News Summary
The Tennessee Lookout received 14 awards at the University of Tennessee – Tennessee Press Association contest, including two first-place recognitions. Reporter Sam Stockard was awarded for his humor column, while Editor-in-Chief Holly McCall was honored for a compelling editorial. This achievement underscores the Lookout’s commitment to impactful journalism, celebrating its five-year anniversary. Competing against major news outlets, the Lookout demonstrates the quality of its reporting despite its small team. The organization’s investigative work has also gained recognition for addressing critical issues affecting Tennessee residents.
MEMPHIS – The Tennessee Lookout garnered significant recognition at the 2025 University of Tennessee – Tennessee Press Association contest, winning a total of 14 awards, including two prestigious first-place accolades. This achievement was highlighted during the Tri-State Press Convention held in Memphis, where entries were evaluated from 71 news outlets, totaling 1,113 submissions.
Among the top awards, reporter Sam Stockard was honored with first place for Best Personal Humor column for his engaging weekly piece, “Stockard on the Stump,” which focuses on Tennessee politics. Additionally, Editor-in-Chief Holly McCall received the first prize for Best Single Editorial, showcasing her insightful opinion piece published on May 14, 2024. These awards reflect the dedication of the Lookout’s team in delivering impactful journalism over the past five years.
The Lookout, part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network, is committed to providing comprehensive news coverage for state governments across all 50 states. Celebrating its five-year anniversary on May 6, 2025, the Lookout competes in the large newsroom division alongside major Tennessee news outlets, showcasing the quality of its reporting despite being a smaller, six-person team.
Notable Awards and Submissions
The extensive list of awards recognized various topics effectively covered by Lookout writers. Among the standout pieces was “Literally heartbreaking as a librarian,” authored by Anita Wadhwani, spotlighting the removal of 150 titles from Rutherford County school libraries. The Lookout also received accolades for its reporting on critical environmental issues, including discussions surrounding water conservation and significant development bills.
Investigative Journalism and Community Impact
The Lookout’s investigative work has gained notable recognition, further solidifying its role in addressing significant political and civil affairs affecting the residents of Tennessee. Through collaborative partnerships and various awards, the Lookout underscores its mission to uphold democracy in Tennessee by providing tough and fair journalism.
As the Lookout continues to grow, it encourages community support through subscriptions to its free morning newsletter, as well as donations via its website, enabling it to enhance its journalistic efforts and maintain quality reporting. The organization’s recent awards represent not only individual accomplishments but also a broader commitment to serving the informed needs of Tennesseans.
Background on Tennessee Lookout
The Tennessee Lookout has emerged as a vital information source, engaging readers with a focus on local governance and community issues. The recognition at the Tennessee Press Association contest marks a significant milestone for the organization, demonstrating its influence and effectiveness within the media landscape. The Lookout remains steadfast in its mission of producing pertinent and accurate journalism, ensuring that the voices and concerns of Tennessee residents are represented and heard.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessee Lookout: 14 Awards in Tennessee Press Association Contest
- Encyclopedia Britannica
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- Wikipedia: Journalism
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- Google Scholar: News Reporting
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KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
