Newspaper recognized with TPA awards
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The Bledsonian-Banner staff was recently honored with awards at the Tennessee Press Association (TPA) convention in Nashville.
Publisher Sandy Dodson and Graphic Designer Becky Barger worked together to receive first place in Make-Up and Appearance. The newspaper was judged not only for its content, explained Dodson, but for the overall design of the finished product.
Not only did they place first in the category among comparable newspaper circulations, Dodson and Barger also placed second in Make-Up and Appearance for the work they perform in designing the Bledsonian’s sister paper, The Dunlap Tribune.
The judges commented on the Bledsonian as “Nice design and layout. Great attention to detail.” The Tribune received accolades from the judges as “Well designed and interesting to look at.”
Dodson and BaiLee McCauley placed fifth in Best Business Coverage with their Shop Local series. The duo wrote articles about various retail businesses in Pikeville and included photographs of the businesses. The series encouraged shopping at home and supporting businesses that are investing in the community.
McCauley was working part-time the summer of 2025 for the newspaper when the series was done. Her part-time employment evolved after she had been a part of the high school journalism class that had written articles for the newspaper, noted Publisher Dodson.
The judges noted, “Nice idea to have a corner dedicated to local businesses on page 1. It’s a great reader engagement tactic that offers customers a regular feature to look forward to each week. Good use of graphics in an attractive and colorful standing header.”
Dodson was honored with a fifth place showing in Best Education Reporting. While the judges noted Dodson used good sources and reporting, they also noted areas she could improve on such as seeking more details.
The awards were presented to journalists, editors and designers from across Tennessee who gathered June 25 for the annual Tennessee Press Association awards ceremony, which has been co-sponsored by the University of Tennessee System for 86 years. The ceremony honors newspapers, journalists and media organizations for outstanding work in reporting, photography, writing, design and public service.
The General Excellence Award, the contest’s highest honor, recognizes overall excellence among newspapers within their respective divisions. Winners are determined by a point system based on contest placements throughout the competition. The Standard Banner of Jefferson City earned the award for the sixth consecutive year, while the Chattanooga Times Free Press received the honor for the second consecutive year.
“Local journalism helps tell the stories of our communities while keeping people informed about the issues that matter most in their daily lives,” said Keith Carver, senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the UT Institute of Agriculture. “That purpose aligns closely with our land-grant mission. Whether through local newsrooms or university outreach, we share a responsibility to provide trusted, research-based information that serves Tennesseans and helps communities thrive.”
The ceremony was held during a luncheon at the Embassy Suites in Franklin, which featured 1,088 entries submitted by 68 member newspapers and online publications. Entries were judged by the Maine Press Association through the Tennessee Press Association’s reciprocal judging process.
