Entries must be postmarked by Jan. 11, 2011
Cost: $20.00 per entry for members, $30 nonmembers
Entry form (doc)
Entry form (pdf)
Please send entries according to instructions in contest rules to:
Sandy Schauer
NMPW Treasurer
PO Box 1054
Los Lunas, NM 87031
The annual NMPW Communications Contest provides an opportunity to compete in a broad range of categories. For the 2011 contest, entries must have been published or broadcast between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2010, otherwise known as “the contest year.”
Note: Competition is open to all New Mexico residents. Non-members whose entries place first are eligible to have their work submitted to compete in the National Federation of Press Women contest, but must join NMPW and NFPW by March 1 to do so. Join now and save $10 on fees for each entry. You may send an $84 dues check ($30 for students, $35 for retirees) made out to NMPW with your entries. For more information on membership, please contact schauer722@earthlink.net.
Sending Your Entry: Each entry must be placed in a separate 9” x 12” open-end, unsealed manila envelope. If the entry is too large, use the next larger size. The entrant’s name, state, category and subcategory numbers must be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope in the upper right hand front corner (the end where the flap is, but not on the flap). Place all entries in a single larger envelope for mailing.
Keep copies of your work. Every effort will be made to return entries that do not go to the national competition, but please do not send your only copy.
Print Media (Categories 1 – 17)
Photography (Categories 18 – 22)
Radio/Television (Categories 23 – 31)
Electronic (Categories 32 – 38)
Advertising
Print Media Advertising (Categories 39 – 42)
Radio/Television Advertising (Categories 43 – 44)
Public Relations/Promotion/Publicity
Communications programs and campaigns (Categories 44 – 49)
PR materials (Categories 50 – 57)
Information for the media (Categories 58 – 60)
Speeches (Category 61)
Collegiate (Categories 62 – 71)
Achievement/Research (Categories 72 – 74)
Books/Fiction/Verse (Categories 75 – 81)
NFPW CONTEST DIVISIONS AND CATEGORIES
Print Media
Categories 1 through 17
(Paid or unpaid circulation)
General instructions: A tear sheet (full page or pages containing the article, special page, etc.) must be submitted for entries published in newspapers or other publications. Clearly mark the tear sheet by highlighting or underlining the headline or title. Photocopies or print PDFs of tear sheets are permitted when originals are not available, but they must show publication name and date of issue printed on the page.
Note: A single story OR a package (story, sidebar(s) and/or related information boxes) published on a single day constitutes one article. Each article may be entered only once. A story entered as a single feature, news story cannot also be entered in a multi-part category such as series. Sections, special editions and publications must be submitted in their entirety. Sections and supplements should indicate clearly that they are part of a larger publication.
All electronic pieces should be submitted in the Electronic Media Category.
1. News reporting
Submit TWO (2) articles. Judges will consider planning and general organization of story, initiative in obtaining story, news writing, readability and impact.
- A. Non-daily newspaper
- B. Daily newspaper
- C. Publication/magazine/supplement for general or specialized circulation, including internal publications
2. Continuing coverage of unfolding news
Open competition. Submit a maximum of SIX (6) articles representing the course of the story. The entry date is the date of the final article, which must be on or before Dec. 31 of the contest year. A one-page written statement noting general chronology of the unfolding news and any special circumstances or events related to the topic MUST be included with the entry.
Judges will consider the writer’s ability to stick with the story, the handling of the subject, writing style, readability and thoroughness of coverage (e.g., a trial underway with daily coverage, or surprising new facts discovered at a later date on a story that is not a planned series).
3. Investigative reporting
Open competition. Entry should demonstrate entrant’s ability to provide treatment of an issue that has an impact on the publication’s coverage area but that has not received prior coverage or would not have been told without the reporter’s diligence in uncovering or reporting of the subject. Submit a maximum of SIX (6) articles representing the course of the story. The entry date is the date of the final article, which must be on or before Dec. 31 of the contest year. A one-page written statement MUST accompany the entry. It should include the entrant’s role in preparing the coverage, chronology of events, current status of issue covered and any unusual circumstances or difficulties encountered in preparation of the series. Judges will consider the initiative, thoroughness of research, documentation, clarity of writing and/or presentation and technical excellence.
