Capitol News Illinois, a nonprofit news service, announced today that Beth Hundsdorfer has won a Driehaus Foundation Award for Investigative Reporting for her work covering the tragic Sonya Massey shooting. Hundsdorfer took home the celebrated Driehaus Award in the Small Newsroom Category, which is defined by newsrooms with editorial staffs of less than 10.
The winners were announced on Thursday, May 15, at the 21st Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting in a ceremony in Chicago titled “Beyond the Byline.”
“We are honored that Beth’s old-fashioned grit, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of truth in investigative reporting are being recognized,” said Jeff Rogers, executive director for Capitol News Illinois and the Illinois Press Foundation that operates the nonprofit news organization. “Her work underscores the critical need for accurate, unbiased journalism – bringing accountability to the justice system and shining a light on the importance of holding those in power responsible. The tragic death of Sonya Massey deserves this level of commitment and rigor in reporting.”
Hundsdorfer’s reporting on the Sonya Massey shooting was part of a larger investigative focus on police hiring and reform in Illinois. A collection of these stories can be found online at capitolnewsillinois.com.
About the Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting
The annual Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting highlight the imperative impact and importance of investigative reporting in Illinois. These awards honor the legacy of Richard H. Driehaus, his longstanding partnership with awards’ partner, the Better Government Association, and his belief in the power of journalism and its profound implications for democracy.
About Capitol News Illinois
Launched in 2019 as a nonprofit news service, Capitol News Illinois provides unbiased state government coverage to Illinois’ news outlets, free and with no paywall, reaching more than 460 newspapers and 200 broadcast outlets. Its mission is simple: deliver factual, nonpartisan news about state government to local outlets statewide, educating readers in every region of the state and fostering transparency and accountability among elected leaders and government officials.
For more information contact Henry Haupt, (217) 503-5585, henry@dyandh.com.
