Led by reporters Edward Smith and David Taub, GV Wire took home five awards from the California News Publishers Association contest for reporting done in 2023.

“I’m proud of the entire team for again being recognized by CNPA for our outstanding coverage of local news and issues,” said GV Wire Vice President Bill McEwen. “Every day, our reporters, editors, videographers, and graphic artists give their best for our readers and the entire Valley community.”

Smith finished second in coverage of local government in Division 5 for his report on the hidden hazards of the illegal biolab in Reedley. He also received a fifth-place award in youth and education coverage for his stories on the Measure E sales tax to benefit Fresno State which later was rejected for a second time by voters.

“A splendid 4-part series that shows how a failed sales tax measure exposed inequity in the college system,” wrote a judge.

Taub placed third in the in-depth reporting category for his story breaking the news that Bitwise was showing signs of serious financial distress.

Wrote the judge: “The unraveling of Bitwise is a business story that gripped the Central Valley. But before they shut down, GV Wire reported on the red flags in what has now become a prescient piece that signaled what was to come.”

Taub also received a fifth-place award in local government coverage for a story exposing City Hall’s covert bailout of privately operated Granite Park in east-central Fresno.

Nancy Price, who has been at the forefront of covering PG&E’s soaring rate hikes, took third place in business and economy coverage for her story on the California Public Utilities Commission.

See all the winners at this link.