This past June, Detroit’s weekly alternative received three awards from The Society of Professional Journalists. Metrotimes.com, the online version of the newspaper, won First Place in the New Media Website category. Features Editor Brian Smith won Third Place in the Criticism/Reviews category with his story on Detroit band The Sights, “Got What You Want.” Controversial columnist Jack Lessenberry rounded things out with a Second Place finish in the News Columns category.

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. The organization is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.