In Defense of Renu Khator

Competing in the Newspapers Over 100,000 circulation division, former Press staffer Todd Spivak was named Print Journalist of the Year and staff photo­grapher Daniel Kramer Photojournalist of the Year. The results, announced at the UH Hilton on June 6, were:

In the category of Print Journalist of the Year, Spivak took first place for a collection of stories including "Toxic Town," "Whose Best Interests?" and "Heads You Lose...Tails You Lose." Staffer Chris Vogel took third place in the category for "Weekend Warriors," "The TSU Three" and "The Getaway."

Judges' comments on the first-place award: "Todd Spivak's relentless and brave journalism shows that the Fifth Estate is more than alive and well — it thrives in the Lone Star state. Whether it's exposing a toxic polluter in a small Texas town, going door to door finding severe illnesses with the attendant tragic stories...or saving an elderly Houston woman from the 'caring' clutches of a clueless state, Spivak has elevated the Houston Press to an even higher plane of excellence."

Spivak also took a first place in Public Service for "Toxic Town." Judges said: "Spivak has saved lives and this work is the very definition of incomparable public service. Bravo!" He took another first in the Business Story category with "Heads You Lose...Tails You Lose." Judges said: "This super story is a service to the community."

Vogel received awards in two other categories. He placed second in Business Story for "The Getaway" and third in Politics/Government for "The TSU Three."

Editor Margaret Downing received a first place award in General Commentary/Criticism for "Judging Books and Their Covers." Judges said: "Downing just doesn't back down getting the low-down on this outrageous betrayal of the community that needs all the help it can get."

She also took second in Feature Reporting for "Death in a Box."

In receiving his Photojournalist of the Year award, Daniel Kramer was cited by judges as "a solid shooter with a wide range of talent. It stands out as great work, worth viewing."

Kramer also finished first in Sports Photo with "Rugby." Judges said: "We couldn't decide where to look. Between the expressions and the water spray, there are a lot of great elements in the photo." He finished first in Photo Package for "Greyhound Racing." Judges said: "This series showed a lot of depth to Kramer's talent. From the action shots to the more subtle, there is a real sense of being there." The judges really liked the shot of the muzzles hanging on the cages.

He also received a second place award in Feature Photo for "Quinceañera."

Contributor Jason Friedman took home awards in both the print and Internet Based News divisions. He won first place for his "Rockets Series." Judges said: "This was tons of fun to read — plus the added bonus of lots of information."

Friedman also placed third in the print division in the Sports Story category for "Rocket Science."

And Music Editor John Nova Lomax placed first in Feature Story on the Internet for his walking series entitled "The Sole of Houston." Judges said: "These stories really delivered the textures and sights of the neighborhoods while introducing the reader to a fascinating cast of characters — including the author and walking partner."