2022
GREATER CINCINNATI
SPJ PRO CHAPTER
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 between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, in Southwestern Ohio (Cincinnati & Dayton markets), Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana.
This is a chance for publishers, editors, reporters, photographers and videographers to promote excellence in journalism by showcasing work that informs and enlightens the public with 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 DEADLINE:
11:59 P.M. - MARCH 15, 2022
ENTRY CATEGORIES
Entries can be made in one or more of five categories:
ALL-MEDIA: includes the four most significant awards the chapter presents for work done in any medium in 2021.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: covers articles appearing in a newspaper, in a magazine, in a blog or posted online during 2021.
BROADCAST COMMUNICATION: includes stories that were broadcast on a television station, radio station or appeared online during 2021.
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: new category to showcase outstanding student work in 2021 in the areas of written and broadcast communication.
BEST OF SHOW: includes the most outstanding work in print, online or aired on 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 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 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 individuals or institutions trying to interrupt the free flow of information. A 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 their market. The winner will be chosen based on a REQUIRED NOMINATING LETTER and supporting documents. Submit a portfolio of up to five pieces by the nominee.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
104 - NEWS STORY
This category focuses on outstanding coverage of a single news event by an individual or team. Entries are limited to one story which could be general assignment reporting or breaking news - the basic day-to-day journalism that keeps the public informed. Judges will consider the importance of the story, clarity and the quality of the writing.
105 - FEATURE STORY
Submit one story of reporting that goes beyond traditional journalism to capture the human spirit. Judges will consider clarity, creativity and the topic’s impact on the community.
106 - BREAKING NEWS/DEADLINE COVERAGE
A single story within 24 hours of an unanticipated news event that exhibits clear and accurate reporting. COVER LETTER REQUIRES outlining deadlines and obstacles overcome to produce the story.
107 - BEAT REPORTING
This award spotlights a reporter covering a single area
or topic on a daily basis.
Submit up to six articles for judges to consider in terms of depth of coverage, clarity and reader understanding.
108 - TEAM COVERAGE
Excellence by a team in covering multiple angles of a single story within a 72-hour period. Up to 10 stories can be part of the entry. Judges will consider thoroughness of coverage, creativity and accuracy.
109 - SOCIAL/CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING
Reporting that tracks cases from law enforcement through
the courts. Up to six story segments can be entered. Judges will focus on
accuracy of the reports and their focus on solutions looking forward.
110 - HUMAN RIGHTS/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. Judges will focus on clarity, outlining the issues involved and proposed solutions.
111 - GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY ISSUES REPORTING
Outstanding reporting that focuses on solutions for citizens dealing with important government and/or community issues. Up to six segments can be entered. Judges will focus on clarity of explanation and an eye toward solutions.
112 - ELECTION ISSUES REPORTING
Elections are vital to a democracy. This category recognizes clear and accurate reporting on election procedures, challenges to how elections are conducted and what the future holds. A maximum of six segments can be entered.
113 - INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Original in-depth reporting on an issue with wide-ranging
community impact.
This reporting shows determination in obtaining
information that is not readily available.
The entry may include three stories on the same topic.
114 - USE OF PUBLIC RECORDS REPORTING
This award recognizes a reporter or reporters for producing important stories that would only have happened through the acquisition of public records. The entry may include up to six stories.
115 - 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.
116 - 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. Up to
three stories can be submitted.
117 - BUSINESS FEATURE/ANALYSIS/COLUMN
An in-depth look at how a business issue impacts
corporations and consumers.
Up to three stories can be submitted.
118 - EDUCATION STORY
Best reporting on education at the primary, secondary and
collegiate level.
Up to six stories can be submitted.
119 - REPORTING ON CHILD/YOUTH/TEEN ISSUES
Outstanding coverage of issues impacting young people and
their parents.
A maximum of six stories can be submitted.
120 - HEALTH/MEDICAL EREPORTING
Best reporting on health and medical matters and their
impact on citizens. A maximum of six stories can be entered.
121 – COVID PANDEMIC REPORTING
Submit
a story, series or package of stories on the COVID-19 pandemic. Judges will
consider depth of coverage, focus on the public impact and solutions to the
issue.
Up
to six items can be submitted.
