SPJ’s Excellence in Journalism Competition
Recognizing the best work in journalism – print, online and broadcast
These awards honor the journalists whose work best reflects the SPJ ideals of initiative, integrity, talent and compassion. In addition to our regular categories, we are adding three new ones this year to reflect the ongoing evolution of the delivery of news and comment.
We also are seeking nominees for our five special Board of Directors Awards: Journalist of the Year, Career Achievement, Distinguished Service, Unsung Hero and Meritorious SPJ Service.
Stories must have been published between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009, by a news outlet or individuals based in Northern California.
DEADLINE: Entries must be postmarked or time-stamped by Aug. 7, 2009
QUESTIONS: Contact Lisa Chung at spj.excellenceinjournalism@gmail.com or 650-906-9181.
http://NorCalSPJ.wordpress.com/contest
CONTEST CATEGORIES:
NEW! SPECIAL CATEGORY: THE ECONOMY
Honors individuals, teams or news organizations for outstanding coverage of the economy/financial crisis and its effect on American businesses and citizens. All forms of journalism (breaking news, investigative, opinion, photography, etc.) in any medium are eligible.
Entry specifications: Submit up to three samples of work, which may include stories, columns, photographs, editorials, blogs, etc.
Categories: All media.
PUBLIC SERVICE
Honors individuals, teams, or news organizations that try to improve conditions for the benefit of society. Entries will be judged on the significance of the issues, evidence of initiative, effectiveness of presentation and results obtained or pledged.
Entry specifications: May include project articles, editorials, public service announcements, cartoons, photos, graphics and online material.
Categories: All media.
NEW! BLOGS
Honors originality, stylish writing, timeliness, unique perspective and accuracy. Awards will be based on a body of work that includes at least five samples, with extra value placed on the writer’s ablity to break news as well as analyze it.
Entry specifications: Submit up to five posts.
Categories: Online.
NEW! INNOVATION / ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Honors organizations that have demonstrated new and innovative ways to present news and information. Entries will be judged not only on content but on how well they use the tools of the new media – such as webcasts, comments, interactivity, etc. – in their reports.
Entry specifications: Submit up to three samples showing creative use of new media.
Categories: Online.
EXPLANATORY JOURNALISM
Honors journalists who increase readers/viewers understanding of significant or complex issues. Entries may add understanding to issues in the news or may focus on issues largely uncovered by the media.
Entry specifications: Submit one story or series of related stories.
Categories: Print Daily, Print Non-Daily, Broadcast, Online.
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Honors individuals or teams that identify important issues and demonstrate initiative, persistence and resourcefulness pursuing information that is restricted or not easily available.
Entry specifications: Submit one story or series of related stories.
Categories: Print Daily, Print Non-Daily, Broadcast, Online.
BREAKING NEWS
Honors journalists whose work demonstratesclear and accurate reporting and graceful writing on deadline. Judges will consider deadline pressure and complexity of subject.
Entry specifications: Submit up to three stories.
Categories: Print Daily, Print Non-Daily, Broadcast, Online.
FEATURE WRITING
Honors journalists for exceptional writing that demonstrates originality of approach.
Judges will consider the humor or drama evoked, style, clarity of the writing and the suitability of the writing to the subject.
Entry specifications: Submit story or series.
Categories: Print Daily, Print Non-Daily, Broadcast, Online.
OPINION
Honors individuals for exceptional writing of editorials and/or commentary. Entries may be unsigned editorials or bylined columns. Judges will consider originality of approach, clarity of writing and, in the case of an editorial, results obtained or pledged.
Entry specifications: Submit up to three samples.
Categories: All media.
CRITICISM
Honors journalists for incisive reviews of art, music, movies, theater, dance, books, restaurants, architecture or other public performance. Judges will consider quality of writing and persuasiveness of arguments.
Entry specifications: Submit up to three samples.
Categories: All media.
PHOTOJOURNALISM
Honors photojournalists whose work demonstrates exceptional skill in capturing defining moments. Judges will consider technical and aesthetic qualities.
Entry specifications: Submit up to three samples or a related series of photos.
Categories: All media.
OUTSTANDING EMERGING JOURNALIST
Honors a journalist with less than five years of professional experience whose work shows great promise.
Entry specifications: Submit resume and three samples of work.
Categories: All media.
NEW! STUDENT SPECIAL PROJECT
Honors individuals or classes of college-level students for exemplary reporting, writing, and/or photography produced by all forms of student media, including special projects that report local news no longer covered by professional media.
Entry specifications: Submit up to three samples.
Colleen Paretty
SF Bay Area AHCJ Chapter Chair
Bay.Area.AHCJ@gmail.com