Teen Publication, The Mash, Is Recognized at World Young Reader Awards

CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mash, a multi-platform publication for and by Chicago-area teenagers, has received recognition for "enduring excellence" during the annual World Young Reader Newspaper of the Year competition organized by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishing (WAN-IFRA).

The recognition is part of the WAN-IFRA's annual World Young Reader Prize competition honoring innovative newspapers that have devised the best project or activity to attract young readers.

After three full years in the market, "judges were particularly impressed by The Mash's dedication to its student editorial staff," the jury said. "Though professional journalists support the publication, they do not control its content," they continued. "This has resulted in an encouraging content package that has produced impressive work on serious topics affecting area teenagers."

The Mash has continued to grow its reach, with 75,000 copies of its print edition delivered free each Thursday to 205 Chicago-area High Schools. Contests and additional youth content on TheMash.com complement the print edition.

"We are honored to receive recognition from the WAN for our work with Chicagoland teenagers," says The Mash's Product Manager, Maggie Wartik. "As school journalism programs are slowly disappearing, we aim to give kids a voice and platform to articulate their unique teen perspective, while providing training by first class Chicago Tribune reporters and staff. And for those who don't work on our student staff, we simply want to get them reading by catering content to their teen interests."

Funded completely by the Chicago Tribune, The Mash pays student journalists to develop and produce appealing, age-appropriate content, available only on High School campuses.  The Mash returns to schools for its fourth year on Thursday, Sept. 8 and plans to broaden its student staff, distribution footprint and program offerings.  

"The Mash's approach, its local reach, and its support from the Chicago Tribune are all models for other newspapers to examine and emulate," the jury commented.

About the Chicago Tribune Media Group

Chicago Tribune Media Group is a media and business services company that publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune. CTMG also produces related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland like RedEye, Hoy, Chicago Magazine, TribLocal, The Mash, Naperville Magazine, chicagotribune.com, chicagonow.com and metromix.com. Reaching 4.8 million adults each week in the greater Chicago area, CTMG is the leading news and information destination in Chicagoland.

About the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishing

WAN-IFRA, based in Paris, France, and Darmstadt, Germany, with subsidiaries in Singapore, India, Spain, France and Sweden, is the global organization of the world's newspapers and news publishers. It represents more than 18,000 publications, 15,000 online sites and over 3,000 companies in more than 120 countries. Its core mission is to defend and promote press freedom, quality journalism and editorial integrity and the development of prosperous businesses.

SOURCE Chicago Tribune Media Group