Edit Just Like One of the Neighbors: Lorien Nettleton's Magic Valley Reporting

Idaho Press Club – Reporter of the Year Endorsement Letter

Nominee: Lorien Nettleton

To the Idaho Press Club Awards Committee,

I am pleased to nominate Lorien Nettleton for Reporter of the Year. Covering the entire Magic Valley — from Twin Falls to Rupert, Kimberly to Jerome — Lorien brings curiosity, adaptability, and a sense of fun to his work that sets him apart.

With roots in print journalism, Lorien has embraced the challenge of building his broadcast storytelling skills, making tremendous strides in the past year. His pieces are now richly visual, grounded in strong narrative arcs, and centered on the voices of real people in the communities he covers. This evolution reflects his commitment not just to doing his job well, but to constantly learning and pushing himself as a journalist.

Lorien’s work this year has given the Magic Valley thoughtful, accessible coverage on a wide range of topics. He’s covered several high-profile poaching cases that drew significant traction to our station’s website from Idaho and beyond. His reporting on technology advances in the agricultural industry shows how innovation is reshaping a sector that is central to the region’s identity and economy. His coverage of career and technical programs for students also explores the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they plan for life after graduation.

Through it all, Lorien infuses his workdays with humor and positivity. He’s the colleague who can lighten the room while delivering on tight deadlines — someone who supports his team while producing consistently strong journalism. His presence, although mostly via Zoom, builds camaraderie in the newsroom, and his stories build understanding in the community.

In a vast and diverse coverage area, Lorien Nettleton has made the Magic Valley feel both seen and connected. His skill growth, creativity, and commitment to telling meaningful, people-centered stories make him a clear choice for Reporter of the Year.

Sincerely,

Karen Lehr

Executive Reporter

Idaho News 6

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Edit Just Like One of the Neighbors: Lorien Nettleton's Magic Valley Reporting