Rules/EligibilityCategories
2023 HonoreesPrevious Honorees
Rules/EligibilityCategories 2023 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, Crime Reporting, Regional Political Reporting and Cultural Criticism as well as Spanish-language categories that are open to all platforms.


General Rules

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Helpful Hints

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Entry Requirements

Entry Fee

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To claim the $65 member fee, you must supply your personal SPJ member number. A team entry may claim the $65 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 can be provided to support your entry. If the entry is in a circulation- or market-divided category, include that information. Circulation distinctions for print formats are to be based on non-Sunday, single issue distribution. If submitting for a weekly, monthly or Sunday-only publication, provide single-issue circulation details.

Also make sure to include any necessary paywall login/password info.

In addition, the letter could 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.

If clarification is needed and an email sent to the contact person on the entry, a prompt response is necessary. In those cases, there will be an URGENT note in the subject field.

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Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

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Category-specific Rules

See a list of categories

Print/Online Entries (Newspaper and Magazine Categories)

Art/Graphics Entries

Audio Entries

Video Entries

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Awards Presentation

Winners are scheduled to be announced in July 2024. 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.