2021
EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM CONTEST
CALL FOR ENTRIES
The Greater Cincinnati Pro Chapter
of the Society of Professional Journalists
is looking for the most outstanding work appearing
in print, online and on-air during 2020
in Southwestern Ohio (Cincinnati & Dayton markets),
Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana.
DEADLINE EXTENDED:
MARCH 22, 2021
All entries for the 2020 Greater Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter Excellence In Journalism contest will be submitted online using a web-based program through Better Newspaper Contest (BNC).
http://betternewspapercontest.com
Greater Cincinnati SPJ Excellence In Journalism
Note: BNC is optimized to use the Google Chrome browser and Firefox for PC and MacIntosh/Apple. Please use recent versions to make entering easier.
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER
1) Log on to “betternewspapercontest.com"
2) Click "Open Call Login" at the top of the page
3) Look for "Create Your Open Call Account Here" and fill out the requested information, then press "submit"
4) A validation email will be sent to you that you will need to click the link in to validate your account
5) After validating your account, log into your account via the “Open Call Login” page and navigate to the “My Contests” page
6) Look for the “Greater Cincinnati SPJ Excellence In Journalism” contest in the “Available Contests” section & check the box next to the contest name
7) Navigate to “Manage Entries” page - click "Submit Entry " on left side
8) Select appropriate category by number
9) Read the category note describing what is expected of each entry
10) In box labeled “Who should be credited for this entry” enter the names of those responsible for the entry and click “submit." You can enter three names, but anything above that enter "staff"
11) To upload digital files and attachments, follow the instructions indicated
12) To add web/audio/video content, copy and paste the content’s URL address into the provided website URL field. Note -- there is a 20MB limit on file size. Here are examples of free streaming content websites where you can upload audio and video content:
--AUDIO – www.kiwi6.com or www.tindeck.com
--VIDEO – www.youtube.com or www.vimeo.com
For more detailed instructions go to www.betterbncsupport.com
IMPORTANT!
1) Make sure ALL entry content can be accessed through June 30, 2021.
2) It’s preferred that entries not be password protected or behind a paywall.
However, they must be used provide username/password information in the COMMENTS section of your entry. Please test the login from computers outside your office to make sure the login works.
If your website requires a subscription after a certain number of entries, please provide a login that will allow judges to view all submissions. If work samples that are not accessible, the entry will be disqualified.
If you have questions about entries or problems completing them, contact:
Tom McKee – tmckee9@yahoo.com – (513) 608-1782
or
Click on “Help & Support” atop of the BNC website
SPJ Members
$25.00 for each entry
Non-Members
$35.00 for each entry
Paying through Pay-Pal
· When all entries are submitted, log onto your account
· Navigate to the “Manage Entries” page
· Click “Calculate Entry Fees”
· Follow the instructions on the screen to pay for the entries
Paying by check
Make them payable to:
Greater Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter
Send to:
Tom McKee
Greater Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter
6774 Euclid Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45243
To become an SPJ member, sign up at “spj.org” and be sure to designate the
Greater Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter as the chapter you want to join.
There are no local dues for chapter membership.
The annual national membership dues are $75.00 and can be paid in one sum or monthly installments.
Judging for the 2021 Excellence In Journalism contest will be done by members of the Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
THE EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARDS CELEBRATION
AND
THE GREATER CINCINNATI JOURNALISM HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
WILL BE HELD EITHER ONLINE OR IN-PERSON IN JUNE, 2021
ENTRY CATEGORIES
Entries can be made in one or more of four categories:
ALL-MEDIA: includes the four most significant awards the chapter presents
for work done in any medium in 2020.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: covers articles appearing in a newspaper, in a magazine, in a blog or posted online during 2020.
BROADCAST COMMUNICATION: includes stories that were broadcast on a television station, radio station or appeared online during 2020.
BEST OF SHOW: includes outstanding work in print, online and broadcast outlets.
ALL MEDIA AWARDS
ENTRY CODE 100 -- GERALD WHITE MEMORIAL AWARD
This is the most prestigious award presented by the Greater Cincinnati Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). It’s named in memory of longtime Cincinnati Enquirer investigative reporter Gerald White. The award is presented to an individual or team for excellence in investigative reporting in any medium.
Entries will be judged on enterprise, depth of research and overall presentation. The entry must include a one-page summary of the circumstances that prompted the story, the hurdles overcome in completing production and the impact generated by the story.
101 -- CAMILLA WARRICK AWARD
This award honors journalists in any medium who use their professional role to make an impact on people in the community. It's named for the late Cincinnati Enquirer and Post reporter and columnist Camilla Warrick.
Entries can be the work of an individual or team and must include a written statement that details the public service value of the project and the overall impact of the work.
102 -- FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD
A free press is essential in a democracy and this award honors an individual journalist or group of journalists in any medium going to extraordinary lengths to protect the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
The award recognizes excellence as journalists face constant challenges from governments, corporations or individuals trying to interrupt the free flow of information. Please include a letter stating the background of the story and how challenges faced in completing it were overcome.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
103 – BEST NEWS STORY
Outstanding coverage of a single news event by an individual or team.
104 – BEST FEATURE STORY
Reporting that goes beyond traditional journalism to capture the human spirit.
105 – BEST BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE
Outstanding example of covering an unanticipated story.
106 – BEST TEAM COVERAGE
Excellence by a team in covering multiple angles of a single story. Up to 10 stories can be part of the entry .
107 – BEST CRISIS COVERAGE
Clear and calm reporting of a news story in an extraordinary setting. Up to six story segments can be submitted.
108 – BEST SOCIAL/CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING
Reporting that tracks cases from law enforcement through the courts. Up to six story segments can be entered. Up to six segments can be submitted.
109 – BEST MINORITY ISSUES REPORTING
Excellence in reporting on solutions for people living in communities that are often under-covered. Up to six segments can be entered.
110 -- BEST GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY ISSUES REPORTING
Outstanding reporting that focuses on solutions for citizens dealing with important government and/or community issues.
111– BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Original in-depth reporting on an issue with wide-ranging community impact.
This often involves extensive court record or database searches. The entry may include three stories on the same topic.
112 -- BEST CONTINUING COVERAGE OR SERIES
Excellence by an individual or team in following developments in a story over an extended period of time. The entry may include up to six segments.
113 -- BEST BUSINESS/CONSUMER NEWS STORY
Excellence in reporting by an individual or team on a business topic or consumer issue that impacts a wide range of citizens.
114 -- BEST BUSINESS FEATURE/ANALYSIS/COLUMN
An in-depth look at how a business issue impacts corporations and consumers.
115 -- BEST EDUCATION STORY
Best reporting on education at the primary, secondary and collegiate level.
116 – BEST REPORTING ON CHILD/YOUTH/TEEN ISSUES
Outstanding coverage of issues impacting young people and their parents.
117-- BEST HEALTH/MEDICAL STORY
Best reporting on health and medical matters and their impact on citizens.
118 – BEST ENVIRONMENTAL/SCIENCE STORY
Reporting on the essence of emerging trends and the people behind them.
119 -- BEST EDITORIAL
Best opinion/editorial articles. Entries may include up to six pieces.
120 -- BEST ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING
Excellence in reporting on music, dance, theater and art.
121 -- BEST ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT CRITIQUE
Excellence in critiquing arts and entertainment performances and exhibitions.
122 -- BEST NEWS/SPORTS BLOG
Outstanding news/sports blog in a newspaper, magazine or online.
123 -- BEST SPORTS REPORTING
Outstanding reporting about a sporting event and/or the participants.
124 – BEST SPORTS FEATURE
Reporting that goes beyond the scores and highlights of a game.
125 -- BEST MAGAZINE REPORTING
Outstanding reporting appearing in a regularly published magazine.
126 -- BEST NEWSPAPER/MAGAZINE DESIGN
Best overall design of daily, weekly or monthly newspaper or magazine.
127-- BEST WEB SITE DESIGN
Best overall design of a web site affiliated with a media organization.
128 – BEST NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY
Best photographs of news stories. Entries can include 15 up to images.
129 – BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Best photography of sports stories. Entries can include up to 15 images.
BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
130 -- BEST NEWS STORY
Outstanding coverage of a news event by an individual.
131 -- BEST FEATURE STORY
Reporting that goes beyond traditional journalism to capture the human spirit.
132 – BEST BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE
Outstanding example of an unanticipated story that must be covered right now.
133 – BEST TEAM COVERAGE
Excellence by a team covering multiple angles of a single story. Up to six segments can be part of the entry. Time limit: 15 minutes.
134 – BEST CRISIS COVERAGE
Clear and calm reporting of a news story in an extraordinary setting.
135 – BEST SOCIAL/CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING
Reporting that follows cases from law enforcement through the courts.
136 – BEST MINORITY ISSUES COVERAGE
Excellence in reporting on communities that often go uncovered.
137 -- BEST GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY ISSUES STORY
Best reporting on government issues and the impact they have on citizens.
138 -- BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Original in-depth reporting of an issue with wide-ranging community impact.
139 -- BEST CONTINUING COVERAGE OR SERIES
Excellence by an individual or team. The entry may include up to six stories.
140 -- BEST BUSINESS/CONSUMER REPORTING
Excellence in reporting by an individual or team on a business topic
141 -- BEST EDUCATION REPORTING
Best reporting on education at the primary, secondary and collegiate level.
142 -- BEST REPORTING ON CHILD/YOUTH/TEEN ISSUES
Outstanding coverage of issues impacting young people and their parents.
