Best reporting in any medium on Latin America
AWARD YEAR: 2001
AWARD NAME: The Robert Spiers Benjamin Award 2001
RECIPIENT: John Otis
AFFILIATION: The Houston Chronicle
HONORED WORK: “Rebel Held”
One of several excellent entries on the civil war in Colombia, The Houston Chronicle’s special section was the jury’s choice because it described the FARC guerillas, their activities, their dealings with the narcotic smugglers, and their ideology (or lack of it). Otis wrote clearly and comprehensively about the history and background of the conflict, the life of the people, the rebel camps and the despeje, the rebels’ name for their autonomous zone. Otis’ reporting was enterprising, arduous, and involved great personal risk.
Citation for Excellence:
Scott Wilson
The Washington Post
“Colombia”