KPRC 2 Houston and other Texas media outlets were 2022 winners in the 88th National Headliner Awards for work done in 2021.
According to the award website, "the National Headliner Awards program is one of the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic merit in the communications industry."
TELEVISION
Broadcast or cable television stations newscast
First Place
“News at 6: Tragedy at Astroworld”
KPRC staff
KPRC
Judges’ comments: This Astroworld newscast brought out the exceptional chaos with an emphasis on concertgoers in this tragedy. This was quite an expansive edition of an investigation that went beyond the normal. Excellent use of visuals including strong social media graphics. The strong collection of first hand accounts of what happened made the story stick.
Broadcast or cable television stations public service
Third Place
“Powerless”
KXAS TV staff
KXAS TV
Broadcast or cable television stations documentary or series of reports on the same subject
First Place
“Paper Tag Nation”
KXAS TV staff
KXAS TV
Judges’ comments: KXAS uncovers a huge scam operating right under your nose – or at least on the bumper in front of you. Texas temporary tags are being sold fraudulently on a $200 million black market abetted by a lack of oversight at the Texas DMV. KXAS pioneered media oversight into the DMV database in exposing this scam.
Broadcast or cable television stations investigative reporting
First Place
“Risky Rides”
KXAN Investigates Staff
KXAN
Judges’ comments: The Risky Rides paper license problem reveals an in depth look at temporary tags to cover up crimes. Excellent dig into an underground problem that allows fugitives to remain in plain sight. The business of these tags cannot be understated and this team of journalists had the tools to discern and sort through the massive paperwork. Graphics were exceptional and the segment had solid storytelling and issues that affect the community.
Broadcast or cable television stations health/science reporting
Third Place
“Plan C Pills: The Debate Over Safety & Access”
KXAN Investigates Staff
KXAN
DAILY NEWSPAPERS AND NEWS SYNDICATES
Third Place
“Fatal Freeze”
San Antonio Express-News staff
San Antonio Express-News
Special or feature column on one subject by an individual
Second Place
Mike Sutter
San Antonio Express-News
Third Place
Mark Lamster
The Dallas Morning News
Sports feature writing by an individual or team
Third Place
Callie Caplan
The Dallas Morning News
Education writing by an individual or team
Third Place
María Méndez
Austin American-Statesman
Health, medical and science writing by an individual or team
Second Place
Nicole Villalpando
Austin American-Statesman
Best political coverage
Second Place
“Texas legislative coverage”
Robert T. Garrett, Allie Morris and Lauren McGaughy
The Dallas Morning News
PHOTOGRAPHY AND GRAPHICS FOR DAILY NEWSPAPER, MAGAZINES, NEWS SERVICE AND SYNDICATES
Spot news photography
Third Place
“Mandate Opponents”
Elias Valverde II
The Dallas Morning News
Feature photography
First Place
“Wally Funk”
Lola Gomez
The Dallas Morning News
Judges’ comments: The 82 year-old astronaut Wally Funk waves to the crowd during her Wally Funk Parade. The juxtaposition of her to the crowd of Star Wars clad onlookers elevates the humor in this picture.
Second Place
“Head Over Heels in a Field of Blue”
Smiley N. Pool
The Dallas Morning News
Third Place
“Gay Bars”
Juan Figueroa
The Dallas Morning News
Individual photo portfolio
Third Place
Tom Fox
Dallas Morning News
Single day photo story
First Place
“Journey fulfilled”
Smiley N. Pool
The Dallas Morning News
Judges’ comments: Earnestine Tarrant styled hair in her salon for 41 years – making a lifetime of friendships. Photographer Smiley N. Pool photographed her last day "at the office." He made a heart-warming set of pictures reflecting the kindness and caring nature of Earnestine.
Multiple day photo story
Third Place
“The Marr, the merrier”
Vernon Bryant
The Dallas Morning News
Pictorial
Third Place
“Taking Flight”
Tom Fox
Dallas Morning News
Digital presentation of a single features topic
Social media
First Place
“Winter Freeze”
Dallas Morning News staff
Dallas Morning News
Judges’ comments: When the cold came and the power went, the Dallas Morning News made brilliant use of social media. Its use of SMS updates and Twitter and Instagram posts and videos not only kept its readers informed as conditions changed, but its interactive posts also served to connect them.
