The Southeast Missourian received eight awards in the annual competition sponsored by Local Media Association. The Southeast Missourian received the seventh most awards of any daily newspaper in the 2012 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 Graphic Artwork

* Best Coverage of Local Education/School District Issues

Second Place

* Best Headline, "Dredging up the past"

* Best Editorial Page Cartoon, "Urban deer hunting/elk introduced in Missouri"

* Best Sports Photo, "Improving Redhawks win home finale"

* Best Local Election Coverage

* Best Feature Series, "2011 Flood: A year later"

Third Place

* Best Sports Writing, "Transition Game"