Contact: Heather Porter, assistant director of programs, 317/927-8000 ext. 204 or hporter@spj.org

Indianapolis-The Society of Professional Journalists would like to remind members of the journalism community that the postmark deadline for the Sigma Delta Chi Awards is quickly approaching. Entries must be postmarked no later than Monday, February 6, 2006.

This year’s awards will honor work published or broadcast during the 2005 calendar year. The awards offer 49 categories in the areas of newspaper/wire services, magazine, art/graphics, radio, television, newsletter, research and online journalism. Recipients will be honored at the annual Sigma Delta Chi Awards Banquet taking place in July at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

These 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.

For more information about the awards and to obtain an entry form, please visit www.spj.org. You may also contact Heather Porter at 317/927-8000 ext. 204 or hporter@spj.org.

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. The organization is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.

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