For the second year in a row, the Bowen Island Undercurrent has been named best community newspaper in its circulation category by the British Columbia and Yukon Newspaper Association (BCYNA). The BCYNA judge said, "The Undercurrent starts with an attractive, newsy front page that draws readers inside. With a high quality of writing and the best photography in this category, the content is supported by attractive lay-out, design and ads. A good read that appears to have a strong connection with its community."
The BCYNCA represents over 120 members in B.C. and the Yukon and this year marks the 90th year of the BCYCNA celebrating excellence among its members by hosting the Ma Murray Community Newspaper Awards.
The Ma Murray gold award in Newspaper Excellence is one of five awards that the Undercurrent's staff has picked up this year.
In the Local Media Association (formerly Suburban Newspapers of America) editorial contest, the Undercurrent won four prizes in its circulation class. The editorial contest is the Local Media Association's most popular contest of the year and draws thousands of entries from members across North America. Former Undercurrent editor Martha Perkins won first place for best coverage of local business and economic issues for her article Too Scared To Drive. She also took home second place for best sports writing for her piece In Search Of Sockeye With Dan Vasiga. Editor Susanne Martin won first place for best coverage of aging issues and seniors for You Lose A Person Bit By Bit. And the Undercurrent was selected for third place in the category for best editorial page.
