[Gainesville, May 8, 2024] – The Collier Companies, a leading advocate for journalistic integrity and accountability, extends its warmest congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Collier Prize for State Government Accountability. Presented at the prestigious White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on April 27, 2024, the award recognizes exceptional reporting that delves into critical issues affecting communities across the nation.
President Joe Biden personally congratulated the winners, including ProPublica reporter Lomi Kriel, Texas Tribune reporter Zach Despart, and ProPublica reporter Lexi Churchill, who were instrumental members of the investigative team honored for their exemplary work on the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Their groundbreaking series, accompanied by a FRONTLINE documentary, provided invaluable insights into the harrowing events surrounding the incident, shedding light on crucial factors contributing to the prolonged ordeal faced by students and teachers during the crisis.
Alongside the first-place recipients, Public Health Watch and several partner organizations were awarded second place for their compelling exposé, “Toxic Texas Air.” This investigative piece drew attention to the alarming levels of pollution in the state, particularly the hazardous emissions of benzene. Additionally, the Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester, New York, received third place for their comprehensive coverage of the aftermath of the bomb cyclone blizzard that struck Buffalo in December 2022, highlighting the government’s response and the challenges faced by affected communities.
Established by a generous gift from Nathan S. Collier, chair of The Collier Companies, the Collier Prize for State Government Accountability celebrates its fifth year of honoring outstanding investigative and political reporting. As a testament to its commitment to fostering journalistic excellence, the award continues to recognize journalists who courageously uncover truths and hold authorities accountable for their actions.
As acknowledged in the Poynter Report, we are proud to support initiatives that uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in government, and we commend all the recipients of the 2024 Collier Prize for their dedication to serving the public interest.
For more information about the Collier Prize for State Government Accountability and its recipients, please visit www.jou.ufl.edu/collier.
