2026
GREATER CINCINNATI SPJ PRO CHAPTER
EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM CONTEST
CALL FOR ENTRIES
DEADLINE
MARCH 16, 2026 – 11:59 P.M.
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 between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, in Southwestern Ohio (Cincinnati & Dayton markets), Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana.
The Excellence In Journalism Contest is a way for publishers, editors, reporters, producers, freelancers, college and university students, high school students, photographers and videographers to promote excellence in journalism by showcasing work that informs and enlightens the public with professionalism, truth, integrity and ethics.
Entries must be submitted by a recognized news organization or individual based in Greater Cincinnati or Greater Dayton. National or regional news organizations may enter, but the contest will only accept submissions focusing on people and events from those two regions.
ENTRY CATEGORIES
Entries can be made in one or more of seven categories:
GOLD MEDAL AWARDS
Includes the most significant awards the chapter presents for work done across mediums in 2025.
PRINT/ONLINE COMMUNICATION
Covers articles appearing in a newspaper, magazine or online during 2025.
BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
Includes stories that were broadcast on a television station, radio station, podcast or appeared online during 2025.
VISUAL JOURNALISM & DESIGN
Highlights photography, videography, graphic design, layout and illustrations from 2025.
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
Showcasing outstanding student work at the collegiate level in 2025.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Showcasing the outstanding work during 2025 from the next generation of journalists.
BEST OF SHOW:
Includes the most outstanding work in print, online or aired on broadcast outlets in 2025.
GOLD MEDAL AWARDS
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. A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED detailing 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. 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 individuals or institutions trying to interrupt the free flow of information. A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED stating the background of the story and how challenges faced in completing it were overcome.
103 - OUTSTANDING NEW JOURNALIST
This award recognizes journalistic excellence shown by an individual who has worked five years or fewer in the awards territory. The winner will be chosen based on a REQUIRED NOMINATING LETTER and a portfolio of up to five pieces produced by the nominee. Audio or video time limit: 30 minutes.
104 - OUTSTANDING COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY JOURNALIST
This award recognizes journalistic excellence shown by an individual at the collegiate level. The winner will be chosen based on a portfolio of up to five pieces produced by the nominee. Audio or video time limit: 30 minutes.
105 - OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALIST
This award recognizes journalistic excellence shown by an individual at the collegiate level. The winner will be chosen based on a portfolio of up to five pieces produced by the nominee. Audio or video time limit: 30 minutes.
106 - JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes reporting excellence by a journalist in any medium during 2024. A NOMINATING LETTER IS REQUIRED along with a portfolio of six stories representative of the year’s work. Audio or video time limit: 30 minutes.
PRINT/ONLINE COMMUNICATION
107 - GENERAL ASSIGNMENT NEWS STORY
108 - BREAKING NEWS
109 - RYAN HINTON SHOOTING/DEPUTY LARRY HENDERSON DEATH
110 - FOURTH AND ELM STREETS MELEE
111 - CINCINNATI MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ELECTION REPORTING
112 - INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
113 - CONTINUING COVERAGE OR SERIES
114 - BEAT REPORTING
115 - HUMAN RIGHTS/MINORITY ISSUES REPORTING
116 - CRIME AND SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORTING
117 - GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY ISSUES REPORTING
118 - EDUCATION REPORTING
119 - CHILD/YOUTH/TEEN ISSUES REPORTING
120 - HEALTH/MEDICAL/SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
121 - ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING
122 - ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT CRITIQUE
