Inaugural Award for Public Service Through Investigative Journalism

May 13, 2026

Richmond First Honors Investigative Journalist Samuel B. Parker

Richmond First was proud to present its inaugural Award for Public Service Through Investigative Journalism to Samuel B. Parker, City Politics Reporter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, during our May 13, 2026 meeting. Parker’s investigative reporting has helped bring greater transparency and accountability to Richmond City Hall. His persistent journalism has exposed issues involving taxpayer waste, cronyism, operational failures, and public service concerns despite frequent resistance from public officials.

"Strong local journalism remains essential to accountable government and informed citizens"

Event Attendees Pictured from left to right: Kelly Till, President – Virginia Region, Richmond Times-Dispatch; Rachel Land; Samuel B. Parker; Jim Jernigan, President of Richmond First; and Encarnacion Pyle, Executive Editor and Virginia State Editor, Richmond Times-Dispatch.