4. Enterprise reporting
Open competition. Entry should demonstrate entrant’s ability to expand on and add in-depth information to an issue that already has been reported and had an impact on the publication’s coverage area. Submit a maximum of SIX (6) articles representing the course of the story. The entry date is the date of the final article, which must be on or before Dec. 31 of the contest year. A one-page written statement MUST accompany the entry. It should include the entrant’s role in preparing the coverage, chronology of events, current status of issue covered and any unusual circumstances or difficulties encountered in preparation of the series. Judges will consider the initiative, thoroughness of research, documentation, clarity of writing and/or presentation and technical excellence.
5. Special series
Open competition. Submit a minimum of THREE (3), but not more than SIX (6) developed articles. The articles must be numbered or must otherwise indicate with an editor’s note, a consistent series title or a logo that the articles were intended as a series, published either over time or in the same issue. The entry date is the date of the final article, which must be on or before Dec. 31 of the contest year. A one-page written statement MUST accompany the entry. It should include the entrant’s role in preparing the coverage, chronology of events, current status of issue covered and any unusual circumstances or difficulties encountered in preparation of the series. Judges will consider the initiative, thoroughness of research, documentation, clarity of writing and/or presentation and technical excellence.
6. Editorial/Opinion
Submit ONE (1) article. DO NOT SUBMIT personal columns. This category is for non-bylined pieces that appear on editorial or op-ed pages. In addition to considering local interest of the publication for the readers, judges will consider clarity of style, sound reasoning and effort to influence readers’ opinions in what the writer believes to be the right direction.
- A. Non-daily newspaper
- B. Daily newspaper
- C. Publication/magazine/supplement for general or specialized circulation, including internal publications, and websites.
- D. Editorial cartoon
7. Feature story
Submit ONE (1) article. DO NOT ENTER interview as feature (see Category 8, Personality Profile). Judges will consider interest and unusual aspects of the feature material itself and/or the handling of it, writing style, readability and thoroughness of coverage.
- A. Non-daily newspaper
- B. Daily newspaper
- C. Publication/magazine/supplement for general or specialized circulation, including internal publications.
8. Personality profile
Open competition. Submit ONE (1) article that gives a portrait of an individual based on interviews with one or more persons. Judges will consider how well the writer reveals the personality of the subject by exploring the subject’s actions, background, motivation and character.
- A. 500 words or fewer
- B. More than 500 words
9. Specialty articles
Open competition. Submit TWO (2) articles on the same basic subject for each sub-category. The two articles equal one entry and both should be listed on the same entry form and placed in one envelope.
Entrants may enter one or all lettered sub-categories, but the two articles that make up an entry must be on the topic of that sub-category. Example: sub-category O (Sports), both articles may cover various sports topics; each may focus on a particular sport, e.g., basketball; or each article may cover a different sport – one on basketball and one on hunting, etc. Or, as in sub-category M (Reviews), one article may be a review of a play, while another is a review of a concert. Judges will consider the same criteria as for news or feature stories and will include the author’s ability to write knowledgeably on the subject.
- A. Business
- B. Agriculture, Agribusiness, Aquaculture
- C. Arts and entertainment
- D. Physical health, fitness, mental health, self-help
- E. Education
- F. Science
- G. Food
- H. Government or politics
- I. History
- J. Home (interior decoration, furniture, architecture, landscaping)
- K. Fashion
- L. Religion
- M. Reviews (any subject, personal opinion must be expressed)
- N. Social issues (family, minority affairs, welfare, women, the elderly, consumerism)
- O. Sports
- P. Hobby or craft
- Q. Travel
- R. Advertorials (writing done for special advertising supplements or special sections)
- S. Green/environmental
- T. Technology/Internet
10. Columns
Open competition, with sub-categories by column type. Submit TWO (2) columns. Columns should have a headline or logo that indicates it is a regular feature of the publication, should entertain and/or educate and should reveal author’s style. Judges will consider interest, organization and ideas conveyed in the column as well as clarity, readability, style and author’s ability to write knowledgeably on the subject. Columns published on a website should be entered in this category. Columns are NOT blogs.
