GREATER CINCINNATI SPJ PRO CHAPTER
EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM CONTEST
CALL FOR ENTRIES
DEADLINE:
11:59 P.M. - MARCH 15, 2024
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, 2023, and December 31, 2023, 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,
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 six categories:
ALL-MEDIA: includes the four most
significant awards the chapter presents
for work done in any medium in 2023.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: covers articles appearing in a
newspaper, magazine, in a blog or posted online during 2023.
BROADCAST COMMUNICATION: includes stories that were broadcast on a television station, radio station, podcast or appeared online during 2023.
FREELANCE: focuses on freelance journalists whose material in any medium appeared in Greater Cincinnati media outlets during 2023.
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: showcasing outstanding student work in 2023 in written and broadcast communication.
BEST OF SHOW: includes the most outstanding work in print, online or aired on broadcast outlets in 2023.
ALL MEDIA 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 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. 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 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.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
104 – GENERAL ASSIGNMENT NEWS STORY
This category focuses on outstanding coverage of a general
assignment news event by an individual or team: the basic day-to-day journalism
that keeps the public informed. Judges will consider the importance of the
story and the quality of the writing. Submit a single story for consideration
by the judges.
105 – EAST PALESTINE, OHIO, TRAIN DERAILMENT
The freight train derailment on February 3, 2023, severely impacted the health and safety of East Palestine, Ohio, due to its hazardous cargo. The disaster prompted multiple communities to produce stories on rail safety, disaster preparedness and water quality. Submit up to six stories covering the derailment, the response to it and the impact to a wide range of communities.
106 – DAMAR HAMLIN CARDIAC ARREST COVERAGE
The sports world was stunned when Buffalo Bills cornerback Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a Cincinnati Bengals game. The collapse, his subsequent recovery, and the impact on cardiac health around the country was substantial. Submit up to six stories which demonstrate the depth and quality of coverage.
107 – OHIO BALLOT ISSUES REPORTING
Ohioans voted in 2023 on two key issues. In August, they decided against raising the threshold for constitutional amendments to pass from 50 percent plus one to 60 percent. In November, they approved Issue #1 on abortion and Issue #2 on recreational marijuana. Submit up to six stories showing the depth of explaining the issue and reaction to the results.
108 - FEATURE STORY
Submit a single story of that goes beyond traditional journalism to capture the human spirit. The entry could be a personality profile or event coverage. Judges will consider clarity, creativity and the topic’s impact on the community.
109 - 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.
110 - HUMAN RIGHTS/MINORITY ISSUES
REPORTING
Excellence in reporting on solutions for people living in communities that are often under-covered. Submit a single story. 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. Submit a
single story. Judges will focus on clarity of explanation and an eye toward
solutions.
112 - 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. Submit a single story.
113 - USE OF PUBLIC RECORDS REPORTING
This award recognizes a reporter or reporters for producing important stories that only happened through the acquisition of public records. Submit a single story.
114 – SERIES
Excellence by an individual or team in following developments in a single story over an extended period-of-time. The entry may include up to six segments.
115 - 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. Submit a single story.
116 - BUSINESS FEATURE/ANALYSIS/COLUMN
An in-depth look at how a business issue impacts corporations, their employees and consumers. Submit a single story.
117 - EDUCATION REPORTING
Best reporting on important issues and trends in education at the primary, secondary and collegiate level. Submit a single story.
118 - HEALTH/MEDICAL/SCIENCE/ENVIFONMENTAL
REPORTING
Best reporting on health, medical, science and environmental matters and their impact on citizens. Submit a single story.
119 – 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.
120 - ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING/CRITIQUE
Excellence in reporting on and/or critiquing music, dance, theater and art. Submit a single story.
121 - SPORTS/SPORTS FEATURE REPORTING
Outstanding reporting on a sporting event and the participants. Stories can focus on previews, games, personalities or opinion. Submit a single story.
122 - MAGAZINE REPORTING
Outstanding reporting on any topic appearing in a regularly published magazine. Submit a single story for judges to consider.
123 – MAGAZINE SPECIALIZED PUBLICATION
Magazines often create specialized publications to supplement their regularly scheduled editions. These focus on a specific topic, community or area of interest. Submit up to three publications for judges to consider.
