Category: Awards

SDX Categories 2022

Print/Online/Wire

Deadline Reporting

— Single-issue circulation 40k+ or online only

— Single-issue circulation up to 40k

This award recognizes a reporter or team for deadline reporting of a single breaking news event. Entries must have been published in the issue that directly follows the event.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Include circulation in the cover letter. Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Non-Deadline Reporting

— Single-issue circulation 40k+ or online only

— Single-issue circulation up to 40k

This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline reporting of a single event or issue. Entry may be a single article or a series of no more than three articles.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Include circulation in the cover letter. Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Investigative Reporting

— Single-issue circulation 40k+ or online only

— Single-issue circulation up to 40k

This award recognizes a reporter or team for investigative reporting of a single event or issue. Entry may be a single article or a series of no more than three articles.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Include circulation in the cover letter. Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Feature Reporting

— Single-issue circulation 40k+ or online only

— Single-issue circulation up to 40k

This award recognizes a reporter or team for feature writing. Entry may be a personality profile, trend story, human interest story or any feature that is not a breaking news story.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Include circulation in the cover letter. Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Sports Reporting

This award recognizes a reporter or team for sports writing. Entries may be a single article or series of no more than three.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Include circulation in the cover letter. Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Editorial Writing

— Single-issue circulation 40k+ or online only

— Single-issue circulation up to 40k

This award recognizes an editorial writer or team of writers. Entry may be one editorial or a series of no more than three on a single subject. Judges will consider whether the conclusion is logical, fair and of general importance to the community.

Entrants should submit links to the editorials online or PDFs of the page on which the editorials appeared in print. The dates of publication should be visible. Word documents containing the editorials will not be accepted.

Include circulation in the cover letter. Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Washington Correspondence

This award recognizes a correspondent on assignment in Washington, D.C. Entry must consist of three different stories demonstrating insightful coverage of significant events or issues. All platforms, including broadcast, are eligible.

For print/online entries, entrants should submit a link to the online articles or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible. For video broadcast, entrants should upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred) or upload a file to the awards site. All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4. All audio-only files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format.

Foreign Correspondence

This award recognizes a correspondent or unified person team on assignment outside the U.S. Entry must consist of three different stories demonstrating insightful coverage of significant events or issues. All platforms, including broadcast, are eligible.

General Column Writing

— Single-issue circulation 40k+ or online only/non-daily publication

— Single-issue circulation up to 40k

Entry must consist of three different print and/or online columns.

Entrants should submit links to the columns online or PDFs of the page on which the columns appeared in print. The dates of publication should be visible. Word documents containing the columns will not be accepted.

Include circulation in the cover letter. Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Sports Column Writing

— Single-issue circulation 40k+ or online only/non-daily publication

— Single-issue circulation up to 40k

Entry must consist of three different print and/or online columns.

Include circulation in the cover letter. Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Public Service Journalism

This award recognizes a publication that renders public service through extensive coverage of an issue facing the community it serves. Entry may include a maximum of three articles.

Entries are limited to independent publications that have been issued regularly for more than one year and are supported by advertising, paid subscriptions or non-profit institutions.) Please provide this information in your cover letter.

Entrants should submit a link to the online articles or a PDF of the pages on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Public Service in Newsletter Journalism

This award recognizes a newsletter that renders outstanding public services through extensive coverage of an issue facing the community it serves.

Entry may be a single article/issue or a series of no more than three articles/issues. .

Entries are limited to independent newsletters that have been issued regularly for more than one year and are supported by advertising, paid subscriptions or non-profit institutions. Please provide this information in your cover letter.

Entrant should submit a PDF of the newsletter, or a link to the site where the newsletter is published online.

Magazine Writing

This award recognizes the work of a magazine writer or team. Entry may be a single article or a series of no more than three articles on the same subject. Investigative work should go in the Magazine Investigative Reporting category.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the magazine page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible. Word documents containing the article will not be accepted.

Magazine Investigative Reporting

This award is given to a magazine reporter or reporting team for investigative reporting. Entry may be a single article or a series of no more than three articles, including sidebars.

