FREE TO READ: Murray Pioneer tops SA Country Press awards tally

THE Murray Pioneer enjoyed a tremendous night at the 2022 SA Country Press Awards, presented in Victor Harbor recently.

The Pioneer topped the award tally, winning three gongs, headed by the important Best Supplement Award for its 130 Years Souvenir Edition.

The 44-page lift-out was inserted free inside the Pioneer last July, and was a celebration of the Riverland’s history, seen through the eyes of this newspaper’s editorial department and management.

“The modern and clean layout makes you want to keep turning the pages and the content pops with excellent use of historical photos and extracts from old editions as well as newly created editorials and images,” said judge Andrew Scheyer.

“The advertising support is solid but does not dominate the pages.

“The content is so interesting – locals would have loved this publication and kept it.

“The gloss cover and good-quality newsprint inside, combined with the layout style make it work so well.

“For me, every element is covered here. Well done to the team at Murray Pioneer.”

The Pioneer also collected two other awards, with editor Paul Mitchell winning the Best Editorial Writing Award for the second time, and the Best Sports Story Award for the fourth time.

His three submitted editorials were about SA Power Networks, water buybacks and Anzac Day vaccination rules.

“A powerful turn of phrase and courage to confront authority are hallmarks of Paul’s editorials,” said judge Shauna Black

“He is unafraid to tackle complex issues in his lengthy editorials, giving voice to people’s concerns about flood relocations, lingering Covid restrictions and water allocations.”

The winning Best Sports Story article was about the peril facing the Mindarie-Halidon Racing Club, when it appeared the club had hosted its final meeting at its historic Halidon racecourse.

Judge Ian Shuttleworth, former journalist and current Adelaide Crows media boss, praised the story’s “thorough and well-rounded” narrative.

“Writing a story that informs and entertains takes great skill however, creating a narrative that brings about positive change requires incredible passion and a greater level of journalistic nous,” Mr Shuttleworth said.

“In this instance… Paul Mitchell has used the power of journalism to help save the Mindarie-Halidon Cup and in turn secure the local racing club’s future, as well as ensuring the subsequent economic benefits continue to flow for the community.

“The… dire nature of the situation is portrayed with carefully chosen phrasings and appropriate tone.

“It is clear to see Paul has gone above and beyond to cover every angle, particularly when justifying how valuable the race meet is to the local economy and his willingness to assist other media outlets in covering the issue is to be commended.

“This is a meaningful and constructive piece of journalism and a very deserving winner.”

The Pioneer also finished third in the Best Advertisement (Image/Branding) Award and second in the Best Community Advertising Promotion Award.

In addition, young journalist Josh Brine finished third in the prestigious Excellence in Journalism Award.

Murray Pioneer managing director Ben Taylor said the results were “very pleasing” and a tribute to the entire newspaper staff, from front-office administration through to the team behind the on-site printing operation.

“We’re here for the Riverland – for our readers and our advertisers, each and every week,” Mr Taylor said.

“So, it’s good to get such positive feedback about what everyone here works so hard towards.”