News Summary
The Chattanooga Times Free Press achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Green Eyeshade Awards, earning 11 awards including eight first-place honors. The awards, presented by the Society of Professional Journalists, celebrate journalistic excellence from the Southeastern United States. Competing against numerous news organizations, the Times Free Press’s achievements underline its commitment to quality reporting and ethical journalism, showcasing the talent of its staff and the collaborative efforts of the newsroom.
Chattanooga – The Chattanooga Times Free Press received significant recognition at the 2024 Green Eyeshade Awards, securing a total of 11 awards, including eight first-place honors. The prestigious awards were presented by the Society of Professional Journalists and celebrate excellence in journalism across the Southeastern United States.
The competition featured numerous news organizations from 12 states, which include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The awards, first held in 1950, aim to highlight the best work in journalism throughout the region.
The first-place accolades won by the Chattanooga Times Free Press in various categories exemplify the publication’s commitment to quality reporting:
- General News Writing: Ellen Gerst was recognized for her impactful coverage of the shooting incident involving Roger Heard Jr. and plainclothes Chattanooga police.
- Lifestyle Reporting: Kathy Bradshaw received an award for her comprehensive work as the editor of Chatter magazine.
- Humor and Satire: Dana Shavin’s collection of columns was honored for its wit and insightful commentary.
- Editorial Writing: The team of Clint Cooper and Ben Sessoms earned recognition for their thought-provoking editorials.
- Illustrations: A collection of artwork by Matt McClane in Chatter magazine received distinction for its creativity and design.
- Magazine Cover Design: Matt McClane’s design work for Chatter magazine also achieved first-place status.
- Inside and Feature Design: Another of McClane’s projects in Chatter magazine merited recognition in this category.
- Social Media Strategy: Digital Engagement Editor Tierra Hayes was awarded for her effective social media strategies.
In addition to the first-place honors, the Chattanooga Times Free Press also garnered recognition with two second-place awards:
- Breaking News Reporting: The team of Andrew Schwartz and Ellen Gerst was acknowledged for their rapid and thorough reporting on breaking news events.
- Editorial Cartoons: Clay Bennett earned a second-place award for his editorial cartoons that engage and inform the audience on various issues.
A third-place award was given for Sports Commentary: Sports Editor Stephen Hargis was recognized for his insightful analysis and commentary on sports events.
The accolades received by the Chattanooga Times Free Press at the Green Eyeshade Awards highlight the publication’s dedication to journalistic excellence. The awards not only celebrate outstanding individual achievements but also reflect the collaborative efforts of the entire newsroom.
Established to encourage high standards in journalism, the Green Eyeshade Awards recognize exceptional work done by journalists in their respective fields. Over the years, the awards have evolved, adapting to changes in the industry while continuing to honor the significance of ethical and impactful reporting.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press’s success at the 2024 awards further solidifies its position as a leading source of news and information within the community and across the region, showcasing the talent and hard work of its staff in a highly competitive field.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Restaurants Compete for MICHELIN Stars
Chattanooga Man Arrested for Felony Child Neglect
Erlanger Park Development Takes Shape in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Faces Severe Heat Wave This Week
Shooting at Tyner Community Center Leaves Multiple Injured
Tennessee Parents Combat Summer Slide as School Approaches
Chattanooga Man Faces Legal Trouble After Court Incident
Chattanooga Mayor Hosts Open Office Hours for Residents
Chattanooga City Council Violates Open Meeting Laws
Chattanooga Man Leads Police on High-Speed Chase Endangering Passengers
Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Times Free Press: Times Free Press Honored in Green Eyeshade Awards
- Wikipedia: Journalism
- Chattanooga Times Free Press: Times Free Press Honored with Journalism Awards
- Google Search: Journalism awards
- Chattanooga Times Free Press: Chattanooga Area Prep Polls Rank Top 10 Small
- Encyclopedia Britannica: News
- Chattanooga Times Free Press: TFP Sports Department Earns Multiple State Awards
- Google News: Chattanooga Times Free Press

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.


