Applauding newsroom's best work each week

We've started a weekly inhouse recognition of the Bradenton Herald's best work, focusing particularly on these topics:

Story. Photo. Video. Blog entry. Layout. Lede. Breaking news posting. Headline.

I share our list every Thursday with the Herald's publisher and directors in our weekly operating committee meeting. And I promise you -- it's quite an adrenaline rush to take pride in some of the hard work being done by our journalists.

What have we enjoyed or felt brought our readers quality journalism? Here's a glimpse at a few from the week of March 28-April 3:

BEST STORIES
The team’s reporting on the slaying of Manatee School for the Arts Teacher Kenneth Ellis. Metro Editor Marc Masferrer, reporters Paradise Afshar and Angie Taylor and photographer Grant Jefferies worked the story quickly and relentlessly throughout the day. Angie’s story was written with heart, but had the crucial crime details that were known in the early moments of an unfolding mystery.
Her lede:
Heads were bowed. The American flag flew at half-staff. And tears were shed among teachers, students and administrators gathered Wednesday....

Reporter Toni Whitt on Tallevast (Sunday, April 3). The thorough report reminded us again that more than anything, Tallevast is a human story.

BEST COLUMN:
Alan Dell, April 2, “NCAA’s old Sanity Code needs update”. Well-researched column about the hypocrisy of the NCAA.

BEST BLOG POST:
John Lembo, April 1, innovative poll on his sports blog. Look to the right side of the blog. Now vote!

BEST BREAKING NEWS:
When the skies opened up last Thursday, the editors and photographers jumped into action. Stories and photographs posted throughout the afternoon did very well, contributing to our best single day for page views.

BEST LAYOUT:
Universal Desk editor Mary K Means won kudos this week for her Sunday Local front. It's a clean, appealing page that welcomes the reader to look around and stay for a while.

BEST PHOTO:
Tiffany Tompkins-Condie, Palmetto long jumper flying through the air.
Great photo of high school athlete at height of her ability.
BEST PHOTO GALLERIES:
Grant and Tiffany at Seafood Fest: Our viewers online LOVED these photos! Literally thousands of views were logged throughout the week.

BEST VIDEO
This week was all about sound:
Paul Videla’s "Soothing Scene from De Soto National Memorial,"
and
"Presbyterian Church Bell"

BEST HEADLINES
Who said reporters can’t write headlines!?!
Sara Kennedy: “Bill aiding port sails through subcommittee.”
Toni Whitt: “Beach renourishment: It’s more than just sand”

A round of applause, please!
-- Joan