News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
David Schimke, editor in chief, (612) 701-2005, dschimke@utne.com
Rachel Smith, public relations specialist, (785) 274-4441, rsmith@ogdenpubs.com
Utne Reader Honors Top Publications at 21st Annual Independent Press Awards
Ceremony recognizes excellent storytelling in alternative media
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 26, 2010) — Utne Reader, the best of the alternative press, last night presented 10 publications with Utne Independent Press Awards for outstanding journalism in 2009. The winners were announced during the Magazine Publishers of America-Independent Magazine Advisory Group (IMAG) conference at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Orion won the highest honor, the General Excellence award. Utne Reader’s editors were impressed by Orion’s beautiful design, artful writing and ability to cover crucial environmental issues without overwhelming its readers or underestimating the gravity of its subject matter.
Other winners include:
Best Arts Coverage — The Journal of Music
Best Environmental Coverage — High Country News
Best Health/Wellness Coverage — Spirituality & Health
Best International Coverage — Virginia Quarterly Review
Best Political Coverage — The American Prospect
Best Social/Cultural Coverage — Brain, Child
Best Science/Tech Coverage — IEEE Spectrum
Best Spirituality Coverage — Portland
Best Writing — Boston Review
The Utne Independent Press Awards recognize the excellence and vitality of alternative and independent publishing. Utne Reader Editor in Chief David Schimke believes that independent journalists have raised the bar despite the current state of mainstream media.
“It’s clear that today’s best journalists and writers, who just a few years ago were working for daily newspapers or metropolitan weeklies, are finding a home for their best work in smaller, independent and alternative magazines,” Schimke says. “The quality of this year’s nominees is both a tribute to, and a direct reflection of, that phenomenon.”
Utne Reader’s editors select nominee publications through an extensive reading process and yearlong examination, rather than via a competition with entry forms and fees. In this way, the magazine honors the efforts of small, sometimes unnoticed publications that provide innovative, thought-provoking perspectives often ignored or overlooked by mass media.
The awards were presented at a dinner attended by publishers and editors from the independent press. A number of nominees were present, including Boston Review, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Nation, Sojourners and Spirituality & Health.
For more information on the awards presentation, go to www.Utne.com/UIPA2010. Samples of work from the winners will run in the July-August issue of Utne Reader, on newsstands June 22.
About Utne Reader
Since 1984, Utne Reader (www.Utne.com) has been the vanguard of the alternative press, celebrating independent news and views from across the political spectrum. With ideas, trends and solutions you won’t see in the mainstream media for months or even years, Utne Reader is the publication to read first for readers who want to know what’s happening next.
About Ogden Publications Inc.
Ogden Publications Inc. (www.OgdenPubs.com) is the leading information resource serving the sustainable living, rural lifestyle, farm memorabilia and classic motorcycle communities. Key brands include Mother Earth News, Natural Home, Utne Reader, Capper’s and Grit. Ogden Publications also provides insurance and financial services through its Capper’s Insurance Service division.
NOTE: Event photos and cover images for all winners are available upon request.
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