Wise News Network Wins 12 NC Press Association Awards

Cary, NC (WNN) - Wise News Network attended the 2026 North Carolina Press Association Convention in Cary, North Carolina, where it received 12 awards. The 123rd Annual NCPA Convention was held at the Embassy Suites on Thursday, September 10th, 2026. Wise News Network won outstanding journalism awards for online news, photojournalism, social media, and advertising, including 4 First Place, 3 Second Place, and 5 Third Place awards. The NCPA Journalism Contest, with over 3,000 entries from over 100 media outlets, is one of the largest in the country and was judged by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.

 "I am very proud of our team and the quality product WNN produces. WNN produces fair and balanced reporting, resulting in an informed public, which is a much-needed transparent service. I want to thank the Wisconsin Newspaper Association for recognizing our team's hard work."

- Rusty Wise, WNN Owner/Editor

The Wise News Network team, headquartered in Cherryville, North Carolina, consists of Rusty Wise (Owner/Editor), Mason Beam (Journalist/Camera), Ashley Reep (Journalist/Camera), Roger Sigmon (Sports Journalist), and William Phillips (Advertising).

WNN Award List

WNN's First Place Awards From the NCPA Press Convention - Awarded September 10, 2026 - Photographed September 15, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

First Place Awards

• Sports Coverage (2025 American Legion World Series - WNN Staff)
• Photography, General News (After The Fire - Rusty Wise)
• Photography, Sports (Player Determination - Mason Beam)
• Photography, Sports Feature (Team High - Mason Beam)

WNN's Second Place Awards From the NCPA Press Convention - Awarded September 10, 2026 - Photographed September 15, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

Second Place Awards

• Sports Coverage (WNN Sports Coverage - WNN Staff)
• Use of Social Media (WNN Social Media - WNN Staff)
• Video (Keeping History On Track | The Story of Cherryville's Train Depot by Director Ashley Reep - WNN Staff)

WNN's Third Place Awards From the NCPA Press Convention - Awarded September 10, 2026 - Photographed September 15, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

Third Place Awards

• Photography, Spot (Car In Substation - Rusty Wise)
• Photography, Sports Feature (Are Players Safe - Rusty Wise)
• Multimedia Project (Miracle For Christmas: Crash Survivor Gage Brown - WNN Staff)
• Online Advertising (WNN - Mister Sparky Banner Ads - WNN Staff)
• Video (The Mountain River Remains | Swannanoa, NC by Director Rusty Wise - WNN Staff)

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North Carolina Press Association Member

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