Spanish-language Print/Online News Reporting

This award recognizes a reporter or team for non-deadline reporting of a single event or issue. Entry may be a single article or a series of no more than three articles originally written and presented in Spanish.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Spanish-language Print/Online Feature Reporting

This award recognizes a reporter or team for feature writing. Entries may be personality profiles, trend stories, human interest stories or any feature that is not a breaking news story. Entries may be a single article or series of no more than three originally written and presented in Spanish.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Spanish-language Print/Online Investigative Reporting

This award recognizes a reporter or team for investigative reporting of a single event or issue. Entry may be a single article or a series of no more than three articles originally written and presented in Spanish.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Spanish-language Print/Online Opinion Writing

Entries must consist of three different opinion pieces originally written and presented in Spanish.

Art/Graphics/Multimedia

Breaking News Photography

— Single issue circulation up to 40k or affiliated website

— Single issue circulation 40k+ or affiliated website/online only

This award recognizes a photographer, either staff or freelance. Entry should be a single, compelling image of a breaking news event.

For photographs published in a newspaper or magazine or on an online news site.

Entrant should submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo appeared in print, or a link to the photo published on an online news site. The date of publication should be visible.

Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Feature Photography

— Single issue circulation up to 40k or affiliated website

— Single issue circulation 40k+ or affiliated website/online only

This award recognizes a photographer or team, either staff or freelance, for work featuring personality profiles, trends, human interest or any other feature that is not a breaking news story. Entry must be a single photo.

Entrant should submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo appeared in print, or a link to the photo published on an online news site. The date of publication should be visible.

Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Sports Photography

This award recognizes a photographer or team, either staff or freelance, for work featuring a sports event or sports figure. Entry must be a single photo. The photograph will be judged on technical excellence, newsworthiness and evidence that the photographer(s) exercised unusual diligence and ingenuity.

Entrant should submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo appeared in print, or a link to the photo published on an online news site. The date of publication should be visible.

Include circulation in the cover letter. Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Photo Essay/Slideshow

This award recognizes a photographer or team, either staff or freelance, for a collection of photos packaged together in a single piece.

The photograph will be judged on technical excellence, newsworthiness and evidence that the photographer(s) exercised unusual diligence and ingenuity.

Entrant should submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photos appeared in print, or a link to the photos published on an online news site. The date of publication should be visible.

Include circulation in the cover letter. Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Illustration

This award recognizes newspaper, magazine, newsletter or online news site graphic artist or team for artwork that does not include photographic elements.

Submit a single illustration.

Clarity, originality, impact and quality of execution will distinguish the work. Entry must be a single graphic. Work designed on computer or by hand is acceptable.

Entrant should submit a PDF of the marked newspaper/magazine page on which the illustration appeared in print, or a link to the graphic published on an online news site. The date of publication should be visible.

Editorial Cartooning

— Single issue circulation up to 40k or affiliated website/online only

— Single issue circulation 40k+ or affiliated website

This award recognizes an editorial cartoon published in a newspaper, magazine, newsletter or online news site. They will be judged on craftsmanship, interest, forcefulness, general worth and originality.

Entrants should submit PDFs of five different cartoons on marked newspaper/magazine pages, or links to the cartoons published on an online news site. The date of publication should be visible.

Animated online cartoons are acceptable but entry must include at least one static cartoon.

Use non-Sunday circulation number unless it’s a Sunday-only publication.

Informational Graphics/Data Visualization

This award recognizes newspaper, magazine, newsletter or online news site graphic artist or team for storytelling graphics and/or data visualization that bring important information to readers about an event, process or set of statistics. Clarity, originality, impact and quality of execution will distinguish the work.

A submission can include all data visualization and/or graphic elements that were featured in a single story or related series.

Entries will be judged on their newsworthiness, technical merit, originality, overall design and ability to communicate insightful information.

The entry may be dynamic (i.e., interactive) or static (i.e. intended for print). Static entries must be submitted in any of these formats: .jpg, .png, .gif, .svg , or .tiff. If the entry is dynamic (interactive) the entrant should provide a screenshot and hyperlink to the visualization. Max file size is 50 MB. Please be sure to include date of publication.

