The Montana Senior News was the recipient of the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) 2020 BEST IN SHOW award for Division B (circulation 25,001 to 50,000).
NAMPA, the only non-profit association of senior/boomer publications, announced its top awards for publishing excellence at the 2020 National Virtual Convention on October 7, 2020 via ZOOM conferencing. Publications were independently judged by the prestigious University of Missouri’s School of Journalism.
This year had 165 award winners in a wide variety of categories, including general excellence, writing/editing, design, content, concept, photography, and website excellence. The Montana Senior News and its sister publication, the Idaho Senior Independent, brought in a total of 23 awards from this year’s event.
Commitment to Our Audience
“We hear from our readers often how we are doing, and these awards solidify our commitment to our audience,” said Bob Hunt, publisher of both papers. “Judged by one of the top journalism institutions, we know now that we rank with the best newspapers in America.”
Both publications have a long-standing presence in their respective states. With a current circulation of 36K across Montana, MSN has been providing content to the state’s 50+ demographic for more than 35 years, while the ISI paper, with a current circulation of 33K throughout Idaho, has been serving seniors for more than 16 years.
Recognition Three Years Running
This is the third year in a row the papers have received national recognition from the NAMPA awards.
“Our small team behind the curtain is producing quality, and I can’t be more proud,” said Hunt.
Breakdown of Awards
MONTANA SENIOR NEWS
First Place Recognition
- General Excellence
- Column Review:
- Book Review: Hope in History (Carrie Scozzaro)
- Book Review: We Leave the Flowers Where They Are (Aaron Parrett)
- Personal Essay: Last Casts and Purloined Days (Holly Endersby)
- Travel Column:
- Bucket List: Studying Dance in Bali (Katie Botkin)
- Bucket List: Reborn Pittsburgh (Dean & Nancy Hoch)
- Special Section: Opioid Crisis: Seniors in Pain (Debbie Burke and Dr. Ann Bukacek)
- Use of Overall Photography
- Use of Color
- Overall Design
Second Place Recognition
- Most Improved
- Senior Issue:
- Elderly Fraud: When Fiction Becomes Reality (Debbie Burke)
- Detecting and Avoiding Disinformation (Suzanne Waring)
- Profile Entry: WWII Nurses from Opposite Sides (Suzanne Waring)
- Feature Writing: Bruce Auchley: Living in a Bee Paradise (Nann Parrett)
- Topical Issue: Cargo Bikes to Face Shields (Suzanne Waring
- Best Single Ad: Taco Bell (Jonathan Rimmel)
Third Place Recognition
- Table of Contents
- Feature Layout: Stephen Small Salmon (Jonathan Rimmel)
- Syndicated Column: They Were Stardust, They Were Golden: Reality of Woodstock (Randal Hill)
Best In Show
Idaho Senior Independent
First Place Recognition
- Most Improved
- Senior Issue: Opioid Crisis 1 and 2 (Debbie Burke and Dr. Ann Bukacek)
Second Place Recognition
- General Excellence
- Front Cover Photo: Pat Callis: Nowhere to Go but Up (Blair Speed)
