The Finalists
Judging is complete. These editorial writers and columnists made the strongest case for their communities this year — and for their local newspapers.
Along with the three finalists named in each category, the judges awarded several honorable mentions. Those names will be announced at the Senior Leadership Conference alongside the winners.
Focused Editorials
Editorials examining a single, clearly defined issue, action or decision affecting a local community. Entries reflect the official position of the newspaper and demonstrate clarity of purpose, strong reasoning and local impact.
Personal Interest Columns
Signed columns written from an individual perspective, exploring family life, community experiences and everyday challenges or successes through voice, storytelling and personal insight.
Signed Political and Social Commentary
Signed columns offering opinion and analysis on political, governmental or broader social issues, presenting a clear point of view and contributing to public understanding and debate.
The name behind the prize
The prize is named for the late Benjamin Carmage Walls, whose newspaper career spanned seven decades. Walls primarily owned community newspapers and advocated strong, courageous and positive editorial page leadership.
His daughter, Lissa Walls Cribb, is CEO of Southern Newspapers, which underwrites the awards.
Previous winners
Read the winning editorials and columns from earlier years of the competition.