122 - ENVIRONMENTAL/SCIENCE REPORTING
Reporting on the essence of emerging
trends dealing with the environment and science, the people behind them and the
impact on the community. Entry can include up to six stories.
123 - EDITORIAL
Best opinion/editorial articles representing a news organization’s position on a topic or issue. Entries may include up to six pieces. Judges will consider originality, creativity and public interest.
124 - ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING
Excellence in reporting on music, dance, theater and art.
The entry can include up to six articles.
125 - ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT CRITIQUE
Excellence in critiquing arts and entertainment
performances and exhibitions.
The entry can include up to six articles.
126 – JOURNALIST’S BLOG
Outstanding blog by a journalist on any topic presented in
a newspaper, magazine or online. Judges will consider originality, creativity
and public interest in the topic.
127 - SPORTS/SPORTS FEATURE REPORTING
Outstanding reporting about a sporting event and/or the
participants. Stories can focus on previews, games or matches, personalities or
opinion. Up to 10 stories can be submitted.
128 – UC BEARCATS FOOTBALL TEAM COVEAGE
The University of Cincinnati Bearcats football team had
it best campaign ever during 2021 with an undefeated regular season (13-0), the
first non-Power Five conference program to earn a spot in the College Football
Playoffs and a CFP game with the defending national champions. Submit up to 10
stories which demonstrate the depth and quality of covering the team. NOTE:
stories from January 1, 2022, are permitted.
129 - MAGAZINE REPORTING
Outstanding reporting on any topic appearing in a
regularly published magazine.
130 - NEWSPAPER/MAGAZINE DESIGN
Best overall design of daily, weekly or monthly newspaper
or magazine.
131 - WEBSITE DESIGN
Best overall design of a website affiliated with a media organization.
132 - NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER PORTFOLIO
Best photography by a single photographer of news events
and their participants. Entries can
include a maximum of 15 images. Judges will focus on creativity and image
quality.
133 - SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER PORTFOLIO
Best photography by a single photographer of sporting
events and their participants. Entries
can include a maximum of 15 images. Judges will focus on creativity and image
quality.
134 – PHOTO SPREAD/PHOTO ESSAY
Outstanding display of photographic work included in a
single or a double page spread on a single theme. Work can be from newspapers,
magazines or online.
BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
135 - NEWS STORY
Outstanding coverage of a single news event by an individual. Submit one story on the topic. Judges will consider the importance the story, clarity and the quality of the writing. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
136 - FEATURE STORY
Submit one story of reporting that goes beyond
traditional journalism to capture the human spirit. Judges will consider
clarity, creativity and the topic’s impact on the community. Entry time limit:
10 minutes.
137 - BREAKING NEWS/DEADLINE COVERAGE
A single story within 24 hours of an unanticipated news event that exhibits clear and accurate reporting. A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED outlining deadlines and obstacle overcome to produce the story. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
138 - TEAM COVERAGE
Excellence by a team in covering multiple angles of a
single story within a 72-hour period. Up to 10 stories can be part of the
entry. Judges will consider thoroughness of coverage, creativity and accuracy. Entry
time limit: 15 minutes.
139 - SOCIAL/CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING
Reporting that tracks cases from law enforcement through
the courts. Up to six story segments can be entered. Judges will focus on
accuracy of the reports and their focus on solutions looking forward. Entry time
limit: 10 minutes.
140 - HUMAN RIGHTS/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. Judges will focus on clarity
outlining the issues involved and proposed solutions. Entry time limit: 10
minutes.
141 - GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY ISSUES STORY
Outstanding reporting that focuses on solutions for
citizens dealing with important government and/or community issues. Up to six
segments can be entered. Judges will focus on clarity of explanation and an eye
toward solutions. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
142 - ELECTION ISSUES REPORTING
Elections are vital to a democracy. This category
recognizes clear and accurate reporting on election procedures, challenges to
how elections are conducted and what the future holds. A maximum of six
segments can be entered. Entry time limit: 20 minutes.
143 - INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Original in-depth reporting on an issue with wide-ranging
community impact.
This reporting shows determination in obtaining
information that is not readily available.
The entry may include six stories on the same topic. Entry time limit:
20 minutes.
144 - USE OF PUBLIC RECORDS REPORTING
This award recognizes a reporter or reporters for producing important stories that would only have happened through the acquisition of public records. The entry may include up to six stories. Entry time limit: 30 minutes.