123 - FEATURE STORY
124 - BUSINESS/CONSUMER NEWS REPORTING
125 - SPORTS/SPORTS FEATURE REPORTING
126 - EDITORIAL
127 - MAGAZINE REPORTING
BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
128 - GENERAL ASSIGNMENT NEWS STORY
129 - BREAKING NEWS STORY
130 - RYAN HINTON SHOOTING/DEPUTY LARRY HENDERSON DEATH
131 - FOURTH AND ELM STREETS MELEE
132 - CINCINNATI MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ELECTION COVERAGE
133 - CRIME AND SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORTING
134 - CONTINUING COVERAGE OR SERIES
135 - FEATURE STORY
136 - HUMAN RIGHTS/MINORITY ISSUES REPORTING
137 - GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY ISSUES REPORTING
138 - INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
139 - BUSINESS/CONSUMER NEWS REPORTING
188 - EDUCATION REPORTING
189 - CHILD/YOUTH/TEEN ISSUES REPORTING
140 - HEALTH/MEDICAL/SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
141 - BEAT REPORTING
142 - ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING
143 - SPORTS/SPORTS FEATURE REPORTING
144 - NEWS SPECIAL
VISUAL JOURNALISM & DESIGN
145 - BEST NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
146 - BEST FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
147 - BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
148 - BEST VIDEOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
149 - NEWSPAPER - PAGE ONE DESIGN
150 - NEWSPAPER - SPECIAL SECTION
151 - NEWSPAPER - GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS
152 - MAGAZINE - COVER DESIGN
153 - MAGAZINE - SPECIAL PUBLICATION
154 - MAGAZINE - GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS
155 - WEBSITE DESIGN
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
156 - BEST STUDENT PUBLICATION
157 - BEST STUDENT REPORTER - PRINT/ONLINE
158 - BEST STUDENT SPECIAL PROJECT - PRINT/ONLINE
159 - BEST STUDENT REPORTER - BROADCAST
160 - BEST STUDENT SPECIAL PROJECT - BROADCAST
161 - BEST STUDENT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
162 - BEST STUDENT FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
163 - BEST STUDENT SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
164 - BEST STUDENT NEWS/FEATURE/SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY
165 - BEST STUDENT PODCAST
HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM
166 - BEST STUDENT PUBLICATION
167 - BEST STUDENT REPORTER - PRINT/ONLINE
168 - BEST STUDENT SPECIAL PROJECT - PRINT/ONLINE
169 - BEST STUDENT REPORTER - BROADCAST
170 - BEST STUDENT SPECIAL PROJECT - BROADCAST
171 - BEST STUDENT NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
172 - BEST STUDENT FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
173 - BEST STUDENT SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
174 - BEST STUDENT NEWS/FEATURE/SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY
175 - BEST STUDENT PODCAST
BEST OF SHOW
176 - BEST OVERALL PRINT/ONLINE REPORTER
177 - BEST OVERALL FREELANCE REPORTER
178 - BEST OVERALL BROADCAST REPORTER
179 - BEST TELEVISION ANCHOR
180 - BEST RADIO ANCHOR
181 - BEST TELEVISION NEWSCAST
182 - BEST RADIO NEWSCAST
183 - BEST PODCAST
184 - BEST COLUMNIST/COMMENTATOR
185 - BEST NEWSPAPER
186 - BEST MAGAZINE
187 - BEST WEBSITE
GREATER CINCINNATI JOURNALISM HALL OF FAME
Nominations are now being accepted for inclusion into the 2026 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.
Nominations are due by March 16, 2026. Email them to Ginny McCabe, Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter President, at ginnymccabe1@gmail.com. If chosen by the selection committee, nominees will be inducted during the Excellence In Journalism awards program in June, 2026. More than 100 individuals have been inducted through the years.
EMIL DANSKER AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE IN JOURNALISM
Nominations are now being accepted for the Emil Dansker Award for Public Service In Journalism.
The late Dr. 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 emailed to Ginny McCabe, Greater Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter President, by March 16, 2026, 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 2026.
CONTEST RULES
All entries must have appeared in print, online or on-air between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, in Southwestern Ohio (Cincinnati and Dayton markets), Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Student entries must have been viewed or read by a public audience.
