Best reporting in any medium on Latin America
AWARD DATE: 2010
AWARD NAME: The Robert Spiers Benjamin Award 2010
AWARD RECIPIENT: William Finnegan
AWARD RECIPIENT AFFILIATION: The New Yorker
AWARD HONORED WORK: “Silver or Lead”
Powerful reporting and writing that reveals the extent to which drug cartels have penetrated Mexican society, virtually conquering entire towns and regions. William Finnegan and The New Yorker provide an impressive and comprehensive account of La Familia’s rise to power in Michoacan state, at the same time illustrating and explaining the ruthless rivalries between the country’s gangs. Finnegan tackles a very dangerous story and delivers insightful and well-researched reporting that traces, for the first time, the philosophical roots of one of Mexico’s most vicious and bizarre drug cult groups.
Citation for Excellence:
Michael Smith and Alexander Ragir
Bloomberg Markets
“Latin American Law-Breaking by Big Banks”