You're reading a real winner.
The Now has won seven of the 13 North American journalism awards received by Black Press in the 2015 Local Media Association Awards honouring newspapers in Canada and the U.S.
"It is a real honour to be recognized among some of the best newspapers in North America," said Now editor Beau Simpson.
The competition was "fierce," according to the association. Entries were submitted from a pool of more than 2,600 newspapers.
The Now did particularly well in opinion writing categories. Tom Zytaruk earned first place for Best Opinion Writing, for his work in 2015. See the link for a sample. Amy Reid received third place in Best Column Writing, Beau Simpson received honourable mention in that same category and the Now placed second for Best Editorial Page.
Zytaruk also placed second in the Journalist of the Year category for his work in 2015. See the link for a sample.
The Now also took a third place award for Best Headline Writing and Tom Zillich received Honourable Mention for Best Arts and Entertainment Reporting.
The Now is also up for two provincial awards. Three Now journalists have been named as finalists in the 2016 Ma Murray Community Newspaper Awards. The awards recognize the best in reporting, photography, online journalism, advertising and community contribution across B.C. and the Yukon.
Tom Zillich is a finalist for the Environmental Initiative category for his story on Zaklan Heritage Farm. In the Online Innovation category, Amy Reid and Beau Simpson are finalists for their interactive online map that detailed Surrey's rash of shootings during 2015's drug turf war.
Winners will be announced May 7 at River Rock Casino in Richmond.
Finalists for the national awards, the Canadian Community Newspaper Association awards, are expected to be announced soon.
The Now