Newsday's Martin honored by NABJ

Newsday sports reporter Kimberley A. Martin has been named Emerging Journalist of the Year by NABJ, the National Association of Black Journalists.

"This is a prestigious national award, and everyone at Newsday is thrilled for Kimberley," Newsday sports editor Hank Winnicki said. "She's a terrific writer and reporter and has handled every challenge thrown her way. This honor is well-deserved."

Martin came to Newsday in November 2007 as a local sports reporter and became a general assignment sports reporter two years later. Besides writing touching features, her assignments have included spot coverage of the Jets, Giants, Knicks, Mets and Yankees.

Martin's award-winning story package included a story about the Jets' Brad Smith and the barriers he had to overcome, a Black History Month feature on hockey pioneer Graeme Townshend, coverage of George Steinbrenner's funeral, a game story on the streaking Connecticut women's basketball team and a news story about Sal Alosi, the Jets assistant who caused a stir by interfering with an opposing player from the sideline.

The award is given to a black print, broadcast or photojournalist with less than five years of experience in the industry.