The Southeast Missourian received 16 awards in the annual contest sponsored by Local Media Association Editorial, formerly known as Suburban Newspapers of America. The Southeast Missourian received the second most awards of any daily newspaper in the 2011 competition, which recognizes editorial excellence in six circulation classes. The Local Media Association serves more than 2,000 member news organizations.

The Southeast Missourian received the following awards in its circulation class:

First place

Best Entertainment/Lifestyle Section, SELive

Best Sports Section

Best Continuing Coverage, "Cape Says Yes to Casino"

Best Feature, "Anguish & Hope: The Story of Resilient Mother Teresa Birk"

Best Local Election Coverage, "Cape Says Yes to Casino"

Best Arts & Entertainment Writing-Feature, Bout Ready

Second place

Best Coverage Local Business/Economic

Best Local Election Coverage, "Cape Votes on Smoking Ban"

Best Sports Writing, "Budget Decides Options"

Best News Photo, "Clearing Out"

Best Non-page One Layout

Best Young People's Coverage, neXt page

Third place

Best Sports Photo, "I Just Hate Quitting"

Best Front Page, Coverage of 2011 Birds Point levee breach

Honorable mention

Best News Photo, "Razed by Fire"

Best Investigative Reporting, County Salaries