Image Source: Hugo Rojo

Key Takeaways:

• Ken Sugiura, a sports columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, has been named the 2025 Georgia Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA).
• This is Sugiura’s second NSMA award, following his win in 2023, and the AJC’s fourth consecutive year being recognized.
• Other AJC journalists, Lauren Williams and Chad Bishop, were also named finalists for their outstanding sports journalism work.
• The NSMA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates excellence in sports media and supports educational opportunities for aspiring professionals.

Introduction to the Award
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is proud to announce that its sports columnist, Ken Sugiura, has been honored as the 2025 Georgia Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA). As stated by the AJC, "This marks Sugiura’s second NSMA award, following his win in 2023, and continues an impressive streak for the AJC—its fourth consecutive year being recognized." This achievement is a testament to the exceptional work of Sugiura and the AJC’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports journalism.

About Ken Sugiura’s Work
Ken Sugiura has been a part of the AJC team since 1998, covering a variety of sports beats. His recent work has engaged AJC readers, with pieces like "With prices hiked, some Braves season-ticket holders feel unvalued," "A question for Arthur Blank: Is this the best that the Falcons can do?" and "Would you believe the coach who recruited Kirby Smart also coached Brent Key?" These articles demonstrate Sugiura’s ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with his audience. As the AJC notes, Sugiura’s work has been recognized by the NSMA, a nonprofit organization that celebrates excellence in sports media.

The National Sports Media Association
The NSMA is a nonprofit organization that supports educational opportunities for aspiring professionals through networking, mentoring, and scholarship programs. The organization aims to celebrate excellence in sports media, and its awards recognize outstanding work in the field. As the AJC states, "The NSMA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates excellence in sports media and supports educational opportunities for aspiring professionals through networking, mentoring, and scholarship programs." The NSMA’s recognition of Sugiura’s work is a significant achievement, and it highlights the AJC’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports journalism.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Legacy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has been the South’s source for culture, community, and news for curious minds for over 157 years. Today, the AJC tells stories across platforms that empower its audience to understand and engage with their world. With a commitment to accuracy, accountability, and innovation, the AJC is building on its legacy to redefine what a local news brand can be. As the AJC notes, "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has been the South’s source for culture, community, and news for curious minds for over 157 years." The AJC’s legacy is built on its commitment to delivering high-quality journalism, and Sugiura’s award is a testament to this commitment.

Conclusion and Recognition
In conclusion, Ken Sugiura’s recognition as the 2025 Georgia Sportswriter of the Year is a significant achievement for the AJC and a testament to the exceptional work of its journalists. As the AJC states, "Congratulations to Ken, Lauren, and Chad for their exceptional contributions to sports journalism and for representing the AJC." The AJC’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports journalism is evident in the work of Sugiura and other journalists like Lauren Williams and Chad Bishop, who were also named finalists for their outstanding work. The NSMA’s recognition of the AJC’s journalists is a significant achievement, and it highlights the organization’s commitment to celebrating excellence in sports media.

https://www.ajc.com/about-us/2026/01/ken-sugiura-named-2025-georgia-sportswriter-of-the-year-by-the-national-sports-media-association/