Local journalists earn seven PA NewsMedia Keystone Awards

            Four Town and Country journalists were among the winners of the annual Pennsylvania NewsMedia Keystone Awards. The newspaper's seven awards were included in the June 19th announcement that reflects the efforts of journalism in Pennsylvania in 2023.

            The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) is the official trade

2024 Pennsylvania Keystone Award recipients, seated left, Bradley Schlegel and Bob Esposito.  Standing left, Larry Roeder and Steve Pestrock.

organization for print and digital news outlets in the state.

            The Professional Keystone Media Awards reinforce excellence by individuals in the news media profession by recognizing journalism that consistently provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers and audiences, and faithfully fulfills its First Amendment rights/responsibilities.  The Keystone Media Awards stimulate journalists to improve their craft and ultimately improve their community.

            According to Teresa Shaak of PNA, more than 2,660 entries were received (the most since 2020) from 125 different state news organizations. Entries in 35 regular categories and 12 specialty categories across seven circulation and four broadcast divisions were judged by the Wisconsin Press Association.  The PNA announcement reported that the judging this year was tighter than ever.

            Staff Writer Bradley Schlegel won second place in the Investigative Reporting category for his report, headlined "Pennsburg Outspends East Greenville in Police Lawsuit." 

            Schlegel was awarded first place in the Sports Beat Reporting category for coverage of the Upper Perkiomen Braves and their run to the Pennsylvania State Title.

            Graphics editor and photographer Bob Esposito was awarded second place in the Breaking News Photo (Vehicles Burns) and Photo Story/Essay (Going Fishing) categories.  It is the fifth consecutive year that Esposito has earned an award in the Breaking News Photo category.

             Editor Larry Roeder took second place and honorable mention in the Editorial Category with his opinions "Don't govern by intimidation" and "Fund your local emergency services".  This marks the fourth successive year that Roeder has garnered at least two awards in the Editorial Category.

             Photographer Steve Pestrock was awarded first place in the News Event Photo Category for "Greeting Santa."  This marks the third consecutive year that he has been cited for his news photography.

            The Town and Country was one of 103 Pennsylvania publications to have their content added to "PA Connections - Real News from Real Communities" publication again in 2023.  The publication is produced by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association and distributed to all state elected officials as a testament to the commitment of the news organizations to the community.

            According to Roeder, "Our staff continues to inform the people of our local communities in a way that brings recognition for a job well done.  In our remote four-county corner of the Commonwealth, decision-makers in Harrisburg are reminded that they shouldn't forget about us.  The dedicated efforts of the Town and Country staff continues to bring the benefit of state-wide recognition to the communities we cover."

            The annual contest is open to the editorial staff and regular contributors of Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association member organizations and wire services who are in good standing, as well as non-member Pennsylvania news organizations that meet certain criteria.  Associated Press member news organizations are eligible to enter the contest as well.

            The awards will be presented during the Keystone Media Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 17 in Harrisburg.