Christian Chronicle named ‘Best in Class’ for fourth year in a row
For the fourth year in a row, The Christian Chronicle has…
Christian Chronicle named nation’s top Christian newspaper by Associated Church Press
The Christian Chronicle has been named top national/international newspaper in the annual “Best of the Christian Press” contest sponsored by the Associated Church Press.
The first-place award in the prestigious “Best in Class” category was presented Thursday night at the religious press association’s annual meeting in Indianapolis.
Editor Lynn McMillon, Managing Editor Bobby Ross Jr. and Assistant Managing Editor Erik Tryggestad were cited for their leadership of the international newspaper for Churches of Christ.
“From great-looking layouts to powerful photography to its outstanding writing, The Christian Chronicle understands what is most important,” judges said, “that people and their lives, and how those lives interconnect with readers, is the foundation for communication excellence.”
Judges also praised the Chronicle’s “bold use of photography” and said a March 2012 front-page story on illegal immigration “puts a human face immediately onto a complex and difficult topic. The writer lets his sources convince the readers of their positions without resorting to editorializing.”
“Excellent writing across the board — clear, concise with solid reporting and the ability to tell a story without being sentimental, yet aware of the emotional impact on readers,” judges said. “Even the briefs often have good ledes.”
The Chronicle previously won the top award in 2009.
Besides the publication honor, the Chronicle received five other awards for stories published in 2012.
Winning entries included:
• First Place, News Story, for “Faith and fear in Kenya,” by Erik Tryggestad. (“ The writing is vivid, the story compelling. From the descriptive visual lede to the hopeful, inspiring kicker, this story carries the reader to a foreign land and shares the challenges of a Christian community inside a largely Muslim city. … Excellent, deeply reported and well-written story. This piece contains all the elements of good writing: clear, concise and compelling.”)
• First Place, Personally Useful Article, for “Is your church visitor-friendly?”package, by Bobby Ross Jr. and Erik Tryggestad. (“Honest and reflective, it offers practical tips and lessons on how to be more outsider friendly from multiple sources. Very interesting read and forces some self-reflection on the reader. Great work.”)
• Second Place, News Story, for “Black, white and Gray,” by Bobby Ross Jr. (“Writer takes the event of an honorary degree bestowed upon a black civil rights leader and uses it to explore the larger story of the racial rift within the Church of Christ. The story is thoroughly reported with comments from both sides, which gives the story balance as well as depth. … Excellently written and thoroughly reported. The story, hinged on a particular event, goes deep and wide in exploring the racial past of the Church of Christ and the recent efforts at racial reconciliation.”)
• Second Place, Convention or Meeting Coverage, for “‘Little youth rally’ draws 12,000,” by Bobby Ross Jr. and Erik Tryggestad. (“The selection and quality of accompanying photos is very good, and the writer achieved a very nice mix of quotes from/mini profiles of participants and highlights of speakers’ messages. … What makes this article stand out is the way the writer really seems to have immersed himself in the experience. That approach is sometimes lacking in coverage of events like these, and it made the coverage — which still held to all the necessary qualities of ‘reporting’ — truly engaging.”)
• Third Place, Interview, for “No secret to their success,” by Kimberly Mauck. (“Wonderful! Maybe as a former music critic I’m simply attracted to the subject. But it was so much more than that. The writing here is really good! Example: ‘The sound of the Rogers sisters — who grew up at the North Carolina Church of Christ in Killen, just south of the Tennessee border — is as refreshing and nostalgic as a chilled glass bottle of Coke.’ This is among some of the best writing of any of the entries I’ve judged. Plus, there’s good reporting here. Kim Mauck went beyond her subjects to interview additional sources. The results is a compelling story with excellent quotes that is informative, colorful and a joy to read. Bravo!”)
The Chronicle reaches an estimated 250,000 readers in all 50 states through its monthly print publication. The Oklahoma City-based newspaper also serves thousands of Christians around the world through its Web site, christianchronicle.org . In March, the website recorded more than 433,000 page views.
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FeedbackCongratulations, Bobby, Erik, Lynn, Kimberly, & all!!! It is great to know that your journalistic excellence has once again been recognized and honored by the Associated Church Press. Thanks for all that you do in keeping our diverse, worldwide fellowship in Churches of Christ informed and connected.Tim PylesApril, 6 2013Well deserved everyone, congrats!RyanApril, 6 2013Congratulation! And thank you for your outstanding work. To God be the glory!Charles CampbellApril, 6 2013Congratulations! They chose wisely.Tim ArcherApril, 7 2013Congratulations!Eva P. ScottApril, 7 2013May God continue to bless you as you work diligently to keep the brotherhood and countries informed of the great work for the Lord.
The Christian Chronicle is a great outreach tool that can lead souls
to Christ.
Congratulations and may God’s grace guide you in all you do!!
Teresa Howard (Paris,TN.) Church of Christ on Sparks StreetTeresa HowardApril, 7 2013Congratulations on the award. Well deserved. Thank you for your excellent, professional work, which is a great service to the church.Jay SimpsonApril, 8 2013Lynn, Bobby and Erik et al.: Congratulations to all Chronicle journalists; it was time you guys received this recognition. God bless you. Charlie MarlerCharlie MarlerApril, 8 2013Congratulations to the Christian Chronicle on this great award. We are proud of and for you all.Richard Foster & the Stafford church of Christ familiyApril, 9 2013Congratulations ErikDebbie KellisApril, 9 2013Woo! Hoo! to Bobby, (and your whole crew!)
Congratulations on your recognition for a job well done! You’ll have to schedule another trip to K.C. The Royals are lookin’ good!Suzy BrownApril, 9 2013Congrats, Bobby, Erik and all the CC staff.
The judges realize what we all know- how much your work blesses so many.
Keep it up!Danny DoddApril, 9 2013Congratulations! Keep up the good work…to the glory of God.Tom RileyApril, 9 2013Bravo. The Christian Chronicle does an excellent job of reporting, encouraging, and challenging. I’m thankful you have received this well-deserved recognition.Charlene NotgrassApril, 9 2013Congratulations!TlhangerApril, 9 2013It is indeed a great paper. At the time when negative articles seem to be the interest of readers and writers, this paper’s articles tends to provide a good balance. Keep it up!Grace NyangaApril, 9 2013Kudo’s to the staff of the Christian Chronicle!! One of the best publications for our churches of Christ!! The Christian Chronicle does an excellent job of reporting, encouraging, uplifting and keeping us informed of news around the globe concerning our diverse churches! Well done!Dennis BillingsleyApril, 9 2013Bobby, Erik, Lynn, Kimberly, & all,
Ya’ll are way to Liberal for 1st century Christians. You need to GET BACK TO THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES you and I were raised on. What you promote is too far to the LEFT and gives new Christians false information. Get yourselves right with God!Don SinquefieldApril, 10 2013Congratulations on the award. keep on the good work and services for the glorry of God.
Thanks.OBIA DANIEL UZOMA UKAEFUApril, 23 2013
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