Register sports journalists honored for investigative work

April 2, 2009 - Register journalists Scott M. Reid and Dan Albano placed fifth in the Associated Press Sports Editors' annual competition for their "Secret snapshots" investigation.

The investigative category is among the most competitive for the APSE competition, as newspapers of all circulation sizes are grouped together. All other awards are ranked within four circulation-based categories.

The "Secret snapshots" investigation exposed photographers who were taking pictures of unsuspecting high school water polo players in Orange County, and posting them on gay porn Web sites. Their work led to legislation introduced in the California Assembly to prevent minors from being exploited by photographers, as well as getting photos removed and putting the high school sports community on alert.

Reid and Albano produced a thorough, high-quality investigation in just a few days, given the urgency in telling this story.