Contest Deadline: Midnight, Saturday, March 28, 2026

Contest Period: January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025

All entries must be entered online at www.newspapercontest.com/Contests/NewHampshirePressAssociation.aspx

Eligibility:

All New Hampshire Press Association regular members in good standing may submit entries. All entries must be original from your organization, written by organization staff members. Freelance members are allowed to submit entries provided their work is not included in any other submission and they have permission of the authorizing association member. Associate members (such as quarterly and specialty publications) are not eligible to participate in the contest.

Entrant Classes:

Class 1 – Large news organizations – editorial staff of five or more. (Paying dues of $225) Class 2 – Small news organizations – editorial staff of four or less. (Paying dues of $75)

Fees: Excellence awards: $35, All other awards, Class 1: $12, Class 2: $10

Awards will be given in first, second, and third places. Judges have discretion to determine the number of winners, if any, in each category. Class 1 and 1 entries may be combine if there are insufficient entries in a category.

News organizations will be notified in which categories they are finalists in May. An in-person awards banquet will be held in June with personalized plaques presented to the first-place winners and certificates to the second and third place winners.

Disqualifications:

An entry will be disqualified if the entry is not within the required date as indicated in the rules, payment is not made prior to the judging or the specific rules as outlined in each class are not followed. Organizations will NOT be notified of entry disqualifications and will not receive a refund of the entry fee.

Once the contest has been judged, an award may be revoked if it becomes known that the entry was submitted in an incorrect division or altered since the original publication date. Entries must be submitted exactly as they were published.

Entering the contest gives the New Hampshire Press Association permission to publish the entries in print and online.

Any situation arising that is not covered by these rules will be settled by the judges. The decision of the judges is final.

Excellence Awards

• First Amendment Award — This award honors leadership on First Amendment issues. The award is presented to newsrooms or companies from all media for reporting, editorials, commentary and/or legal challenges that illuminate or uphold the First Amendment values or educate the public about the importance of free speech in a democratic society. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entries must consist of no more than five supporting assets — news stories, editorials, columns, photographs, graphics, multimedia and cartoons. Entries must include a cover letter of no more than 500 words describing the project and its results. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content. This is a single award combining both classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Journalist of the year — Awarded to the journalist from any medium — broadcast, print or online — who consistently produces outstanding news, analysis and/or commentary. This category honors a single journalist whose exceptional abilities, integrity and distinctive work brought honor to the profession within the past year. This award highlights a journalist who has produced a distinguished body of local work with exemplary depth, scope and significance. Entries must consist of no more than five supporting assets — news stories, editorials, columns, photographs, graphics, multimedia and cartoons. Entries must include a supporting cover letter of no more than 500 words written by the journalist’s supervisor. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content. This is a single award combining both classes. Each news organization may submit up to three candidates.

• Photographer of the year — This award recognizes a photographer for outstanding photography throughout the contest year. Judges will look for the best overall images emphasizing composition and news value as well as interest and impact of the subject matter. Breadth of subject matter will be an important consideration as well. The entry should consist of no more than six page .pdfs that show the date of publication. Individual .jpg image copies of the entered photos may be submitted to support the entry. No single file can be larger than 100mb. This is a single award combining both classes. Each news organization may submit up to three candidates.

• Columnist of the Year — This award recognizes outstanding writing by a regularly scheduled non- sports columnist. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entry should consist of three columns. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content. This is a single award combining both classes. Each news organization may submit up to three candidates.

• Rookie of the year — This award recognizes a reporter/editor with fewer than 12 months of professional experience for outstanding achievement. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entry may be a series of no more than five articles/reports. Entries may include a cover letter of no more than 500 words describing the editor’s/reporter’s accomplishments. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as documents, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content. This is a single award combining both classes. Each news organization may submit up to three candidates.

• Dennis Joos Memorial Award — This award honors a New Hampshire journalist who makes a unique personal sacrifice in pursuit of covering an event or issue of significance to his or her readers, viewers or listeners. The award recognizes an effort that separates itself from normal journalistic endeavors. Dennis Joos was the editor of the Colebrook News & Sentinel. He was one of four people shot and killed by Carl Drega on Aug. 19, 1997. Joos tried to disarm Drega, who was later shot and killed by police. Entries must consist of no more than five supporting assets — news stories, editorials, columns, photographs, graphics, multimedia and cartoons. Entries must include a supporting cover letter of no more than 500 words written by the journalist’s supervisor explaining the extraordinary circumstances justifying this award. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content. This is a single award combining both classes. Each news organization may submit one candidate.

