Mary Beth Sheridan, left, and Kevin Sieff
Best newspaper, news service or digital interpretation of international affairs
AWARD DATE: 2020
AWARD NAME: The Bob Considine Award 2020
AWARD RECIPIENTS: Mary Beth Sheridan and Kevin Sieff
AWARD RECIPIENT AFFILIATION: The Washington Post
AWARD HONORED WORK: “Losing Control”
AWARD SPONSOR: William J. Holstein and Rita Sevell
The state capture of Mexico’s government by narcotraffickers could not be a more important story, but it is also one whose telling is fraught with danger. By uncovering the shocking truths of how pervasive corruption and violence has become in Mexico, the series epitomized great foreign correspondence: it tackled an important truth authorities have worked hard to hide and showed great bravery in exposing it. Importantly, the judges also felt the series was compellingly told, with each installment exposing a new horror in a clear narrative that kept readers glued to the end. Online, it was beautifully presented with innovative design elements and graphics that only enhanced the more traditional journalistic elements.
Links to the winning work:
As Mexico’s Security Deteriorates, the Power of the Military Grows
The Search for the Disappeared Points to Mexico’s Darkest Secrets
The Sniper Rifles Flowing to Mexican Cartels Show a Decade of U.S. Failure
With Its Leader in Jail, This City Cowered to His Will
Violent Criminal Groups Are Eroding Mexico’s Authority and Claiming More Territory
Citation for Excellence:
The New York Times Staff
“Behind the Curve”
Watch pre-recorded acceptance remarks via the window below: