The awards are ours but the reward is you

We don’t do the work for awards at The Berkeley Independent. We do it for you — the readers who pick up our papers, visit our website and trust us to tell the stories that matter in Berkeley County. But when your newsroom brings home eight South Carolina Press Association awards, it’s a moment worth pausing for.

These honors — including first-place wins in photography and recognition for general excellence — reflect our journalists' deep dedication and incredible talent. Matt Bise’s storytelling and imagery continue to connect with readers across generations. Rob Gantt’s coverage of local sports is more than just stats and scores — it’s a celebration of our youth, our schools and the spirit of this community.



Photographers like Charlie Bryant capture moments that remind us why local journalism is not only relevant but essential. What makes me proudest, though, isn’t the number of awards — it’s what those awards represent: consistency, quality and heart. Our team shows up daily to shine a light on your stories, whether that’s a feature on a local hero, a hard-hitting investigative report or a snapshot of Friday night lights.

So, thank you. Thank you for reading, subscribing, sharing and believing in the value of community journalism. These awards are yours, too.

We're honored by the recognition — and even more excited for what comes next. We’re just getting started..