Entrant should submit a PDF of the marked newspaper/magazine page on which the graphic appeared in print, or a link to the graphic published on an online news site. The date of publication should be visible.

Specialized Journalism Site

This award recognizes a journalism website that focuses on a single topic. Judges will consider content, ingenuity, interactivity and use of multimedia tools.

Each entry should consist of one URL. If affiliated, site should have an independent domain name. Entries that do not provide a complete and accurate URL will be disqualified. Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2022.

Judging will take place February-April 2022. This category will be judged on content as presented during this time span.

Digital Video

This award recognizes a breaking news, feature or investigative report created for original online presentation. Entries must be no more than 15 minutes long and may be edited for length.

Entrant should upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred) or upload a video file to the awards site [50 MB file limit]. All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.

Immersion Journalism

This award recognizes immersive journalism, including 360 video, augmented reality or virtual reality. Judges will consider content, ingenuity and how the medium fits the story.

Entries should consist of one main URL or respective app. Entries that do not provide complete and accurate URLs will be disqualified. Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2022.

Audio

Radio Breaking News Reporting

This award recognizes resourceful and complete coverage of a major breaking news event, emphasizing both deadline reporting and continuing coverage as the story develops over succeeding days. Entries may include reports broadcast within 24 hours of the event. Maximum running time: 15 minutes. All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.

Radio Investigative Reporting

This award recognizes a reporter or team for investigative reporting of a single event or issue. Entries may be a single broadcast or a series of no more than five parts. Maximum running time: 15 minutes. This category is for short reports; documentaries have a separate category. All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.

Radio Feature Reporting

— Large Market (1-100 or Network Syndication)

— Small Market (101+)

This award recognizes a reporter or team for features. Entry may be personality profiles, trend stories, human-interest stories or any feature that is not breaking news. Entries may be a single broadcast or series of no more than three parts. Maximum running time: 10 minutes. All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.

Radio Sports Reporting

This award recognizes a reporter or team for sports stories. Entries may be a single broadcast or series of no more than three parts on the same subject. Maximum running time: 10 minutes. All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.

Public Service in Radio Journalism

— Large Market (1-100 or Network Syndication)

— Small Market (101+)

This award recognizes a radio news organization (station, network or group) that renders public service through extensive coverage of an issue facing the community it serves. Reporting may be conducted by one reporter or a team. Entry may be a single broadcast or a series of no more than three parts. Entry may be a single broadcast or a series of no more than 30 minutes. All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.

John C. Ensslin Awards for Podcast Excellence: Conversational Podcast

The conversational category is for podcasts that consist primarily of monologues, interviews or panel discussions. These usually are recorded in studio and make minimal use of field material.

Entries must be no more than 30 minutes long and may be edited for length. Entrants may submit up to two files, not to exceed 15 minutes each.

Entrant should upload the work to an online audio or video site and submit the URL (preferred) or upload the file(s) to the awards site [50 MB file limit]. Files must be in one of the following formats: .mp3, .wav, .aiff, .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.

Named in honor of SPJ’s 2011-12 president, who died Aug. 5, 2019. After decades as a newspaper reporter, he became a successful podcaster, embracing the new platform.

John C. Ensslin Awards for Podcast Excellence: Narrative Podcast (including Radio Documentary)

The narrative category is for podcasts that make use of audio material beyond studio-recorded monologues, interviews, and panels.

Entries must be no more than 30 minutes long and may be edited for length. Entrants may submit up to two files, not to exceed 15 minutes each.

Named in honor of SPJ’s 2011-12 president, who died Aug. 5, 2019. After decades as a newspaper reporter, he became a successful podcaster, embracing the new platform.[

Television

Television Breaking News Coverage

— Network/Syndication Service/Program Service

— All Markets

Each award recognizes resourceful and complete coverage of a major breaking news event, emphasizing both deadline reporting and continuing coverage as the story develops over succeeding days. Entries may include reports broadcast within 24 hours of the event. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.

