AUSTIN, TX – Austin Chronicle arts editor Robert Faires was named one of the nation’s 12 most influential theatre critics by ‘America Theatre’ magazine. Faires has been covering all manner of arts in the Chronicle for the last 18 years and attributes the vibrancy of the Austin theatre scene to the draw of UT and Austin itself, “an oasis of liberal energy in a mostly conservative state.”

Austin Chronicle staff writer Jordan Smith has been selected to receive the 2012 Media Award from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP) in appreciation of her consistent, in-depth, and fair treatment of the death penalty and other criminal justice issues in the Austin Chronicle. TCADP singled out Smith’s coverage of the case of Larry Swearingen and her recent article, “Perry the Executioner,” which sheds light on Governor Perry’s role in the clemency process and his record on the death penalty.

“Both Robert and Jordan have long done extraordinary, crucial work at the Chronicle,” said managing editor Cindy Widner. “It’s difficult to imagine the Austin arts scene without Robert, and Jordan’s investigative skill and drive set a new bar for reporting in this town. What the recent recognition of their contributions makes clear is that what they’ve also had an impact that reaches far beyond Austin city limits.”

Smith will be on hand to accept her award at the 2012 TCADP Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX on February 18.

You can read more about Faires’ achievement and the other 11 influential theatre critics here.