Orange Beach, Alabama – In a memorable evening at the Perdido Beach Resort’s banquet hall, Huntsville Magazine proudly accepted its inaugural media awards from the Alabama Press Association. The winners of the highly anticipated 2023 Alabama Press Association Media Awards were announced by Dee Ann Campbell, the chairperson of the AMA Contest Committee. With 16 publications submitting a total of 330 entries for the annual magazine contest, the judging was carried out by esteemed members of the North Carolina Press Association.
Huntsville Magazine, a first-year publication helmed by married couple Takara Swoopes and CJ Byrd, won six Alabama Press Association Media awards.
1st Place – Best Business Feature
Huntsville Magazine secured the top spot with “The Stars Align for Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater” by Erin Coggins. This article conveyed the remarkable journey of Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater.
1st Place – Best Individual Website
Huntsville Magazine’s website, huntsvillemagazine.com, designed by Takara Swoopes, claimed the first-place position. The website’s user-friendly interface, compelling content, and ease of navigation provide readers with an immersive online experience.
1st Place – Best Overall Design
The modern and bold design of Huntsville Magazine’s print publication secured the first-place award. Layout and design for Huntsville Magazine is by Takara Swoopes.
2nd Place – Best Personality Profile
Huntsville Magazine earned recognition for the piece “The Grammy Award-Winning Kelvin Wooten” by Cameron Cook, Takara Swoopes, and photos by Dokk Savage. This engaging personality profile offered readers an intimate glimpse into Kelvin Wooten’s life and celebrated accomplishments.
2nd Place – Best Single Photograph
The captivating photograph titled “Chef James Boyce Feels at Home at Cotton Row” by Dokk Savage won Huntsville Magazine the second-place award. The image artfully captured Chef James Boyce’s passion and comfort as he worked at his restaurant, Cotton Row in Huntsville, Alabama.
2nd Place – Magazine of the Year
Huntsville Magazine’s impressive debut year culminated in the second-place award for Magazine of the Year, affirming its dedication to excellence across all aspects of its publication.
“We are so honored to receive these esteemed awards from the Alabama Press Association,” expressed Takara Swoopes, Co-Publisher and Editor in Chief of Huntsville Magazine. “This recognition serves as a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication in producing engaging content, captivating visuals, and a memorable reading experience for our audience. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing readership in Huntsville for their continuous support and encouragement.”
Co-Publisher CJ Byrd added, “As a first-year publication, this recognition serves as a motivating milestone for us. We remain deeply committed to showcasing the beauty of our remarkable city, and we are truly honored to be acknowledged for the collective effort invested by our dedicated team.”
To view a full list of winner of the Alabama Press Associations Media Awards for Magazines, click here.