Entrant should upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.

Spanish-language Television News Reporting

This award recognizes a reporter or team for television reporting of a single event or issue. Entry may be a single report or series of no more than three connected reports on the same topic originally broadcast in Spanish.

Maximum running time: 15 minutes.

Television Investigative Reporting

— Network/Syndication Service/Program Service

— All Markets

Each award recognizes a reporter or team for investigative reporting of a single event or issue. Entry may be a single broadcast or a series of no more than five connected parts. Maximum running time: 15 minutes. This category is for short reports; documentaries have a separate category.

Television Sports Reporting

This award recognizes a reporter or team for sports reporting. Entry may be a single broadcast or a series of no more than three connected parts. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.

Spanish-language Television Investigative Reporting

This award recognizes a reporter or team for television investigative reporting of a single event or issue. Entry may be a single piece or a series of no more than five connected pieces originally presented in Spanish.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the newspaper page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Television Feature Reporting

— Network/Syndication Service/Program Service

— Large-Market Station: 1-50 market

— Small-Market Station: 50+ market

Each award recognizes a reporter or team for features. Entry may be personality profiles, trend stories, human-interest stories or any feature that is not breaking news. Entry may be a single broadcast or series of no more than three parts. Maximum running time: 10 minutes.

Please note separate categories for Investigative Reporting, Public Service, Spanish-Language Feature Reporting, Inequalities in Society and Sports Reporting as well as all-platform categories for Science, Travel, Consumer/Retail Crime, Tech, Business/Finance, Regional Politics, Food/Restaurant, and Arts/Entertainment/Fashion reporting. Consider whether one of those would be more appropriate for your entry.

Spanish-language Television Feature Reporting

This award recognizes a reporter or team for a broadcast feature. Entries may be personality profiles, trend stories, human interest stories or any feature that is not a breaking news story. Entries must be a single piece originally presented in Spanish.

Maximum running time: 15 minutes.

Television Documentaries

— Network/Syndication Service/Program Service

— Large-Market Station: 1-50 market

— Small-Market Station: 50+ market

Each award recognizes reporters and production teams that dramatically show or analyze a news event, issue or feature in a single telecast. The telecast may be part of a documentary series but must stand alone in telling its story. Maximum running time: 60 minutes. Documentary series themselves may be considered in the Public Service category, if applicable.

Public Service in Television Journalism

— Network/Syndication Service/Program Service

— All Markets

Each award recognizes a television news organization that renders public service through extensive coverage of an issue facing the community it serves. Reporting may be conducted by one reporter or a team. Entry may be a single broadcast or a series of no more than 30 minutes. Commercially sponsored programs are ineligible unless produced and controlled by the news organization.

All Platforms

Arts/Entertainment/Fashion Journalism

This category recognizes outstanding work in focusing on arts, entertainment and/or fashion.

Submit one piece or series of no more than three pieces by a single writer.

Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published and may include but are not limited to personality/company profiles, trends, features and investigative reports. Critical/opinion pieces should be submitted to the new Cultural Criticism category.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Television Documentaries).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.

Business/Finance Reporting

This new category recognizes outstanding work focusing on business and/or finance.

Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published.

Submit one piece or series of no more than three pieces by a single writer or writing team on a single topic.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Feature Reporting).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.

Collaborative Journalism

This category is for two or more unrelated organizations in which at least one is a college, university or similar academic program that has contributed significantly. This award recognizes collaborative team reporting on a topic involving both professional and student reporting teams.

Entries must include one main URL and up to four additional URLS to highlight specific elements of the project. Entries that fail to provide active URLs will be disqualified. Entries will be judged on newsworthiness, originality, design, content, and clarity.

Consumer/Retail Reporting

This new category recognizes outstanding work focusing on consumer and retail stories.

Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published.

Submit one piece or series of no more than three pieces by a single writer on a single topic.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Feature Reporting).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified

Crime Reporting

This new category recognizes outstanding work focusing on crime.

Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published.

