Chicago Sun-Times, KUSA win Headline Awards for biz coverage

The National Headliner Awards were announced on Wednesday and included business journalism categories.

The winner in the business news coverage, business commentary and/or business columns by an individual or team was “What’s in Illinois’ legal weed?” by Stephanie Zimmermann and Tom Schuba of the Chicago Sun-Times.

The judges wrote, “In a blend of strong consumer and business reporting, reporters Stephanie Zimmermann and Tom Schuba of the Chicago Sun-Times found just what the series asked: “What’s In Your Weed?” And the answers were not pleasant. Through extensive reporting and testing, the reporters found legal marijuana being sold sometimes contained contaminants mold, yeast and bacteria and did not meet the label’s potency promise. As more states legalize marijuana, this will become an increasingly important consumer issue.”

Second place went to “Corporate America’s racial reckoning” by Tracy Jan, Jena McGregor and Meghan Hoyer of The Washington Post, and third place went to “Migrant worker deaths” by Maria Perez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The winner in the broadcast or cable television stations business and consumer reporting went to “Car Warranties and Your Friendly Neighborhood DMV” by Chris Vanderveen and Chris Hansen of KUSA.

The judges wrote, “A story that is entertaining and Orwellian at the same time. While there are laws on the books that prohibit the sale of much motor vehicle data, the system is leaky.
While this can be an annoyance, it can also be dangerous — such as for victims of stalkers. A careful investigation and a well-produced piece.”

Second place went to “13 Investigates Consumer Concerns” by Bob Segall & 13 Investigates Team at WTHR, and third place went to “Same does not mean equal” by Adam Racusin and Geoff Steven of KGTV.

The awards were founded in 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City. The annual contest is one of the oldest and largest in the country that recognizes journalistic merit in the communications industry. All of the winners can be found here.