DFW AIRPORT — The Taylor Press won recognition this past weekend for journalism excellence and high standards of reporting in the 2025 Texas Better Newspaper Contest.
Presentation of the awards took place on the last day of the Texas Newspaper Association’s annual Convention & Trade Show, held June 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport.
According to TPA officials, 103 member newspapers submitted 1,020 entries encompassing stories or other content published in 2025. The impartial Washington Newspapers Publishers Association handled the judging across 10 divisions grouped by frequency and circulation.
The Taylor Press is owned by Granite Media Partners Inc., a 50-year-old Texas news and marketing company that operates or manages publications stretching from East Texas to the Big Bend area.
“The Taylor Press’ performance in the statewide contest continues to show our commitment to rigorous reporting, adherence to the facts and telling our audience what happened, not what to think,” said Thomas Edwards, executive editor of Granite. “Our ultimate goal is to keep our communities informed without fear or favor dictating our efforts.”
See PRESS • page 2 Area Editor Jason Chlapek echoed Edwards’ sentiment.
“The staff we have here at the Taylor Press goes above and beyond the call of duty,” Chlapek said. “These awards are a testament of the hard work they put in day-in and day-out.”
The Taylor Press’ awards included:
• Second place, News Writing, Division 4
• Second place, Sports Coverage, Division 4 According to TPA officials, Granite publications overall claimed more than 40 statewide awards, including five first-place commendations. Some of the awards lauded the company’s continuing expansion into digital platforms.
TPA, founded in 1880, is dedicated to advocating for the welfare of Texas newspapers, “encourages higher standards of journalism and plays an important role in protecting the public’s right to know as an advocate of First Amendment liberties,” according to its website.
The organization represents 328 paid-circulation newspapers — 40 dailies and 288 non-dailies.