Submit one piece or series of no more than three pieces by a single writer on a single topic.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Feature Reporting).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 20 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 20-minute limit will be disqualified.

Cultural Criticism

This category recognizes outstanding critical writing on cultural matters. Submit 3-5 critical pieces in any format (television, print, online, audio) by a single writer. These can include but are not limited to commentary on music, theater, dance, television, gaming, architecture, visual art and literature. The opinion/viewpoint of the journalist should be clear.

Food or restaurant reviews should be submitted to the Food/Restaurant Journalism category instead of here.

A single entry may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering columns here, they cannot also be entered in the General Column Writing category).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.

Fact-Checking

This award recognizes excellence in fact-checking on a single subject on any platform. Work may be published in print or online; broadcast on TV or on radio; or shared by other means, such as in a podcast. An audio or video segment may be up to 10 minutes. An online entry should consist of a URL accessible until September 30, 2023. Entries will be judged on originality, significance, depth, sourcing, logic and clarity. Entries may not be submitted in any other category.

Food/Restaurant Journalism

This category recognizes outstanding work in focusing on food and restaurant stories. Submit one piece or series of no more than three by a single writer.

Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published and may include but are not limited to company profiles, trends, features and investigative reports. Critical pieces dealing with food and restaurants are welcome in this category.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in either of the Podcast categories).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.

Inequalities in Society

This category recognizes outstanding work about systemic racism and/or other examples of inequalities or bias about, but not limited to race, religion or gender identity. Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published.

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Television/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.

Entries will be judged from a variety of journalism organizations including, but not limited to: SPJ, NAHJ, NABJ, RTDNA, NAJA, AAJA, NLGJA, JAWS.

Obituaries

This new category recognizes outstanding work in obituaries and memorial stories.

Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published.

Submit up to three pieces. They do not have to be focused on the same person.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Feature Reporting).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.

Regional Political Reporting

This new category recognizes outstanding work focusing on regional politics.

Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published.

Submit one piece or series of no more than three pieces by a single writer on a single topic.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Feature Reporting).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.

Science/Environment/Climate Reporting

This category recognizes outstanding work in science, environmental and/or climate reporting. Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published but should not be an opinion piece.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Investigative Reporting).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.

Tech Reporting

This new category recognizes outstanding work focusing on technology.

Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published.

Submit one piece or series of no more than three pieces by a single writer on a single topic.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Feature Reporting).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.

Travel Journalism

This category recognizes outstanding work in focusing on travel, including destination reports, industry and trend pieces and personal travel accounts.

Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published.

Submit one piece or series of no more than three pieces by a single writer.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Feature Reporting).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.

Awards MOE-Category

MOE 2022 Categories

Print/Online

Breaking News Reporting

– Large School Division (10,000+ students)

– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)

Submit a story or stories written under a next-day deadline about a single breaking news event. Open to print or online pieces.

Entrants must submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the newspaper page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible.

General News Reporting

– Large School Division (10,000+ students)

– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)

Open to print or online pieces.

Submit an article or series about a single news event or issue, not written on next-day deadline. Limit a series to no more than three related stories.

Entrants must submit a link to the online article(s) or series; or PDFs of the newspaper pages on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible.

In-Depth Reporting

– Large School Division (10,000+ students)

– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)

Open to print or online pieces.

Submit a single article or series of no more than three related stories. Entries must use multiple sources to explore the subject in significant depth.

Entrants must submit a link to the online article(s) or series or PDFs of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible.

Feature Writing

– Large School Division (10,000+ students)

– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)

Open to print or online pieces.

Submit a single article or a series of no more than three related stories. Entries may be personality profiles, trend stories, human-interest stories or any other type of feature that is not general or breaking news.

Entrants must submit a link to the online article(s) or PDFs of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible.

Sports Writing

– Large School Division (10,000+ students)

– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)

Open to print or online pieces.

Submit one sports news or feature story about sports or a sports figure. (Do not enter columns here; columns must be entered in the Sports Column Writing category).

Entrants must submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the pages on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible.

Editorial/Opinion Writing

Open to print or online pieces.

