Reporter Jesse Bedayn and video journalist Thomas Peipert spent five days in Lexington, Nebraska, to report on the devastating impact of Tyson Beef’s decision to close its meatpacking plant — a move that would eliminate roughly one-third of the town’s jobs.
Earning the trust of wary residents was no small feat. Many workers at the plant spoke only Spanish and were fearful that speaking to journalists might jeopardize future job prospects or provoke retaliation. Through patient, on-the-ground reporting and relationship building, Bedayn and Peipert connected with community leaders, who helped identify workers willing to share their stories. A local priest helped translate, and Bedayn later worked with colleagues to translate interview recordings into English.
The result was a moving, richly reported package edited by Mary Sedor, with video and photo storytelling from Peipert that gave readers an intimate view of the fear, uncertainty and grief surrounding the plant’s closure. The response was immediate: readers said they were brought to tears; some even reached out with job offers for those affected.
Contest judges praised the work for its vivid, empathetic storytelling and for capturing the very real stakes of a small American town grappling with economic upheaval.
For sensitive reporting that took readers into the lives of Americans facing wrenching job loss and uncertainty, Bedayn and Peipert are this week’s Best of AP – First Winner.
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