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IndyStar Dominates APSE Sports Journalism Awards

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, March 12th 2026 at 20:42 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
      Locales: Indiana, UNITED STATES

Indianapolis, IN - March 13th, 2026 - The IndyStar sports department has once again cemented its position as a leading voice in sports journalism, earning a remarkable 11 awards in the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) contest for work published in 2024. This latest wave of accolades highlights IndyStar's unwavering commitment to comprehensive, insightful, and engaging sports coverage across all levels - from professional franchises to local high school athletes.

The APSE awards are widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in sports journalism, judged by a panel of peers from across the nation. The competition assesses not only the quality of writing and reporting but also the impact and innovation of the work, as well as photographic and design elements. To earn 11 awards - including three first-place honors - is a resounding affirmation of IndyStar's dedication to journalistic excellence.

This year's awards specifically recognized IndyStar's deep and nuanced coverage of Indiana's most beloved sports teams and programs. The newspaper took home first place for its coverage of the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, and Indiana University Basketball. These awards aren't simply for reporting game scores; they reflect a commitment to telling the stories behind the teams - the human interest pieces, the in-depth analysis, and the investigative reporting that goes beyond the surface level.

For the Colts, IndyStar's coverage in 2024 extended beyond game recaps to encompass player profiles, coaching strategies, and a critical examination of the franchise's long-term direction. Sources within the newsroom indicate that a series of investigative pieces regarding player welfare and organizational culture significantly contributed to this win. The Pacers coverage, similarly, wasn't limited to on-court action. Reporters delved into the team's revitalization efforts, focusing on player development and the evolving dynamics within the Eastern Conference. Their ability to capture the energy surrounding the team, both on and off the court, clearly resonated with the APSE judges.

The first-place award for Indiana University Basketball coverage is particularly noteworthy, given the passionate and dedicated fanbase that surrounds the program. IndyStar's team provided year-round coverage, from recruiting battles and preseason preparations to the intensity of the tournament season. They were lauded for their ability to balance reporting on the team's successes with critical analysis of challenges, offering fans a comprehensive and balanced perspective.

Beyond the professional and collegiate levels, IndyStar's commitment to high school sports was also recognized with a second-place award. The newspaper consistently dedicates significant resources to covering Indiana's high school athletes, understanding the vital role these programs play in local communities. This coverage provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and achieve recognition, while also fostering a sense of community pride.

"These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire sports team," said Jake Peacock, IndyStar Sports Editor. "We're proud of the work we do to keep Hoosiers informed and engaged with the teams and athletes they care about." Peacock emphasized that the success isn't solely attributable to individual reporters, but to the collaborative effort of writers, editors, photographers, and designers. He also noted that the department is increasingly focused on multimedia storytelling, incorporating video, podcasts, and interactive graphics to enhance the reader experience.

Looking ahead, IndyStar plans to build on this momentum by expanding its coverage of emerging sports, investing in data journalism to provide more insightful analysis, and further strengthening its commitment to local high school athletics. The department also intends to increase its digital presence, reaching a wider audience through social media and innovative online platforms. The ongoing investment in local sports journalism, at a time when many news organizations are scaling back, is a clear signal of IndyStar's commitment to serving the Indiana community.