Independent Newsmedia took home a host of awards at the annual Arizona Newspapers Association Better Newspaper Contest -- ranging from enterprise and investigative reporting to feature photography.

The company has operated in Arizona since 1970, and publishes daily community newspapers at YourValley.net in Anthem, Apache Junction/Gold Canyon, Buckeye, Glendale, Goodyear, Florence, Litchfield Park, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise and Town of Paradise Valley.

The company is owned by a nonprofit trust and designed to maintain independence. The organization has no shareholders, no dividends are paid, and all after-tax profits are reinvested in its mission of impartial community journalism.

Of particular note, Independent Newsmedia freelance photographer, Arianna Grainey, won photographer of the year in the non-daily category at both the Arizona Press Club awards and the BNC contest. This is Ms. Grainey’s second time winning the POY award at the Better Newspapers Contest, with the first bestowed in 2016.

This year, 32 newspapers entered in the Better Newspapers Contest for a total of 745 entries. The BNC consists of eight categories that measure the overall quality of the newspapers and 18 categories honoring individuals who contribute to journalism excellence.

Independent Newsmedia took home awards for daily, weekly, and monthly reporting with some employees sweeping entire categories, results show.

Arizona Publisher Charlene Bisson says the proof is in the pudding as it were.

“Our journalists strive for balanced and impartial journalism that our readers appreciate,” she said. “We’re thrilled to be recognized by fellow newspaper peers for our excellent content.”

Members of the hyperlocal reporting team who won in the non-daily categories:

• North Valley Lead News Editor Melissa Rosequist won first in Enterprise reporting for: Addiction in the time of the novel coronavirus story; second in enterprise for: The cost of American freedom; and third in news for the Vice President Pence visit.
• Peoria News Editor Philip Haldiman won third in sustained coverage or series for pandemic hits Peoria story; third in enterprise for a look back at 20 years of the Peoria Independent.
• East Valley News Editor Richard Dyer won second for best news story.

Members of the hyperlocal reporting team won in the daily reporting categories:

• Reporter Chris Caraveo won first in enterprise for where is home for police; second in feature for home deaths discussed.
• Editor Matt Roy won third for enterprise for shelter inspires lifestyle change.

The awards were presented via Facebook live stream by Blossom Digital studios earlier this month at the Kramer Media facility in Casa Grande Valley.