South Carolina Press Association
Founded in 1852
The South Carolina Press Association awards the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting in South Carolina as part of its annual News Contest. The Prize rewards excellent reporting and investigative journalism in the state and is open to all journalists and all news organizations in South Carolina.
According to SCPA, entries should display original reporting revealing information otherwise not generally known that individuals, governmental agencies, businesses, elected officials or organizations do not want under public scrutiny. Judging criteria include depth of research, initiative, obstacles overcome, use of databases and public records, analysis of documents and records, use of multiple sources and impact on public policy.
A-Mark Prize Recipients
2026
First Place
Tony Bartelme, Glenn Smith, and John Dell’Osso, “Uncovered: Power & Polo/The Russians Next Door,” The Post and Courier (Links: 1, 2)
Second Place
Cynthia Beasley and Maggie Brown, “Price of Pursuit,” WIS News 10
Third Place
Zak Koeske, “SC school district spent $200K on out-of-state trips, including 5-day tour of London,” The State (Links: 1, 2, 3, 4, behind a paywall)
2025
First Place
David Weissman, “CCU is hiding investigation of failed donor. Could FL college been spared embarrassment?,” (PDF) The Sun News
Second Place
Cynthia Beasley, “Columbia Municipal Court overcharged drivers more than $22,000 for blinker violations,” WIS News 10
Third Place
Zak Koeske, “They oversee SC charter schools. Why are Charter Institute’s leaders planning schools in TN?,” (PDF) The State