- A. Humorous
- B. General
- C. Informational (how-to, Q&A, advice)
- D. Personal Opinion (bylined, not editorial)
11. Single page or pages regularly edited by entrant – Lifestyle or Entertainment
Specify frequency of page’s appearance and submit TWO (2) samples of the same type or subject (i.e., two food pages, two youth pages, etc.). Judges will consider the planning and general organization of the page, the power of original editorial material, suitability and appeal of feature material, informational value, editing and headline writing.
- A. Non-daily newspaper
- B. Daily newspaper
- C. Publication/magazine/supplement for general or specialized circulation, including internal publications
12. Single page or pages regularly edited by entrant – other than Lifestyle or Entertainment
Submit TWO (2) samples. Judges will consider the planning and general organization of the page, the power of original editorial material, suitability and appeal of feature material, informational value, editing and headline writing.
- A. Non-daily newspaper
- B. Daily newspaper
- C. Publication/magazine/supplement for general or specialized circulation, including internal publications
13. Section edited by entrant – frequent or regular sections
Specify frequency of section or supplement and submit TWO (2) samples. Regardless of frequency, newspaper supplements (such as Sunday magazines) MUST be entered in the appropriate newspaper sub-category below, not in magazine sub-category. If the section (e.g., Sunday magazine) is a supplement to a daily newspaper, but published weekly or monthly, it still belongs in the daily sub-category. The entry must specify the larger publication in which the section appeared. Judges will consider planning and general organization, the power of original editorial material, suitability and appeal of feature material, informational value, editing and headline writing, cohesiveness, and thoroughness of coverage.
- A. Non-daily newspaper
- B. Daily newspaper
- C. Publication/magazine/supplement for general or specialized circulation, including internal publications
14. Sections/supplements edited by entrant – infrequent (one-time, annual, semi-annual, quarterly)
Submit ONE (1) sample. Regardless of frequency, newspaper supplements (such as Sunday magazines) must be entered in the appropriate newspaper sub-category. If the section (e.g., Sunday magazine) is a supplement to a daily newspaper, but published weekly or monthly, it still belongs in the daily sub-category. Entry must specify the larger publication in which the section appeared. Judges will consider planning and general organization, the power of original editorial material, suitability and appeal of feature material, informational value, editing and headline writing, cohesiveness, and thoroughness of coverage.
- A. Non-daily newspaper
- B. Daily newspaper
- C. Publication/magazine/supplement for general or specialized circulation, including internal publications
15. Publications regularly edited by entrant
Submit TWO (2) issues in their entirety. Note that there are categories for public relations magazines and other types of publications in the Public Relations division. Judges will consider writing, editing, design and content.
- A. Non-daily newspaper
- B. Daily newspaper
- C. Publication/magazine/supplement for general or specialized circulation, including internal publications
- D. Newsletters (not internal or public relations)
16. Page layout
Submit TWO (2) examples of pages regularly laid out by entrant. Entry may consist of front pages, youth pages, editorial pages, sports pages, family pages or others, all of one type or in combination. Judges will consider the overall layout and design of the pages, typefaces, use of photographs and arrangements of the various elements to appeal to readers.
- A. Non-daily newspaper
- B. Daily newspaper
- C. Publication/magazine/supplement for general or specialized circulation, including internal publications
17. Headlines and original graphics
Judges will consider appropriateness to story, originality and appeal to the reader. Open competition. No sub-categories as to type of publication or circulation.
- Headline writing (submit FOUR (4) samples on marked tearsheets)
- Original graphics (submit TWO (2) samples on marked tearsheets)
Photography Entries
Categories 18 through 22
General instructions: In all categories, a photo, laser print or copy of original (no larger than 8″ x 10″) must be submitted. For digital work, a CD or DVD may be submitted, but the entry also MUST include a printed copy (laser copy is acceptable) for ease of judging. DO NOT MOUNT PHOTOS. Prints, CDs and DVDs will not be returned. A tearsheet, photocopy or print PDF of the entire printed page must be attached, but judging is on the photo, not the reproduction. Except for category 22 (Photographer-writer), text will not be considered. For prints published in black and white, originals may be color or black and white.