• Lifetime achievement Award — This award honors reporters and editors for a career of distinguished contributions to New Hampshire journalism. This award is the most prestigious of all awards presented by the NHPA. It is an acknowledgment of superior achievement in an entire career that sets recipients apart from other New Hampshire journalists. Through their body of work, winners will have advanced the pursuit of improving New Hampshire journalism and established a recognized resume of achievement. Entries must consist of no more than 10 supporting assets. These should include work examples and testimonials. Entries must also consist of a cover letter of no more than 500 words explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio, and video files, or submitted as links to online content. This is a single award combining both classes. Each news organization may submit one candidate. Judges may pick more than one recipient.

• Community Service Award — This award recognizes journalism that performs a public service through compelling coverage of a vital community issue or event, either by an individual member or by members who collaborated on a community service project. Entries should be above and beyond routine coverage and should contribute substantially to understanding or solution of community issues. Entrants will also be judged to what extent they furthered the welfare and progress of their communities. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entries must consist of no more than five supporting assets — news stories, editorials, columns, photographs, graphics, multimedia and cartoons. Entries must also include a cover letter of no more than 500 words describing the project and its results. Supporting documentation can be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• General Excellence – This award recognizes excellence in all aspects of journalism. Organizations that publish print editions should submit one edition from the month of March; one edition from the month of September; and one edition of choice, along with a website URL and username/password if needed. Broadcast organizations must submit complete newscasts or news-related shows or a combination of newscasts and a special report. One from the month of March; one from the month of September; and one newscast or news-related show of choice. They may be uploaded as mp3 or wav files provided no single file is larger than 100mb or supplied as links to online files. This award will be presented in each of the two news classes. Each news organization may submit one entry.

News, Sports and Design Awards

The following awards will be presented in each of the two news organization classes.

Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Editorial writing — Awarded to an individual for editorial writing on local subjects based on the quality of writing and clarity of thought. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entries must consist of three editorials submitted as pdf files or links and include the writer’s name and publication. The pdf versions of the editorial pages where the editorials appear can be submitted individually or combined in a single document.

• General news story — This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline reporting of a single event or issue. Entry may be a single report or series of reports. Judging will be based on community-wide importance, thoroughness of research and quality of writing. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entries must consist of no more than five supporting submissions — news stories, editorials, columns, photographs, graphics, multimedia and cartoons. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as documents, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content.

• Breaking news story — This award recognizes a reporter or team for deadline reporting of a single event or issue. Judges consider interest, thoroughness, clarity of writing and impact of visual elements and presentation. Additional criteria include local appeal, thoroughness of news reporting considering time constraints, clarity and quality of writing. This category is intended for news stories for which advance planning is unlikely. It excludes government meeting coverage. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entry may be a single report or a series of no more than five reports published over no more than 24 hours. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as documents, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content.

• Investigative story/series — This award recognizes a reporter or team for in-depth, investigative reporting of an issue of importance to readers/viewers. An entry may be a single story, a one-day package, a series or multi-day sequence. Judges will consider clarity of presentation, quality of writing, scope of the news topic, significance of the subject matter, depth and quality of research, and potential for civic change. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entries must consist of no more than five supporting submissions — news stories, editorials, photographs, graphics, multimedia, and cartoons. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files or submitted as links to online content.

• Crime/Court Reporting — This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline reporting of an event or issue specifically related to crime and/or the judicial system. Judges will consider the quality of writing and reporting, as well as the importance of the topic. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entry may be a single article/report or a series of no more than five articles/reports. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content.

• Health Reporting — This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline reporting of a health event or issue. Judges will consider the quality of writing and reporting, as well as the importance of the topic. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entry may be a single article/report or a series of no more than five articles/reports. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content.

• Environmental Reporting – This award recognizes a reporter or team for deadline or non-deadline reporting of an environmental issue, such as climate change, hazardous waste and water quality. Judges will consider the quality of writing and reporting, as well as topic selection. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entry may be a single article/report or a series of no more than five articles/reports. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content. This award will be presented in each of two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Feature Story — This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline feature reporting of an event, issue, or personality. Judges will consider the quality of writing and reporting excellence, as well as general interest and entertainment value. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entry should be a single article. Sidebars may also be submitted. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content.

• Business Reporting — This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline reporting of a business, financial or economic event or issue with emphasis on clarity and relevance for the non- business reader. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entry may be a single article/report or a series of no more than five articles/reports. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content.

1. Arts & Entertainment Reporting –This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline reporting of an entertainment or arts event or issue with an emphasis on clarity and relevance for those beyond the entertainment community. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entry may be a single article/report or a series of no more than five articles/reports. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content.

• Government Reporting — This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline reporting on state or local government news or issues. Judges will consider how well entries educate the public about governmental operations that affect public policy outcomes and impact communities. Entries will be judged on general excellence, depth of reporting, quality of storytelling and resourcefulness. Entry may be a single article/report or a series of no more than five articles/reports. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content.

