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2003 MEDIA AWARDS COMPETITION

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2003
2002
2001
2000

Carolyn James
Named Outstanding
Long Island Journalist
by Press Club of Long Island

About Carolyn James >>
PRESS CLUB OF LONG ISLAND 2003 MEDIA AWARD CONTEST FINALISTS
Title of Entry Name Media Outlet

Dailies

 

D1 - Deadline News
Slain on the Altar Newsday Staff Newsday
What an unbelievable story, and what unbelievable coverage. Paints the very chilling picture of what happened, with superb quotes, color and matter-of-fact reporting on deadline.
A Night Under the Gun Newsday Staff Newsday
Portrays the drama of the situation very well, with thorough reporting from a variety of angles and sources.
Change of Guard at CA Newsday Staff Newsday
Good job covering the breaking developments and giving perspective on the big picture for CA.
 
D2 - Non-Deadline News
Tattered Hopes Dan Fagin Newsday
Describes an unbelievable turn of events very clearly, as well as breaking down complicated numbers and scientific terms so the reader can understand. Great job on an important story.
Betrayals of Trust Newsday Staff Newsday
Unbelievable stories, told with thorough reporting of shocking details but also perspective from all sides.
Public Land, Private Profits Newsday Staff Newsday
Solid investigative reporting, backed up by hard information which no doubt required much hard work. Good writing and details.
 
D3 - Feature
No Pay, Long Hours but, Now, Glory Donna Kutt Nahas The New York Times
Outstanding feature story. Puts real human perspective on the aftermath of 9/11, with solid reporting and good anecdotes/personal touches.
I Doubt That You Know Me Stephanie McCrummen Newsday
Good storytelling and thorough reporting combine to make this a very readable and emotional story.
More Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Barbara Gerbasi The New York Times
Covers a very real societal issue very well, good facts and figures combined with human touches.
 
D4 - Column-News
Shattered Dreams in Land of Opportunity Paul Vitello Newsday
What a dramatic story! Great writing style, carefully unfolds the story before bringing us to the heart of the matter.
 
D5 - Column- Humorous
I Can't Talk Now. Call Me Back! Claudia Gryvatz Copquin The New York Times
We imagine all New Yorkers can relate to this story, and we laughed out loud at it too-- at everything from writer’s technological challenges to wanting to follow the law and hush her children. Great piece.
 
D6 - Business/Econ./Financial
Shredded Dreams James T. Madore Newsday
Puts a human face on a business story very well, capturing the impact of the shutdown.
CA Jets Used for Personal Travel Mark Harrington Newsday
Good story uncovering an unethical practice. Includes good comments from outside perspective as well as reaction from those involved.
Now What? Mark Harrington Newsday
Gives good perspective on company’s future, with good quotes and analysis
 
D7 - Environment/Science/Tech.
Blood Errors Kathleen Kerr Newsday
Outstanding investigation sheds light on a disturbing health care problem, one that not many readers likely knew about.
Hepatitis C Roni Rabin Newsday
Well-written story uncovers disturbing story, but also gives good information for those concerned about its impact.
Guys and Doctors Survey Donna Kutt Nahas Newsday
Good information, nice quotes, good coverage of a very real problem when it comes to men and health care.
 
D8 - Arts
Being Bing Peter Goodman Newsday
Nice piece on an American icon, but with new information and a good local tie.
Art History Dave Behrens Newsday
Explains the significance of the art gallery’s closing very well, with good perspective on the former owner. Well-written piece with good color and detail.
Close to Home Karin Lipson Newsday
Well-written profiles of three unique authors.
 
D9 - Sports 
Life Rushes On Chuck Culpepper Newsday
A sports story every reader can appreciate. A very human portrait of a sports figure and his family.
Woods: Joy in Mudville Damon Hack Newsday
Clear, concise sports coverage and color from the golf course.
Finally! Bill Jensen Newsday
Nice piece with great sense of history and colorful writing style
 
D10 - Editorial
LI Bishop Leaves Questions Unanswered Robert Keeler Newsday
Tough commentary, takes Church officials to task, but backs it up with the facts as reported in news coverage.
In Your Dreams, Richie Phineas Fiske Newsday
Clever writing, concise arguments. Good detail. All combine to make this a winning entry.
In the Same Boat Lawrence C. Levy Newsday
Does a good job of addressing issues all your readers need to consider. Great accompanying illustration!

