Rules/EligibilityCategories
2022 HonoreesPrevious Honorees
Rules/EligibilityCategories 2022 HonoreesPrevious Honorees

The Sigma Delta Chi Awards date back to 1932, when the Society first honored six individuals for contributions to journalism. The current program began in 1939, when the organization awarded the first Distinguished Service Awards. These awards later became the Sigma Delta Chi Awards.

The awards recognize the best in professional journalism in categories covering print/online, audio, television, and more.

Recent and new additions include awards for Consumer/Retail Reporting, Tech Reporting, Regional Political Reporting, Cultural Criticism and seven Spanish-language categories.


General Rules

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Helpful Hints

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Entry Requirements

Entry Fee

Not an SPJ member? Now’s the perfect time to join. Join today and save 40 percent on your entry fee. To claim the $60 member fee, you must supply your personal SPJ member number. A team entry may claim the $60 fee if at least one member of the team is a member of SPJ. You must provide the member’s name and SPJ member number.

Cover Letter

A one-page cover letter with the following information is required for all entries. Letter should include:

Divisions

Accuracy Requirement

Any corrections, clarifications or retractions made after initial publishing or broadcast must be submitted as part of the entry. Also, copies of any written challenges to the report’s accuracy sent to the entrant or the news organization by or on behalf of those mentioned — including but not limited to letters, e-mails or legal papers — must be included with the entry. Any responses by the news organization must also be included.

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Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

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Public Service Categories

In addition to the listed criteria, entries in the public service categories will be judged on the significance of the service rendered. Judges will look for evidence of courage and initiative in overcoming opposition; effectiveness of the presentation; and results obtained, such as changes and reforms effected or pledged.

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Category-specific Rules

See a list of categories

Print/Online Entries (Newspaper and Magazine Categories)

Art/Graphics Entries

Radio Entries

Television Entries

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Awards Presentation

Winners are scheduled to be announced in June 2023. Details on the awards reception’s format and venue will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.

Due to the volume of entries received, only those who are awarded will be contacted with results.

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For more information, contact SPJ Headquarters via email.