Tennessee Press Association announces inaugural A-Mark Foundation Freedom of Information Reporting Award winners
June 25, 2026
The Tennessee Press Association (TPA), in partnership with the A-Mark Foundation, are proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural A-Mark Foundation Freedom of Information Reporting Award. The new statewide award recognizes outstanding journalism that advances government transparency and protects the public’s right to know.
The award honors investigative reporting that uncovers information through public records, open meetings, and persistent reporting. Entries were judged on depth of research, initiative, obstacles overcome, use of public records and databases, use of multiple sources, and the impact of the reporting on public policy and the public interest.
The A-Mark Foundation awarded a total of $15,000 in prize money, with awards presented both to the winning journalists and their news organizations in recognition of the vital role accountability journalism plays in serving the public.
2026 Award Winners
First Place: Joan McClane, Ellen Gerst, and Siena Duncan of the Chattanooga Times Free Press for ‘Enterprise South Nature Park Land Swap.’ The judges praised the team’s persistent pursuit of public records that revealed a previously undisclosed land swap proposal, ultimately contributing to the cancellation of the plan. The journalists received $5,000, and the Chattanooga Times Free Press received $2,500.
Second Place: Paige Pfleger and researcher Mariam Elba of Nashville Public Radio for ‘Guns in Dangerous Hands.’ The team received $3,000, and Nashville Public Radio, in partnership with ProPublica, received $1,500.
Third Place: Angele Latham of The Tennessean for ‘Banned Books Database.’ Latham received $2,000, and The Tennessean received $1,000.
The competition was open to all journalists employed by Tennessee-based media organizations, including members of the Tennessee Press Association.
“These winning investigations demonstrate why freedom of information laws matter and why determined journalism remains essential to an informed public,” said Ken Paulson, Director of the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), who presented the awards. “We are grateful to the A-Mark Foundation for supporting this important work and to the journalists across Tennessee who continue to champion transparency, accountability, and the public’s right to know.”
About the A-Mark Foundation Freedom of Information Reporting Award
Established through a partnership between the Tennessee Press Association and the A-Mark Foundation, the award recognizes excellence in investigative reporting that promotes open government and public accountability.