School Divisions
– Large: 10,000 or more students
– Small: 9,999 or fewer students
School divisions are based on total student enrollment, which includes both graduate and undergraduate enrollment. Work entered in the wrong division will be disqualified.
Categories
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– Print/Online
– Art/Graphics/Multimedia
– Audio
– Broadcast
– All Platforms
Print/Online
Breaking News Reporting
– Large School Division (10,000+ students)
– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)
Submit a story or stories written under a next-day deadline about a single breaking news event. Open to print or online pieces.
Entrants must submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the newspaper page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible.
General News Reporting
– Large School Division (10,000+ students)
– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)
Open to print or online pieces.
Submit an article or series about a single news event or issue, not written on next-day deadline. Limit a series to no more than three related stories.
Entrants must submit a link to the online article(s) or series; or PDFs of the newspaper pages on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible.
In-Depth Reporting
– Large School Division (10,000+ students)
– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)
Open to print or online pieces.
Submit a single article or series of no more than three related stories. Entries must use multiple sources to explore the subject in significant depth.
Entrants must submit a link to the online article(s) or series or PDFs of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible.
Feature Writing
– Large School Division (10,000+ students)
– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)
Open to print or online pieces.
Submit a single article or a series of no more than three related stories. Entries may be personality profiles, trend stories, human-interest stories or any other type of feature that is not general or breaking news.
Entrants must submit a link to the online article(s) or PDFs of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible.
Sports Writing
– Large School Division (10,000+ students)
– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)
Open to print or online pieces.
Submit one sports news or feature story about sports or a sports figure. (Do not enter columns here; columns must be entered in the Sports Column Writing category).
Entrants must submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the pages on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible.
Editorial/Opinion Writing
Open to print or online pieces.
Submit three individual pieces or packages dealing either seriously or humorously with opinion or commentary. Entries can be personal columns, op-ed pieces or staff editorials. All three pieces must be written by the same writer or writing team. If entries are from a writing team, the award will be made in the name of the team. Entries from print news sources may only be submitted to online categories if there is no print version of the newspaper or magazine.
Three columns = one entry. Upload all three columns as one entry. Do not submit columns separately.
Entrants must submit links to the online editorials or PDFs of the pages on which the editorials appeared. The dates of publication must be visible. Word documents containing the editorials will not be accepted.
Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2024.
General Column Writing
– Large School Division (10,000+ students)
– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)
Open to print or online pieces.
Submit three published columns by the same writer or writing team. Three columns = one entry. Upload all three columns as one entry. Do not submit columns separately.
Entrants must submit links to the online columns or PDFs of the pages on which the columns appeared in print. The dates of publication must be visible. Word documents containing the columns will not be accepted.
Sports Column Writing
Open to print or online pieces.
Submit three published columns by the same writer or writing team. Three columns = one entry. Upload all three columns as one entry. Do not submit columns separately.
Entrants must submit links to the online columns or PDFs of the pages on which the columns appeared in print. The dates of publication must be visible. Word documents containing the columns will not be accepted.
Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper
– Large School Division (10,000+ students)
– Small School Division (1-9,999 students)
Named for the Founder of The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Chronicle of Philanthropy, this award celebrates overall excellence in student publications. It includes a $5,000 prize, awarded to the school, for the national winner in each division.
Submit three complete PDF issues or e-editions published during 2023, even if those issues were not distributed in print. Links to websites will not be accepted in this category.
Best Single-Issue Student Magazine
This one is for publications intended to have one and only one issue.
Submit the complete issue published during the 2023 calendar year. Entries should include a cover letter making clear that design and layout were done primarily by students. Magazines submitted without this letter will be disqualified.
The magazine must have had distribution on campus or beyond.
Best Ongoing Student Magazine
There are now two Best Student Magazine categories.
This one is for publications that have had issues published previously.
Submit one complete issue published during the 2023 calendar year. Entries should include a cover letter making clear that design and layout were done primarily by students. Magazines submitted without this letter will be disqualified.
Award will be in the magazine’s name. Only one entry per magazine is permitted.
Best Affiliated Website
This award is for internet sites operated in conjunction with a student newspaper, student magazine or student broadcast station.
Entrants must include a cover letter describing how the site’s content and mission differ from and enhance that of its affiliate. Judges will consider design, content, interactivity and use of multimedia tools. Award will be made in the paper, magazine or station’s name.
To qualify as an affiliated site, the site must be connected to a student news organization.
