HARRISBURG (Nov. 4, 2016) – Pennsylvania Bar Association President Sara A. Austin has announced the winners of the 2016 William A. Schnader Print Media Awards.
Funded by the national law firm of Schnader Attorneys at Law, the awards competition was founded 37 years ago in memory of former state Attorney General and PBA President William A. Schnader. The awards recognize excellence in print journalism, particularly articles and commentaries fostering greater public understanding of the legal system and the roles of society and the law, the courts, law enforcement agencies and the legal profession.
The competition is overseen by the PBA Bar/Press Committee. Entries are judged by lawyers, journalists and college professors.
The 2016 awards were presented by Austin today during the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s “Newspaper of the Year” ceremony at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort.
Here is a list of the 2016 Schnader Award winners:
Beat Coverage: Multiday Newspapers 49,000+ Circulation
1st Place: Nicole Brambila, Reading Eagle, Death Penalty Coverage
2nd Place: Michael Sisak, Associated Press, Kane’s Email, Penn State Settlement and Transgender Ruling
Beat Coverage: Multiday Newspapers Under 49,000 Circulation
1st Place: Jo Ciavaglia, Bucks County Courier Times, “Crime Doesn’t Pay,” “Solebury School Abuse,” “Case Highlights Gray Area”
2nd Place: Max Mitchell, The Legal Intelligencer, Pennsylvania Litigation Coverage
Beat Coverage: Weekly Newspapers
1st Place: Jen Colletta, Philadelphia Gay News, Coverage of Kathryn Knott Trial
2nd Place: Jon Marks, Jewish Exponent, “He’s the Silver Standard”
Special Report/Series
1st Place: Michael A. Fuoco, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “What Cost Freedom?”
2nd Place: Nicole Brambila, Reading Eagle, “Executing Justice”
Editorial/Commentary
1st Place: Scott Fisher, York Daily Record/Sunday News, “PFA Disparity” and “Weak DUI Laws”
2nd Place: Stephanie Weaver, Reading Eagle, “Juries Rarely Know It All” and “Defendant Is Own Client”
The first-place winner in each category of competition receives $400 and a plaque and the second-place winner in each category receives $100 and a certificate.
Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 27,000 lawyers who are members of the association.