Weeklies 

Top of Page

W1 - Deadline News
Contractor is Rescued From a 50-Foot Hole Amanda Star Frazer The East Hampton Star
Thorough news coverage. The writer really put together an interesting story with a lot of legwork. No awards for second and third place entries.
 
W2 - Non-Deadline News
Parkway Wasteland Scott Brinton Merrick Herald
Scott Brinton showed admirable persistence in his coverage of the issue of unprotected government-owned property turned into wastelands through vandalism and neglect. In a textbook example of advocacy journalism, Brinton sided with local environmentalists in refusing to accept a situation that is too common in many heavily developed area -- the wasting degradation of the no-man's land that is neither protected nor marked for development. We can learn from Brinton's willingness to publish long before he knew all the facts of a complex story without any clearly identifiable villians. Early stories flushed out the answers to questions of land ownership and responsibility. His dogged pursuit of the story led to scoops liker the unauthorized dumping of road waste and the illegal clear-cutting of public land. Plainly written in a tone of measured outrage, this piece deserves congratulations on using journalism for the betterment of the community.
Serran-Pagan vs. the Mayor Dan Rattiner Dan's Papers
A good example of advocacy journalism by a writer clearly outraged by a heavy-handed attempt to keep farm animals out of a region dangerously close to losing the  rural charm for which it has long been known. An idiosyncratic writing style holds the reader's interest and leaves no doubt about the author's opinion. I would have liked to see a little more effort to get the other side of the story, but I get the feeling I'm not going to get it from this strongly opinionated publication. 
Escaping Death Twice: WTC executive director reflects on 9/11 Cris Italia Oceanside/Island Park Herald
Well-reported year-after profiles of two World Trade Center workers - one who escaped on 9/11 and one who died a hero. 
 
W3 - Feature
Six Millionth Anniversary of the North Fork Susan Whitney Simm, James R. Wolfram, Robert Ballot Dan's Papers
What a fabulous idea, and how well-executed! A great way to show the character of a place.. through the essays of its people… The versatility, the variety, the voices, the views are stunning!
McMansions? No, Just R.V.s Russel Drumm The East Hampton Star
Writer paints a realistic, humorous, interesting picture with his words.
I Exit: Living Homeless on Long Island Paul Perillie The New Island Ear (Long Island Press)
Writer seeks to understand homeless resident and conveys understanding well.
 
W4 - Column- News
From the depths of Ground Zero Cris Italia Oceanside/Island Park Herald
Suffolk Closeup Karl Grossman East Hampton Star, Southampton Press, Shelter Island Reporter
For some, the war was an opportunity Carl Gordon L&M Publications
 
W5 - Column- Humorous
The Nelson Ratings: August and Everything After Michael Nelson The New Island Ear (Long Island Press)
Sept. 11 didn't just touch those who lost friends and family. Nelson expresses with vivid language and gentle humor the confusion and helplessness felt by many Americans, especially New Yorkers. Calling this column "humorous" is almost incorrect, but it wraps serious thoughts in the blanket of "laugh because I must not cry" that is a hallmark of the American spirit. Extra points for the damn fine last line. ("We went inside again, and inside, we found life happening hard and fast, as if it could never be put out.") 
Best Friend Dan Rattiner Dan's Papers
Takes a concept that's almost a cliché-dogs as man's best friend-and creates a fiction around it that had me reading and believing to the end. Best line: "He will be King of the Polar Bears."
Golf is a Four-Letter Word Pandora Parker The New Island Ear (Long Island Press)
Carries a self-deprecating honesty that makes up for a topic that many might not find newsworthy. Best line: "I like the sound it makes."
 
W6 - Business/Econ./Financial
New Del HQ on tap as LI thwarts N.C. Ken Schachter Long Island Business News
Well sourced, concise, comprehensive and fine writing. What else does a story need? Excellent word in hard news reporting.
From Bloomberg to Broadway Adina Genn Long Island Business News
Strong reporting in what amounts to a feature story. Well written. Keeps the readers’ interest. Obviously the reporter was well-prepped ahead of time to get background not normally found in such stories.
Insurance Hammers Builders Susan Rosenbaum The East Hampton Star
A solid job of localizing a story that is affecting contractors nationwide in the wake of 9/11. It puts a face on the contracting business.
 