145 - 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. Entry
time limit: 20 minutes.
146 - BUSINESS/CONSUMER REPORTING
Excellence in reporting by an individual or team on a
business topic. Up to six stories can be submitted. Entry time limit: 20 minutes.
147- EDUCATION REPORTING
Best reporting on education at the primary, secondary and
collegiate level. Up to six stories can be submitted. Entry time limit: 20
minutes.
148 - CHILD/YOUTH/TEEN ISSUES REPORTING
Reporting on the essence of emerging trends and the
people impacted by them.
Up to three stories can be submitted. Entry time limit:
10 minutes.
149 - HEALTH & MEDICAL REPORTING
Best reporting on health and medical matters and their
impact on citizens. A maximum of six stories can be entered. Entry time limit:
20 minutes
150 - COVID PANDEMIC REPORTING
Submit
a story, series or package of stories on the COVID-19 pandemic. Judges will
consider depth of coverage, focus on the public impact and solutions to the
issue. Entry time limit: 20 minutes.
151 - ENVIRONMENTAL/SCIENCE REPORTING
Reporting on the essence of emerging
trends and the people impacted by them.
Up to six stories can be submitted. Entry time limit: 20
minutes.
152 - SPORTS/SPORTS FEATURE REPORTING
Outstanding reporting about a sporting event and/or the
participants. Stories can focus on previews, games or matches, personalities or
opinion. Up to six stories can be submitted. Entry time limit: 20 minutes.
153 - UC BEARCATS FOOTBALL TEAM COVEAGE
The University of Cincinnati Bearcats football team had
it best campaign ever during 2021 with an undefeated regular season (13-0), the
first non-Power Five conference program to earn a spot in the College Football
Playoffs and a CFP game with the defending national champions. Submit up to 10
stories which demonstrate the depth and quality of covering the team. NOTE:
stories from January 1, 2022, are permitted. Entry time limit: 30 minutes.
154 - UC BEARCATS FOOTBALL TEAM SPECIAL PROGRAM
Best special program focused specifically on the UC
Bearcats Football Team and the 2021 season. Remove commercials before entering.
Time limit: 60 minutes.
NOTE: stories from January 1, 2022, are permitted. Entry
time limit: 30 minutes.
155 - SPECIAL EVENT COVERAGE
Outstanding coverage of a known event. Remove commercials
before entering. Entry time limit: 60
minutes.
156 - DOCUMENTARY
Production on a single topic with widespread community
interest.
Entry time limit:
60 minutes.
157 - VIDEOGRAPHY
Best videography in a news story that appeared on television or online. Please submit a composite of work lasting no more than 15 minutes.
NEW
THIS YEAR: COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
158 - BEST STUDENT
REPORTER - PRINT/ONLINE
Excellence in news, feature or sports reporting by a college or university student appearing in student media. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity and accuracy. Entry can contain up to 10 articles.
159 - BEST STUDENT
REPORTER - BROADCASTING
Excellence in news,
feature or sports reporting by a college or university student appearing in
student media. The package or newscasts can be designed for radio or
television. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity and accuracy.
Entry can contain up to six segments. Entry time limit: 20 minutes.
160 - BEST STUDENT NEWS/SPORTS
PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
Excellence by a college
or university student in news and sports photography. Submit up to 15 images
for consideration. Judges will consider creativity, clarity of idea and image
impact.
161 - BEST STUDENT NEWS/SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY REEL
Excellence
by a college or university student in videography of a news or sporting event.
Submit up to six packages or segments for consideration. Judges will consider
creativity, clarity of idea and package/segment impact. Entry time limit: 10
minutes.
162 - BEST STUDENT PODCAST
Excellence in student
produced podcasts on any topic. Entry can include a maximum of 10 minutes each
from three separate podcasts. Judges will consider public interest on the topic
and quality of production.
163 - BEST STUDENT SPECIAL PROJECT
Excellence of material produced for student media by individuals or groups of students. Judges will consider reporting, writing, photography, videography and production quality. These should be student-generated and not part of an ongoing university-sponsored project. Submit up to three samples and a REQUIRED COVER LETTER.
BEST OF SHOW
164 - BEST OVERALL WRITTEN REPORTER
Best overall reporter for a daily, weekly or monthly
newspaper, magazine or online. Entry
can include up to 12 articles.
