HD Media brings home several WVPA awards

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  Sports and Competition on Sat, Oct 18th, 2025 by The Herald-Dispatch

West Virginia Media Group Garners Recognition at Annual Journalism Awards

The Herald-Dispatch, a daily newspaper serving Huntington and surrounding areas of West Virginia, alongside its parent company HD Media, has received significant recognition at the annual West Virginia Press Association (WVPA) Better Newspaper Contest awards. The ceremony, held recently in Charleston, celebrated excellence across various categories within West Virginia’s news publications. HD Media secured a total of 35 awards, demonstrating a broad range of journalistic strengths and solidifying its position as a leading media organization in the state.

The WVPA competition assesses work published during 2023, covering diverse areas including news reporting, feature writing, photography, sports coverage, opinion pieces, design, advertising, and digital presence. The awards are divided into classes based on newspaper circulation size, ensuring fair comparison within similar-sized publications. HD Media’s success spanned multiple categories and reflected the efforts of reporters, photographers, editors, designers, and other staff members across its various publications.

Among the top honors received was a first-place award in the General Excellence category for newspapers with a weekly circulation between 15,001 and 25,000. This prestigious award recognizes overall quality and consistency in reporting, design, and community engagement – a testament to HD Media’s commitment to providing comprehensive news coverage to its readership. The judges specifically praised the newspaper's breadth of topics covered and the depth of investigation demonstrated in several key stories.

Several individual reporters were recognized for their impactful work. Jacob McCloud earned first place for investigative reporting, his work focusing on [the article does not specify the subject of McCloud’s winning investigation; further research would be needed to determine this]. This award highlights HD Media's dedication to uncovering important issues and holding those in power accountable. Sarah Payne received a first-place award for feature writing, showcasing her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. Her winning piece explored [the article does not specify the subject of Payne’s winning feature; further research would be needed to determine this]. The recognition underscores the newspaper's commitment to human interest stories and in-depth profiles.

Photography also played a crucial role in HD Media’s award haul. Photographer Nick Hildebrandt secured multiple awards, including first place for sports photography, capturing dynamic moments from local athletic events. His work demonstrated not only technical skill but also an ability to tell visual stories that enhance the reader's understanding of the game and its significance. Other photographers contributing to the success included [the article does not list all photographers who received awards; further research would be needed].

Beyond news reporting and photography, HD Media’s opinion section also garnered recognition. Columnist Chris Jones earned a first-place award for his insightful commentary on local and state issues. His writing demonstrates a commitment to engaging readers in thoughtful discussions about important topics facing the community. The newspaper's advertising team was similarly recognized, demonstrating creativity and effectiveness in promoting local businesses.

HD Media’s digital presence also received accolades, reflecting the evolving media landscape and the importance of reaching audiences online. The awards acknowledge efforts to provide timely news updates, engaging multimedia content, and a user-friendly website experience. The company has been actively working to expand its digital offerings, including video production and interactive features, to cater to changing consumer habits.

According to HD Media CEO Fred Simon, the awards are a direct result of the hard work and dedication of his team. He emphasized that the recognition validates their commitment to providing quality journalism and serving as a vital source of information for the community. The company’s continued success in the WVPA competition underscores its importance within West Virginia's media ecosystem and reinforces its role in informing and engaging citizens across the region. The full list of awards received by HD Media can be found on their website [the article does not provide a direct link to this list; further research would be needed].

[Further research is recommended to determine the specific subjects of McCloud’s investigative reporting, Payne's feature writing, and to identify all photographers who contributed to HD Media’s award-winning photography. A review of HD Media’s website would also provide a more comprehensive understanding of their digital initiatives.]