ColoradoJournalismShinesDenverPostandRockyMountainPBSDominatePressAssociationAwards

Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 14:11 GMT by The Denver Post
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The 2025 Colorado Press Association (CPA) awards have been announced, and the results paint a vibrant picture of excellence across the state’s media landscape. The Denver Post emerged as a clear frontrunner, securing numerous top honors alongside strong showings from Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). This year's competition highlighted impactful investigative reporting, compelling feature writing, and innovative digital storytelling – demonstrating the continued relevance and evolution of journalism in Colorado.

The Denver Post’s success was anchored by its series “Silent Crisis: The Shadow Pandemic of Maternal Mortality,” which took home the coveted General Excellence award for newspapers over 50,000 circulation. This deeply researched investigation, spearheaded by reporter Laura Kennedy and photographer Mark Thompson (whose powerful images were also recognized), exposed systemic failures in Colorado’s maternal healthcare system, contributing to alarmingly high mortality rates among new mothers. The series sparked legislative action and prompted a statewide review of maternal health protocols – a testament to the power of investigative journalism to effect real change.

Beyond the General Excellence award, “Silent Crisis” garnered multiple individual awards for Kennedy (First Place Investigative Reporting) and Thompson (First Place Feature Photo). Other notable wins for the Denver Post included first place in Sports Coverage for their coverage of the Colorado Rockies’ surprising playoff run, and a second-place finish in Business Reporting for a series examining the impact of rising housing costs on Denver's workforce. The paper also saw success in digital media categories, reflecting its ongoing efforts to adapt to changing consumption habits. Their interactive graphics illustrating maternal mortality rates were particularly praised by judges.

Rocky Mountain PBS wasn’t left empty-handed either. The station secured General Excellence in the broadcast division and dominated several individual awards across news and feature programming. Their documentary “Colorado’s Changing Climate: A Generation at Risk,” explored the tangible effects of climate change on Colorado's environment and communities, earning first place for Best Documentary. Reporter John Miller took home First Place for Public Affairs Reporting with his series on affordable housing challenges in rural Colorado. The station also received recognition for its innovative use of social media to engage audiences and expand reach – a strategy that has become increasingly crucial for public broadcasters.

The CPA awards recognize not only the large metropolitan newspapers and television stations but also celebrate the vital role played by smaller community publications across the state. Newspapers like the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, the Durango Herald, and the Estes Park Trail-Gazette all received recognition for their coverage of local issues and commitment to serving their communities. These smaller papers often serve as a critical lifeline for information in areas where larger media outlets have limited presence.

This year’s competition also saw increased participation from digital-only news organizations, reflecting the evolving landscape of journalism. While these platforms are still relatively new to the CPA awards, their entries demonstrated a growing sophistication and commitment to quality reporting. The Colorado Sun, an independent online newspaper, received several honorable mentions for its in-depth coverage of state politics and policy.

Judge Sarah Miller, a veteran journalist from out of state, commented on the overall strength of this year’s submissions. “The level of talent and dedication displayed by Colorado journalists is truly remarkable,” she said. "From hard-hitting investigative pieces to beautifully crafted features, these awards showcase the vital role that journalism plays in informing and engaging communities across the state.”

The CPA awards serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting local journalism – whether through subscriptions, donations, or simply sharing stories with friends and family. The winners this year exemplify the power of well-researched reporting to hold institutions accountable, shed light on critical issues, and ultimately make Colorado a better place. As media consumption continues to evolve, these awards highlight the enduring value of quality journalism in an ever-changing world.

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ColoradoJournalismShinesDenverPostandRockyMountainPBSDominatePressAssociationAwards

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