As a panel of distinguished journalists judged the 545 entries in this year's Best of Cox awards, our country prepared for war in Iraq. We fretted right up to the last minute that some of the judges might cancel in order to tend to their own newspapers. None did.

But as the drumbeats of war grew louder outside, a peaceful quiet fell over the judging rooms inside. As the work of our newspaper men and women unfolded before them, the judges discovered the rhythm of newspapers that strive mightily to serve their communities, in ways big and small.

They honored Springfield News-Sun photographer Bill Lackey for the picture of a fire at a carpet store that made the viewer feel the heat and the danger surrounding the firefighter. They awarded The Dayton Daily News the public service prize for a detailed look at the unregulated growth of factory-like mega farms that long ago replaced family farms. "A comprehensive and exhaustive look at a little-noticed national issue that raises important questions," the judges said. "The paper created a national database of regulations for mega farming, a massive commitment of resources."

Each winning entry merits an accolade, but the work speaks louder than any words I might offer. Privately, the judges commended our newspapers for the quality and sophistication of their work. They said they learned things about Cox Newspapers that gave them a deeper respect and appreciation for our company. I felt proud.

But rare is the day that I'm not proud of our journalists.

Raman Narayanan, who won the Arnold Rosenfeld Editor of the Year award, has his own interesting tale to tell as an immigrant. But each week he and the staff of The Atlanta Journal Constitution's "Atlanta and the World" section explore the remarkable demographic changes sweeping metropolitan Atlanta and Georgia through the personal stories of so many others who have arrived in their new home. It's a style of journalism that longtime Cox Editor Arnold Rosenfeld preached and practiced. "Cover the big story," Arnold said, "but cover it in a way that people can understand. And the best way to do that is through the lives of others."

That's what the best of our journalism does — in war and in peace. It tells the stories of people and it makes a difference. And that's why we conduct this annual competition — to honor the men and women who honor us with their work.

Jay Smith
President
Cox Newspapers, Inc.