MSJ writers honored by peers

The Tennessee Press Association held its annual awards ceremony Saturday in Memphis, and Main Street Journal writers were well represented. 

The TPA recognizes the best in Tennessee journalism each June in a wide range of categories. The 2025 TPA awards were presented to top entries from newspapers across the state from Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024. 

The Main Street Journal’s Jeffery Simmons, Seth Wright and Rob Nunley each earned top-five state awards in various categories for their work at the Southern Standard prior to Paxton Media’s purchase of the newspaper on March 10, 2025, and the subsequent launch by Main Street Media of the Main Street Journal.

Their wins came in Group II for non-daily papers with a city population of 7,500 - 24,999. A total of 1,113 entries were submitted by 71 newspapers in this year’s contest, which was judged by members of the Arkansas Press Association.

For the second consecutive year, Simmons won first in the state in sports coverage. Simmons also took first in personal column for a touching piece about the death of his grandmother and second place in sports writing.

“As my mom said when I told her about winning for my column about Big Mama, ‘It makes me happy and sad at the same time,’” Simmons said. “At the end of the day, I think the biggest thing that award - and the sports ones - reveal is we have stories to tell in Warren County. Seth, Rob and I take a lot of pride in telling them.” 

Also for the second consecutive year, Seth Wright placed first in makeup and appearance for his newspaper design. Wright also placed first in headline writing and second in business coverage as well as third in news photograph.

“As someone who originally entered the newspaper business as a graphic designer, it’s always special to be recognized for my design work and it‘s even more special receiving this award in back-to-back years,” Wright said. “It’s also gratifying to know my sometimes groan-inducing headlines are appreciated. And it is nice to get a top-three finish for the third year in a row for my business coverage. I am happy to be able to continue that coverage as Biz Beat for the Journal.”

Nunley, who joined the Standard staff in June of 2024 meaning he only had six months of content to enter, placed third in personal column, fifth in personal humor column and fifth in news photograph.

“It’s always great to be recognized for the hard work you do, but it’s even more special when that recognition comes from your peers,” Nunley said. “While it is odd to receive awards for our work at a news entity we no longer work for, we are proud of these honors and hope to continue providing award-winning content to MSJ readers moving forward.”