The Chilliwack Progress has been named Newspaper of the Year by an industry organization that represents newspapers from across North America.
The Progress finished first in the non-daily, 22,501-37,500 circulation class.
A publication that serves Baltimore, Maryland in the U.S. finished second.
The annual awards are presented by the LocalMedia Association – a foundation that represents 2,400 traditional media outlets and their digital platforms.
The competition was “extremely competitive” and judged by the Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.
“These award-winning newspapers displayed top-notch editorial coverage, eye-catching graphic design and prominent advertising layouts, exemplifying creativity and innovation in all areas of the newspaper,” said the foundation in announcing the winners Wednesday.
The Progress submitted individual publications to the judging panel, from dates selected by the association.
One of the editions included the first of a two-part series on a Chilliwack RCMP member’s deployment in Afghanistan and its impact on his family.
Said the judges about The Progress: “Great in depth reporting (I particularly enjoyed the feature about the dad in Afghanistan) and clear concise writing.
“Solid photography, too,” the judges continued. “A very enjoyable read – impressive!”
This is not the first time The Progress has been honoured by the association.
In 2008 The Progress was awarded first place when the association was called the Suburban Newsapaper Association of North America.
It finished second in 2012.
The Progress was one of only two Canadian newspapers to earn first place this year. The other was from New Market, Ont.
However, sister publications the Abbotsford News and the Peace Arch News both finished in the top three of their circulation classes.
