Weatherford Democrat editor wins $5,000 CFINR prize for reporting

DALLAS – Sally Sexton, editor of the Weatherford Democrat, took home a $5,000 cash prize in the first Texas award for unbiased reporting from the Center For Integrity in News Reporting.

CFINR Executive Director Rufus Friday presented the award at the Hall of Fame awards luncheon during the TPA Convention & Trade Show in Dallas.

In making the presentation, Friday highlighted the judges’ comments on Sexton’s work:

“This is a prime example of how to handle an important and emotionally difficult story with solid reporting, objectivity and fairness.

“The story involved two teachers’ verbal and physical abuse of a handicapped student —  which was captured on video — and the school superintendent’s mishandling of the situation. After the newspaper story and public outcry, the teachers and school superintendent lost their jobs and were arrested on criminal charges.

“The stories were thorough and even-handed. That tone was carried through with restrained headline writing and responsible presentation. There was no “gotcha” tone to the coverage. The facts simply were allowed to speak for themselves, and they spoke loudly.

“Controversial and emotional stories of this nature demand sensitive handling in any size market. They are particularly scrutinized in a small town where almost everyone knows those involved. The sensitivity and grace shown by the writer and the newspaper are commendable.

“This is how we should all do journalism.”

As keynote speaker for the luncheon, Friday discussed CFINR awards programs as part of a national effort to promote unbiased reporting as a means of restoring trust in media. “A trustworthy press is not a luxury,” he said.

He discussed the goals of CFINR founder Walter E. Hussman: “reduce bias in news reporting, rebuild public trust in media and recognize and reward objective and impartial news reporting.”

The center’s awards program includes national awards with $25,000 prizes as well a $210,000 grant for this year’s new state press association awards in 14 Southeastern states and a $90,000 grant for three years of awards in six New England states.

The center is also partnering with universities and colleges to host award winners as guest speakers in journalism classes, including the University of North Texas in Denton.

To highlight the importance of impartial reporting, Friday drew on the results of surveys of Americans’ trust in mass media. He noted a Reuters survey showed the U.S. as last among 46 countries in media trust.

“Only 13 percent of Americans say news outlets make a clear distinction between news and opinion,” Friday said, adding that making that clear distinction is one of the things local newspapers can do to build trust with their readers. He also suggested newspaper publish “a statement of core values that show you stand for fairness, objectivity and transparency” and live up to those standards.