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The nonprofit online news organization Carolina Public Press announced today that it will expand to cover all of North Carolina on the heels of winning seven statewide media awards — including first place in investigative reporting and first place for general excellence — from the N.C. Press Association.
At an awards ceremony last Thursday in Raleigh, the Association presented Carolina Public Press with awards in the online news organization category for:
- First place for general excellence
- First place for investigative reporting
- First and second place for city/county reporting
- First place for appearance and design
- Second place for headline writing
- Third place for lede writing
Contest judges wrote that Carolina Public Press’s investigative reporting entry, which was for the statewide Questionable Care investigative reporting series on the troubling problems plaguing the regulation and operation of the state’s adult care home industry, “stood out head and shoulders above other entries.”
Managing Editor Frank Taylor and Investigative Reporter Michael Gebelein lead the ongoing series. Begun in January 2017, the series included a review and analysis of three years of public records for 1,200 adult care home facilities in North Carolina, revealing a myriad of troubling issues facing the state-regulated industry that provides housing for residents with a range of health issues, including mental illness.
“This recognition is humbling, and our independent nonprofit newsroom is grateful for the honor,” Founder and Executive Director Angie Newsome said. “Our nonprofit news organization exists to produce nonpartisan, in-depth and investigative news. We were founded upon those principles. And I’m honored that the judges recognized the high quality of journalism Carolina Public Press produces for our readers and the communities we serve.”
Carolina Public Press expanding statewide
Additionally, the organization announced today that it will expand its investment into in-depth and investigative news statewide. Launched in 2011, Carolina Public Press originally formed to report on the overlooked and under-reported issues facing the 17 westernmost counties of North Carolina. With seven years of experience, the organization will now cover all 100 counties of the state.
“Now is the time to expand high-quality journalism that breaks down barriers and brings information about critical issues out of the shadows and into public discourse in North Carolina,” said Scott Barnwell, chair of the Carolina Public Press board of directors. “The state is at a critical juncture, as is the state’s media environment. All across the country, the legacy press continues to be stressed and the public is asking what news organizations they can trust.
“We care about the future of North Carolina. Now is the time for us to step up and build upon our impactful journalism — which these awards recognize.”
In support of the organization’s growth and expansion, the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation has pledged to match up to $25,000 in financial support from anyone who makes a first-time or increased gift to Carolina Public Press. To make a tax-deductible contribution, visit www.carolinapublicpress.org.
Over the next few months, Carolina Public Press will add to its staff of contributing reporters and photojournalists, expand its board of directors and grow its programming. To submit your input, ideas and thoughts about the news needs facing your community and the state as a whole, you may complete this survey or contact the organization and staff directly.
For more information, visit www.carolinapublicpress.org, call 828-774-5290 or email info@carolinapublicpress.org.
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