124 – PHOTO ESSAY/PHOTO SPREAD/PHOTO
GALLERY
Outstanding display of photographic work included in a single or a double page spread on a single theme. or a gallery of photos online. Work can be from newspapers, magazines or online. Submit a single entry for judges to consider.
BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
125 – GENERAL ASSIGNMENT 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.
126 – EAST PALESTINE, OHIO, TRAIN
DERAILMENT
The freight train derailment on February 3, 2023, severely impacted the health and safety of East Palestine, Ohio, due to its hazardous cargo. The disaster prompted multiple communities to produce stories on rail safety, disaster preparedness and water quality. Submit a compilation of stories covering the derailment, the response to it and the impact to a wide range of communities.
127 – DAMAR HAMLIN CARDIAC ARREST COVERAGE
The sports world was stunned when Buffalo Bills cornerback Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a Cincinnati Bengals game. The collapse, his subsequent recovery, and the impact on cardiac health around the country was substantial. Submit a compilation of stories which demonstrates the depth and quality of coverage. Time limit: 30 minutes.
128 – OHIO BALLOT ISSUES COVERAGE
Ohioans voted in 2023 on two key societal issues. In August, they decided against raising the threshold for constitutional amendments to pass from 50 percent plus one to 60 percent. In November, they approved Issue #1 on abortion and Issue #2 on recreational marijuana. Submit a composite of not more than 15 minutes showing the depth of explanation of issues to voters and reaction to the results.
129 - 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.
130 - GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY ISSUES REPORTING
Outstanding reporting that focuses on solutions for citizens dealing with important government and/or community issues. Judges will focus on clarity of explanation and an eye toward solutions. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
131 - 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. Entry time limit: 15 minutes.
132 - USE OF PUBLIC RECORDS REPORTING
This award recognizes a reporter or reporters for producing important stories that only happened through the acquisition of public records. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
133 - HUMAN RIGHTS/MINORITY ISSUES
REPORTING
Excellence in reporting on solutions for people living in communities that are often under-covered. Judges will focus on clarity outlining the issues involved and proposed solutions. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
134 - BUSINESS/CONSUMER REPORTING
Excellence in reporting by an individual or team on a business topic. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
135 - EDUCATION REPORTING
Best reporting on education at the primary, secondary and collegiate level. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
136 – HEALTH/MEDICAL/SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENTAL
REPORTING
Best reporting on health, medical, science and environmental matters and their impact on citizens. Entry time limit: 10 minutes
137 -- 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. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
138 – DOCUMENTARY
Production on a single topic with widespread community interest. Remove commercials before entering. Entry time limit: 60 minutes.
FREELANCE REPORTING
139 – NEWS REPORTING
Excellence in news reporting by a freelance journalist in any medium. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity of writing and accuracy. Enter one story or a video/audio clip no longer than 10 minutes.
140 – FEATURE REPORTING
Excellence in feature reporting by a freelance journalist in any medium. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity of writing and accuracy. Enter one story or a video/audio clip no longer than 10 minutes.
141 – SPORTS/SPORTS FEATURE REPORTING
Excellence in sports news or sports feature reporting by a freelance journalist in any medium. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity of writing and accuracy. Enter one story or a video/audio clip no longer than 10 minutes.
142 – BUSINESS/TECHNOLOGY REPORTING
Excellence in business and/or technology reporting by a freelance journalist in any medium. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity of writing and accuracy. Enter one story or a video/audio clip no longer than 10 minutes.
143 – EDUCATION REPORTING
Excellence in education reporting by a freelance journalist in any medium. Entries can be about elementary, secondary or college/university topics. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity of writing and accuracy. Enter one story or a video/audio clip no longer than 10 minutes.
144 – EDITORIAL OR COMMENTARY
Excellence in editorial or commentary material by a freelance journalist in any medium. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity of writing and accuracy. Enter one story or a video/audio clip no longer than 10 minutes.
145 – HEALTH/MEDICAL/SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENTAL
REPORTING
Excellence in health/medical reporting by a freelance journalist in any medium. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity of writing and accuracy. Enter one story or a video/audio clip no longer than 10 minutes.
