Local reporters nominated for excellence in journalism
Niagara Falls Review, St. Catharines Standard and Welland Tribune journalists have earned Ontario Newspaper Award nominations for stories covered in 2014.
“I’m extremely proud of this year’s nominees, who are being recognized for their commitment to bringing readers the very best local news, features and analysis,” said Erica Bajer, managing editor at Th e Review and Th e Standard.
“Our editorial teams work hard every day to bring readers the best in local news, to off er insight into the days headlines and tell the stories of people in our communities. Th ese nominations are a testament to that hard work.”
Review reporter John Law was nominated for coverage of entertainment and arts.
He submitted a story on his trip to Marineland and a profile on musician John “T Bone” Little. Law’s review of Tony Bennett’s show at the Niagara Falls Casino was included in the entry.
Law also received a nomination in the editorial, opinion and analysis category for a column on Marineland, the issue of stalled trains in Niagara Falls and a look at the Destination Marketing Fee.
In St. Catharines, Standard education reporter Don Fraser told the story of two parents terrified about the safety of their young diabetic children who while at school wouldn’t have access to potentially lifesaving injections.
Standard reporter Grant LaFleche earned his nominations for his two- part series on Niagara Falls boxer James Bishop who was looking for redemption in the ring.
Tribune reporter Greg Furminger, just back on the beat after years behind an editing desk, earned his spot new reporting nomination for a three- story package on a January rooming house fi re on King St. in Welland.
“Th e nominations are recognition of the depth and scope of the journalism that happens in Niagara,” said editor- in- chief Peter Conradi. “They cover opinion, entertainment, sports, design,
news — it’s a very impressive cross- section.
Also, former Tribune reporter Dan Dakin is nominated for spot news under for his coverage of the death of police officer Joe Mellen Jr. Dakin is also nominated for the social media award for his use of online tools.
Freelance graphic artist Brad Demers is nominated for his presentation of a number of stories in Niagara’s dailies, including an informative piece created as part of our Faces of Poverty series.
The annual awards recognize the province’s best journalism from the previous year.
Th e Ontario Newspaper Awards will be presented at a gala dinner May 16 in Hamilton.