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March 4, 2008

Fort Worth managing editor wins 2008 Mimi Award

Lois Norder, investigations managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in Texas, has won a 2008 award bestowed in honor of the memory of Mimi Burkhardt, a Providence Journal editor who died in 2004.

Norder received the Mimi Award "for her exceptional work as an editor," according to an online news release from the Dart Center, which presents the annual award. The Dart Center is comprised of journalists "dedicated to promoting sensitive coverage of victims of violence."

Norder is the second person to receive the award.

The award is given to editors with the qualities of Burkhardt, who "inspired those around her to live up to high ideals and to produce solid journalism with heart," the Dart Society said.

A group of journalists nominated Norder because she "champions and nurtures" the stories she edits and the reporters who write them.

“You can always go into her office and interrupt her. She’s completely available and committed to every aspect of the story,” said Yamil Berard, Star-Telegram projects reporter. “You can ask her anything you want. You can tell her what your biggest fear on something is, and she is completely helpful.”

The nonprofit Dart Society said it plans to present the award, including a $1,000 prize, at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Joan Walsh, editor-in-chief at Salon.com, received an honorable mention for this year's Mimi Award. According to the Dart Center, Walsh was nominated because she gives the staff “permission -- and a steady nudge of encouragement -- to care deeply about what [they] write about, to make it matter.”

The Dart Society sought Mimi Award nominations from journalists and news organizations around the country.

Norder and Walsh were among eight finalists considered. A panel of journalists, all affiliated with the Dart Society or the Dart Center, made the selection after reviewing editors’ work examples, reading nomination letters and interviewing coworkers of the top finalists.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 7:15 PM | Permalink

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