SYRACUSE — The Buffalo News has been recognized as the state’s Newspaper of Distinction for 2009 by the New York State Associated Press Association.

The News was judged the best newspaper for the year in the state’s largest circulation category: more than 125,000. It was honored, according to the citation, for “exemplifying the best traditions of journalistic initiative and quality news judgment, reporting, writing, news photos, graphics and presentation.”

The annual NYSAPA judging is one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions for daily newspapers in the state.

“It’s a wonderful honor and a reflection of the talent of our 160-member newsroom staff and of their dedication to serving the readers of Western New York,” News Editor and Vice President Margaret M. Sullivan said of the Newspaper of Distinction honor.

The News also was presented a special citation for outstanding service by an AP member for its coverage of the Feb. 12 crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in Clarence Center, where 50 people were killed, and for providing the AP with on-cycle reports and photos from the crash and its aftermath.

The Daily Messenger of Canandaigua, Gazette Newspapers of Schenectady and the Post-Standard of Syracuse were given the Newspaper of Distinction honor in smaller circulation categories.

The Newspaper of Distinction awards were presented at the annual NYSAPA meeting in Syracuse on Wednesday.

This year’s competition was judged by panels of journalists from out of state.