The National Newspaper Association has named The Universe a general excellence winner in its 2012 Better Newspaper and Better Newspaper Advertising Contest. The paper also won 12 individual awards. Contest judges included a variety of newspaper editors and publishers, as well as retired journalism professors and journalists all over the country.
The Universe, along with other winning newspapers will be recognized at the Toast to the Winners Awards Reception Saturday, Oct. 6, during NNA’s 126th Annual Convention & Trade Show.
In the Better Newspaper Contest, The Universe won three awards.
First place in Best Review, Daily & Non‐daily Division, for Court Mann's article 'Lifetime of dreams now realized.'
Judges said, 'Great story framed by a captivating layout. Emotional, heartfelt writing complemented by an energy‐charged layout. I will look for this recording and buy it.'
Third place in Best Sports Photo, Daily Division, for Luke Hansen's photo in 'BYU 42, New Mexico St. 7.'
Judges said, 'One guy chased by a stampede of red helmets, caught at the goal line, but stretching for the score is dramatic. This is an example of solid football photography, conflict between opponents, each striving to achieve in a game of inches.'
Honorable Mention in Best Serious Column, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation 12,000 or more, for Jade McDowell's columns 'Aborting responsibility' and 'That's not liberation.'
Judges said, 'Both of these columns are well‐argued and concisely written. The 'Ban on Burqas' is the strongest of the two, deftly uncloaking, as it does, the very real bias behind the French ban.'
The Universe also won nine awards for the Better Newspaper Advertising Contest.
First Place in Best Series Ad Idea — Black & White, Daily & Non‐daily Division, for a Cougar Dental ad, designed by Alyssa Watson and James Gardner.
Judges said, 'Clever. Eye‐catching. Simple. Great job adding some fun to need for dental work!'
First Place in Best Single Ad Idea — Black & White, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation 10,000 or more, for 'Squinting to Read Sudoku?,' designed by Marlena Prophet.
Judges said, 'Super headline. Asks a great question. Clean ad. Perfect use of photo. Ad is located perfectly with the Sudoku and Crossword puzzle.'
Second Place in Best Sales Promotion Section or Edition, Daily Division, for 'Housing Guide: The 2011 Adventure,' designed by Universe staff.
Judges said, 'From cover to back page, this is a 'do not miss' edition for students. I'm not sure how many ads were created in‐house (and that's a compliment) — they all were well designed and informative.'
Second Place in Best Single Ad Idea — Black & White, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation 10,000 or more, for 'Get that Warm, Fuzzy Holiday Feeling,' designed by David Bowman.
Judges said, 'The headline works great with the socks and the snowflake artwork. Clean layout and message. Super offer from the client. This coupon must have worked!'
Second Place in Best Small‐Page Ad, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation 10,000 or more, for 'Squinting to Read Sudoku?,' by Marlena Prophet.
Judges said, 'Clever! Great placement and original idea!
Third Place in Best Newspaper Promotion, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation 16,000 or more, for 'Thanks for a year to never Fredette,' by Alyssa Watson.
Judges said, 'Very clever ad! Way to use and highlight the names in the copy. Well done.'
Honorable Mention in Best Newspaper Promotion, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation 16,000 or more, for 'Football Summary Posters (back page of a football devoted overleaf),' by the Universe Staff.
Judges said, 'Nice idea and nice to look at. Great way to present game stats.'
Honorable Mention in Best Sales Promotion Section or Edition, Daily Division, for the 'Bridal Guide,' by the Universe Staff.
Judges said, 'Beautiful cover, stunning pages — ads as well as editorial. Easily could be #1 award winner in any contest.'
Honorable Mention in Best Single Ad Idea — Black & White, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation 10,000 or more, for 'Scare up a date,' by David Bowman.
The National Newspaper Association was established in 1885 as the voice of America's community newspapers. It is the largest newspaper association in the country.