Colorado Press Association gives former Rocky Mountain News staffers one last shot at contest glory

Writers at the Denver Post had to figure they'd be walking away with the lion's share of honors at this year's Colorado Press Association awards. After all, the Rocky Mountain News, which tended to win more than its share of baubles in the large newspaper contest, regularly beating the Post...

By Michael Roberts

August 19, 2009

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Writers at the Denver Post had to figure they'd be walking away with the lion's share of honors at this year's Colorado Press Association awards. After all, the Rocky Mountain News, which tended to win more than its share of baubles in the large newspaper contest, regularly beating the Post and the Colorado Springs Gazette -- the only other competitor in the category -- closed up shop in February. But hold up. The CPA's Nancy Burkhart sent an e-mail to members in which she writes, "The Colorado Press Association Board of Directors has decided that, due to the abrupt closure of the Rocky Mountain News this year, former News staffers may enter the 2009 Colorado Press Association Newspaper Contest. News staffers will submit entries as individuals in Class 7 and will each be responsible for paying $7 per entry. Since we do not have contact with the former RMN staffers, would you please let your friends know about this? They can find the rules and entry forms on our website: www.coloradopressassociation.com under 'Contests.'"

A Post cakewalk? Maybe not.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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