For the second consecutive year, the Virginia Press Association awarded Bristow Beat first place in Breaking News Writing in the online division.
“Once again, we have proven that we offer our readers the highest quality of breaking news coverage in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Bristow Beat Publisher Jason Shaw said. “This attests to our commitment to covering breaking stories and the news the community needs.”
VPA judges especially praised Bristow Beat for their continued coverage of the Aug. 30, 2014 crash of SR20 aircraft from Wisconsin, piloted by Ronald Hutchinson, who was visiting his grandchildren in the area.
“The incident began with fighter jets from Andrews Air Force Base engaging the aircraft over Bristow, Gainesville, and Manasssas; we were barraged with inquiries from readers who wanted to know what the commotion was about,” Shaw said. “Through our network of sources, we were able to ascertain what was happening and we were the first news outlet to break this national story and the only one who provided updates.
The VPA judges called the story, “Really terrific reporting” and commented “this was clearly very exciting to follow, for reporter and reader alike. Frequent informative updates. Loved it.”
The VPA also awarded Bristow Beat second and third place prizes in the online-only General News category for reporting on the fireworks show that caused moviegoers to rush out Regal Cinemas in Gainesville last April and the coverage of the suspension of Haymarket Police Chief James Roop.
"More than anything we do, we strive to keep our neighborhoods informed. One of the advantages of having an online platform is being able to providing instantaneous coverage along with frequent updates,” Executive Editor Stacy Shaw said. “Our mission has been to embrace new media rather than shying away from it, but we could not be successful without the people who come to us everyday, making us their dedicated news source."
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