Richard Simms Wins Top Outdoor Media Awards
Chattanooga journalist and NewsChannel 9 Outdoors earn honors from national and regional outdoor organizations.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Fishing
In 2026, Chattanooga journalist Richard Simms and NewsChannel 9 Outdoors received multiple prestigious awards from the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) and the Tennessee Outdoor Writers Association (TOWA). The honors celebrate excellence in both outdoor photography and professional journalism.
Why it matters
These awards highlight the caliber of local outdoor coverage reaching a broad audience. The recognition underscores the significance of regional reporting in documenting wildlife, hunting, and fishing experiences for enthusiasts across the country.
AGLOW represents 42 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces, while TOWA has been operating for 70 years. Richard Simms secured top honors for his work including 'Argentina at First Flight' and 'Sunrise Battle at Sea'.
The players
Richard Simms
A Chattanooga-based journalist and photographer known for his outdoor media contributions.
NewsChannel 9 Outdoors
A media entity based in Chattanooga that produces programming focused on local outdoor activities.
Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers
An organization representing outdoor communicators across 42 states and 4 Canadian provinces.
Tennessee Outdoor Writers Association
A group dedicated to fostering excellence in outdoor writing and photography that has been established for 70 years.
The details
Simms earned first place in Hunting Photography at the AGLOW conference in Lewiston, New York, along with several top-three placements from TOWA. His work, which included color and black-and-white wildlife photography, appeared across various news outlets and magazines.
Timeline
September 2025: Publication of the story From Doves to Ducks.
2026: Presentation of the TOWA Excellence in Craft Awards.
Culture Shift
The recognition at the TOWA Excellence in Craft Awards marks a high point for outdoor media professionals in the region. This success reflects a broader trend of local creators gaining national attention through specialized outdoor journalism and artistic photography.
Readers in Chattanooga can look for award-winning photography and reporting featured in local news outlets and outdoor magazines. These contributions offer residents a deeper look into the technical aspects of hunting and fishing captured by a recognized local expert.
The takeaway
Engaging with local outdoor media can enhance your understanding of regional wildlife and environmental storytelling. Aspiring outdoor journalists can look to these award-winning examples as a benchmark for developing their own photography and writing skills.
Further reading
Learn more about local angling and regional outdoor content in the Fishing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTVCFOX.
