CINCINNATI – The Society of Professional Journalists has selected Newsy, the national news network owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), as the recipient of a Sigma Delta Chi Award for excellence in journalism.
Newsy was recognized in the multiplatform video game reporting category for its original series, “Next Level.” Created by Newsy’s Zach Toombs, Matt Picht and Jennifer Smart, the series dives into the real-world influence of gaming — from its impact on technology and entertainment to politics and culture at large.
As the pandemic progressed in 2020 and social lives moved online, “Next Level” offered a nuanced exploration of the ways gaming can help — and hurt — mental health. Amid national conversations over racial injustice, the series explored new ideas around the role of race in games, talking to creators and players alike about how to bring more diversity to fantasy games.
“The Newsy reporting team found creative ways to showcase gaming’s influence on our daily lives through innovative visual storytelling,” said Head of Network News Kate O’Brian. “Projects like ‘Next Level’ further Newsy’s mission to offer context-driven, fact-based reporting for our viewers, digging beneath the surface of a topic or issue.”
The Sigma Delta Chi Awards date to 1932, when the Society of Professional Journalists first honored six individuals for contributions to journalism. This year’s entries included submissions from television and radio broadcasts, newspapers, online news outlets and magazines. Winners were announced and recognized during a virtual presentation on Saturday, June 12, 2021.
“Next Level” originally aired on Newsy across all of the leading streaming platforms including Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, as well as Vizio and Samsung smart TVs. The series also can be viewed on newsy.com.
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As the nation’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff and Court TV Mystery. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”
Media contact:
Rebecca McCarter, The E.W. Scripps Company, 513-977-3023, [email protected]