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Chicago Tribune Wins Prestigious APSE Awards

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 17:00 GMT by Chicago Tribune
      Locales: Illinois, UNITED STATES

Chicago, IL - February 27, 2026 - The Chicago Tribune today proudly announced the winners of the prestigious 2026 Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) Awards, solidifying its continued commitment to recognizing and celebrating exceptional sports journalism. The annual awards honor the best in reporting, writing, photography, and visual design within the competitive realm of sports coverage, and this year's competition proved to be the most challenging yet.

The APSE Awards aren't simply about acknowledging skillful writing; they represent a commitment to journalistic integrity, in-depth storytelling, and a dedication to illuminating the human narratives within the world of sports. The rigorous selection process, overseen by a panel of industry experts, evaluated submissions from news organizations nationwide, meticulously assessing each entry against the highest standards of journalistic practice.

This year's awards ceremony took on added significance, reflecting a palpable shift in the way sports are covered. The surge in submissions - a record-breaking number according to APSE officials - underscored the growing dynamism and complexity of sports reporting. While traditional formats like game recaps and athlete profiles remain crucial, the winning entries demonstrated a clear embrace of data-driven analysis, investigative reporting, and a deeper exploration of the social and cultural impacts of athletics.

"We were incredibly impressed by the quality and diversity of the submissions this year," stated Eleanor Vance, managing editor of the Chicago Tribune and lead organizer of the APSE judging process. "It's clear that sports journalists are not only adapting to the evolving media landscape but are actively shaping it. We saw more long-form investigative pieces, nuanced analysis of athlete mental health, and coverage that extended beyond the scoreboard to address crucial social issues. This reflects a maturing of the field, and a deeper understanding of the responsibility that comes with covering sports in the 21st century."

Several trends emerged amongst the winning entries. A notable increase in multimedia storytelling - incorporating video, interactive graphics, and podcasts - highlighted the demand for engaging, immersive experiences. The use of data analytics to reveal previously hidden insights into player performance, team strategy, and the economic impact of sports was also prominent. And perhaps most importantly, the winners consistently demonstrated a commitment to giving voice to marginalized athletes and addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sports world.

One particularly impactful winning entry, from Sarah Chen of the Denver Post, detailed the systemic challenges faced by female athletes in securing equal funding and resources at the collegiate level. Chen's meticulous research and compelling interviews sparked a national conversation and led to tangible changes in funding allocations at several universities. Another winning piece, a photographic essay by Miguel Alvarez of the Miami Herald, captured the resilience and determination of adaptive athletes competing in the Paralympics, challenging preconceived notions about disability and athleticism.

The Chicago Tribune's continued hosting of the APSE Awards underscores its longstanding commitment to journalistic excellence and its role as a leading voice in sports media. The Tribune itself was recognized with multiple awards, including a first-place prize for its in-depth coverage of the Chicago Cubs' historic playoff run, led by veteran columnist Rick Telander.

The full list of winners, showcasing the outstanding work across all categories, is available on the Chicago Tribune website ([link to awards page]). Beyond the accolades, the APSE Awards serve as a vital platform for recognizing and inspiring the next generation of sports journalists, encouraging them to uphold the highest standards of reporting and storytelling in a rapidly changing world. As sports continue to evolve, so too must the journalism that covers it, and the 2026 APSE Award winners exemplify that commitment to innovation and integrity.