165 - BEST OVERALL BROADCAST REPORTER
A compilation of work in radio or television showing how the
reporter stands out from competitors. A
composite may be entered. Entry time limit:
15 minutes.
166 - BEST OVERALL MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
Excellence by an individual working as a videographer,
writer, talent and editor
on a single or multi-part story. A composite may be submitted. Entry time limit: 15 minutes.
167 - BEST TELEVISION ANCHOR – NEWS/SPORTS/WEATHER
Anchor work that stands out from the competition. A composite can be submitted. Entry time limit: 15 minutes.
168 - BEST TELEVISION NEWSCAST
Best single television newscast. Remove commercials from entry prior to
submission. Entry time limit: 30 minutes.
169 - BEST RADIO NEWS ANCHOR
Best radio news anchor.
A composite may be submitted Entry time limit: 15 minutes.
170 -- BEST RADIO NEWSCAST OR NEWS PROGRAM
Best radio newscast or new program. A composite may be
submitted. Entry time limit: 30 minutes.
171 - 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. Entry
time limit: 30 minutes.
172 - 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.
173 -- BEST NEWSPAPER
Best overall daily, weekly or monthly newspaper. Entry includes newspapers from three separate
days in 2021.
174 -- BEST MAGAZINE
Best overall regularly published magazine. Entry can include up to three issues from 2021.
175 -- BEST WEBSITE
Best website hosted by a newspaper, magazine, television
or radio station. Entry must include a link to the website.
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 2022 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, 2022, and should be e-mailed to Ginny McCabe,
Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter President, at ginnymccabe1@gmail.com.
If chosen for 2022, the nominees will be inducted during the Excellence In Journalism awards program in June 2022. Nominations for those individuals not selected in 2022 will be carried over into 2023 for consideration. 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 e-mailed to Ginny McCabe, Greater Cincinnati SPJ Pro Chapter President, by
March 15, 2022, 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 2022.
CONTEST RULES
1. All entries must have appeared in print, online or on-air between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, in Southwestern Ohio (Cincinnati and Dayton markets), Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. The exception is stories regarding the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Football Team appearing on January 1, 2022, after the CFP game on December 31, 2021.
2. 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.
3. The entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
4. The contest coordinator reserves the right and has the sole discretion to extend the deadline if needed.
5. 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.
6. ALL entry content must be accessible through June 30, 2022. Entries that cannot be viewed by the judges will be disqualified.
7. If entries are password protected or behind a paywall, the username and password information must be provided in the COMMENTS section of your entry.
8. 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
9. 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.
10. Judging for the 2002 Excellence In Journalism Contest will be done by SPJ members in good standing from the East Tennessee SPJ Professional Chapter and the Las Vegas SPJ Professional Chapter.
11.SPJ chapter leaders from East Tennessee and Las Vegas will select judges for each of the contest categories.
12.Judging will be done on the BNC platform
13.Entries will be judged on overall excellence, service to the community and contributions to the public understanding of issues and events.
14.The judges may also include in their reviews the depth of research, difficulty in obtaining information and the quality of the presentation.
15. Judges have the option of selecting a winner and two finalists in an individual category.
16. If, in the opinion of the judges, none of the entries in a given category meets the standards set for that category, no award would be issued.
17. Judges may reject entries that do not conform with contest rules.
18. Judges WILL provide written comments regarding the winning entry.
19. Judges have the option of providing written comments for finalists.
20. THE DECISIONS OF ALL JUDGES ARE FINAL.
21. Entrants be notified by email in early June 2022, whether they have been judged as a winner or finalist. However, the actual placings won’t be revealed until the Excellence In Journalism Awards Celebration in mid-June of 2022. This will be held in conjunction with the induction ceremony for the newest members of the Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame. The event may be in-person or online.
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 COORDINATOR
Tom McKee – tmckee9@yahoo.com – (513) 608-1782
ENTRY FEES
SPJ Members
$25.00 for each
entry
PROOF OF VALID
SPJ MEMBERSHIP NUMBER
IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE THIS RATE
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
Becoming an SPJ member is easy. Simply sign up at spj.org.
The annual
national dues are $75 and can be paid
all at once or in monthly installments.
Designate the
Greater Cincinnati Pro Chapter as the chapter you want to join.
The chapter has
no local dues.
