Newspack publishers rack up INN awards

Our friends at the Institute for Nonprofit News announced the winners in their inaugural awards, and some familiar names and faces were there. You can see remarks from the judges and the full list of winners here.

Mukhtar M. Ibrahim, founder, editor and executive director of Sahan Journal, was named INN’s Emerging Leader. This award recognizes an individual with fewer than five years in executive leadership who is building a sustainable news organization.

Honorable mention went to Tasneem Raja, editor-in-chief of The Oaklandside.


Oklahoma Watch won the Insight Award for Explanatory Journalism for medium-sized publications. ‘God, Please Keep Us Safe’: Amid COVID, an Oklahoma Nursing Home Faces Impossible Decisions.

Honorable mentions:


MLK50 won Breaking Barriers Award for reporting that brought new understanding to an issue or topic affecting people or communities that are historically underrepresented, disadvantaged or marginalized, resulting in impactful change. How a Black community fought a pipeline developer – and won.

Honorable mentions:


The Beacon won the Community Champion award for medium-sized publishers, which honors an organization that made a significant contribution to the well-being of its community through a journalism-centered project or service. Helping Kansas Citizens vote safely in a pandemic.

Honorable mentions:


The Oaklandside won the Game-Changer Award, for an organization that produced an innovative idea or practice that led to success in revenue, audience growth or sustainable financial support of news.  Mission Metrics.


Honorable mentions in other categories:


A hearty congratulations to all of our colleagues! We’re humbled to play a part in your work.