18. Photography in non-daily newspaper
- A. News photo
- B. Feature photo
- C. Sports photo
- D. Advertising/advertorial photo
- E. Photo essay (photographs in a layout that either have a narrative quality or present points of view on a single subject)
19. Photography in daily newspaper
- A. News photo
- B. Feature photo
- C. Sports photo
- D. Advertising/advertorial photo
- E. Photo essay (photographs in a layout that either have a narrative quality or present points of view on a single subject)
20. Photography in printed publication other than newspaper
- A. News photo
- B. Feature photo
- C. Sports photo
- D. Advertising/advertorial photo
- E. Photo essay (photographs in a layout that either have a narrative quality or present points of view on a single subject)
21. Photography on the Web or electronic publishing
A printed copy (print, laser print, etc.) MUST be included in entry. In addition, submit a CD or DVD with the digital photo as it appeared on the Web or e-publishing site, including all supportive files to be able to view the photo as it was “published” electronically. Care should be taken to ensure the photo has not been electronically altered from the version published. Entries should remain true to ethical standards followed by professional photographers.
- A. Single photo (news, feature or sports)
- B. Photo gallery (news, feature or sports)
22. Photographer-writer
Judges will consider the quality of both the photos and the copy, the relationship of one to the other, and the completeness of the package. Both the photos and the copy must be the work of the entrant. Layout will not be considered.
Radio / Television
Categories 23 through 31
General instructions: Audiocassette tapes, VHS videotape cassettes, DVDs or CDs are required for submission of entries. In instances where more than one person contributed to the report, and only the person submitting the entry is an NFPW member, the entrant must have had an equal or the major role in creating/delivering the broadcast. The tape, DVD or CD, the case, the entry form and the envelope must be labeled with the following information: name of entrant, number and letter of the category/sub-category, length of cut.
Note: Digital podcasts should be entered in Category 35 under “Podcasts” in the Internet Communications Division.
23. On-the-scene spot report (news, features, sports)
Entry may be edited. Narratives or voice-overs are allowed only if they were part of the original piece that aired. A one-page written statement detailing circumstances surrounding coverage of story and entrant’s participation MUST accompany the entry. Judges will consider reporter’s ability to provide enterprising coverage of one unscheduled event.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
24. Prepared report (news, investigative, feature or sports)
Entry may be limited to a single report or may include excerpts from a related series. A one-page written statement detailing circumstances surrounding coverage of story and entrant’s participation MUST accompany the entry. Judges will consider reporter’s ability to obtain a story with impact, clarity of writing/production, and concise assembly.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
25. Special programming (documentary, public affairs or editorial)
Entry may be a single report or editorial, or may be a series of stories on the same subject. Entry may be edited, but narratives or voice-overs are allowed only if they were part of the original piece that aired.
A one-page written statement MUST accompany the entry and should include a synopsis of the subject matter, entrant’s role in preparation and how entrant’s coverage addressed the community/market need, a summary of any follow-up reports, and any unusual circumstances or difficulties encountered in preparation of the original piece. In addition to considering entrant’s ability to provide comprehensive and effective in-depth coverage of a community problem or significant news event, judges will consider creativity, clarity of writing and/or presentation, and technical excellence.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
26. Special reporting series (Investigative or Enterprise Reporting)
Submit coverage of a single subject reported in TWO (2) or more parts. Entry should demonstrate entrant’s ability to provide treatment of an issue that has impact on the station’s coverage area but has not received prior coverage or would not have been told without the reporter’s enterprise in uncovering it. A one-page written statement MUST accompany the entry and should include entrant’s role in producing series, chronology of events, effect of coverage on community, current status of issue covered, a summary of any follow-up reports, and any unusual circumstances or difficulties encountered in preparation of series. Narratives or voice-overs are allowed only if they were part of the original piece that aired. Judges will consider initiative, thoroughness of research, documentation of any allegations, clarity of writing and/or presentation, and technical excellence.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
27. “Personal column on the air” or critic’s review
Entry clearly must indicate the broadcaster’s viewpoint. No written statement is required.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
28. Interview
Delete all commercial breaks, but no other editing may be done. No written statement is required.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
29. Talk Show
Delete all commercial breaks, but no other editing may be done. No written statement is required.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
30. Best newscast (commercial or non-commercial station)
Newscast must be under the overall supervision of the entrant. Delete all commercial breaks, but no other editing may be done. Narratives or voice-overs are allowed only if they were part of the original piece that aired. No written statement is required. Judges will consider excellence of news content and production values.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
31. Best presentation (anchor, sportscaster or play-by play sports reporter)
Judges will consider anchor’s, sportscaster’s or reporter’s presentation only (style of delivery, diction, authoritative presence and credibility) — not content. No written statement is required.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
Electronic COMMUNICATIONS
Categories 32 through 38
General instructions: See specific instructions under each category. Questions about these entries should be directed to the contest director. Digital photography is covered under the photography entries. Every attempt should be made to enable the judge to view the article or page under the form in which it was intended to be viewed. The entry should reflect the material as it appeared during the contest year.
