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For a distinguished example of general or spot news reporting within a newspaper's local area of circulation, preferably by an individual, giving consideration to alertness, resourcefulness and high quality of writing, One thousand dollars ($1,000).

San Diego (CA) Evening Tribune , by Staff

For its coverage of the collision of a Pacific Southwest air liner with a small plane over its city.

The Jury

Claude Sitton(Chair)

Editorial Director and Vice President, The News and Observer/Raleigh Times

H. Brandt Ayers

Editor and Publisher, Anniston (Ala.) Star

William A. Brower

Associate Editor, Toledo Blade

John B. Johnson, Jr.

Managing Editor, Watertown (N.Y.) Daily Times

Charlotte Saikowski

Chief Editorial Writer, The Christian Science Monitor

Winners in Local General or Spot News Reporting

Richard Whitt

For his coverage of a fire that took 164 lives at the Beverly Hills Supper Club at Southgate, Ky., and subsequent investigation of the lack of enforcement of state fire codes.

Gene Miller

For his persistent and courageous reporting over eight and one-half years that led to the exoneration and release of two men who had twice been tried for murder and wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death in Florida.

Staff

For its coverage, under enormous difficulties, of the tornado that wrecked the city on April 3, 1974.

1979 Prize Winners