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.
Organizations are welcome to submit print, web and/or broadcast entries as described above.
Photographer of the year — This award recognizes a photographer for consistently 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 news organization classes.
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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organizations may submit up to three editorial writers.
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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.
Spot 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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.
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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.
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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.
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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.
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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.
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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.
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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.
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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.
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. This award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three entries.
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 award will be presented in each of the two news organization 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 award will be presented in each of the two news organization classes. Each news organization may submit up to three candidates.
Sports Writing — This award recognizes outstanding writing on a sports-related topic, including sports news, a 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 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.
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 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 December of the contest year, may still be submitted. 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.