Note: Work may not be entered in more than one category in this division. However, a story may be entered in a writing category and the Web site on which it’s posted also may be entered in the editing or site-developing categories. It is not the intent to prevent a writer and an editor from entering their individual work when the work of both is published on the same Web site.
32. Writing for the Web
Submit hard copy printed from the Web AND a one-page statement defining the goal of the project, the site’s purpose and target audience. If the entry is still accessible to the public on the Web site, circle or write the URL on the top of the printed copy. Entries must have been created for use in electronic form; material written for print publication and reused on the Web is NOT eligible. Judges will consider clarity of message, appropriateness to audience and adherence to principles of Web-based communication.
- A. Web content written for not-for-profit, government or educational organization sites, ONE (1) example.
- B. Web content written for corporate or for-profit organization sites, ONE (1) example.
- C. Web content written for special interest sites, ONE (1) example.
- D. News article written specifically for the Web, ONE (1) example.
- E. Feature article written specifically for the Web, ONE (1) example.
- F. Column or commentary specifically for the Web, ONE (1) example.
33. Web site edited by entrant
Open competition. Submit hard copy of home page with URL at the top so the judge can go immediately to the site. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a one-page written statement defining the site’s purpose and target audience, frequency of update, role in editing page, number of visitors per month, and any additional comments about content of the site. Judges will consider clarity of site, interaction options, design, relevance to audience and adherence to principles of Web-based communication.
- A. Web content written for not-for-profit, government or educational organization sites, ONE (1) example.
- B. Web content written for corporate or for-profit organization sites, ONE (1) example.
- C. Web content written for special interest sites, ONE (1) example.
34. Web site development/creation
Submit hard copy of home page with URL at the top so the judge can go immediately to the site. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a one-page written statement defining the goal of the project, site’s purpose and target audience, launch date of the site, evaluation of project, number of visitors per month and any additional comments relevant to the development or creation of the site. Material written for print publication and reused on the Web is NOT eligible. Judges will consider adherence to purpose, clarity of site, interaction options, design and adherence to principles of Web-based communication.
- A. Web site development/creation for not-for-profit, government or educational organization sites, ONE (1) example.
- B. Web site development/creation for corporate or for-profit organization sites, ONE (1) example.
- C. Web site development/creation for special interest sites, ONE (1) example.
35. Podcasts
Entries in this category MUST be original content and not repurposed. If the material was on the air prior to being used in the podcast, it should be entered in one of the radio categories instead. As podcast files tend to be large, it is recommended that the entrant provide an MP3 audio file on a disk formatted for universal use on all operating systems. Judges will consider originality, creativity, content organization and effective communication of message.
- A. News
- B. Editorial
- C. Entertainment
- D. Corporate issues
- E. Advertisement
36. Blogs
Entrant must be the author of the blog. Submit hard copy printed from the Web AND a one-page statement about the audience, reason for the blog and number of views. If the entry is still accessible to the public on the Web site, circle or write the URL on the top of the printed copy.
- A. Web content written for not-for-profit, government or educational organization sites, TWO (2) examples.
- B. Web content written for corporate or for-profit organization sites, TWO (2) examples.
- C. Web content written for special interest sites, TWO (2) examples.
