Hey Rhody Media Co. Takes First Place Awards in Design, Writing; Publisher Barry Fain Inducted into Journalism Hall of Fame

Each year, writers, editors, designers, photographers, and publishers step away from their desks to celebrate local journalism at the Rhode Island Press Association (RIPA) awards banquet. This year’s event was held May 10 at the Quonset “O” Club, North Kingstown. Hey Rhody Media Co., publisher of Rhode Island's premier lifestyle magazines, including Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, The Bay, and Hey Rhody, won a total of 10 awards. 

The editorial contest process begins in early spring, with member organizations submitting their top nominations in 45 categories. More than 400 entries are judged by a state press association across the US. The list of winners is announced prior to the banquet, but award rankings are kept confidential until presented live over the course of dinner. Ceremony highlights included Lily Neves, a sophomore at Roger Williams University, receiving this year’s student scholarship given to a Rhode Island high school senior or college student preparing for a career in journalism.

At this year’s banquet, Barry Fain, one of the three founders/publishers of Hey Rhody Media Co. was inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame. This is a lifetime achievement award given to individuals who have made a substantial impact on journalism within Rhode Island or to Rhode Islanders who have made such contributions to the field out of the state. Fain was introduced by Nick DelGiudice, Hey Rhody Media Co. general manager and creative director, followed by Fain making his own remarks, and closing with the importance of telling local stories. The association also formally inducted James N. Rhea (posthumous), of The Providence Journal, and John Pantalone, founding editor, Newport This Week.

Hey Rhody Media Co. Design awards include Abigail Brown, senior editorial designer, taking first place for both Special Section and Best Feature, Front Page for Providence Monthly’s September cover story “Destination Providence” – the premiere of a special annual issue showcasing the city. Brown also took home third place for Best Cover “Taste the Harvest” for The Bay, September. DelGiudice took second place for Best Cover for Providence Monthy’s January “Who to Watch” issue, featuring his photography of nine individuals.

In the writing categories, longtime contributor Ann Martini took first place in Business Story for “Farmer’s Market,” a look at the inventive new marketing methods growers are implementing to connect to consumers. In News Story – Short, Martini earned Honorable Mention for “Storied Inn Remembered,” about a Block Island’s hotel succumbing to fire, both in So Rhode Island. Additional writing awards include contributor Emily Olson’s first-time win for Business Story where she took Honorable Mention for her article on the state’s budding cannabis industry in “Turning a New Leaf.” Managing editor Abbie Lahmers garnered Third Place for her Arts/Entertainment Story, “Inside the Box” about sculptor Zuly Palomino Jimenez, as well as second place for Best Email Newsletter for the Hey Rhody Newsletter. Editor in chief Elyse Major took home third place as Arts/Niche Columnist this year, for her monthly home tour articles.

During the banquet, the association elected officers for the coming year: Ethan Shorey, of The Valley Breeze, as president; Carlos Muños, of Globe Rhode Island, as vice president; Sarah Francis, retired, as treasurer; and Will Richmond, of The Providence Journal, as secretary.