Submit three individual pieces or packages dealing either seriously or humorously with opinion or commentary. Entries can be personal columns, op-ed pieces or staff editorials. All three pieces must be written by the same writer or writing team. If entries are from a writing team, the award will be made in the name of the team. Entries from print news sources may only be submitted to online categories if there is no print version of the newspaper or magazine.

Three columns = one entry. Upload all three columns as one entry. Do not submit columns separately.

Entrants must submit links to the online editorials or PDFs of the pages on which the editorials appeared. The dates of publication must be visible. Word documents containing the editorials will not be accepted.

Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2023.

General Column Writing

– Large School Division (10,000+ students)

– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)

Open to print or online pieces.

Submit three published columns by the same writer or writing team. Three columns = one entry. Upload all three columns as one entry. Do not submit columns separately.

Entrants must submit links to the online columns or PDFs of the pages on which the columns appeared in print. The dates of publication must be visible. Word documents containing the columns will not be accepted.

Sports Column Writing

Open to print or online pieces.

Submit three published columns by the same writer or writing team. Three columns = one entry. Upload all three columns as one entry. Do not submit columns separately.

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper

– Large School Division (10,000+ students)

– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)

Named for the Founder of The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Chronicle of Philanthropy, this award celebrates overall excellence in student publications. It includes a $5,000 prize, awarded to the school, for the national winner in each division. Submit three complete PDF issues or e-editions, even if those issues were not distributed in print. Links to websites will not be accepted in this category.

Best Student Magazine

Submit one complete issue published during the 2022 calendar year. Entries should include a cover letter making clear that design and layout were done primarily by students or professionals. Magazines submitted without this letter will be disqualified.

Award will be in the magazine’s name. Only one entry per magazine is permitted.

Best Affiliated Website

This award is for internet sites operated in conjunction with a student newspaper, student magazine or student broadcast station. Entrants must include a cover letter describing how the site’s content and mission differ from and enhance that of its affiliate. Judges will consider design, content, interactivity and use of multimedia tools. Award will be made in the paper, magazine or station’s name.

To qualify as an affiliated site, the site must be connected to a student news organization.

Entrants should include URL links to three specific pages (published in the 2022 calendar year) for the judges to consider.

Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2023.

Best Independent Online Student Publication

This award is for online publications and internet sites that produce primarily original content and operate independently of other student news organizations. Entrants must include a cover letter describing the site and how it serves its audience. Judges will consider design, content, interactivity and use of multimedia tools. Award will be made in the outlet’s name.

To qualify as an independent site, the site must have no connection with a student news organization.

Entrants must submit one main URL and up to three additional URLs (in the same domain) to highlight features.

Judging will take place February-April 2023. Websites will be judged on content as presented during this time span.

Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2023.

Art/Graphics/Multimedia

Breaking News Photography

For photographs published in a newspaper or magazine or on an online news site.

Submit one photo of a breaking news event.

For groups of photos, please enter in the Photo Essay/Slide Show category.

Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo appeared in print, or a link to the photo published on an online news site with published date noted in a cover letter. The date of publication must be visible.

General News Photography

Submit one photo of a news event, not covered on deadline.

For groups of photos, please enter in the Photo Essay/Slide Show category.

For photographs published in a newspaper or magazine or on an online news site. Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo appeared in print, or a link to the photo published on an online news site. The date of publication must be visible. If it is not, note the published date in a cover letter.

Feature Photography

Submit up to three photos that accompanied a single feature story.

If the story had more than three photos, indicated in a cover letter which three are to be considered.

For larger groups of photos, please enter in the Photo Essay/Slide Show category.

Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo appeared in print, or a link to the photo published on an online news site. The date of publication must be visible. If it is not, note the published date in a cover letter.

Photo Essay/Slideshow

This new award recognizes a photographer or team for a collection of photos packaged together in a single piece.

The photograph will be judged on technical excellence, newsworthiness and evidence that the photographer(s) exercised unusual diligence and ingenuity.

Entrant should submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photos appeared in print, or a link to the photos published on an online news site. The date of publication should be visible.