Entries must be submitted by a recognized news organization or individual based in Greater Cincinnati or Greater Dayton. National or regional news organizations may enter, but the contest will only accept submissions focusing on people and events from those two regions.
THE ENTRY DEADLINE IS 11:59 P.M. ON MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026.
The contest coordinator reserves the right and has the sole discretion to extend the deadline if needed.
The contest coordinator, in consultation with the Greater Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter Board, has the final say on any questions or issues that arise regarding entries, awards or processes.
All entry content must be accessible through June 30, 2026. Entries that cannot be viewed by the judges will be disqualified.
If entries are password protected or behind a paywall, the username and password information must be provided in the COMMENTS section of your entry.
Please test the login from computers outside your office to make sure the login works. Entries that cannot be viewed by judges will be disqualified
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 are not accessible, the entry will be disqualified.
Judging for the 2026 Excellence In Journalism Contest will be done by SPJ members in good standing from the Green Eyeshades, representing members from SPJ chapters across the South.
SPJ chapter leaders will select judges for each of the contest categories.
Judging will be done on the BNC platform.
Entries will be judged on overall excellence, service to the community and contributions to the public’s understanding of issues and events.
The judges may also include in their reviews the depth of research, difficulty in obtaining information and the quality of the presentation.
Judges have the option of selecting a winner and two finalists in an individual category.
If, in the opinion of the judges, none of the entries in a category meets the standards set for that category, no award will be issued.
Judges may reject entries that do not conform with contest rules.
Judges WILL provide written comments regarding the winning entry.
Judges have the option of providing written comments for finalists.
THE DECISIONS OF ALL JUDGES ARE FINAL.
Entrants will be notified by email in early June 2026, whether they have been judged as a finalist. However, the actual placings won’t be revealed until the Excellence In Journalism Awards Celebration in June of 2026. This will be held in conjunction with the induction ceremony for the newest members of the Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame.
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER
All entries must be submitted online using
the web-based BNC program.
http://betternewspapercontest.com
Greater Cincinnati SPJ Excellence In Journalism
Note: BNC is optimized to use the Google Chrome browser and Firefox for PC and Safari browser (Apple Mac).
Please use recent versions to make entering easier.
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
If you have questions or problems click on
“Help & Support” atop of the BNC web site
OR CONTACT CONTEST COORDINATORS
Kevin Schultz – kevinschultz@gmail.com – (859) 628-5296
Tom McKee – tmckee9@yahoo.com – (513) 608-1782
ENTRY FEES
SPJ Members
$25.00 for each entry
Non-Members
$35.00 for each entry
College/University Students
No fee
Paying through PayPal
When all entries are submitted, log onto your account
Navigate to the “Manage Entries” page
Click “Calculate Entry Fees”
Follow the instructions complete the transaction
JOIN SPJ
Becoming an SPJ member is easy. Simply sign up at spj.org. There are many ways to join with payment options.
Professional
You spend more than half of your time working as a journalist
or journalism educator. $78.75 for 1 year.
Retired
You are retired and 62 or older. $39.50 for 1 year.
Lifetime
Enjoy a lifetime membership in SPJ. Local chapter dues not included. $1,000.
Please note: Monthly payment option is not available for lifetime memberships.
Household
You share living quarters with an existing SPJ professional member. $39.50 for 1 year.
Post Grad
Through three years after college graduation. $39.50 for 1 year.
Any newly joining Post Grad member, including current
SPJ college members that are graduating, can sign up today
and receive three years for just $78.75.
College Student
Any collegiate student. $39.50 for 1 year. If you are a freshman
or sophomore, you can join today for just $105 and be
covered for the life of your college years.
Associate (SPJ Supporter)
You support efforts to protect the First Amendment, freedom of press, media credibility and the public’s access to information. Or you are a high school student with an interest in journalism, potentially as a career path. $21.00 for 1 year.
Designate the Greater Cincinnati Pro Chapter as the chapter you want to join.
The chapter has no local dues.
