Wright State communications staff honored in Ohio journalism contest

Jim Hannah, left, assistant director of public relations, and Kris Sproles, video content producer. (Photo by Will Jones)

Staff members in the Wright State University Office of Communications were honored with two awards in the 2016 Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest.

Jim Hannah, assistant director of public relations, and Kris Sproles, video content producer, received a second-place award for Best Feature in the Digital Media division for “Vanishing act.” The story profiled the work of Wright State student Connor Keiser to preserve the historic black settlement of Longtown, Ohio. Wright State photographer Erin Pence contributed to the story with stunning images of Keiser and Longtown.

Erin Pence, Wright State photographer

Sproles also received a second-place award for Best Videographer in the Digital Media division. Sproles submitted a compilation of four video stories:”Vanishing act,” “Bedside manner,” “Tech warrior” and “Paving the way.”

Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest was sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists chapters statewide. The contest included entries from major newspapers, broadcasters, radio stations and colleges from across the state.

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

“I’m very proud to have Jim, Kris and Erin on our team, but more than that I feel very lucky. And the university should too. They are master storytellers who shine a light on the great work being done day-in-and-day-out by our people at Wright State,” said Seth Bauguess, director of communications.

“Jim and Kris worked in news for many years. They were as good as anyone in their field even before they came to work for us,” Bauguess said. “It’s no surprise to me that two journalists now working in public relations are still producing high-quality stories and winning awards from a journalism society like the SPJ.”