Illustration

This new award recognizes newspaper, magazine, newsletter or online news site graphic artist or team for artwork that does not include photographic elements.

Submit a single illustration.

Clarity, originality, impact and quality of execution will distinguish the work. Entry must be a single graphic. Work designed on computer or by hand is acceptable.

Photo Illustration

For photo illustrations published in a newspaper or magazine or on an online news site, submit a photo, or a short series of no more than five images that have been creatively manipulated. Entries may be staged, composite or otherwise manipulated, but must disclose that to the reader.

Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo illustration appeared in print, or a link to the illustration published on an online news site. The date of publication must be visible. If it is not, note the published date in a cover letter.

Sports Photography

Submit one photo of a sports event published in a newspaper or magazine or on an online news site.

Editorial Cartooning

This award recognizes cartoons published in a newspaper or magazine or on an online news site. Submit three different published cartoons commenting on issues of significance to the publication’s readers. All three cartoons must be by the same cartoonist.

Three cartoons = one entry. Upload all three cartoons as one entry. Do not submit cartoons separately.

Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the cartoon appeared in print, or a link to the illustration published on an online news site. The dates of publication must be visible. If it is not, note the published date in a cover letter.

Animated online cartoons are acceptable but entry must include at least one static cartoon.

Best Use of Multimedia

Submit ONE URL to a multimedia element on a new organization’s website. Multimedia includes — among other things — any piece of reporting that brings together various media, including text, audio, video and other interactive elements. Entrants must include a cover letter describing the piece and how it serves its audience. Judges will consider design, content, interactivity and complexity.

Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2023.

News Videography

Submit video of a breaking news event or general news story. This award celebrates the videography, not the reporting.

Entries may not exceed a total of 10 minutes and may be edited for length. Work must have been aired by a campus, public or commercial television station, online outlet, or franchised cable television system.

Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.

Feature Videography

Submit video of a feature story that may include (but is not limited to) personality profiles, consumer information, historical perspectives, trend stories or reviews of cultural events. This award celebrates the videography, not the reporting.

Sports Videography

Submit video of a sports story that may include (but is not limited to) a specific sports event, sports-related activity or personality profile, sidebar. Play-by-play of a sporting event is not eligible. This award celebrates the videography, not the reporting.

Data Visualization

This award recognizes a graphic artist or team for outstanding visual representation of data whether in print, online, or via a broadcast outlet

Submit all data visualization elements from a single story.

. Entries will be judged on their newsworthiness, technical merit, originality, overall design and ability to communicate insightful information.

The entry may be dynamic (i.e., interactive) or static (i.e. intended for print). Static entries must be submitted in any of these formats: JPG, GIF, PNG, SVG, PDF or TIFF. If the entry is dynamic (interactive) the entrant should provide a screenshot and hyperlink to the visualization. Max file size is 50 MB. Please be sure to include date of publication.

Audio

Radio News Reporting

Submit a story or series about a newsworthy event or development. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.

Entries may be edited for length. Work must have been aired by a campus, public or commercial radio station. Work aired on an online radio station is also eligible. Entrant must submit a link to the work online or upload an audio file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.

Radio Feature

Submit a story or series about a feature topic. Subjects may include, but are not limited to, personality profiles, sidebars, consumer information, historical perspectives, trend stories or reviews of cultural events. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.

Radio In-Depth Reporting

Submit a story or series about a topic explored in significant depth with multiple sources. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.

Radio Sports Reporting

Entries may be either a story or series about a sports topic. Subjects may include, but are not limited to, breaking news or features. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes. Play-by-play of a sporting event is not eligible.

Best All-Around Radio Newscast

Submit ONE newscast. The entry may not exceed 30 minutes. The newscast may be edited for length. Award will be made in the radio station’s name.

Podcast (Narrative)

Submit one podcast that constructs a narrative and is not exclusively conversational. Entries must be no more than 30 minutes long and may be edited for length. Entrants may submit up to two files, not to exceed 15 minutes each.

