Chronicle nabs third place in national features awards
The Houston Chronicle has one of the best features sections in the country, according to the Society of Features Journalism Awards handed out Thursday.
In the best-section category for Division III, which honors “the best regularly occurring printed features sections that focus on A&E (arts and entertainment), lifestyles or other features coverage” in the country’s largest publications, the Chronicle trailed only the Washington Post and first-place winner the Los Angeles Times.
The judges said, “The Houston Chronicle gives readers what they need and more. The Renew Houston section introduces them to a fitness club owned by a woman who specializes in weight training, renegade row push-ups and where in Houston to kayak or canoe. The section promises a focus on mental health as well.
“Spend a day with Dexter, a facility dog at a children’s hospital. Learn about the aboriginal art exhibit at the Menil and a great way to cook a steak. The Chronicle’s food and entertainment writing excels. And it is Texas: you can watch a BBQ state of mind podcast and read about how those long lines aren’t a marketing ploy.”
This award wasn’t the only win for the Chronicle. The Renew Houston health and wellness section, which appears Thursdays in the Chronicle, won second place for best niche product. It launched in May 2019.
Entertainment writer Andrew Dansby came in third in the general commentary portfolio, and restaurant critic Alison Cook also came in third in the foodwriting portfolio.
The judges wrote of Dansby, “Andrew Dansby writes about music and our heroes with grace and feeling, making the personal universal in stories about the life and death of Daniel Johnston and a Willie Nelson concert.” Of
Cook, they said, “Colorful descriptions make these reviews appealing.”
Other publications that won multiple awards in a variety of categories include the New York Times, Dallas Morning News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Boston Globe, San Antonio ExpressNews, Austin American-Statesman and Today.com.
To see the entire list, go to https://featuresjournalism.org/.
The Society of Features Journalism is a national organization that “promotes the craft of writing and innovation in lifestyle, arts and entertainment journalism.”