The Patriot Ledger

The New England Associated Press News Executives Association awarded The Patriot Ledger first place for its coverage of the Rebecca Riley case.

The newspaper garnered first place for newspapers of circulations of 30,000 to 59,999 for its continuing coverage in the series called "Everyone Failed Rebecca." Named specifically for the win were reporters Julie Jette, Sue Reinert, Lane Lambert, Kristen Walsh and Eleni Himaras.

The judges commented: "Powerful look behind the circumstances that led to the death of a 4-year-old girl. Stories not only looked at her troubled family life, but also how the system failed her, raising questions about the treatment of bipolar disorder and the poswsible overuse of medication."