37. Social Media Campaign
General instructions: Use of social media as part of a comprehensive campaign to achieve a professional goal. Submit a one-page statement explaining the goal of the campaign, audience and results, as well as the role of the entrant in the campaign. Include a link to the campaign or a CD/DVD if no longer live.
- A. Web content written for not-for-profit, government or educational organization sites, ONE (1) example.
- B. Web content written for corporate or for-profit organization sites, ONE (1) example.
- C. Web content written for special interest sites, ONE (1) example.
38. Videos for website
Submit a CD, DVD or link to the video. Each entry must be accompanied by a brief statement including purpose the video, criteria for measuring effectiveness of video and the role of the entrant in carrying out the project.
- A. Web content written for not-for-profit, government or educational organization sites, ONE (1) example.
- B. Web content written for corporate or for-profit organization sites, ONE (1) example.
- C. Web content written for special interest sites, ONE (1) example.
Advertising Entries
Print Media Advertising
Categories 39 through 42
General instructions: Submit tearsheet(s) of the ad or campaign/series. For electronic ads, submit printouts, DVDs or CDs for Web sites or e-newsletters in which this ad or campaign series appeared. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a one-page statement including reason for the ad or campaign, special strategies used, effectiveness in terms of results and the role of the entrant in carrying out the project. Judges will consider the originality of the selling idea or promotion, adaptability and suitability of idea to the advertiser, appropriate choice of medium, makeup and appearance, style and content of copy, and results.
39. Newspaper, trade paper, magazine, newsletter or Web site – black/white print or
electronic display (single ad)
- A. Retail product or service
- B. Institutional or image
40. Newspaper, trade paper, magazine, newsletter or Web site – color or spot color print or electronic display (single ad)
- A. Retail product or service
- B. Institutional or image
41. Newspaper, trade paper, magazine, newsletter or Web site – print or electronic campaign or series built around one subject (black/white, color or spot color)
Series may feature same product or service, or different products/services for same advertiser. Series must be related by theme or design format.
- A. Retail product or service
- B. Institutional or image
42. Single-sheet poster / poster campaign / billboard / banner (any size, black/white or color)
- A. Single-sheet original poster. Submit poster OR send photo/printout of entry (no larger than 8.5” x 11”) or DVD with jpg file no larger than 3 megabytes.
- B. Original poster campaign. Submit posters OR send photo/printout of entry (no larger than 8.5” x 11”) or DVD with jpg file no larger than 3 megabytes.
- C. Billboard. Submit photo no larger than 8” x 10” of entry.
- D. Banner. Submit photo no larger than 8” x 10” of entry.
Radio/Television Advertising
Categories 43 and 44
Submit audiotape cassettes or CDs for radio entries and VHS videotape cassettes, CDs or DVDs for television entries. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a brief statement including reason for the commercial or campaign, special strategies used, effectiveness in terms of results, and the role of the entrant in carrying out the project. Judges will consider the originality of the selling idea or promotion, adaptability and suitability of idea to the advertiser, creativity, clarity of writing and/or presentation, production values, technical excellence and results.
43. Radio single commercial or campaign built around one subject
44. Television single commercial or campaign built around one subject.
Public Relations / Promotion / Publicity
Communications programs and campaigns
Categories 45 through 49
General instructions: Each entry MUST be accompanied by a one-page statement that includes the research or reason for the program or campaign, audience, strategies used to reach this audience, theme (if any), timetable, budget, and how program or campaign was evaluated. Entry must have been under the overall supervision of the entrant, with role defined in statement. In audiovisuals, for example, entrant must document role to state whether it included scripting only, scripting and photography, photography only, production, etc. Attach major supporting items including brochures, press releases, speeches, videotape, audiotape, CD or DVD (limit sample to FIVE (5) minutes). If displays are too large to include in a 9” x 12” envelope, send photo/printout of entry (no larger than 8.5” x 11”) or DVD with jpg file no larger than 3 megabytes. Materials submitted in this category also may be entered in categories 47-54. The program or campaign must have been completed by Dec. 31 of the contest year. Judges will consider clearly stated objectives, success in meeting objectives and in relating to audience, effective use of media, general impact of program, evaluation of effectiveness, and technical quality.