146 – ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING/CRITIQUE
Excellence in arts/entertainment reporting by a freelance journalist in any medium. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity of writing and accuracy. Enter one story or a video/audio clip no longer than 10 minutes.
147 – GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY ISSUES
REPORTING
Excellence in government/community issues reporting by a freelance journalist in any medium. Judges will consider depth of the reporting, clarity of writing and accuracy. Enter one story or a video/audio clip no longer than 10 minutes.
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
Entries can be work published or broadcast in 2023 through student media outlets, while working as an intern in 2023 or produced as a class project and presented to that class or other campus forums.
148 - 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 of writing and accuracy. Entry can contain up to three articles.
149 - 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 of writing and accuracy. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
150 - BEST STUDENT NEWS/SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
PORTFOLIO
Excellence by a college or university student in news and sports photography. Submit up to 12 images for consideration. Judges will consider creativity, clarity of idea and image impact.
151 - BEST STUDENT NEWS/SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY
REEL
Excellence by a college or university student in videography of a news or sporting event. Judges will consider creativity, clarity of idea and package/segment impact. Entry time limit: 10 minutes.
152 - BEST STUDENT
PODCAST
Excellence in a student produced podcast on any topic. Entry time limit: include a sample of up to 30 minutes. Judges will consider public interest on the topic and quality of production.
153 - 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. A video project cannot be longer than 15 minutes.
BEST OF SHOW
154 - BEST OVERALL WRITTEN REPORTER
Best overall reporter for a daily, weekly or monthly newspaper, magazine or online. Entry can include up to six articles.
155 - 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.
156 – BEST TELEVISION NEWS/SPORTS/WEATHER
ANCHOR
Anchor work that stands out from the competition. A composite can be submitted. Entry time limit: 15 minutes.
157 - BEST RADIO NEWS ANCHOR
Best radio news anchor. A composite may be submitted. Entry time limit: 15 minutes.
158 -- BEST RADIO NEWSCAST OR NEWS PROGRAM
Best radio newscast or new program. A composite may be submitted. Entry time limit: 30 minutes.
159 - 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.
160 - BEST COLUMNIST/COMMENTATOR
For outstanding work in column writing or commentary. If writing, submit up to six entries. If broadcast, the time limit for a composite is 10 minutes.
161-- BEST NEWSPAPER
Best overall daily, weekly or monthly newspaper. Entry includes newspapers from three separate days in 2022.
162 -- BEST MAGAZINE
Best overall regularly published magazine. Entry can include up to three issues from 2022.
163 -- BEST WEBSITE
Best website hosted by a newspaper, magazine, television or radio station. Entry must include a link to the website.
164 – BEST NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER PORTFOLIO
Best photography by a single photographer of news events and their participants. Entries can include a maximum of 12 images. Judges will focus on creativity and image quality.
165 – BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER PORTFOLIO
Best photography by a single photographer of sporting events and their participants. Entries can include a maximum of 12 images. Judges will focus on creativity and image quality.
166 – BEST VIDEOGRAPHER
Best videographer in news coverage that appeared on television or online. Please submit a composite of work lasting no more than 15 minutes.
167 - BEST OVERALL FREELANCE REPORTER
For outstanding work by an individual not directly employed by a media company. The entry can include up to six reports on a single topic or multiple topics or a broadcast composite of no more than 10 minutes.
GREATER CINCINNATI JOURNALISM HALL OF FAME
Nominations
are now being accepted for inclusion into the 2024 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 15, 2024. 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, 2024. 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, 2024, 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 2024.
CONTEST RULES
1. All entries must have appeared in print, online or on-air between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, in Southwestern Ohio (Cincinnati and Dayton markets), Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Student entries must have been viewed or read by a public audience.
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 Wednesday, March 15, 2024
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, 2024. 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 2024 Excellence In Journalism Contest will be done by SPJ members in good standing from the Oklahoma Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
11. SPJ chapter leaders in Oklahoma 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’s 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 will 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 2024, 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 2024. 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 website
OR: CONTACT CONTEST COORDINATOR
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
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.
