Matter News named Best General News Site in the state by Ohio Society of Professional Journalists
Matter earned a trio of awards in statewide contests sponsored by Press Club of Cleveland and the Ohio chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Matter News won a pair of awards in the Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest, sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) chapters statewide.
In the Best in Show category for digital media, Matter placed first for Best General News Site in the state, earning praise from the judges for our “hyperlocal, purpose-driven storytelling.”
“[Matter News] tackles complex community challenges – like policing, housing, utility inequities, food insecurity, and public art – through deeply reported, narrative-rich multimedia that elevates marginalized voices,” the judges wrote in their comments. “The editorial mission of equity and inclusion drives both staffing and coverage decisions, fostering civic engagement and representation not just in stories but in the newsroom itself. By rejecting advertisements-heavy models … Matter maximizes accessibility, strengthens community trust, and amplifies impact.”
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In addition, Matter News director/editor Andy Downing won second place from Ohio SPJ for Best Arts/Entertainment Reporting.
Matter’s two SPJ awards are rounded out by a win in the 2025 All Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards, presented by the Press Club of Cleveland, where last month Downing earned a first-place nod in reviews/criticism for his coverage of Jason Isbell’s April 2024 concert at Ohio University. “From a powerful lede to examples of lyrics and stories, this review provided an intriguing look at a singer-songwriter who truly connected to the audience,” the judges wrote in their comments.
A complete list of winners can be found here for Ohio SPJ and here for Press Club of Cleveland.
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