SFCC's student-run newspaper finalist for national award.
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Spokane Colleges has announced that The Communicator, the student-run newspaper from Spokane Falls Community College, has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 Associated College Press Pacemaker Award. The Communicator is one of 49 newspapers selected nationwide.
Aug. 27, 2025
MINNEAPOLIS — Student newspapers and newsmagazines from 49 colleges and universities have been recognized as Pacemaker finalists by the Associated College Press.
Pacemaker winners will be announced at the Fall National College Media Convention at the ACP Awards Ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Grand Hyatt Washington.
“The Pacemaker is the association’s preeminent award,” executive director Laura Widmer said. “ACP is honored to recognize the best of the best.”
The 49 newspaper/newsmagazine finalists represent 21 states and the District of Columbia. California set the pace with nine finalists followed by Texas with seven.
Three print issues produced during the 2024-25 school year were submitted for consideration. Two teams of three judges studied every entry, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. At least two of the three judges agreed on whether a newspaper/newspaper was eliminated or would be named a finalist or winner.
Of the 49 finalists, 17 will earn the Pacemaker award.
Newspapers from four-year schools competed against schools with similar enrollment. Newspapers from two-year schools, of all enrollments, competed in a separate category.
Nine newspapers/newsmagazines published by two-year schools are among the 49 finalists. Of those nine, four will earn Pacemaker honors.
It is exciting to see how these colleges and universities are refining their print products in today’s college media ecosystem,” associate director Gary Lundgren said. “It is definitely a transitional time for the college student newspaper.”
In all, 90 newspapers/newsmagazines entered the Pacemaker competition in 2025 compared to 88 in 2024.
In addition to demonstrating excellence in key areas including coverage, writing, editing, design and photography, the winning newspapers took risks and served as a strong voice for the student audience.
In this competition, only the print product was judged. Online sites compete in a separate Pacemaker competition.
