Awards & Recognition

Matthew Bovee’s investigative reporting has been recognized by leading journalism organizations for its impact, accuracy, and public service.

John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism
2024
Career achievement award recognizing a body of work that has protected the public interest and strengthened democracy.
Gerald Loeb Award
2023
For "The Tax Increment Financing Scandal" — the most prestigious award in business journalism.
Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting (Finalist)
2021
For "The Ghost Lobbyists" — documentation of Nebraska's volunteer lobbyist loophole.
Heywood Broun Award
2020
For "Memory for Sale" — examination of therapists who enabled manufactured abuse allegations.
Worth Bingham Prize for Investigative Journalism
2019
For "False Fronts: The Private School Litigation Ecosystem."
National Magazine Award for Reporting (Finalist)
2018
For "The Settlement Machine" series.
Sigma Delta Chi Award for Investigative Reporting
2018
Society of Professional Journalists — For "The Settlement Machine."
George Polk Award for Legal Reporting
2017
Long Island University — For "The Settlement Machine."

Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE): Board Member, 2019-2022; Conference Instructor
Society of Professional Journalists: Member, Freedom of Information Committee
Nebraska Freedom of Information Coalition: Advisory Board
University of Nebraska–Lincoln: Adjunct Lecturer, “Advanced Investigative Methods” (2017-Present)
Camp La Junta: Board of Trustees; Risk Management Committee Chair

Beyond awards, this work has driven measurable change:

Arthur Harrington conviction (2019) — 8-year federal prison sentence for fraud
Three attorneys disbarred — directly from Settlement Machine reporting
Texas SB 322 (2019) — Enhanced verification requirements in institutional abuse litigation
Nebraska LB 441 (2020) — Similar verification reforms
Nebraska LB 727 (2023) — Most significant TIF reform legislation in two decades
Lincoln City Council President resignation (2022)
Federal tax fraud charges against Markham Properties LLC

Matthew regularly instructs at investigative journalism conferences and has lectured at:

Investigative Reporters & Editors Annual Conference (2020, 2021, 2022)
National Association of Science Writers Conference (2021)
Nebraska Press Association Annual Convention (2022, 2024)
University of Nebraska–Lincoln (Adjunct, “Advanced Investigative Methods,” 2017-Present)

Awards are verified through official organization announcements. For verification of any award, contact the respective organization.