W7 - Environment/Science/Tech.
Parkway Wasteland Scott Brinton Merrick Herald
Excellent research and reporting. This story series was well done with a definite human side to it. Good sourcing helped to put the problem in perspective. And it netted results.
Lord of the files Ken Schachter Long Island Business News
The writer takes what could be a very difficult story to tell and makes it entertaining and interesting to readers. He explains why the subject’s work is important to everyday life.
It Vants to Drink Your Blood Kitty Merrill East Hampton Independent
Solid reporting on a researcher’s work. It dispels some of the assumptions/misinformation people have about vampire bats. A touch of wittiness in the writing sets this story apart from others.
 
W8 - Arts 
Gulls & Ice: Personal Quest for Steinbeck Evan Tiska Southampton Independent
Tribute to Heroes: A Look at the Music Inspired by 9/11 Dave Gil de Rubio The New Island Ear (Long Island Press)
Going 12 Rounds with Glassjaw Michael Nelson The New Island Ear (Long Island Press)
 
W9 - Sports
Intellegent Fitness: Start to Finish Tom Allegra The Observer
Well researched piece that lays it all on the line about fitness
Coaching Dragons, Hidden Writer Bill Jensen The New Island Ear (Long Island Press)
 
W10 - Government/Politics
Bishop's Gambit/Rocket Man Paul Perillie The New Island Ear (Long Island Press)
Writer’s use of analogies and style make ordinary political profiles more than ordinary.
Town Loses 26 Acres Park Joanne Pilgrim, Susan Rosenbaum, Irene Silverman The East Hampton Star
Thorough, deep, and thoughtful. Paper dedicated impressive resources.
The Teenage Candidate: Bryan Galgano Lauren E.Hill The New Island Ear (Long Island Press)
Reporter takes (very) young political candidate seriously, but not too seriously.
 
W11 - Education
Crackdown on illegal students Karen V. Rice Richner Communications, Inc.
"Reporter tells harrowing story about how some students are weeded out of district. 
Well-wrought."
Lifesavers Now in a School Near You Evan Tiska Southampton Independent
Well-written story that needed to be told.
Survey says: Homework not too taxing Cindy J. Roth Village Herald
Interesting story about interesting survey… everyone complains about homework… but if it’s not too bad…
 
W12 - Editorial
State Legislature Back in USSR Scott Brinton Merrick Herald
Well-supported, well-reasoned, well-written.
Time for Dialogue on Housing David E. Rattray The East Hampton Star
Uses common sense and facts to send important message.
What Hamptons? Helen S. Rattray The East Hampton Star
Interesting analysis of the way people see their hometowns.
 
W13 - Review/Criticism
Larry Rivers as Draftsman Robert Long The East Hampton Star
What makes this piece the first-place winner is the writer's knowledge of his subject and the unforced way he communicates that knowledge through his review of this artist's work.
The New Ice Age Susan Whitney Simm Dan's Papers
Delightful look at ice wines, giving readers a complete look at why these wines are so extraordinary. Writer does a nice job of supporting the local wineries.
Moby is Stripped Michael Nelson The New Island Ear (Long Island Press)
Nice job capturing the enigma of Moby. We still don't know which is the real Moby. Maybe that's the point.
 

Magazine

Top of Page

M1 - News/Feature
Monuments to Ling Island's Past Michael Casano Distinction, Inc.
Well-written piece with historical perspective, very educational but in enjoyable style
Tongue-Tied about Tough Topics? Liza N. Burby LI Parents and Children
Very useful article, with good sources and good information explained well
Heart of the Problem Tim Dunne Hofstra University Magazine
Good example of a tragic personal story that hopefully can educate others
 
M2 - Opinion- Review/Critique
The Wonder of it All Marcia Byalick Distinction Magazine
What an amazing story, truly a “miracle.” Nice piece that captures the emotion of the story very well. Love the writer’s style.
The Same Age I've Always Been Marcia Byalick Distinction Magazine
A piece we can all relate to if we’ve been there, or will soon be there. Nice touches and personal anecdotes make this a standout.
The Shape of Things to Come Claudia Gryvatz Copquin LI Parents and Children
A very personal story, told very-well but in an amusing, readable style. Nice work.
 

