ACP names top student newspapers/newsmagazines

Pacemaker competition recognizes 43 finalists

Sept. 18, 2024

MINNEAPOLIS — Student newspapers and newsmagazines from 43 colleges and universities have been recognized as Pacemaker finalists by the Associated College Press.

Pacemaker winners will be announced at the Fall National College Media Convention at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Sheraton New Orleans.

“The Pacemaker is the association’s preeminent award,” executive director Laura Widmer said. “ACP is honored to recognize the best of the best.”

The 43 newspaper/newsmagazine finalists represent 20 states. California set the pace with nine finalists followed by Texas with five.

Three print issues produced during the 2023-24 school year were submitted for consideration. Two teams of three judges studied every entry, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. At least two of the three judges agreed on whether a newspaper/newspaper was eliminated or would be named a finalist or winner.

Of the 43 finalists, 21 will earn the Pacemaker award.

Newspapers from four-year schools competed against schools with similar enrollment. Newspapers from two-year schools, of all enrollments, competed in a separate category.

Six newspapers/newsmagazines published by two-year schools are among the 43 finalists. Of those six, three will earn Pacemaker honors.

It is exciting to see how these colleges and universities are refining their print products in today’s college media ecosystem,” associate director Gary Lundgren said. “It is definitely a transitional time for the college student newspaper.”

In all, 88 newspapers/newsmagazines entered the Pacemaker competition compared to 90 the previous year.

In addition to demonstrating excellence in key areas including coverage, writing, editing, design and photography, the winning newspapers took risks and served as a strong voice for the student audience.

In this competition, only the print product was judged. Online sites compete in a separate Pacemaker competition.

Please join us at the National College Media Convention in New Orleans Oct. 30 – Nov. 2. Register online.

This convention provides a unique opportunity to network with industry professionals, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of media and journalism.

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Fall Pacemaker finalists

Broadcast
Innovation
Magazine
Multiplatform
Newspaper/Newsmagazine

The Sunflower
Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas
Editor-in-chief: Mia Hennen
Adviser: Amy DeVault

College Heights Herald
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Editor-in-chief: Alexandria Anderson
Advisers: Chuck Clark, Carrie Pratt