The Tennessee Journalist, the online news site of the School of Journalism and Electronic Media, recently earned several honors at the 2007 Region 12 Mark of Excellence Awards presented by the Society of Professional Journalists.

The publication won several first place awards for reporting, feature writing and opinion and commentary. In addition, TNJN.com [1] was named best all-around independent online student publication.

"This is an excellent showing for the Tennessee Journalist and the University of Tennessee," said Dr. Jim Stovall, TNJN.com advisor. "The students should all be very proud of their accomplishments."

SPJ [2] awarded the honors March 29 during a joint spring conference of Regions 12 and 8 at Loyola University in New Orleans. First place regional winners will advance to the national round of judging, which takes place in April. National winners will be announced in mid-May and students will receive the awards at the 2008 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference in September.

The TNJN.com staff won a total of eight awards:

Online News Reporting

• First Place: Shannon Petrie, "Opposing abortion views displayed on pedestrian walkway"
• Second Place: Shannon Petrie, "Public meeting displays Knoxville South Waterfront Plans"

Online Feature Reporting

• First Place: Amanda Willis, "Organization strives to aid crisis in Darfur"
• Third Place: Bridget Hardy, "A Flea in Her Ear' takes the UT stage"

Online Sports Reporting

• First Place: Cliff Chartrand, "Rossi strikes in overtime"

Online Opinion and Commentary

• First Place: Bridget Hardy, "Freedom of Speech or Out of Control?"
• Second Place: Katherine Leone, "Tip your bartender"

Best All-Around Independent Online Student Publication

• First Place: Staff, "Tennessee Journalist"

All of the students' work is available online [3].

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.

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