Local Newspapers Win Awards At Convention
The Northern Plains Independent and Community News, under the leadership of publisher Darla Downs, earned several awards during the Montana Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. The 136th Montana Newspaper Association annual convention was held in person June 18-19 in Big Sky.
The Northern Plains Independent won first place for best black and white advertisement to sell or promote services. The winning ad was for a pie auction and supper for the Friends of the Library designed by Downs.
The newspaper also took first place for best newspaper promotional ad. The entry was titled, “Extra, we’ve moved,” when the newspaper changed offices, also designed by Downs.
The Community News took first place for best color ad to sell or promote services. The entry, also designed by Downs, regarded COVID-19 symptoms at home provided by the Roosevelt County Health Department.
The Community News placed second in the best newspaper promotional ad category with another ad designed by Downs.
John Kuglin, former Associated Press bureau chief, was inducted into the Montana newspaper Hall of Fame. He was selected because of his four-decade dedication to quality Montana journalism, and his unrelenting defense of open government and the public’s constitutional right to know. The hall of fame was established by the Montana Newspaper Association and the University of Montana to honor Montana journalists who have made outstanding contributions to the profession, the arts and their community.
Chad Knudsen, Glendive Ranger- Review publisher, was honored with the 2021 Master Editor/Publisher Award for his demonstrated contributions to the Montana newspaper industry. Suzanne Resch, Western News general manager, was honored with the 2021 Dick Crockford Distinguished Service Award for her continued above and beyond performance and results.
Montana Newspaper Association members chose Knudsen of the Glendive Ranger-Review as the 2021-2022 board president. The mission of the Montana Newspaper Association is to advance and sustain the Montana news publishing industry. The association has 84 professional member news providers and was established in 1885.