143-- BEST HEALTH/MEDICAL REPORTING
Best reporting on health and medical matters and their impact on citizens.
144 -- BEST ENVIRONMENTAL/SCIENCE REPORTING
Reporting on the essence of emerging trends and the people impacted by them.
145 -- BEST SPORTS REPORTING
Best sports story at the scholastic, collegiate, professional and recreational level.
146 -- BEST SPORTS FEATURE STORY
Best sports story that goes beyond the scores to focus on the individual.
147 -- BEST DOCUMENTARY
Production on a single topic with widespread community interest.
Time limit: 60 minutes.
148 -- BEST SPECIAL EVENT COVERAGE
Outstanding coverage of a known event. Time limit: 30 minutes.
149 -- BEST PODCAST
Excellence in reporting/producing a news or sports themed podcast. The entry can be a composite of multiple podcasts or a single show. Time limit: 30 minutes.
150 -- BEST VIDEOGRAPHER
Best videography in a news story that appeared on television or online. Please submit a composite of work lasting no more than 15 minutes.
BEST OF SHOW
151 -- BEST OVERALL WRITTEN REPORTER
Best overall reporter for a daily, weekly or monthly newspaper, magazine or online. Entry can include up to 12 articles.
152 -- BEST OVERALL BROADSCAST REPORTER
A compilation of work in radio or television showing how the reporter stands out from competitors. Time limit: 15 minutes.
153 -- BEST OVERALL MULTI-MEDIA JOURNALIST
Excellence by an individual working as a videographer, writer, talent and editor
on a single or multi-part story. A composite can be submitted. Time limit: 15 minutes.
154 – OVERALL BEST TELEVISION NEWS ANCHOR
Anchor work that stands out from the competition. A composite can be submitted. Time limit: 15 minutes.
155 - BEST OVERALL TELEVISION WEATHER ANCHOR
Anchor work that stands out from the competition. A composite can be submitted. Time limit: 15 minutes.
156 - BEST OVERALL TELEVISION SPORTS ANCHOR
Anchor work that stands out from the competition. A composite can be submitted. Time limit: 15 minutes.
157 - BEST OVERALL COLUMNIST/COMMENTATOR
For outstanding work in column writing or commentary. If writing, submit up to 10 entries. If broadcast, the time limit for a composite is 15 minutes.
158 -- BEST TELEVISION NEWSCAST
Best single television newscast. Time limit: 30 minutes.
159 -- BEST OVERALL RADIO NEWS ANCHOR
Best radio news anchor. Time limit: 15 minutes.
160 -- BEST RADIO NEWSCAST
Best single radio newscast. Time limit: 15 minutes.
161 -- BEST NEWSPAPER
Best overall daily, weekly or monthly newspaper. Entry can include newspapers from up to three separate days in 2020.
162 -- BEST MAGAZINE
Best overall regularly published magazine. Entry can include up to three issues from 2020.
163 -- BEST WEB SITE
Best web site hosted by a newspaper, magazine, television or radio station.
164 -- BEST OVERALL FREELANCE REPORTING
For outstanding work by an individual not directly employed by a media company.
The entry can include up to 10 reports on a single topic or multiple topics or a broadcast composite of no more than 15 minutes.
GREATER CINCINNATI JOURNALISM HALL OF FAME
Nominations are now being accepted for inclusion into the 2020 class of the Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame. This prestigious award recognizes a lifetime of journalistic achievement in newspapers, magazines, radio, television, online or on other platforms. The nominating letter should list the person’s credentials in the media and other pertinent information to help in the decision-making process.
All nominations are due by March 15, 2021, and should be e-mailed to Ginny McCabe, Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter President, at ginnymccabe1@gmail.com.
Those chosen for the hall will be inducted during the Excellence In Journalism awards program in June, 2021. More than 100 individuals have been inducted through the years.
New this year is the Emil Dansker Award for Public Service In Journalism.
EMIL DANSKER AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE IN JOURNALISM
The late Dr. Emil Dansker devoted more than 70 of his 90 years to journalism. He was a reporter, writer, editor, professor, mentor and volunteer all in service to the profession.
Dr. Dansker worked at The Cincinnati Enquirer, Toledo Blade and other newspapers. He taught and mentored generations of students at Bowling Green State University and Central State University. Co-founding the Greater Cincinnati Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, he remained active with the chapter for more than 50 years.
This award honors an individual who has demonstrated a dedication to public service in the advancement of journalism in all aspects of their professional career. The honoree will embody the spirit and legacy of Dr. Dansker.
Nominations should be e-mailed to Ginny McCabe, Greater Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter President, by March 15, 2021, at ginnymccabe1@gmail.com. The award will be presented during the annual Excellence In Journalism awards program and Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in June of 2021.
