Congratulations to the Post and Courier team for earning top honors in the S.C. Press Association’s 2022 News Contest! For the third year in a row, Post and Courier photographer Andrew J. Whitaker carries the title of the Photojournalist of the Year. His riveting images captured the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Recognition Day at The Citadel, and also the aftermath of floodwaters in downtown Charleston. The former photograph won Whitaker first place in the Spot News Photo category.
“To be awarded Photojournalist of the Year is an honor, to be named three consecutive years is special,” Visuals Editor Matthew Fortner said.
Our chief investigative reporter in Columbia, Avery Wilks, was named South Carolina’s Journalist of the Year. As the lead reporter on the Murdaugh murders saga, Wilks also handled the coverage of South Carolinians charged in the connection with the assault on the Capitol in Washington, D.C. His investigative stories also brought to light various financial crimes across the state.
“Avery functions best in a whirlwind of activity that sometimes makes him appear to be everywhere at once — at least where South Carolina’s biggest stories are concerned,” Watchdog and Public Service Team Editor Glenn Smith said. “He is one of the most tenacious, focused and productive reporters that you will find anywhere.”
Another Post and Courier top honor goes to Tony Bartelme – our three-decade veteran who is the lead reporter on the Watchdog and Public Service Team. Bartelme received the Jay Bender Award for Assertive Journalism. His relentless investigation uncovered a hushed rape allegation against a powerful sheriff in Sumter County, and a codependent relationship between a pharma company and a state regulator.
“These are just a few of the stories that demonstrate Tony’s dogged and relentless drive to expose injustices, give voice to the powerless, and hold officials accountable for their actions,” Smith said.
Among other individual accolades, Post and Courier won first place in Innovation for the South Carolina Schools Explorer – our interactive, easy-to-use online tool that measures the performance of every K-12 public school in South Carolina.
Our staff was also awarded first place in the Reporting-in-Depth category for our Safety Off series highlighting the rampant gun violence in the Lowcountry area.
See the rest of the awards Post and Courier team received from the S.C. Press Association.
