Lexington, Kentucky, January 29, 2026
The Lexington Herald-Leader has been awarded 27 press awards, honoring its outstanding contributions to journalism. The accolades were presented at the Kentucky Press Association’s Annual Convention, showcasing the newspaper’s dedication to quality reporting and community service. Highlights include multiple first, second, and third-place awards, along with a Certificate of Merit, celebrating the achievements of its journalists, including the recognition of West Carter graduates.
Lexington Herald-Leader Earns 27 Press Awards for Excellence in Journalism
Lexington, Kentucky – The Lexington Herald-Leader has been honored with 27 press awards, recognizing its outstanding contributions to journalism. These accolades were presented at the Kentucky Press Association’s 2025 Annual Convention and Awards banquet, highlighting the newspaper’s commitment to quality reporting and community service.
Details of the Awards
The Herald-Leader’s achievements include:
- First Place Awards: Three awards for excellence in various categories.
- Second Place Awards: Three awards acknowledging significant contributions in multiple areas.
- Third Place Awards: Three awards recognizing notable work across different sectors.
- Certificate of Merit: An additional honor for exceptional performance in a specific category.
Notable Achievements
Among the awardees, three West Carter graduates were recognized for their work with the Kentucky Lantern, Ashland Daily Independent, and Lexington Herald-Leader. Specifically, McKenna Horsley of the Kentucky Lantern secured a second-place win in the Best General News Story category for her coverage of public access to legislative sessions in Frankfort.
Background on the Lexington Herald-Leader
The Lexington Herald-Leader, based in Lexington, Kentucky, has a rich history of journalistic excellence. Established in 1983 through the merger of the Lexington Herald and the Lexington Leader, the newspaper has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting and the 1992 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing.
About the Kentucky Press Association
The Kentucky Press Association is a professional organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of Kentucky’s newspapers. Its annual convention and awards banquet serve to honor outstanding achievements in journalism across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Kentucky Press Association?
- The Kentucky Press Association is a professional organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of Kentucky’s newspapers. Its annual convention and awards banquet honor outstanding achievements in journalism across the state.
- What awards did the Lexington Herald-Leader receive?
- The Lexington Herald-Leader received 27 press awards, including three first-place awards, three second-place awards, three third-place awards, and a certificate of merit, recognizing excellence in various categories.
- Who is McKenna Horsley?
- McKenna Horsley is a journalist with the Kentucky Lantern who secured a second-place win in the Best General News Story category for her coverage of public access to legislative sessions in Frankfort.
- What is the history of the Lexington Herald-Leader?
- The Lexington Herald-Leader was established in 1983 through the merger of the Lexington Herald and the Lexington Leader. It has a rich history of journalistic excellence, including the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting and the 1992 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing.
| Award Category | Recipient | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Place Awards | Lexington Herald-Leader | Three awards for excellence in various categories. |
| Second Place Awards | Lexington Herald-Leader | Three awards acknowledging significant contributions in multiple areas. |
| Third Place Awards | Lexington Herald-Leader | Three awards recognizing notable work across different sectors. |
| Certificate of Merit | Lexington Herald-Leader | An additional honor for exceptional performance in a specific category. |
| Best General News Story | McKenna Horsley | Second-place award for coverage of public access to legislative sessions in Frankfort. |
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