Specialized Press

Top of Page

S1 - News/Feature
  Health: What It's Like to Get Botox Injections Jane F. Lane Long Island Woman
This was a timely topic presented with plenty of specific information, conveyed with a flare by a writer with a sense of humor
New York Track Talk: Allen Jerkens Paula Rodenas The Horse Directory
"A tightly written portrait of a track personality. I wish there had been more quotes from the subject."
If You Build Them Tom Calvin The Met Golfer
An interesting account of an important public figure. It kept me reading to the end.
 
S2 - Opinion- Review/Critique
Health: The Dots Don't Connect Geri Barish Long Island Woman
A thoughtful look at a terrifying, yet important subject.
 

Television

Top of Page

T1 - Deadline News 
Baby Lyndsi Virginia Huie News 12 Long Island
Of all the post-9/11 stories, this was the most heartwarming.
A Community Remembers Ken Eckhardt, Stephanie Vega, Peter Shapiro LI News Tonight
Ground Zero Closing Michael Artsis LI News Tonight
 
T2 - Non-Deadline News 
Gangs on Long Island Mary Beth McDade News 12 Long Island
Good, solid reporting on an important issue. Good use of street video, natural sound and interviews.
9/11 Baby Doug Geed News 12 Long Island
Touching story, well-told, with good use of visuals and emotion of the story.
History on the Bounty Carol Pack, Paul McAniff LI News Tonight
Nice piece with good historical perspective. Good job of writing to the amazing video and using natural sound.
 
T3 - Feature
Inside the Fire Academy Lea Tyrrell News 12 Long Island
Touching, poignant, well-written, shot and edited. Story completed a circle.
Inside the Ranks: US Army Andrew Ehinger News 12 Long Island
Gave an inside picture of Army training. Let us see how and why recruits do their thing.
12 Making s Difference Debi Gade News 12 Long Island
Not sure this is a story, exactly. More like a special containing 12 stories, but stories that need to be told.
 
T4 - Live Reporting
Unfair Hike Drew Scott News 12 Long Island
 
T5 - Business/Econ./Financial
Digging Out of Debt Andrew Ehinger News 12 Long Island
This piece exposed a credit rip-off. Good consumer news item.
An Old Family Recipe Peter Shapiro, Gary Licker, Ken Eckhardt LI News Tonight
Cute story about where business owner got pie recipe. 
 
T6 - Environment/Science/Tech.
Camera Pill Shari Einhorn News 12 Long Island
Compelling story about tiny new technology and what it can do
Shooting Range Scandal Drew Scott News 12 Long Island
Where did all that sand go? Reporter uncovers gritty details of shooting range owner’s scheme.
A Walk on the Wild Side Patricia Barrett News 12 Long Island
This one is just pretty. Shows the environment the way it should be.
 
T7 - Arts
Ukranian Egg Decorator Doug Geed News 12 Long Island
We liked everything about this piece - the subject, the writing, the photography. All combined to make it a standout.
Faces of Ground Zero Virginia Huie News 12 Long Island
Captures emotion of the story and the exhibit very wel
Pottery Man Doug Geed News 12 Long Island
Unique subject, nice writing style.
 
T8 - Education
Interview in the Hamptons: Halsey House Debbie Tuma WVVH-TV
Nice writing style (in the Dr. Seuss story in particular), good pacing and use of natural sound to capture the heart of the story subjects. 
Environment of Learning Lily Stolzberg, Peter Shapiro, Ken Eckhardt LI News Tonight
Good interviews, nice writing.
 
T9 - Sports
  Black Course Architect Scott Feldman News 12 Long Island
"An interesting story told using a good mix of current and archival footage. Reporter did a nice job of presenting both sides of the
debate and providing follow-up on the very positive outcome of this piece. Well done."
Watching Tiger Andrew Ehinger News 12 Long Island
"What fun! This is sports feature reporting at its best.Pace was quick and entertaining with a good range of interviews. Enjoyed
seeing Tiger¹s game from the audience perspective. Content delivered what the title promised."
A Common Goal Rich Glanzer, Ken Eckhardt LI News Tonight
This is a can¹t-miss subject. Reporters did a nice job of covering a noble effort at combating gang problems. Viewer can¹t help but feel the camaraderie forged between the African-American and Latino children through the game of soccer. Would¹ve liked to hear from more of the children.
 
