Elon News Network shines at National College Media Convention, securing two Pacemaker Awards

Elon’s student newspaper, The Pendulum, also captured first place in the Liberty Awards for the best election print edition in collegiate journalism.

Elon News Network earned exceptional recognition at the National College Media Convention on Nov. 2, capturing multiple national awards including two Pacemaker awards — considered the preeminent award for student media. Elon’s student newspaper, The Pendulum, also won first place in the Liberty Awards for the best election print edition in collegiate journalism.

Pendulum Voting Guide Cover
Pictured is the cover of The Pendulum’s 2024 Voter Guide, which was published on Oct. 9, 2024. The publication was honored by the Society of Professional Journalists with a Liberty Award, which celebrates the best printed election previews distributed by campus newspapers ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election.

The Pendulum was one of 21 student newspapers earning the Newspaper Pacemaker award from the Associated Collegiate Press for its work during the 2023-2024 academic year. ACP noted that, “In addition to demonstrating excellence in key areas including coverage, writing, editing, design and photography, the winning newspapers took risks and served as a strong voice for the student audience.”

ENN as a whole was also one of only 11 student media organizations to earn the Multiplatform Pacemaker, which also recognized work done during the 2023-2024 academic year. “While ACP continues to award Pacemakers for individual platforms, it is increasingly important for judges to review how print, online, email newsletters, social media and audio/video all come together to serve readers,” the organization wrote.

In addition, ENN staff members earned individual recognition in seven different categories. A full list of award winners is available on ACP’s website. Below is a list of the Elon winners.

Elon winners

1st Place – Best Election Print Edition / The Pendulum / Oct. 9, 2024, edition

Winner – Multiplatform Pacemaker / Elon News Network

Winner – Newspaper Pacemaker / The Pendulum / Oct. 25, 2023Feb. 7, 2024, and Feb. 28, 2024, editions

3rd Place – Multimedia News Story / Sophie Rosenthal / Alamance-Burlington schools grapple with financial strain after summer mold crisis

4th Place – Multimedia News Story / Naomi Washington / Elon University faculty struggle to navigate new NC By Train schedule

Honorable Mention – Multimedia Feature Story / Jenna Manderioli / Tiny House, Big Impact: Leading in Sustainable Living

2nd Place – Breaking News Story / Abigail Hobbs / Faculty member killed in shooting at UNC Chapel Hill

Honorable Mention – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Reporting / Naomi Washington / ‘You’re creating Black history’

4th Place – Informational Graphic / Erin Martin and Sarah T. Moore / Elon’s Black History

Honorable Mention – Broadcast Sports Story / Mason Willett / High School Athlete Tackles Challenges on and off the Field