Pittsburgh City Paper Celebrates 2022 Golden Quill Award Winners

In the fall of 2021, Pittsburgh City Paper A&E Managing Editor Amanda Waltz has entered Wonderland, a Alice in Wonderland– themed tea. It was just one of many events heavily promoted on social media by Hidden Media Network, promising “all the best virtual and live experiences in over 30 cities around the world”. She left with more questions than answers.

In the days that followed, the more Waltz reported on the international event planning company, the more she uncovered allegations of “bait and switch” tactics, dangerous COVID protocols, and more.

On May 24, the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania presented Waltz with the inaugural Golden Quill Award for “Excellence in Written Journalism, Arts/Entertainment – Division 3” for his company report, Hidden Media Network Promises Fun, Immersive Experiences, But Some say that all is not as it seems.

The 58th annual Golden Quill Award, held at the Rivers Casino, recognizes “professional and student excellence in print, broadcast, photography, videography and digital journalism in western Pennsylvania and neighboring counties of Ohio and West Virginia,” according to the announcement.

The first places were also won city ​​paper literary writer, Rege Behe, for “Excellence in Journalism Written, Critical – Division 3” for his literature in Pittsburgh; former editor Kimberly Rooney for “Excellence in Written Journalism, Business/Technology/Consumer -Division 3” for her report, State Lawmakers Join Pittsburgh Restaurant Owners in Revolt Against Food Delivery Apps; and former art director Abbie Adams for “Excellence in Journalistic Craft Achievement, Cover Design – Print, Divisions 1-4” for her Black Women Leaving Pittsburgh cover design.

city ​​paper was also named a finalist in several categories. The full list is below:

Excellence in Written Journalism, Arts/Entertainment – ​​Division 3
Winner: “Hidden Media Network promises fun and immersive experiences, but some say all is not what it seems,” Amanda Waltz

Excellence in Written, Critical Journalism – Division 3
Winner: “Literature in Pittsburgh”, Rege Behe

Excellence in Print Journalism, Business/Technology/Consumer – Division 3
Winner: “State Lawmakers Join Pittsburgh Restaurant Owners in Revolt Against Food Delivery Apps,” Kimberly Rooney

Excellence in Achievement of Journalistic Craft, Cover Design – Print, Divisions 1-4
Winner: “Black Women Leaving Pittsburgh,” Abbie Adams

Excellence in Written Journalism, Reporting – Division 3
Finalist: “How Newsrooms, Police Departments and Social Media Fail to Disappear People of Color,” Kimberly Rooney

Excellence in Achievement of Journalistic Craft, Personality Profile Picture – Divisions 1-6
Finalist: “Chrome Cable”, Jared Wickerham

Excellence in Written Journalism, Lifestyle – Division 3
Finalist: “Why are so many black women talking about leaving Pittsburgh?” Dani Janae

Excellence in Written Journalism, Public Affairs/Politics/Government – ​​Division 3
Finalist: “Why Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Keeps Avoiding Review,” Ryan Deto

Excellence in Written Journalism, Columns/Blogs – Division 3
Finalist: “Voice”, Tereneh Idia

Whereas city ​​paper always appreciates being honored for our writing and artistic talents, hearing that our stories have resonated with our readers and the people we write about is more important than any award we have ever received. We appreciate your continued support.