Valley Times-News named most improved paper in APA contest

Published 6:00 pm Monday, July 1, 2019

The Valley Times-News won eight awards in the 2019 Alabama Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, including the award for most improved paper in its division.

The awards were announced over the weekend at the 2019 APA Summer Convention at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. Ninety publications submitted a total of 3,394 entries in the annual contest. The Illinois Press Association judged the entries.

The Valley Times-News competes in Division B, which is for daily newspapers with a total paid circulation of 21,999 and below.

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The VTN was named “Most Improved” in Division B, which is for the newspaper that shows the greatest overall improvement in news coverage and writing, appearance and editorial vigor over the last year.

“It’s always nice to have your work recognized, especially in a competition as competitive as the APA Awards contest,” said Daniel Evans, who served as managing editor from 2018-19 before his recent promotion to publisher. “We think we’ve made significant improvements over the last year, and we plan to continue that trajectory as we work to provide the best possible newspaper for our readers.”

The newspaper also won first place for best sports news in-depth coverage for “Finally,” which told the story of Chambers Academy’s state championship victory. Sports Editor Rashad Milligan wrote the story and Evans took the photos.

The other awards the newspaper won include the following:

Second place in best newspaper website.

Second place for best layout and design.

Second place for Best Sports Coverage by Rashad Milligan and Sam Chandler.

Third place for best editorial for “Think Twice before Clicking Share.”

Third place for Best Photo Essay for photos of Chambers Academy’s football championship by Daniel Evans.

Third place for Best Online Breaking News Coverage for a story on the Capital City Bank Robbery.