TribBlog: Trib a Finalist for 2 Online Awards

I'm pleased to report that the Trib was named a finalist this morning for two Online Journalism Awards — truly a top honor in our little slice of the media biz. The awards, which honor "innovation and excellence in digital storytelling and distribution," are handed out each year by the Online News Association and the University of Miami.

In the category of General Excellence in Online Journalism/Small Site, the Trib is a finalist alongside two our nonprofit brothers-in-arms, ProPublica and Voice of San Diego. And in the Outstanding Use of Digital Technologies/Professional category, the Trib was cited for the amazing data applications produced by reporter Matt Stiles and aided by director of technology Niran Babalola; other finalists include The New York Times, the Las Vegas Sun and CNN.

Of course we're honored, humbled, etc., and we surely consider our not-yet-11-month-old selves to be wicked underdogs. But the recognition, especially given our relative newbie status, is a form of validation that we absolutely appreciate. And who knows? Stiles could pull an out-of-nowhere upset when the awards are given out on Oct. 30: He could be the digital Marisa Tomei of 2010...