Entrants should include URL links to three specific pages (published in the 2023 calendar year) for the judges to consider.
Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2024.
Best Independent Online Student Publication
This award is for online publications and internet sites that produce primarily original content and operate independently of other student news organizations.
Entrants must include a cover letter explaining its independent status and describing the site and how it serves its audience. Judges will consider design, content, interactivity and use of multimedia tools. Award will be made in the outlet’s name.
To qualify as an independent site, the site must have no connection with a student news organization.
Entrants must submit one main URL and up to three additional URLs (in the same domain) to highlight features.
Judging will take place February-April 2024. Websites will be judged on content as presented during this time span.
Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2024.
Photography, Videography, Art, Graphics and Multimedia
Breaking News Photography
For photographs published in conjunction with coverage of a breaking news event.
Submit one photo. If more than one photo is in the story, make clear which one is to be considered.
For groups of photos, please enter in the Photo Essay/Slide Show category instead.
Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo appeared in print, or a link to the photo published on an online news site with published date noted in a cover letter. The date of publication must be visible.
General News Photography
Submit one photo of a news event, not covered on deadline.
For groups of photos, please enter in the Photo Essay/Slide Show category.
For photographs published in a newspaper or magazine or on an online news site. Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo appeared in print, or a link to the photo published on an online news site. The date of publication must be visible. If it is not, note the published date in a cover letter.
Feature Photography
Submit up to three photos that accompanied a single feature story.
If the story had more than three photos, indicated in a cover letter which three are to be considered.
For larger groups of photos, please enter in the Photo Essay/Slide Show category.
Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo appeared in print, or a link to the photo published on an online news site. The date of publication must be visible. If it is not, note the published date in a cover letter.
Photo Essay/Slideshow
This new award recognizes a photographer or team for a collection of photos packaged together in a single piece.
The photograph will be judged on technical excellence, newsworthiness and evidence that the photographer(s) exercised unusual diligence and ingenuity.
Entrant should submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photos appeared in print, or a link to the photos published on an online news site. The date of publication should be visible.
Illustration
This new award recognizes newspaper, magazine, newsletter or online news site graphic artist or team for artwork that does not include photographic elements.
Submit a single illustration.
Clarity, originality, impact and quality of execution will distinguish the work. Entry must be a single graphic. Work designed on computer or by hand is acceptable.
Entrant should submit a PDF of the marked newspaper/magazine page on which the illustration appeared in print, or a link to the graphic published on an online news site. The date of publication should be visible.
Photo Illustration
For photo illustrations published in a newspaper or magazine or on an online news site, submit a photo, or a short series of no more than five images that have been creatively manipulated. Entries may be staged, composite or otherwise manipulated, but must disclose that to the reader.
Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo illustration appeared in print, or a link to the illustration published on an online news site. The date of publication must be visible. If it is not, note the published date in a cover letter.
Sports Photography
Submit one photo of a sports event published in a newspaper or magazine or on an online news site.
Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the photo appeared in print, or a link to the photo published on an online news site. The date of publication must be visible. If it is not, note the published date in a cover letter.
Editorial Cartooning
This award recognizes cartoons published in a newspaper or magazine or on an online news site. Submit three different published cartoons commenting on issues of significance to the publication’s readers. All three cartoons must be by the same cartoonist.
Three cartoons = one entry. Upload all three cartoons as one entry. Do not submit cartoons separately.
Entrant must submit a PDF of the newspaper/magazine page on which the cartoon appeared in print, or a link to the illustration published on an online news site. The dates of publication must be visible. If it is not, note the published date in a cover letter.
Animated online cartoons are acceptable but entry must include at least one static cartoon.
Best Use of Multimedia
Submit ONE URL to a multimedia element on a new organization’s website. Multimedia includes — among other things — any piece of reporting that brings together various media, including text, audio, video and other interactive elements. Entrants must include a cover letter describing the piece and how it serves its audience. Judges will consider design, content, interactivity and complexity.
Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2024.
News Videography
Submit video of a breaking news event or general news story. This award celebrates the videography, not the reporting.
Entries may not exceed a total of 10 minutes and may be edited for length. Work must have been aired by a campus, public or commercial television station, online outlet or franchised cable television system.
Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Feature Videography
Submit video of a feature story that may include (but is not limited to) personality profiles, consumer information, historical perspectives, trend stories or reviews of cultural events. This award celebrates the videography, not the reporting.
Entries may not exceed a total of 10 minutes and may be edited for length. Work must have been aired by a campus, public or commercial television station, online outlet, or franchised cable television system.
Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Sports Videography
Submit video of a sports story that may include (but is not limited to) a specific sports event, sports-related activity or personality profile, sidebar. Play-by-play of a sporting event is not eligible. This award celebrates the videography, not the reporting.
Entries may not exceed a total of 10 minutes and may be edited for length. Work must have been aired by a campus, public or commercial television station, online outlet or franchised cable television system.
Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Data Visualization
This award recognizes a graphic artist or team for outstanding visual representation of data whether in print, online or via a broadcast outlet
Submit all data visualization elements from a single story.
Entries will be judged on their newsworthiness, technical merit, originality, overall design and ability to communicate insightful information.
The entry may be dynamic (i.e., interactive) or static (i.e. intended for print). Static entries must be submitted in any of these formats: JPG, GIF, PNG, SVG, PDF or TIFF. If the entry is dynamic (interactive) the entrant should provide a screenshot and hyperlink to the visualization. Max file size is 50 MB. Please be sure to include date of publication.
Audio
Radio News Reporting
Submit a story or series about a newsworthy event or development. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.
Entries may be edited for length. Work must have been aired by a campus, public or commercial radio station. Work aired on an online radio station is also eligible. Entrant must submit a link to the work online or upload an audio file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.
Radio Feature
Submit a story or series about a feature topic. Subjects may include, but are not limited to, personality profiles, sidebars, consumer information, historical perspectives, trend stories or reviews of cultural events. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.
Entries may be edited for length. Work must have been aired by a campus, public or commercial radio station. Work aired on an online radio station is also eligible. Entrant must submit a link to the work online or upload an audio file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.
Radio In-Depth Reporting
Submit a story or series about a topic explored in significant depth with multiple sources. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.
Entries may be edited for length. Work must have been aired by a campus, public or commercial radio station. Work aired on an online radio station is also eligible. Entrant must submit a link to the work online or upload an audio file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.
Radio Sports Reporting
Entries may be either a story or series about a sports topic. Subjects may include, but are not limited to, breaking news or features. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes. Play-by-play of a sporting event is not eligible.
Entries may be edited for length. Work must have been aired by a campus, public or commercial radio station. Work aired on an online radio station is also eligible. Entrant must submit a link to the work online or upload an audio file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.
Best All-Around Radio Newscast
Submit ONE newscast. The entry may not exceed 30 minutes. The newscast may be edited for length. Award will be made in the radio station’s name.
Entries may be edited for length. Work must have been aired by a campus, public or commercial radio station. Work aired on an online radio station is also eligible. Entrant must submit a link to the work online or upload an audio file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All audio files must be .mp3 (preferred), .wav or .aiff format. Audio in other formats will not be accepted.
Podcast (Narrative)
Submit one podcast that constructs a narrative and is not exclusively conversational. Entries must be no more than 30 minutes long and may be edited for length. Entrants may submit up to two files, not to exceed 15 minutes each.
Entrant should upload the work to an online audio or video site and submit the URL (preferred) or upload the file(s) to the awards site [50 MB file limit]. Files must be in one of the following formats: .mp3, .wav, .aiff, .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Podcast (Conversational)
Submit one podcast that primarily consists of conversation. Entries must be no more than 30 minutes long and may be edited for length. Entrants may submit up to two files, not to exceed 15 minutes each.
Entrant should upload the work to an online audio or video site and submit the URL (preferred) or upload the file(s) to the awards site [50 MB file limit]. Files must be in one of the following formats: .mp3, .wav, .aiff, .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Broadcast
Television Breaking News Reporting
Submit a story or series about a breaking news event, aired within 24 hours of the event. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Television General News Reporting
Submit a story or series about a news event or issue, not prepared on a daily deadline. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Television Feature Reporting
Submit a story or series about a feature topic. Subjects may include, but are not limited to, personality profiles, sidebars, consumer information, historical perspectives or reviews of cultural events. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Television In-Depth Reporting
Submit a story or series about a topic or issue of public importance that is explored in significant depth with multiple sources. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Television Sports Reporting
Submit a story or series about a sports topic. Subjects may include, but are not limited to, breaking news or features. Entry may not exceed a total of 10 minutes. Play-by-play of a sporting event is not eligible.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Best All-Around Television Newscast
Submit ONE newscast. The entry may be longer than 30 minutes, but please indicate which 30 minutes the judges will review. A newscast must be produced and aired at least once a week. Award will be made in the organization or television station’s name.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Transcripts are NOT required to be submitted with each entry, but a rundown of the newscast may be submitted (optional).