Podcast (Conversational)

Submit one podcast that primarily consists of conversation. Entries must be no more than 30 minutes long and may be edited for length. Entrants may submit up to two files, not to exceed 15 minutes each.

Broadcast

Television Breaking News Reporting

Submit a story or series about a breaking news event, aired within 24 hours of the event. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.

Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2023.

Television General News Reporting

Submit a story or series about a news event or issue, not prepared on a daily deadline. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.

Television Feature Reporting

Submit a story or series about a feature topic. Subjects may include, but are not limited to, personality profiles, sidebars, consumer information, historical perspectives or reviews of cultural events. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.

Television In-Depth Reporting

Submit a story or series about a topic or issue of public importance that is explored in significant depth with multiple sources. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.

Television Sports Reporting

Submit a story or series about a sports topic. Subjects may include, but are not limited to, breaking news or features. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes. Play-by-play of a sporting event is not eligible.

Best All-Around Television Newscast

Submit ONE newscast. The entry may be longer than 30 minutes, but please indicate which 30 minutes the judges will review. A newscast must be produced and aired at least once a week. Award will be made in the organization or television station’s name.

Transcripts are NOT required to be submitted with each entry, but a rundown of the newscast may be submitted (optional).

Uploading the entry: Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL or upload a video file to the awards site [50 MB file limit]. All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.

Best All-Around Television News Magazine

Submit ONE segment. It can be longer than 30 minutes, but please indicate which 30 minutes the judges will review. Postproduction editing is allowed. Award will be made in the television station or organization’s name.

Transcripts are NOT required to be submitted with each entry, but a rundown of the newscast may be submitted (optional).

Uploading the entry: Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL, or upload a video file to the awards site [50 MB file limit]. All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.

All Platforms

Arts/Fashion Journalism

This award is for feature or news pieces on the arts or fashion. No reviews, please. Arts or fashion reviews should be submitted to the Cultural Criticism category.

Submit a single piece or a series of no more than three stories.

For print or online stories, entrants must submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the newspaper page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible. Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2023.

Collaborative Journalism

This category is for two or more unrelated student academic institutions, including university or college journalism programs, that work together on a specific project on any platform(s).

There will be no regional awards. Entries will go directly to national competition.

Submit links to the project. Entries that fail to provide an active URL will be disqualified. Entries will be judged on newsworthiness, originality, design, content, and clarity.

(For projects in which the reporting/editing teams include anyone with current or past full-time professional journalism experience, please submit to the Sigma Delta Chi Awards contest.)

Cultural Criticism

This award is for critical pieces on cultural matters. Submit 3-5 pieces, whether print, online, audio or television broadcast by a single writer. These can include but are not limited to commentary on music, theater, dance, television, architecture, visual art, and literature. The opinions of the writer should be clear. All pieces do not have to be on a single subject or genre.

Food or restaurant reviews should be submitted to the new Food/Restaurant Journalism category instead of here.

Print entries must include a link to the online article or a PDF of the newspaper page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible. Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2023.

Food/Restaurant Journalism

This award is for features, news reporting, or critical pieces focused on food and/or restaurants. Submit one piece or a series.

Submit a single piece or a series of no more than three stories.

Immersion Journalism

This award recognizes immersive journalism, including 360 video, augmented reality or virtual reality. Judges will consider content, ingenuity and how the medium fits the story.

There will be no regional awards. Entries will go directly to national competition.

Entries should consist of one main URL or respective app. Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2023.

Investigative Reporting

This new, national-only award recognizes a reporter or team for investigative reporting of a single event or issue.

Print entry may be a single article or a series of no more than five articles on the same investigation.

Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.

Retail/Small Business Journalism

This new award is for features, news reporting, or critical pieces involving retail and small businesses.

Competition will be national only with all entries immediately going to national judging.

Submit a single piece or a series of no more than three related stories by a single writer or writing team.

Science/Environment Reporting

This new, national-only category recognizes outstanding work in science/environmental reporting. Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published but should not be an opinion piece.

There will be no regional awards. Entries will go directly to national competition.

A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Investigative Reporting).

1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission

2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.

Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.