Observer papers win contest

+ Observer papers win contest
Local Media Association, a nonprofit, professional trade association comprising of more than 2,000 newspapers in the United Stares and Canada, announced the winners of its 2013 Newspaper of the Year contest. LMA honored six newspapers — four weeklies and two dailies — as the top newspapers in their respective divisions.

For the second consecutive year, the Longboat Observer (circulation between 10,001 and 22,500) and Sarasota Observer (circulation between 22,501 and 37,500) won first place in their divisions.

Judges’ comments for the Longboat Observer included: Editorial: “Publication delivers a solid combination of relevant content, smart writing and thoughtful packaging.” Advertising: “Ads are clean, appealing and effective. Format and placement serve both audience and overall design.” Other comments: “Lively opinion section; graphics are helpful; text is witty and insightful.”