Flint Beat wins 2021 Local News Media Publication of the Year, nine more awards

Flint, MI—Flint Beat won ten awards from the Michigan Press Association for its 2021 coverage, including “News Media Publication of the Year,” in the local circulation class.

“The team always inspires and amazes me with their dedication to not just the Flint Beat newsroom but also to the Flint community,” said Jiquanda Johnson, Flint Beat’s founder and publisher, in response to the award announcement. “They do the work and continue to push for quality journalism for Flint.”

The awards are part of the Michigan Press Association’s annual “Better Newspaper Contest” which, according to its website, receives thousands of member entries each year. 

“I am so incredibly proud of our team and all the hard hours they put in to make Flint Beat what it is,” said Flint Beat Managing Editor Scott Atkinson. “This is a testament to their talent and hard work, but also to their investment in the Flint community.”

For the 2021 awards, entries were reviewed by the Arkansas Press Association and presented to winners in a virtual ceremony on March 17, 2022.

“It’s clear the huge amount of work our collective newsrooms are doing all over the state to serve their communities,” said Paul J. Heidbreder, MPA President and publisher of the Traverse City Record-Eagle, who also served as master of ceremonies for the announcement. “Covering our beats is crucial work that supports the democratic process in each community in Michigan. … We have wonderful examples here of the tremendous talent we have in our state.” 

Flint Beat received nine awards aside from Local News Media Publication of the Year, including first, second, and third place commendations for specific stories and the “Rookie Writer of the Year” award for reporter Amy Diaz. 

“We will continue to work to tell Flint’s story,” Johnson said. “And I am grateful to have the privilege to be in a space where the community trusts us with their stories. Remember Flint has a voice. Flint Beat is a platform for those voices to be heard.”

Here’s the full list of Flint Beat’s 2021 MPA Better Newspaper Contest awards:

• News Media Publication of the Year – Local
• Rookie Writer of the Year – Amy Diaz
• Business/Agriculture News
  • First Place – Black-owned: How one Flint family is fighting barriers in the health care industry by Carmen Nesbitt
• Feature Story
  • First Place – For 48 years, he’s been a grandfather, father, uncle and mentor — all from prison by Santiago Ochoa 
  • Third Place – Rest in paint: Flint muralist remembered for generosity, kindness by Amy Diaz
• Government/Education News
  • First Place – Flint water crisis settlement by Amy Diaz (series)
    • Flint residents protest attorney fees in water lawsuit settlement
    • Residents say Flint water crisis settlement is a ‘slap in the face’ during court hearing
    • The water crisis settlement registration deadline has passed. Now what?
    • ‘A headache on top of a headache’ : Flint residents wait in line outside to register for the water settlement
    • Residents protested the Flint water crisis settlement – Now, they have until March 29 to file objections
    • Flint residents organize to learn, voice concerns over water crisis settlement
    • Judge issues written decision approving $641.25 million Flint water settlement
    • Inspired by Dr. King, Flint residents share water crisis stories, demand justice
    • City of Flint to join $641.25 million water lawsuit settlement
    • Flint City Council still undecided on the city’s $20-million contribution to the water settlement
    • “A slap in the face…and a kick in the behind”: Local leaders protest Flint water crisis settlement
    •  What should justice look like for Flint after the water crisis? Residents weigh in
    • ‘Just the beginning’: Attorneys answer council questions about Flint water settlement
    • City Council divided on $641 million water settlement, attorney warns not joining could cost Flint billions
    • How does a $641 million Flint water settlement get to residents? Attorneys give answers
  • Third Place – Flint’s Special Education Funding by Carmen Nesbitt (series)
    • Flint Community Schools takes GISD to court over special education funding
    • Judge decides GISD special ed funding plan violates state law
    • State superintendent: GISD special education funding formula does not meet needs of Flint students
    • Flint school officials praise new GISD special ed funding plan as win for all districts
    • Flint Schools sees $288,000 increase in special ed funding under new funding formula
• News Enterprise Reporting:
  • First Place – Dissecting Flint’s Plan to Combat Gun Violence by Amy Diaz

• Spot News Story
  • First Place – Unmasked: Flint businesses return to normal as Covid restrictions are lifted by Kate Stockrahm
  • Second Place – Gas station employee charged with shooting man outside locked door by Santiago Ochoa