OU Daily was honored as the best affiliated college media website in Oklahoma and Texas in results from the Society of Professional Journalists Region 8 Mark of Excellence contest announced in April.
Additionally, Daily editor-in-chief Karoline Leonard, a spring 2024 graduate, earned first-place honors in the in-depth reporting category for her story on the value of a college degree. Leonard also was a finalist in the feature writing category for her profile of Shannon Hanchett, a local businesswoman who died in the Cleveland County Detention Center after being detained for 12 days following a mental health episode.
The Daily’s staff was named a finalist for breaking news reporting for its coverage of an April 2023 swatting incident on OU’s campus.
The Daily’s website and Leonard’s first-place piece now advance to the SPJ national competition along with those from other regions around the nation. Those winners will be revealed in late spring.
Mark of Excellence Awards are judged, per SPJ, by professionals with at least three years of journalism experience. The judges are directed to honor entries they feel represent the best in student journalism. The Daily competes in the large school category, against other schools with at least 10,000 students.
About OU Student Media
OU Student Media is the steward of the OU Daily, which for more than a century has served Norman with free independent local journalism, the city's largest reporting staff and nationally honored coverage while launching the careers of media professionals. OU Daily produces news 24/7 online and in premium print products available in approximately 50 locations around Norman year-round.
