Skip to main content
Michigan’s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source

We need your vote!

During this important election year, Bridge readers like you know that high-quality journalism like ours is more critical than ever. There’s a lot on the line, and we’re working daily to deliver the information you need to prepare you for November’s election. Can we count on your vote of confidence in our newsroom? Donate today!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate

Bridge takes state 'Newspaper of the Year' honor

Less than five years after publishing its first article, Bridge Magazine has been named Newspaper of the Year, sweeping awards in two reporting categories and earning more than a dozen awards overall in the Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.

Bridge also earned top honors for Public Notice Journalism, and an article by Bridge Staff Writer Chastity Pratt Dawsey was hailed as the best writing in any publication in the state in 2015.

“We are deeply appreciative of the recognition and grateful our work is truly making a difference,” said David Zeman, Bridge editor. “We look forward to producing even more ambitious journalism that helps improve the lives of Michigan residents.”

The MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest drew 3,833 entries from 113 Michigan publications.

The nonprofit Bridge Magazine is the journalistic arm of the nonpartisan Center for Michigan, a “think-and-do” tank founded by former newspaper publisher Phil Power in 2006. The Center’s objective is to make Michigan a better place by encouraging greater understanding and involvement in policy issues among the people of Michigan and making sure their voices are regularly heard.

Bridge was named Newspaper of the Year among weekly/specialty publications with a circulation of more than 20,000.

Pratt Dawsey won first place in the Herbert Spencer Best Writing competition, an award that accepted entries from publications across circulation categories in the state. Pratt Dawsey was honored for her work on “One teacher, 25 kids, and the enormous challenge of turning around Detroit schools,” in which she embedded in a Detroit classroom to chronicle the life of a public school teacher and his students. Judges described it as “a great piece of journalism! The writing is excellent.”

Other Bridge awards:

How impactful was this article for you?

Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues

See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:

  • “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
  • “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
  • “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.

If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate Now