Knoxnews/GoVolsXtra today were named finalists in three categories in the 2008 EPpy™ Awards for the Best Media-Affiliated Internet Services.The winners will be announced at the Interactive Media Conference and Trade Show on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the Rio in Las Vegas.
The contest, now in its 13th year, is put on by Editor & Publisher and Mediaweek. It's a big deal to win one of these. Heck, it's a big deal to a finalist.
Here are the categories knoxnews/GoVolsXtra are finalists in:
Best Overall Design of a Web Site with fewer than 1 million unique monthly visitors
* The Enquirer & Cincinnati.Com
* KnoxNews.com
* Las Vegas Sun
* Metromix.com
* Observer.com
Best Overall Newspaper-Affiliated Web Site with fewer than 1 million unique monthly visitors
* APP.com, Asbury Park Press
* GazetteXtra.com
* Knoxnews.com
* Las Vegas Sun
* NWHerald.com
Best Sports Web Site with fewer than 1 million unique monthly visitors
* arkansassports360.com
* CommunitySportsDesk,kenoshanews.com
* GoVolsXtra
* varsity845.com, Hudson Valley Media Group
The credit for being named finalists goes to a very strong digital media team at the newspaper.
In the newsroom there is an awesome team of online producers led by Online Editor Jigsha Desai and composed of Lauren Spuhler, Erin Chapin, Talid Magdy and Chloe White. Deputy Managing Editor Tom Chester coordinates breaking news and other initiatives between the print and onlien groups.
On the advertising side, Ed Tisdale leads a group of designer/programmers that include Clint Barnes, Tom Wolber and Chuck Kirkpatrick.
Much of design of knoxnews is the work of E.W. Scripps' design wizard Herb Himes. The Django/Ellington platform used for knoxnews and GoVolsXtra is supported by the corporate interactive group based in Knoxville.
Here is the complete list of finalists. Other Scripps newspapers among the finalists are naplesnews.com and commercialappeal.com.
Jigsha Desai
Most importantly, you need to be mentioned for being the person behind all these sites.
If it weren't for your sense of innovation, we prolly wouldn't be anywhere close to what we are today. Triple-Digital Edge award winner for 2008, thank you very much!
(And just an FYI to others: I don't have any evaluations coming up soon. But maybe this will help sway Jack's opinion that we do something to celebrate! Like maybe we all go to Vegas to attend the ceremony!) :)
Jack Lail
Vegas! Nice try! :)
Tish Grier
Congrats!
I think y'all have a great chance at all three, though the Las Vegas Sun might give you a run for your money in the design category. The other contenders, not so much! :)
Jack Lail
Thanks!
Benz
You guys don't rest on your laurels, do you? Congrats and good luck.
Lauren Spuhler
I'm with Jigsha. You forgot to mention the most important person involved! Congrats Jack, and thanks for taking us here. And we do all need to throw down in Vegas :)
Ken Baker
Congratulations to you and the entire team on this honor. The site is great and the award simply recognizes it.
Jack Lail
Thanks very much, Ken!