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The awards were announced during the Tri-State Press Convention in Memphis, where press associations from Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee gathered to learn best practices in local journalism.

Co-sponsored by the University of Tennessee for 85 years, the annual contest celebrates and honors the best journalism from publications across the state in 2024. It divides newspapers into five categories based on combined weekly circulations. 

Times News received first-place awards in four categories: investigative reporting, best editorial, best personal column and best digital presentation. 

Times News also took home awards in best sports writing, headline writing, public service and Sunday editions. 

“These awards are the result of hard work by dedicated reporters and editors who cherish and value community journalism,� said Rob Walters, content director for Six Rivers Media. “They put the readers first by pursuing the truth no matter where it goes.�

This year’s contest was judged by members of the Arkansas Press Association. The competition drew 1,113 entries from 71 of the Tennessee Press Association’s 133 member newspapers and online publications.

Three of the Times News’ sister newspapers, the ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Press, The Erwin Record and Herald and Tribune also took home awards. 

The ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Press and Herald and Tribune earned General Excellence honors.