KnoxTNToday is incredibly proud of the daily product produced by the multiple writers providing our content. While the appreciation and trust of our readers remain the greatest reward for the work we do, recognition from fellow journalists carries a unique and meaningful significance.
KnoxTNToday is honored to announce our writers who were winners of the 2025 Golden Press Card competition of the East Tennessee Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
The awards were judged by the San Diego SPJ Pro Chapter and presented at Maple Hall in downtown Knoxville on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
The awards strive to honor the best journalism in eastern Tennessee over the past year.
Our writers earned three first-place and two second-place awards.
Thomas Mabry: First Place for his entry, A Bold New Year’s Day Adventure: Exploring the Chestoa View Scar in the category Hurricane Helene One Year Later: See entry.
Judges’ comments: Struck a great tone, while bearing witness to the ecological devastation in the aftermath of Helene.
Thomas comments: “I’m honored to receive First Place from the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists. Returning to the Chestoa View Scar on New Year’s Day to document the lingering ecological devastation — and the slow, stubborn signs of recovery — felt like important work, and I’m grateful KnoxTNToday gave me the platform to tell that story through words and photographs. It was especially meaningful to accept the certificate at Maple Hall alongside my talented colleagues Beth Kinnane, Jan Loveday Dickens, and Maria Cornelius, and to congratulate the winners from my alma mater, UT-Chattanooga (Class of 1973). I was also blessed to have my partner, Kitty Myers, in attendance as her story frequently intertwines with mine. This award reinforces why I keep heading into the mountains with my camera and notebook: to bear witness to both the beauty and the challenges facing our region.”
Maria Cornelius: First Place for her Lady Vols Coverage on 247Sports Tennessee and KnoxTNToday in the category of Sports Beat Reporting. See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry, See entry.
Judges’ comments: Nice range of stories. Clear writing and effective storytelling.
Maria’s comments: “I truly appreciate the platform provided by Knox TN Today for Lady Vols sports coverage. The entire site does incredible work, and I am grateful to be a part of it.”
Brandon Burley: First Place for his podcast, The Redemption Project, in the Best Podcast category. See entry, See entry, See entry Brandon provides the written articles for KnoxTNToday. See links.
Brandon’s comments: “I’m incredibly grateful that The Redemption Project was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists as Best Podcast of 2025. What made the moment especially meaningful is that I received the news while hosting a live Tennessee gubernatorial roundtable, which is exactly the kind of civic conversation TRP was built to create. At its heart, the project is about redemption, public understanding, second chances and highlighting people and organizations doing good work in our communities.”
Jan Loveday Dickens: Second Place for her entry, Black Union Soldier Helps Fortify Knoxville in the Feature Reporting category. See entry
Jan’s comments: “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to share my research about the history of the Fork, the Knox County lands between the French Broad and Holston rivers. Knowing that others appreciate my articles makes the efforts worthwhile. I love my community, and I hope this recognition means as much to my readers as it does to me!”
Beth Kinnane: Second Place for her entry, Historical Community Stories in the Best Digital Content category. See entry, See entry, See entry
Beth’s comments: “I am so honored to receive this recognition from the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists. I’m equally delighted for the acknowledgement of my KnoxTNToday colleagues, and a little more so for Jan Loveday Dickens and Thomas Mabry since they are new to the world of journalism. I extend a hearty ‘thank you’ to our readership. Our community is why we do this.”
KnoxTNToday is humbled to receive recognition among its peers for excellence in local journalism, a testament to its commitment to informing, engaging, and serving the community with professionalism and purpose.
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