For Immediate Release
Sept. 13, 2024
The Texas Tribune, Fort Bend Herald win 2024 Spirit of FOI Awards
AUSTIN – News reporting on political interference with faculty in the Texas A&M University System and on city officials purchasing personal items using city money have won this year’s Spirit of FOI Awards.
The Texas Tribune and the Fort Bend Herald received the awards at the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas state conference Friday. KVUE-TV in Austin received an honorable mention. The Nancy Monson Spirit of FOI Award honors journalism that upholds First Amendment rights and promotes open government.
“We are grateful to these journalists and their news organizations for outstanding reporting that keeps the public informed, including use of the Texas Public Information Act. Our state is a better place because of this work shining light on the truth,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the FOI Foundation of Texas.
The Tribune won in the Class AA category for markets of 500,000 population and larger. Its reports explained the botched recruitment of Kathleen McElroy to launch a new journalism program and the temporary suspension of Professor Joy Alonzo, a respected opioids expert.
The Tribune’s reporting revealed a “stunning level of political meddling” in the academic operations at Texas A&M, the contest judge said, noting that the McElroy debacle garnered national attention and prompted the resignation of the university president.
The Fort Bend Herald is the winner in the Class A category for markets under 500,000 population. Its reporting on the city of Kendleton revealed the mayor and others purchased meals, groceries, gas and gifts on city-issued credit cards and that the mayor made unauthorized payments for personal legal fees and a pay raise.
“The Herald’s reporting is the kind of essential watchdog work that prompts both outrage and enormous pride. … pride in the tenacious reporting of a news organization in holding public authorities accountable, using the state open records system,” the contest judge said.
KVUE was honored for its reporting about a Texas Department of Transportation commissioner who was paid more than $90,000 over five years despite never showing up for work.
The Nancy Monson Spirit of FOI Award is named for the FOI Foundation’s first executive director. The contest is open to Texas newspaper, broadcast and online journalism outlets. Founded in 1978, the nonprofit FOI Foundation promotes open government and protects the First Amendment rights of free speech and free press.
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Contact:
Kelley Shannon
Executive Director, FOI Foundation of Texas
Cell 512-914-9222
[email protected]