Photos by Ryan Parker
The best in Arkansas print, broadcast, craft and communications were on hand July 25 for the annual Diamond Journalism Awards. The event, sponsored by the Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, was held at Next Level Events in Little Rock.
Dwain Hebda, AY Media Group editor-in-chief, brought home the evening’s top prize and the organization’s highest award, Diamond Journalist of the Year. It is his second time being so honored.
Hebda also won six other category awards including first place in Print/Online-Features, and Special Topics-Health. Hebda placed second in three divisions, including Special Topics-Business Writing; Print/Online-Profiles; and Print/Online-Features. He scored another win through his media services company, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths, placing first in the Special Topics-Environmental/Science category with a story that appeared in Do South magazine in Fort Smith.
AY Media Group staff brought home two additional special awards in Craft Achievement, including Copy Editor Sarah DeClerk who was named Outstanding Print/Online Editor. Heather Baker, AY Media Group president and publisher, was a finalist in the Outstanding Communications Professional division.
Mark Carter
Mark Carter, senior editor, captured two awards, including a win in Special Topics-Business Writing and third place in the same category. Staff Writer Doug Crise rounded out the company’s haul with a second-place finish in Sports Features.
Doug Crise
This year’s Diamond Journalism Awards, of which AY Media Group was presenting sponsor, welcomed 591 entries across more than 80 categories from professional and student journalists, freelancers and communications professionals. Entries were received from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, and showcased print, online, broadcast and student work that appeared during calendar year 2025.
Watch more from the Awards in the video below.
