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Contest
Overview |
Entry Form |
State and National Contest Winners
General Requirements for Entries
Criteria Considered by Judges
1. Editorial: Editorials appear on the editorial page
of the paper. They are the voice of the paper. An editorial is not a
bylined personal column, but may be signed on behalf of an editorial
board.
2. Opinion: Opinion articles are the voice of the writer, not to be
confused with an editorial. They can focus on items of personal nature,
social issues, or happenings of the world. They can be insightful and/or
critical, but not libelous. Judging will evaluate clearness of style, sound
reasoning and effort to influence reader’s opinion in what the writer
believes is the right direction. An opinion article, the voice of the
individual, is always bylined.
3. News: Shows initiative in obtaining a story that presents new
information or a different angle on published information or past events.
Judging will be based on general organization, writing style, readability
and impact.
4. Feature: An in-depth Topic of interest to readers. Copy will be
judged on unusual aspects of the material or the handling, writing style and
richness of detail and use of quotes, readability and thoroughness. The
material may be a personality profile or human interest piece.
5. Sports: Imagination and good application of sportswriting style in
advance, follow-up, summary or feature coverage of events or sports
participants. Avoid play-by-play rehash.
6. Column: Submit three entries, two consecutive and any third one.
Analytical scrutiny, satire or personal comment on general or special
subject that entertains and/or educates. May utilize in-depth knowledge,
research, study or expertise.
7. Feature Photo: Photo must have viewer emotional response,
eye-catching subject matter and storytelling qualities. No posed shots.
Judging will be based on the photo’s quality as published. Original prints
are not required. Submit two copies of published version. Images must not be
digitally enhanced or retouched; cropping, toning, contrast and redeye
removal are the only electronic adjustments allowed. Note: When
entering a photo that was printed as part of a series, indicate which photo
is to be considered.
8. Sports Photo: Photo should be easy to “read” and cropped
for impact. It should show the peak of the action; capture an exciting
moment or a storytelling facial expression. No posed shots. Judging will be
based on the quality of the photo as published. Submit two dated copies of
the published version. Images must not be digitally enhanced or retouched;
cropping, toning, contrast and redeye removal are the only electronic
adjustments allowed. Note: When entering a photo that was printed
as part of a series, indicate which photo is to be considered.
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special message for student photographers
9. Cartooning: Copy may be generated by computer graphics or
freehand, and may be a comic strip or cartoon. Judging will consider the
text or caption and the use of concept and artistic style. The subject
matter is unrestricted. For example, any political, economic or social issue
may be covered or any human relations issue or other topic.
10. Reviews: Entry should be of interest to the publication’s
readers. Subject may be art, dramatic event or music. Article should include
some critical analysis and show writer’s knowledge of the subject. Review
should be interesting, creatively written and rich in style.
11. Graphics: Entry may be created freehand or electronically.
Judging will be on creativity, uniqueness, clarity of relationship to
article or publication, and entry’s visual enhancement of the subject
matter. Unsigned work requires adviser’s verification.
12. Single Page Layout: Copy may be from a
desktop publishing project or from the traditional printing production
methods. Judge will consider any number of graphic elements, including
typography, photos, illustrations and color. Judging will be based on
creative and effective use of elements in drawing reader interest and
supporting article(s) content. Unsigned work requires adviser’s
verification. (Note: a double truck may not be submitted in the single page
layout category.)
13. Double Truck Layout: A two-page editorial layout
(centerfold) incorporating an odd number of pictures made up as a single
unit, with the usual margin between the two facing pages eliminated.
Judging will be based on same elements as for single-page layout.
14. Radio News (Delaware contest only): Submit a cassette tape
containing examples of programming your station did in the public interest
or in coverage of a news story. A written statement should accompany the
entry describing circumstances of the broadcast or broadcasts. Judges will
consider initiative, clarity of writing, presentation and technical
excellence. Entry should demonstrate ability to provide treatment of an
issue that has impact on the station’s coverage area.
15. Environment: Judging will be based on how the article, layout,
graphic or photograph “educates the public about environmental issues or
concerns.” At the national level, this award is given in conjunction
with the San Francisco Press Club Environment Award Fund.
16. Video News Story: This is a video created for television or
Web broadcast. Judging is based on how well video and
reporting/narration are used to obtain a story and present information.
DVD is the only allowable format. Make sure your entry plays on a
regular consumer DVD player or PC.
17. Video Feature Story: This is a video created for television
or Web broadcast. Judging is based on how well video and
reporting/narration are used to present a personality profile or human
interest story of interest to viewers. DVD is the only allowable format.
Make sure your entry plays on a regular consumer DVD player or PC.
18. Video Sports Story: This is a video created for television or
Web broadcast. Judging is based on how well video and
reporting/narration are used to cover a sports event or participant. DVD
is the only allowable format. Make sure your entry plays on a regular
consumer DVD player or PC.
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