18 months’ experience in the field.  Six nominations were received from five member publications. Lauren Hines Acosta of The Bay Journal is the 2024 Rookie of the Year for her “compelling writing about large and complex topics” teamed with excellent photo and video skills. Read more. 

Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien won Designer of the Year, which honors a body of work over the contest cycle. O’Brien’s portfolio of work was noteworthy for “beautiful editorial spreads, which include good use of portraits and action shots.  Her designs are organized well for reading but also highlight visual elements, with sophisticated use of negative space.  The hierarchy is easy to read and creates user-friendly navigation.”  Read more. 

The Baltimore Banner won Website of General Excellence, which honors a news organization’s ability to connect with readers through social media and engagement, and local news coverage.  The judges noted the clear and intuitive design hierarchy and the use of color to create an easily navigable site.  The award was judged by journalism instructors at Loyola University of Maryland.  Read more.  

The News Organization of the Year awards represent the best publication in each division.  These awards are chosen based on the points accumulated for first and second prizes in each category.  The Baltimore Banner won the award in Division A; The Frederick News-Post was named News Organization of the Year for Division B; and Catholic Review won in Division C.  Bethesda Today won the award in Division D; Coastal Point was named News Organization of the Year for Division E; and Laurel Star won in Division F.  

For a full listing of winners and their award-winning work, view our presentation episodes at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRxzvJD4IXLBuwfV8j7yyBXJ9-aEmM1X5&si=LR4rR3ieSDIwqbXa

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The Maryland | Delaware | DC Press Association is a vibrant, influential association representing over 100 member news media organizations in our region.  We believe a strong news media is central to a strong and open society.  We help our members succeed through advocacy efforts, revenue generation, professional development and industry recognition.  Learn more at www.mddcpress.com.