T10 - Public Affairs
  At Issue: The Dangers of the West Nile Virus Lea Tyrrell News 12 Long Island
Good job of addressing the risks and realities of West Nile. This hour-long special clearly addressed questions of Long Island residents who are concerned about the dangers of the virus, but more importantly, the dangers of spraying to the people and precious wildlife found on the island. Reporter earns extra points for asking if media has overblown the issue. The answer? Yes! Well done.
  Melting Pot or Not Debbie Gade News 12 Long Island
Segregation is a tough reality for Long Island. This series did a good job of showing the disparity of neighborhoods, but also whether intentional or not showed more similarities between the groups. Getting kids to school, taking out the trash, walking the dog, going to work. All the families also share the hopes that their children will live in a more-diverse society.
  Cablevision Editorial Series: East End Crossroads Peter Kohler, Christopher DeFilippis Cablevision Systems Corp.
"Well shot, but could have been better with a bit more content on each subject. The piece mixed reporting and editorial and would
have worked much better as a straight reporting piece, with perhaps an editorial or analysis to sum up the series."
 
T11 - Nat Sound Video Essay
  Lady Klee Michael DelGiudice News 12 Long Island
What a story! Great setup at the beginning, makes us wonder what we’re about to see. Good eye for detail, and then once we get to the point, clever and creative shots make this a winner.
  Toy Maker David Garden News 12 Long Island
Nice opening, good use of sound from the subject, and creative camera angles help this piece stand out.
  Save Our Babies Virginia Huie, Dave Garden, Jason Dippolito News 12 Long Island
Good use of natural sound mixed with well-shot interviews.
 

Radio

Top of Page

R2 - Non-Deadline News
The Mentally Ill Homeless Shaun Gerien WSHU/91.1 - NPR News
Story takes listener on journey with its subject. Well-done.
Empire Premier Michael Artsis WGBB-AM
Interesting interview.
 
R3 - Feature
Iraqi Prisoner Saeed Herdoon Mike Siegal, Chris Polizzi Island Talk 540 WLIE
Good job of putting face on faraway story.
Defibrillator David Weiss, Eric Margolis Island Talk 540 WLIE
Helped to publicize important use of defibrillators and need for their accessibility.
Old Glory Shaun Gerien WSHU/91.1 - NPR News
 
R4 - Live Reporting
Roosevelt Gang Shooting Mike Siegal, Chris Polizzi Island Talk 540 WLIE
 
R5 - Business/Econ./Financial
The Bounty in Greenport Shaun Gerien WSHU/91.1 - NPR News
Story deftly shows why Greenport is perfect home for the Bounty.
Peter Haynes Ed Tyll, Becky Bennett Island Talk 540 WLIE
 
R6 - Environment/Science/Tech.
Teaching Tots Nutrition Shaun Gerien WSHU/91.1 - NPR News
Well-hewn story shows importance of teaching nutritional values EARLY.
 
R8 - Sports
Woman Baseball Player David Weiss, Eric Margolis Island Talk 540 WLIE
Interesting talk show with woman who bucks a tradition.
Nassau Sportsmanship Legislation John Gomez, Mark Goldman Island Talk 540 WLIE
Good job of exploring various opinions on sports-related legislation.
 
R9 - Public Affairs
K-9 Heroes David Weiss, Eric Margolis Island Talk 540 WLIE
"First-hand account of how canine companion saved lives on September 11. Compelling."
Tuesday's Children Fund John Gomez, Mark Goldman Island Talk 540 WLIE
Program helped worthwhile foundation.
 

Video Photography

Top of Page

V1 - News
Ride for Life 2002 Michael DelGiudice News 12 Long Island
"Wow! Good television photography and reporting can do at its best‹bringing the hope, inspiration and truth of the few to the many.
How wonderful that a local network was willing to devote resources to following Chris¹ plight for 10 days and 175 miles. Beautifully shot. Bravo!"
Relay for Life Michael DelGiudice News 12 Long Island
This is a moving event, no matter where you are in the country. Viewers got a good glimpse of this a day-and-a-half event in a nice piece. Good job of capturing the spirituality of the nighttime events, even with the challenge of candlelight. This was a tough category dominated by one individual, who undoubtedly creates quality work.
Gangs of Long Island Michael DelGiudice News 12 Long Island
Good effort at visualizing the problem of gangs on Long Island. Viewers were given a variety of perspectives and images to help understand the scope of the problem and the possibility of solutions.
 
V2 - Feature