During the Texas Managing Editors conference in San Antonio, Texas, The El Paso Times received eight journalism accolades.
The acclaimed project tackled subjects such as the Ruidoso wildfires, a presidential campaign visit by Donald Trump, Holy Week observances in Juárez, and issues related to immigration at the border.
The Texas Managing Editor competition celebrates outstanding achievements in journalism throughout the state. Submissions from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, were considered for eligibility.
The news from the El Paso area once again demonstrated remarkable success in the yearly contest. Both El Paso Inc. and El Paso Matters, which operates as a nonprofit newsroom, earned prestigious accolades across various categories including photography, online content, public record investigations, and more.
Journalists from outside the state evaluate the submissions. The award announcements took place on April 26 and April 27.
The El Paso Times and El Paso Matters compete in the 2A classification, which includes 18 news entities throughout Texas. Meanwhile, El Paso Inc. is part of the 1A category. These classifications are based on the size of each organization’s staff.
El Paso Matters received its inaugural Newsroom of the Year award, marking a notable accomplishment for a non-profit news organization. The newsroom garnered a total of twelve accolades.
El Paso Inc. received seven accolades.
The El Paso Times photographer Omar Ornelas claimed first-place honors in both feature and news photography categories. Additionally, he came in second for the title of Star Photojournalist of the Year.
Regarding the featured photograph, the judge commented: “The instant I viewed this image, I recognized it as being among the leading entries in the contest. Every aspect of it is impeccable. The scenery, the subjects within, the captured moment, the perspective taken from atop the slope downwards—all these elements resonated with me greatly. Additionally, the lighting and coloring were superbly executed, drawing my attention thoroughly across every detail present. This single picture tells an entire narrative. In essence, it embodies all qualities desired in a standout feature photograph.”
The El Paso Times received accolades in the following categories.
Feature photography
First place, Omar Ornelas
News photography
First place, Omar Ornelas
Judge’s comments:
Wonderful shot. This photograph has plenty to observe, yet upon closer inspection, one finds themselves repeatedly focusing on Mr. Trump’s facial expression and body language. The monochrome presentation adds to the overall impact.
Honorable mention: Omar Ornelas
Top Photography Journalist of the Year
Second place, Omar Ornelas
Photojournalism
Second place, Omar Ornelas
Star Online Package of the Year
In second place, we have Natassia Paloma, followed by Aaron A. Bedoya, Aaron Martinez, Adam Powell, Omar Ornelas, Felix F. Chavez, Gaby Velazquez, Alexis Simmerman, and Ivan Pierre Aguirre.
Sports photography
Honorable mention, Omar Ornelas
Top Breaking News Story of the Year
Honorable mention goes to Aaron A. Bedoya, Natassia Paloma, Aaron Martinez, and Alexis Simmerman.
The article initially appeared in the El Paso Times.
The El Paso Times has been honored with 8 awards for outstanding achievement in Texas journalism.
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