The Cullman Times and its staff have been recognized for excellence in journalism.

The Times received top honors for its reporting in the 2022 Best of CNHI journalism awards. Staff writer Benjamin Bullard won reporter of the year, while sports editor Jake Winfrey earned a finalist nod in the highly competitive sportswriter of the year category.

The magazine of the year award went to the Times’ full editorial, marketing, circulation and administrative teams.

In recognizing Bullard, the judges noted “enterprise, initiative and fairness” in his writing, in addition to considering the “difficulty of assignments, use of multiple sources and strong active writing that is focused and lucid, that gets to the point while avoiding jargon and cliches.”

In considering the magazine award, judges had two samples to consider: Cullman Magazine Holiday edition and Salute to Industry. Those products earned the top honor for magazines that contained “intriguing stories, a diversity that reflects the community, community connections reflected in advertising, page layout and a tone or mood of the magazine that is understood throughout.”

“We have an exceptional team here at The Cullman Times,” said Alabama Media Group publisher, Katherine Miller. “Our talented individuals care deeply about the Cullman community and it shows in the hard work they produce to tell the stories of where we live and work and raise our families. I am very proud of each and every one, and I am thrilled for Ben and Jake to have their dedication and work recognized among some of the top producers in the industry. It is very much deserved.”

“The Best of CNHI awards are unique in our industry in that they reflect an extremely diverse selection of entries showcasing the best of the best in journalism today,” said Tom Mayer, editor of The Cullman Times and Cullman Magazine. “To even earn a finalist nod is an amazing achievement. To win a category elevates that person or team to the top tier of journalists working throughout the nation today. I also couldn’t be more proud of our entire team, and especially Ben and Jake for their accomplishments.”

Across the large media company, CNHI newspapers were feted for enterprising, investigative journalism, persuasive local editorials, robust sports coverage and exposing corruption in the court system.

Division I Magazine of the Year honors went to Johnstown Magazine. a product of the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat for its stunning photography, well-written and edited feature writing and true sense of community. Judges said it is difficult to imagine a magazine doing a better job of capturing the feel of its community, reflecting a sense of its residents and putting it all on display in a beautiful presentation.

The Division II Magazine of the Year is Stillwater Magazine, a product of the Stillwater News-Press. The magazine was rebranded, redesigned and relaunched during 2022 with a great new look and a commitment to readers with expanded features, an increased number of contributors and dynamic photography. Stillwater Magazine is also very aware of just how much coverage of Oklahoma State football culture means to the readership, knowledge that make this product a standout.

The Division III Magazine of the Year winner is Cullman Magazine, a product of The Cullman Times. Of particular note was the annual holiday edition with engaging, festive Christmas features about holiday events and yule-themed photography — all done months in advance of the holidays, reflecting the magazine’s well-planned presentation.

Reporter of the Year

Division I: Jill Harmacinski, North Andover Eagle Tribune

Division II: Asia Ashley, The Valdosta Daily Times

Division III: Benjamin Bullard, The Cullman Times

CNHI, based in Montgomery, is a leading provider of local news and information, offering a wide array of print and digital products in numerous communities in 22 states.