First Place
The Star, Shelby

Judge's comment: This was a clear winner, easily rivaling the work of much larger newspapers across the country. While most people would agree that shedding bright light on a community’s forgotten children is a worthwhile project, few newspapers are willing to commit the resources and space that The Shelby Star has done for its “Who got killed?” campaign. This went way beyond simply covering tragic events; it sought to find out why these events are happening and explored what can be done to change their usual course.”

First Place
The News & Observer, Raleigh
Judge's comment: Excellent, extremely comprehensive coverage, which is to be expected from a newspaper of The News & Observer’s reputation, but is nonetheless fascinating. This just goes to show what dogged persistence and first-rate reporting can do.

Second Place
Asheville Citizen-Times, Asheville
Judge's comment: Superb investigative work. A clear example of why the public still needs accurate, trained journalists as public watchdogs. Good presentation of all sides of the issue. Easy-to-understand graphics helped get the point across, as did the many interviews and stellar writing.

Third Place
The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte
Judge's comment: It’s nothing short of courageous to take on the United Way organization in one’s own backyard, but if the newspaper won’t do it, who will? The staff deserves high praise for its unflinching, thorough reporting of the problem.

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