45. Community or Institutional relations
Program or campaign designed to improve an organization’s relationship with key publics or a community.
46. Public service
Program or campaign for the public good.
47. Internal communications
Program or campaign designed to improve relations within an organization.
48. Marketing program or campaign for new or existing service or product
49. Audiovisuals
Entry must be creatively directed, edited and executed by the entrant. Submit appropriate format (i.e. slides, VHS videos or CDs with viewable PowerPoint or similar presentation).
- A. Still illustration or multi-image slides
- B. Video productions
- C. PowerPoint or similar presentation method
- D. PR Materials
Categories 50 through 57
This sub-division includes PR print and electronic materials. Entry must be creatively directed, edited and executed by the entrant. Submit ONE (1) sample. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a one-page statement that includes description of entrant’s role in carrying out project, general objectives, audience, theme (if any), frequency, budget and how entry was evaluated. Judges will consider clearly stated objectives, success in meeting objectives and in relating to audience, effective use of media, general impact, and technical quality.
Note: The body of the publication determines the color subcategory. For example, if the cover is 4-color but the body is 1- to 3-color, it should be entered as 1- to 3-color.
50. Reports
- A. External annual report
- B. Internal annual report
- C. General report
51. Magazine
- A. One- to three-color
- B. Four-color
52. Magapaper/tabloid
- A. One- to three-color
- B. Four-color
53. Newsletter
- A. One- to three-color print
- B. Four-color print
- C. Electronic
54. Brochure
- A. One- to three-color print
- B. Four-color print
- C. Electronic
55. Catalog
- A. Retail or Manufacturing
- B. Educational institutions
- C. Electronic
56. Direct mail marketing
- A. Print, single campaign
- B. Print, multi-campaign
- C. Electronic, single campaign
- D. Electronic, multi-campaign
57. Manuals and handbooks
- A. Print
- B. Electronic
- C. Information for the Media
Categories 58 through 60
58. News or feature release – single release
Submit a copy of original release and clippings of ONE (1) to THREE (3) published articles resulting from release, or reports of placement if used by electronic media. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a one-page statement that includes general objectives, audience targeted, theme (if any), media contacted, timetable, budget, follow-up, evaluative measurement and results statement. Judges will consider content and organization of copy, effective communication of message, clearly stated objectives, success in meeting objectives within the budget and in relating to audience, and general impact.
- A. News release
- B. Feature release
59. News or feature releases – multiple releases
Submit TWO (2) news or feature releases dealing with the same topic or campaign. Submit copies of original releases and clippings of ONE (1) published article or reports of electronic placement, which resulted from each release. Releases may have been rewritten by publication. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a one-page statement that includes general objectives, media contacted, audience targeted, theme (if any), timetable, budget, follow-up, evaluative measurement and results statement. Judges will consider content and organization of copy, effective communication of message, clearly stated objectives, success in meeting objectives within the budget and in relating to audience, and general impact.
60. Media kit — tools to gain media coverage
Submit TWO (2) to SIX (6) examples that make up a single media kit, which may include, but not be limited to, tip sheets, expert lists, media advisories and feature suggestion packets. In addition to the examples, results must be documented with at least two clippings, or reports of placement if used by electronic media resulting from the media kit. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a one-page statement that includes objectives, media contacted, audience targeted, theme (if any), timetable, budget, follow-up, evaluative measurement and results statement. Judges will consider success in meeting clearly stated objectives, in providing appropriate materials to selected media to assist with task of effective story telling about client, event, etc., and in getting desired coverage and results.
Speeches
Category 61
Entry must be a minimum of FOUR (4) pages, typewritten and double-spaced. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a one-page statement that includes the title of speech, title of speaker, type of speech (persuasive, motivational, informative, etc.), description of audience (including name of group and size), date, and goal of the speaker in reaching the audience. The speech must have been delivered during the contest year. Judges will consider effective interpretation of subject matter, structure, appropriateness for audience and situation, writing for deliverability, organization of messages, and credible conclusion.
COLLEGIATE
Categories 62 through 71
General instructions: Open to students in either a two- or four-year program who are working on an undergraduate degree. Tearsheets must be submitted for print categories. Entries may have been published in either a campus or professional publication.
