By Edward Lynn
Editor
Iowa Capital Dispatch was honored Wednesday with a prestigious award recognizing its unwavering commitment to First Amendment principles.
Editor-in-chief Kathie Obradovich accepted the Mark Witherspoon First Amendment Award, affectionately known as the “Spoon Award,” during a ceremony at Iowa State University’s Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. The award, presented by the Greenlee First Amendment Committee, recognizes individuals or organizations that demonstrate outstanding dedication to upholding the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. It includes a $500 prize.
The honor is named for Mark “Spoon” Witherspoon, the retired longtime editorial adviser to the Iowa State Daily, who initiated the university’s inaugural First Amendment Days celebration in 2003.
Gary Sawyer, associate teaching professor at the Greenlee School and chair of the First Amendment Committee, praised Iowa Capital Dispatch for its “dedication to covering government and politics and use of public records” in its journalism.
Now in its 23rd year, First Amendment Days ran through April 17th this year. Thursday’s festivities include the annual “Feast on the First” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Iowa State’s Central Campus, featuring food by the student group Block & Bridle, free First Amendment-themed T-shirts, and buttons designed by the late Ames resident Richard Deyo.
Editor’s Note: The Eagle Grove Eagle is proud to carry the award-winning journalism of Iowa Capital Dispatch, which now serves as the de facto Des Moines bureau for most Iowa newspapers. Their team has been an outstanding partner, providing vital coverage and working closely with us to help inform our readers. And we congratulate them on this great honor!