Uploading the entry: Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL or upload a video file to the awards site [50 MB file limit]. All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Best All-Around Television News Magazine
Submit ONE segment. It can be longer than 30 minutes, but please indicate which 30 minutes the judges will review. Postproduction editing is allowed. Award will be made in the television station or organization’s name.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Transcripts are NOT required to be submitted with each entry, but a rundown of the newscast may be submitted (optional).
Uploading the entry: Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL, or upload a video file to the awards site [50 MB file limit]. All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
All Platforms
Arts/Fashion Journalism
This award is for feature or news pieces on the arts or fashion. No reviews, please. Arts or fashion reviews should be submitted to the Cultural Criticism category.
Submit a single piece or a series of no more than three stories.
For print or online stories, entrants must submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the newspaper page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible. Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2024.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Campus Reporting
This new category focuses specifically on reporting news about the college or university that the entrant attends.
For print or online: Submit up to three articles from the same writer or writing team.
For broadcast or audio: Submit three segments by the same team.
For podcasts: Submit two episodes created by the same team for the same program.
Reminder that you cannot submit the same work to more than one category (with the exception of some photography and art categories. For instance, if you submit a podcast here, you cannot submit the same episodes to one of the podcast categories).
Collaborative Journalism
This category is for two or more unrelated student academic institutions, including university or college journalism programs, that work together on a specific project on any platform(s).
There will be no regional awards. Entries will go directly to national competition.
Submit links to the project. Entries that fail to provide an active URL will be disqualified. Entries will be judged on newsworthiness, originality, design, content, and clarity.
(For projects in which the reporting/editing teams include anyone with current or past full-time professional journalism experience, please submit to the Sigma Delta Chi Awards contest.)
Cultural Criticism
This award is for critical pieces on cultural matters. Submit 3-5 pieces, whether print, online, audio or television broadcast by a single writer. These can include but are not limited to commentary on music, theater, dance, television, architecture, visual art and literature. The opinions of the writer should be clear. All pieces do not have to be on a single subject or genre.
Food or restaurant reviews should be submitted to the new Food/Restaurant Journalism category instead of here.
Print entries must include a link to the online article or a PDF of the newspaper page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible. Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2024.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Entrant must either upload the work to an online video site and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit] All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4.
Food/Restaurant Journalism
This award is for features, news reporting, or critical pieces focused on food and/or restaurants. Submit one piece or a series.
Submit a single piece or a series of no more than three stories.
For print or online stories, entrants must submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the newspaper page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible. Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2024.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Investigative Reporting
This award recognizes a reporter or team for investigative reporting of a single event or issue.
Print entry may be a single article or a series of no more than five articles on the same investigation.
Entrants should submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication should be visible.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Regional Political Reporting
This new category focuses specifically on regional politics.
For print or online: Submit up to three articles from the same writer or writing team.
For broadcast or audio: Submit three segments by the same team.
For podcasts: Submit two episodes created by the same team for the same program.
Reminder that you cannot submit the same work to more than one category (with the exception of some photography and art categories. For instance, if you submit a podcast here, you cannot submit the same episodes to one of the podcast categories).
Retail/Small Business Journalism
This award is for features, news reporting, or critical pieces involving retail and small businesses.
Competition will be national only with all entries immediately going to national judging.
Submit a single piece or a series of no more than three related stories by a single writer or writing team.
For print or online stories, entrants must submit a link to the online article or a PDF of the newspaper page on which the story appeared in print. The date of publication must be visible. Entrants must keep their nominated entries intact and accessible until September 30, 2024.
Broadcast or audio entries may be edited for length. Work must have been broadcast by a campus, public or commercial television station or franchised cable television system. Work aired on an internet TV station or streamed on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live also is eligible, provided an archive of the stream remains accessible until September 30, 2024.
Science/Environment Reporting
This category recognizes outstanding work in science/environmental reporting. Entries can include anything aired, streamed or published but should not be an opinion piece.
There will be no regional awards. Entries will go directly to national competition.
A single piece may only be entered in one category (i.e. If entering a story here, it cannot also be entered in Investigative Reporting).
1) Print/Online: no more than three elements to a submission
OR
2) Video/Audio: total running time of entry cannot exceed 15 minutes; entry may include multiple parts as long as the time limit is observed.
Entries that exceed the 15-minute limit will be disqualified.
Questions?
Email awards@spj.org.