News Summary
The Tennessean has achieved significant recognition at the 2025 Green Eyeshade Awards, winning three first-place honors. Keith Sharon’s podcast, ‘Murder on Music Row,’ and photojournalist Andrew Nelles’ environmental photography on Hurricane Helene were standout winners. The awards celebrate excellence in journalism across the Southeastern United States. The Tennessee Lookout also announced a partnership with ProPublica to enhance local investigative reporting. This recognition showcases the vital role of journalism in holding power accountable and providing critical information to the public.
Nashville, Tennessee – The Tennessean staff has achieved notable success, securing three first-place awards at the prestigious 2025 Green Eyeshade Awards. Recognizing journalism excellence across the Southeastern United States, these awards celebrate outstanding work produced in 2024 from various media outlets in a range of states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and more. The winners were announced on July 11, 2025.
Among the winners, Keith Sharon earned recognition in the podcast series category for his compelling work on “Murder on Music Row.” The podcast, which debuted in May 2024, probes into the mysterious 1989 death of Kevin Hughes, an incident that has become significant in the history of Music Row, one of America’s most iconic music streets. Sharon’s talent extended beyond audio storytelling; his accompanying eight-part written series also won first place in the feature series category, highlighting the depth and versatility of his reporting.
In addition to Sharon’s achievements, photojournalist Andrew Nelles of The Tennessean took home a first-place award for his environmental photography. His collection, which documents the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, emphasizes the significant effects the storm had on East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. This region was notably impacted by the hurricane’s aftermath, prompting critical coverage from multiple media outlets, including the Asheville Citizen-Times and the USA TODAY Network, which also received recognition for their reporting on the disaster.
The Green Eyeshade Awards are held annually, with this year marking the 75th occasion. They are sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists and draw countless entries from 11 southeastern states. These awards aim to honor the best in journalism, reflecting the evolving landscape of media and the critical role of investigative reporting and photography in society.
Furthermore, the Tennessee Lookout, in its second year of eligibility, has been selected by ProPublica to partner through its Local Reporting Network program. Starting October 1, 2024, reporter Adam Friedman will collaborate with ProPublica to work on an investigative series as part of their 50 State Initiative, aimed at boosting local journalism efforts across the country. This partnership is an acknowledgment of the Lookout’s growing influence since its launch in 2020 and reflects its commitment to enhancing coverage of state governance.
Prior to joining the Lookout, Friedman had an impressive track record, including stints at the Tennessean and the Jackson Sun, where he led an award-winning investigation into financial mismanagement. At the Lookout, Friedman was pivotal in a team that received accolades for their reporting on the Covenant School shooting. Additionally, the Lookout garnered a total of 15 awards including five first places at the Tennessee Press Association’s 84th annual awards presentation, with awards spanning categories like Best Investigative Reporting, Best Single Feature, and Best Feature Photography.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, these recognitions serve as a testament to the dedication and talent of journalists across Tennessee and the broader Southeast region. They highlight the critical role journalism plays in informing the public, fostering community engagement, and holding power accountable.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Craig Associates, PC Named Best Law Firm in Asheville
President Biden Honors Nashville Heroes and Veterans
Additional Resources
- The Tennessean – Green Eyeshade Awards
- Tennessee Lookout – ProPublica Partnership
- Daily Cartoonist – JD Crowe Wins Award
- PR Newswire – SPJ Green Eyeshade Awards
- Commercial Appeal – Green Eyeshade Awards
- Wikipedia: Journalism
- Google Search: News Reporting
- Google Scholar: Journalism
- Google News: Tennessee News
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