Radio and TV entries must be submitted on cassette, CD or DVD and labeled the same as the entry form. For Web entries, submit files suitable for viewing on a CD or DVD, plus a print version.
62. News writing
- A. Newspaper, magazine or special supplement
- B. Radio or TV
- C. Web
63. Feature writing
- A. Newspaper, magazine or special supplement
- B. Radio or TV
- C. Web
64. Sports
- A. Newspaper, magazine or special supplement
- B. Radio or TV
- C. Web
65. Editorial
- A. Newspaper, magazine or special supplement
- B. Radio or TV
- C. Web
66. Column
- A. Newspaper, magazine or special supplement
- B. Radio or TV
- C. Web
67. Design
- A. Newspaper, magazine or special supplement
- B. Web
68. Graphics/illustrations
- A. Newspaper, magazine or special supplement
- B. Radio or TV
- C. Web
69. Photography (single news, feature or sports photo – tearsheet and print)
- A. Newspaper, magazine or special supplement
- B. Web
70. Advertising
- A. Newspaper, magazine or special supplement
- B. Radio or TV
- C. Web
71. Public relations
- A. Campaign for a non-profit or educational institution
- B. Campaign for a company or for-profit business venture
- C. Achievement / Research
Categories 72 through 74
72. Individual achievement (print or broadcast)
Submit relative material but no more than TEN (10) pages or pieces, including samples of the work itself, supportive materials relative to the impact of the achievement AND a one-page written summary of the achievement. This category includes work by a reporter, editor or news team that reflects unusual creativity, unexcelled professionalism, courage under pressure, effectiveness in presentation and that which “got something done,” i.e., helped to get a law changed or introduced, focus on inadequate water supply led to building of new reservoir, spurred an investigation of child abuse/neglect, etc.
73. Faculty adviser of student publications
Submit one example of a newspaper, literary journal or yearbook, AND a one-page statement about your role as adviser. The one-page statement also should give information about the publication, such as circulation or numbers printed, role of publication, brief background on the publication and any special comments the adviser would like to make regarding the publication.
74. Research (print, broadcast or public relations)
Research into historical, social or cultural topics related to media, communications or information systems or theory should offer original insights and analysis using comprehensive and balanced investigation of all relevant primary and secondary sources, and should demonstrate a credible hypothesis and conclusion.
Books / Fiction / Verse
Categories 75 through 81
Books, novels, short stories and poems must have been published during the contest year. A book either must be a first edition or, if a later edition (not a reprint), must not have been submitted previously in this competition. Entries in this division are judged on the principles of writing for that category. In general, entries are judged on quality of writing, organization of thought, expression of ideas and originality.
Note: The year of publication (not the copyright date) governs eligibility. If the year of the copyright date (issued when an ISBN number is assigned) printed inside the book is not the year of publication, please furnish documentation from the publisher verifying the publication date.
BOOK RETURN POLICY: Books will not be returned unless the entrant requests so at time of entry by checking the return book requested box on the entry form and pays the $10 return fee. All first place books will be displayed at the annual conference. Winners attending the conference may retrieve books upon the completion of the conference. Books slated for return will be mailed to the entrant after the conference.
75. Non-fiction, book
- A. General
- B. Essay or chapter(s) appearing in book not written by entrant. Essay or chapter(s) judged on fit with the overall theme of the book.
- C. Biography and Autobiography
- D. History
- E. Cookbook
- F. Humor
- G. Instructional, including “how-to”
- H. Religious or inspirational
- I. Ghostwriting. A ghostwritten book MUST include both a one-page written statement describing the entrant’s role and certification of the entrant’s role from the editor, publisher or subject of the book.
76. Fiction, novel (full-length, 40,000 words and up)
77. Children’s books
- A. Fiction
- B. Non-fiction
78. Young adult books
- A. Fiction
- B. Non-fiction
79. Short story (single story or collection)
80. Creative verse, including single entries or a book or chapbook of poetry
- A. Single entries
- B. Book or chapbook of poetry
81. Book edited by entrant including poetry books or poetry magazines
Editor in this category MUST include a one-page written statement about role in the project and the extent or type of editing done.