Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Chapter
Founded in 1921
The Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Chapter (SPJ Detroit) awards the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism. The Prize rewards excellent reporting and investigative journalism in the state of Michigan. The contest is seeking ambitious, well-researched reporting that may expose a wrong, hold powerful individuals accountable, or explore a complex problem, issue or subject. Entries are judged on the quality, depth and relevance of their research and reporting, along with the impact the reporting has had or potentially may have. Submissions are accepted from all news platforms, including print publications, broadcast, digital, and social media.
A-Mark Prize Recipients
2026
First Place
Ross Jones, Randy Lundquist, Johnny Sartin, Ronnie Love, and Tim Kochenderfer, “Unprotected,” WXYZ-TV
Second Place
Robin Erb and Simon Schuster, “Abuse rampant in Michigan nursing homes,” Bridge Michigan
Third Place
Honorable Mentions
Chad Livengood, “Insurer accused of taking vehicles, then denying claims,” The Detroit News (PDF)
Rose White, Matthew Miller, and Margaret Kates, “Paraquat: Lethal and Legal,” MLive
2025
First Place
Beth LeBlanc, “The unraveling of a $20 million earmark,” The Detroit News (Links: 1, 2, 3, 4; behind a paywall)
Second Place
John Wisely, Darcie Moran, and Robin Chan, “Where secrets go to die: The disappearance of Derrick Henagan,” Detroit Free Press (Link)
Third Place
Aaron Mondry and Cydni Elledge, “The speculators of Detroit,” Outlier Media