• Political Reporting — This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline reporting on local and state elections, including the campaigns or issues significantly influencing those elections. Judges will consider how well entries educate the public about the candidates seeking public office or clarify issues. Entries will be judged on general excellence, depth of reporting, quality of storytelling and resourcefulness. Entry may be a single article/report or a series of no more than five articles/reports. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content.

1. Education Reporting — This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline reporting on education news or issues. Judges will consider how well entries inform the public about proposed policy changes and clarify the impacts. Entries will be judged on general excellence, depth of reporting, quality of storytelling and resourcefulness. Entry may be a single article/report or a series of no more than five articles/reports. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio and video files, or submitted as links to online content.

• Sports Writing — This award recognizes outstanding writing on sports-related topic, including sports news, game story, feature story or column. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Supporting documentation may be uploaded as a document, image, audio nd video files, or submitted as links to online content. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Sports Photo – This award recognizes excellence in sports photography. Entries may include non- deadline photo of a single sports event, personality, or issue; or a deadline photo taken at a game or single sports event. Content may be published in any combination of print, online, social media or broadcast. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• General News Photo — This award recognizes a photographer for a non-deadline photo of a single news event or issue. Judges will look for the best overall image emphasizing composition and news value. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or social media. The entry should consist of a single image uploaded as part of a page .pdf that clearly shows the date of publication or a link to its online publication. Individual .jpg image copies of the entered photos may be submitted to support the entry. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Spot News Photo — This award recognizes a photographer for a deadline photo of a single news event. Judges will look for the best overall image emphasizing composition and news value. Content may be published in any combination of print, online, social media or broadcast. The entry should consist of a single image uploaded as part of a page .pdf that clearly shows the date of publication or a link to its online publication. Individual .jpg image copies of the entered photos may be submitted to support the entry. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Feature Photo — This award recognizes a photographer for a non-deadline feature photo of a single news event or issue. Judges will look for the best overall image emphasizing composition and emotional impact. Content may be published in any combination of print, online, social media or broadcast. The entries should consist of a single image uploaded as part of a page .pdf that clearly shows the date of publication or a link to its online publication. Individual .jpg image copies of the entered photos may be submitted to support the entry. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Individual photographers may submit up to three entries.

• Photo essay — This award recognizes a photographer(s) for a non-deadline series of published photos of a single news event or issue. Judges will look for the best overall images emphasizing composition and news value as well as interest and impact of the subject matter. Photos may be taken by one or more photographers. The entry should consist of multiple images uploaded as part of a page pdf that clearly shows the date of publication. Individual .jpg image copies of the entered photos may be submitted to support the entry. Entries may include a cover letter of no more than 500 words describing the photo. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Graphic/Cartoon/Illustration — This award recognizes the best creativity and execution in the design and use of a graphic, cartoon or illustration. This should be a pre-planned photograph or of a combination of graphic-design elements that enhance a story or featured group of stories. Entries may include hand- drawn, computer-drawn or electronically manipulated photographic images published during the contest year. Content can be published in any combination of print, online, social media or broadcast. The entry should consist of an image(s) uploaded as a .pdf file showing the graphic/cartoon/illustration in context and date of publication; or a link to the graphic/cartoon/illustrations online use. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Best Design – This award recognizes excellent design in print. Entries may include a single front page, magazine cover, feature page, sports page or special section cover. Judges will look for excellence in layout, design and typography as well as content and news interest. Pages should demonstrate strong eye appeal and stimulate reader interest. Entry should consist of a single cover or page from throughout the contest year, uploaded as a .pdf file. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Best Use of Audio or Podcast — This award recognizes the outstanding use of podcasts or other forms of audio associated with news, sports, features, or commentary. Entries will be judged for content value, originality, audio editing, sound design and effective storytelling. Entries may include a cover letter of no more than 500 words describing how the coverage was organized and carried out. Entries should be submitted as a single audio file no larger than 100mbs or as a link to online content. A limited series podcast that has not concluded by Dec. 31, 2020, may still be submitted for this year’s contest. Entries for a recurring podcast should consist of no more than three podcast editions submitted as individual audio files no larger than 100mbs or as links to online content. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Best Use of Video — This award recognizes the outstanding use of video in news, sports, features or commentary. Entries will be judged for content value, originality, video editing, audio editing, sound design and effective storytelling. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Entries may include a cover letter of no more than 500 words describing how the coverage was organized and carried out. Entries should be submitted as a single video file no larger than 100mbs or as a link to online content. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.

• Best Use of Social Media — This award recognizes outstanding use of social media platforms to assist in reporting a story, extend a story’s reach to a wider audience, and/or promote the overall mission of the news organization. Content may be published in any combination of print, online or broadcast. Up to five supporting documents/files may be uploaded or supplied as links. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.