Columbia Scholastic Press Association names The Signal as one of the top collegiate digital newspapers in the nation

For the second year in a row, The Signal – the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s student-run newspaper – is one of three collegiate digital newspapers to be selected nationwide to be named a finalist for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s (CSPA) Crown Awards in the digital news and magazine category.

The honor marks the third time in the publication’s 44-year history this feat has been achieved. Previously, The Signal won the Silver Crown Award in 2016 and 2019.

“This is the third time in the past five years that The Signal has earned this recognition,” said Taleen Washington, director of student publications and senior lecturer in communication who serves as the faculty adviser for The Signal. “To say that I am proud of these students is an understatement.”

In March 2020, The Signal will receive either the Gold or Silver Crown Award, as all CSPA finalists are deemed winners. The publication is the only collegiate 2020 finalist from Texas.

“We are guaranteed at least a Silver Crown, once again naming us one of the top three digital college newspapers in the nation,” Washington said.

This year, the announcement was made on social media, which included a video of Executive Director of CSPA Edmund J. Sullivan explaining the selection process. Sullivan states in the video that there is no set quota, percentage or limit for Crown Awards.

“In announcing the award, Executive Director of CSPA Edmund J. Sullivan explained how Crown Awards differ from other journalistic competitions in which publications compete against each other for first, second and third place that helps explain just how hard it is to win one of these awards and, I think, helps to fully appreciate the significance of a small newspaper with a staff of 28-30 going up against journalism programs with newspaper staffs of up to 200 students and holding our own,” Washington said. “Basically, Sullivan explained that Crown Awards are discretionary; judges only give them when they believe they are deserved. Last year, no Gold Crown was awarded. The Signal was one of two newspapers who earned Silver Crown status.”

Manager of Student Publications Lindsay Humphrey said the student staff of The Signal continues to impress her.

“The Signal’s student staff members, and especially the editorial staff, consistently amaze me with their hard work and dedication to serving as the student voice on campus,” Humphrey said. “Receiving recognition – yet again – from CSPA speaks to the staff’s incredible talent. The Crown Award is another well-deserved accolade that underscores the quality journalism our students consistently produce for the campus community.”