The Press Club of Cleveland is proud to present the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism in Ohio, an award launched in 2025 in partnership with the A-Mark Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to supporting journalism that uncovers the truth and holds power accountable.
This prize is part of the All-Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards and recognizes exceptional investigative reporting with a strong Ohio connection. Thanks to the generosity of the A-Mark Foundation, the prize comes with $15,000 in total cash awards for journalists and their news organizations:
- 1st Place: $5,000 for the journalist(s) + $2,500 for the publishing outlet
- 2nd Place: $3,000 for the journalist(s) + $1,500 for the publishing outlet
- 3rd Place: $2,000 for the journalist(s) + $1,000 for the publishing outlet
2026 Winners
First Place – FALLOUT, CONTAMINATION, CANCER & DEATH
Duane Pohlman
WKRC-TV
“In a very strong field, this work stood out for the depth of its reporting on a
community often overlooked.” – Judges’ comment”
Laura Bischoff, Stephanie Warsmith
The Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository
Second Place – vicious: an investigation into how ohio laws fail thousands of dog attack victims
“Strong reporting with vivid writing made this an impactful series.” – Judges’ comments
Max Filby, Danae King, Samantha Hendrikson, Samantha Madar
The Columbus Dispatch
THIRD PLACE – INVISIBLE KILLER
“This series provided potentially life-saving information that would not have
otherwise been uncovered.” – Judges’ comments
About the A-Mark Foundation
Founded in 1997, the A-Mark Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to advancing investigative journalism through grants and partnerships. The A-Mark Prizes program operates in states across the U.S., rewarding impactful reporting that informs the public and fosters accountability.
Learn more about the A-Mark Foundation at amarkfoundation.org.
