The Dispatch took first place in General Excellence among the largest daily newspapers in the state in the 2021 Mississippi Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, which was held virtually on Friday.
Judging was based on the design of print and digital ads as well as special editions produced throughout the year. In total, The Dispatch won 21 awards.
Graphic designer Kelly Ervin, who has been with the paper for six years, won seven awards, including first place in Color Retail Ad for Relentless MMA; first place in Series of Ads for Military Hardware; first place in Magazine Ad for Superior Catfish; and first place in Magazine Ad-Institutional for an ad in our 2020 Graduation magazine.
Jackie Taylor, who has worked at The Dispatch for 20 years, won six awards, including first place for Service Ad-Color for Columbus Home Center.
The annual special section How to Choose, which is a guide to making buying decisions in the Golden Triangle, won first for Special Section-Advertising. The paper also took first for Digital Ad; and first place for Niche Product for Dining Guide, a glossy list of to-go menus from around the area. The paper swept two categories: Series of Ads and Niche Product.
“The pandemic made 2020 especially difficult for our ad staff to connect with clients, so the fact that they were recognized as No. 1 in general excellence last year makes me exceptionally proud,” Dispatch Publisher Peter Imes said. “One of our missions is to help promote area businesses through effective marketing, and Ad Director Beth Proffitt and her team are doing a remarkable job of that.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
