NORTH LAKE TAHOE

Mountain Gazette has been nominated for a 2026 National Magazine Award from the American Society of Magazine Editors in the category of Feature Writing, the category widely regarded as the marquee award of the evening.

The nomination recognizes The Bear Suit, written by Owen Long and published in Mountain Gazette 203, the spring 2025 issue, in collaboration with Epic Magazine. Epic Magazine pitched the story to Mountain Gazette, whose editorial staff — Editor Mike Rogge, Managing Editor Doug Schnitzspahn, Art Director John Coleman, Editorial Coordinator Hannah Truby, and Copy Editor Kim Stravers — developed, edited, copy edited, fact-checked, sourced archival photography, and designed the feature exclusively for the 11-inch-by-17-inch print format.

The National Magazine Awards, often referred to as the “Ellies,” were established in 1966 by ASME to honor excellence in journalism published in U.S. magazines.

Feature Writing is considered the premier category of the awards. It recognizes narrative journalism at the highest level, work that demonstrates originality, reporting depth, literary craft, and cultural impact. To be nominated in this field places Mountain Gazette alongside some of the most influential editorial brands in American media.

“This nomination is an honor for our team and for independent publishing,” Rogge said. “Mountain Gazette is proudly independent. Our only shareholders are our readers. They allow us to be committed to fearless, long-form storytelling. To be recognized at this level affirms that independent magazines can compete and lead on the biggest stage in American journalism.”

~ Mountain Gazette blog