Utah News Dispatch claims 9 awards in statewide SPJ contest

Utah News Dispatch reporters came home with nine awards in the Utah Headliners contest, put on each year by the state chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

The highly competitive statewide contest drew more than 1,200 entries, said Utah Headliners President Emma Penrod. The competition draws submissions in writing and reporting, television, radio, magazine, photojournalism and online categories.

Utah News Dispatch launched in 2024 as part of the States Newsroom nonprofit journalism network, with outlets in all 50 states focusing on state-specific government and policy. The Dispatch’s four full-time reporters competed in the large newsroom division, going up against Utah’s largest and oldest news organizations.

Utah News Dispatch claimed first place for best news-oriented website, and senior reporter Katie McKellar was recognized in the best news reporter category. Reporters’ winning stories, published in 2025, shone a light on some of the most pressing issues in the state including local impacts of federal cuts, homelessness, environmental concerns and more.

Here’s a complete list of Utah News Dispatch’s awards: