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Category Description and Requirements
Please find the list of contest categories with their description listed below in red and in numerical order.
Note: If you would like to download a PDF version of the entry information please click here.
General Excellence Class 1 through 3 – Active Members
The General Excellence Awards recognize outstanding overall achievement in the community press. OCNA designates each member newspaper to one of four classes - College and University newspapers are in Class 4. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded. All members are encouraged to enter. The General Excellence competition helps newspapers determine their strengths and weaknesses, gives them a comparison with other newspapers, provides staff with a pat on the back, and shows them areas in which they can improve.
Newspapers are to submit the pdf or link to the pdf e-edition copy – one edition from the month of May 2024 and one edition from the month of September 2024. Hardcopies of editions will no longer be accepted. If you are having problems uploading editions to the contest site, please contact Karen Shardlow at k.shardlow@ocna.org for assistance.
Circulation Categories Available:
Class 1: Circ. 1,500 and under
Class 2: Circ. 1,501 - 8,000
Class 3: Circ. 8,001 and over
Judging will be based on the following - for a full description of the judging criteria, please click here.
Front Page 150
Community News 150
Ed. & Op. Ed Pages 100
Presentation 100
Photography 100
Advertising Content 100
Advertising Design 100
Classified Advertising 25
Local Features 50
Sports Coverage 25
Arts Coverage 25
Production Quality 0
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Total 925
General Excellence Class 4 – College & University Members
College and University Newspapers who are members in good standing are invited to enter the General Excellence competition.
Judging criteria has been developed to reflect the specialized communities served as well as the readership represented. (Please note, College and University newspapers are also invited to enter College & University Premier Award categories.)
Newspapers are required to submit either a pdf copy or url link to the pdf copy. Entry should be made through the contest website, and should include a copy of each edition selected – one (1) issue from each semester. Fall semester – October to December 2023 and Winter semester – January to April 2024.
Judging will be based on the following - for a full description of the judging criteria, please click here.
Front Page 150
Community News 150
Editorial Page and Op-Ed 100
Presentation 100
Photography 100
Advertising Content & Design 25
Local Features 100
Sports 50
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TOTAL 775
PREMIER AWARDS - ACTIVE MEMBERS
PC01. Arts & Entertainment
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Submissions can be made in the form of a feature, photo essay, news article or editorial. It should increase interest in, appreciation of, or participation in activities related to the performing and creative arts.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Spurs interest/ Appreciation/ Participation in Arts 16; Quality of Reporting 15; Photos/Graphics/Artwork 14
PC02. Best Business & Finance Story
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
The award will be presented to the newspaper judged to have written and presented the best business and finance story dealing with a community-oriented business or industry, or with the financial aspects of a governing body or agency. Stories dealing with personal budgeting, investments, taxation, etc. are also eligible.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 16; Relevance to Community/Reader 15; Research 15
PC03. Best Editorial, circ. over 8,000 ***CHANGED CIRCULATION***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries should take a fearless editorial stand. Subject material should be community oriented. Quality of writing and placement will be taken into consideration.
Submit: PDF of one editorial in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Members may enter either Category PC03 or PC04.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 20; Subject Matter/Impact to Community 15
PC04. Best Editorial, circ. 8,000 & under ***CHANGED CIRCULATION***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries should take a fearless editorial stand. Subject material should be community oriented. Quality of writing and placement will be taken into consideration.
Submit: PDF of one editorial in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Members may enter either Category PC03 or PC04.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 20; Subject Matter/Impact to Community 15
PC05. Best Editorial Cartoon
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entry should consist of a single cartoon. The cartoon submitted must be a local cartoon and should pertain to a subject of local community interest for that paper. Entries can include the work of syndicated cartoonists, provided that the cartoon in question was drawn specifically for the member paper or local group. A brief explanatory letter or description may accompany the entry.
Submit: PDF of a single cartoon in print or URL link to online cartoon. Include entire page. Supporting letter/description may accompany entry.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Artistic Ability 16; Subject Matter/Relevance 17; Impact 14
PC06. Best Editorial Page/Section
**Print pdf entry only
Entry should consist of an editorial page or section from a single edition consisting of editorials, editorial cartoons, letters to the editor, and guest editorials or columns. Judging will be based on overall excellence in editorials and commentary, layout and design, with an emphasis on local content and local interest in the community as shown by letters, guest and staff columns
Submit: PDF of an editorial section in print. Include entire pages. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Layout & Design 10; Quality of Writing 17; Subject Matter/Relevance to Community 17; Community Interest 16.
PC07. Education Writing
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries shall consist of a news or feature story on any aspect of education. The focus should be community-based. Quality of writing, imagination, research, initiative and graphic presentation will be considered.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 15; Research 15; Initiative/ Imagination 13
PC08. Environment Ontario
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
The Environment Ontario Award recognizes the news, feature, or editorial which best deals with environmental subjects having impact upon the communities served.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Research 15; Quality of Writing 15; Relevance to Community 14
PC09. Feature Writing, circ. over 8,000 ***CHANGED CIRCULATION***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries shall be restricted to local human interest features. Entries will be judged primarily on journalistic merit. The writer must be employed by an OCNA member paper or be a regular freelancer.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Members may enter either Category PC09 or PC10.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing/Research 16; Initiative/Originality 16; Interest to Community 12
PC10. Feature Writing, circ. 8,000 & under ***CHANGED CIRCULATION***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries shall be restricted to local human interest features. Entries will be judged primarily on journalistic merit. The writer must be employed by an OCNA member paper or be a regular freelancer.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Members may enter either Category PC09 or PC10.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing/Research 16; Initiative/Originality 16; Interest to Community 12
PC11. Health & Wellness
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
This award will recognize a feature story related to health matters (including such topics as current health trends, proactive health care, preventative medicine, hospital funding, OHIP matters, holistic medicine, medical research, etc.) Entries will be judged primarily on journalistic merit and research.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing/Research 16; Initiative/Originality 16; Relevance to Community 13
PC12. Heritage
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Submission can be made in the form of a feature, photo essay, news article, or editorial. Should help people become more aware of their heritage or stimulate participation in heritage conservation activities. Areas covered by heritage conservation include architectural, archeological and historical resources.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Creates awareness/stimulates participation in heritage issues 16; Quality of Reporting/ Research 15
PC13. Best Investigative News Story
**Print pdf and/or online entries permitted
Entries will be judged on quality of research, reporting, initiative, significance to community, clarity and pictorial treatment of an investigative news story. Judges will give greater weight to depth of research and quality of writing.
Submit: PDFs of one or a series of stories on the same subject (maximum of 4) in print or URL link to online articles. Include entire page(s). Entries in this category may not be submitted in Category PC14 or PC15.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality/Depth of Research 14; Quality of Reporting/Writing 14; Significance to Community 14; Reporter Initiative 14
PC14. Best News Story, circ. over 8,000 ***CHANGED CIRCULATION***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries will be judged on quality of reporting, significance, clarity and pictorial treatment of a breaking news story. Judges will give greater weight to initiative, research and reporting, taking into consideration time constraints for breaking news.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Members may enter either Category PC14 or PC15 and may not enter the same article in “PC13 Investigative News Story”.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Reporting/Initiative 14; Quality of Writing 14; Significance to Community 14; Research 13
PC15. Best News Story, circ. 8,000 & under ***CHANGED CIRCULATION***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries will be judged on quality of reporting, significance, clarity and pictorial treatment of a breaking news story. Judges will give greater weight to initiative, research and reporting, taking into consideration time constraints for breaking news.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Members may enter either Category PC14 or PC15 and may not enter the same article in “PC13 Investigative News Story”.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Reporting/Initiative 14; Quality of Writing 14; Significance to Community 14; Research 13
PC16. Best Rural Story ***CHANGED - ONE CATEGORY FOR ALL CIRCULATIONS***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries will be judged on quality of writing, effective use of photography, clarity, interest and display. Stories may deal with agriculture, rural and remote development (including relevant technology, services, and societal improvements).
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 15; Research 14; Relevance to Community 13; Design and Photography 12
PC17. Best Feature / News Series, circ. over 8,000 ***CHANGED CIRCULATION***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries should consist of two to four feature or news stories relating to the same subject. Judging will be based on community relevance, quality of writing, clarity of presentation and uniqueness.
***If staff from more than one newspaper in a group produces/publishes the series, it must be entered in the “circ. over 8,000” category and may only be entered once.
***Series dealing with Police/Court Series must be entered in the new category “PC23 - Best Police/Court Series” and are not eligible to enter this category.
***Series dealing with Diversity Coverage must be entered in the category “PC21 - Diversity Coverage” and are not eligible to enter this category.
Submit: PDF of a series of two to four stories about the same subject in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Members may enter either Category PC17 or PC18.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Relevance to Community 15; Reader Interest 14; Quality of Writing 14
PC18. Best Feature / News Series, circ. 8,000 & under ***CHANGED CIRCULATION***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries should consist of two to four feature or news stories relating to the same subject. Judging will be based on community relevance, quality of writing, clarity of presentation and uniqueness.
***If staff from more than one newspaper in a group produces/publishes the series, it must be entered in the “circ. over 8,000” category and may only be entered once.
***Series dealing with Police/Court Series must be entered in the new category “PC23 - Best Police/Court Series” and are not eligible to enter this category.
***Series dealing with Diversity Coverage must be entered in the category “PC21 - Diversity Coverage” and are not eligible to enter this category.
Submit: PDF of a series of two to four stories about the same subject in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Members may enter either Category PC17 or PC18.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Relevance to Community 15; Reader Interest 14; Quality of Writing 14
PC19. Sport and Recreation Story
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Story should help people become more aware of and more involved in sport, recreational and fitness opportunities in the community or address a community problem related to those activities.
Submit: PDF of a single story in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Relevance to Community 15; Reader Interest 14; Quality of Writing 14
PC20. Best Headline Writing
**Print and/or online entries permitted
Entries should consist of three of your best headlines with their decks/subheads including the full related stories. Judging will be based on impact, accuracy, clarity and the effectiveness of the headlines to engage the reader.
Submit: PDF of 3 headlines including related stories in print or URL link to online articles. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted must be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Impact 15; Creativity 15; Accuracy to convey article 15; Quality of Writing 10
PC21. Diversity Coverage
**Print and/or online entries permitted
Entries will recognize an article or series of articles (max of 4) that tell the stories of individuals and/or groups who have been traditionally marginalized, and/or deal with issues involving these communities. Judging will be based on relevance to the community, quality of reporting/research, quality of writing and creation of awareness/ participation.
***Entries in this category cannot be entered in the Best News/Feature Series category.
Submit: PDF of a single or series of stories (max of 4) or url links to online article(s). Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Relevance to Community 15; Quality of Reporting/Research 15; Quality of Writing 15; Creation of Awareness/Participation 10
PC22. Best Police/Court Story
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries should consist of a single article related to a police investigation or court story. Subject could be a homicide, cold case, feature historical crime etc, and must be community related. Judging will be based on community relevance, quality of reporting/research and quality of writing.
Submit: PDF of a single story or url link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Relevance to Community 15; Quality of Reporting/Research 15; Quality of Writing 14
PC23. Best Police/Court Series
**Print pdf or online entries permitted
Entries should consist of a series of articles (max of 4) related to a police investigation or court story. Subject could be a homicide, cold case, feature historical crime etc, and must be community related. Judging will be based on community relevance, quality of reporting/research and quality of writing.
***Entries in this category cannot be entered in the Best News/Feature Series category
Submit: PDF of a series of stories (max of 4) or url links to online articles. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Relevance to Community 15; Quality of Reporting/Research 15; Quality of Writing 14
PC24. Best Guest/Freelance Column
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
The single column must be locally written by a non-regular staff columnist, guest or freelancer who writes in less than 10% of publications in a year (6 per weekly paper; 1 per monthly paper). Column should cover a topic of community interest not normally covered by the paper in a column, perhaps written by someone with more expertise on the subject (ie. Doctor, veterinarian, racialized individual). Only one entry allowed per individual.
Submit: PDF of column as it appears in any one (1) issue in print or URL links to online column. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 16; Subject Matter/Interest to Community 16; Reader Appeal 13
PC25. Humour Columnist of the Year
**Print and/or online entries permitted
This category recognizes quality of writing, imagination and adept use of humour. Column must be locally written, non-syndicated and appear regularly. Only one entry allowed per individual. Each individual may include work from any publication they are published in. Submission must include a list of all newspapers they work for. Entry must still be tagged to one individual newspaper.
Submit: PDF of column as it appears in any three (3) issues in print or URL link to online columns. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 16; Adept Use of Humour and Imagination 16; Reader Appeal 13
PC26. Columnist of the Year
**Print and/or online entries permitted
This category recognizes quality of writing, subject matter, imagination and display. Column must be locally written, non-syndicated and appear regularly. Only one entry allowed per individual. Each individual may include work from any publication they are published in. Submission must include a list of all newspapers they work for. Entry must still be tagged to one individual newspaper.
Submit: PDF of column as it appears in any three (3) issues in print or URL link to online columns. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 16; Imagination 16; Reader Appeal 13
PC27. Reporter of the Year - Stephen Shaw Award
**Print pdf and/or online entries permitted
Entries will consist of three stories showing true reporter initiative. Stories may cover a variety of topics including science, education, public health, business, etc. Judging will be based on local relevance, quality of writing and depth of research. A letter from the publisher or editor may accompany the entry to elaborate on the circumstances under which the stories were obtained is suggested but is not required. The writer must be an employee of the paper or a regular freelancer. Only one entry allowed per individual. Each individual may include work from any publication they are published in. Submission must include a list of all newspapers they work for. Entry must still be tagged to one individual newspaper.
Submit: : PDFs of three (3) stories in print or URL link to online articles. The accompanying letter is suggested, however not required. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Local relevance 15; Quality of writing 15; Depth of Research 15
PC28. Best Feature Photo, circ. over 8,000 ***CHANGED CIRCULATION***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
While the value of spectacular feature photos is recognized, human interest, originality, imagination, and quality of reproduction will also be considered. Photo must be taken by staff or regular freelancer. Technically altered images are permitted in this category. If the image has been technically altered, include original image with the submission.
Submit: PDF of a photo in print or URL link to online photo. Include entire page. Members may enter either Category PC28 or PC29.
If more than one photo on page or url link, please confirm which photo to judge.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: News, Feature or Sports Value 25; Impact 25; Originality/Forethought 20; Quality of Entry 15; Editorial Treatment 15
PC29. Best Feature Photo, circ. 8,000 & under ***CHANGED CIRCULATION***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
While the value of spectacular feature photos is recognized, human interest, originality, imagination, and quality of reproduction will also be considered. Photo must be taken by staff or regular freelancer. Technically altered images are permitted in this category. If the image has been technically altered, include original image with the submission.
Submit: PDF of a photo in print or URL link to online photo. Include entire page. Members may enter either Category PC28 or PC29.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: News, Feature or Sports Value 25; Impact 25; Originality/Forethought 20; Quality of Entry 15; Editorial Treatment 15
PC30. Best Photo Layout
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Individual photos, impact within the photo spread, effective cutlines, reader interest, originality and imagination will all be considered.
Submit: PDF of photo layout in print or URL link to online photo layout. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Layout & Design 16; Quality of Photography 15; Impact/Reader Interest 14; Originality/Imagination 14
PC31. Best Sports Photo
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Impact on readers, quality of the entry, and the sports value will be considered. Photo must be taken by staff or regular freelancer.
Submit: PDF of a photo in print or URL link to online photo. Include entire page.
If more than one photo on page or url link, please confirm which photo to judge.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Impact 17; Quality of Entry 15; Sports Value 15
PC32. Best Spot News Photo
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
The single picture must be of a news event for which no advance planning was possible. This might include events such as fires or accidents. While the value of spectacular news photos is recognized, impact on readers and quality of reproduction will also be considered. Photo must be taken by staff or regular freelancer.
Submit: PDF of a photo in print or URL link to online photo. Include entire page.
If more than one photo on page or url link, please confirm which photo to judge.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: News Value 20; Impact 18; Quality of Entry 15
PC33. Best News Photo
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
The single picture must be of a scheduled or unscheduled event where an opportunity exists for advanced planning and creative control. This might include news events such as press conferences or political photos, etc. While the value of spectacular news photos is recognized, impact on readers and quality of reproduction will also be considered. Photo must be taken by staff or regular freelancer.
Submit: PDF of a photo in print or URL link to online photo. Include entire page.
If more than one photo on page or url link, please confirm which photo to judge.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024
Judging Criteria: News Value 20; Impact 18; Quality of Entry 15
PC34. Most Creative Grip and Grin Photo
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
We all have to take them and run them in our papers, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring. This category seeks to award the creativity and originality of a single photograph of a cheque presentation, ribbon cutting, etc. that goes beyond the ole line 'em up and shoot 'em.
Submit: PDF of a photo in print or URL link to online photo. Include entire page.
If more than one photo on page or url link, please confirm which photo to judge.
Entries submitted must be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Impact 15; Creativity & Originality 20; Quality of Entry 10
PC35 Photographer of the Year
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
This award honours an individual photographer, reporter/ photographer, etc., either employed by the newspaper or a regular freelancer, for outstanding skills in a variety of shooting styles, or ability to create photo illustrations, commitment to community journalism and positive response from the community. It is suggested that a letter from the publisher/editor outlining the photographer's commitment to community journalism be submitted however is not required. Only one entry allowed per individual. Each individual may include work from any publication they are published in. Submission must include a list of all newspapers they work for. Entry must still be tagged to one individual newspaper.
Submit: PDF of tearsheets (full page as published) in print or URL link to online photos/articles. Include a jpeg of each photo.
Submit one photo (file named by photo type) from any four of the following five photography subjects: Spot News Photo, Sports Photo, Community Event Photo, Feature Photo, News Photo. If more than one photo on page or url link, please confirm which photo to judge.
The accompanying letter is suggested, however not required.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: 1st Photo 15; 2nd Photo 15; 3rd Photo 15; 4th Photo 15; Community Commitment 15
PC36. Community Service
**Print and/or online entry permitted
Entrants will submit a report on one or more projects which extend beyond the normal community service mission of the newspaper. The presentation should convey to judges through PDFs of tearsheets, letters, pictures, and other descriptive accounts, the newspaper’s activity in this community service. Judges will consider the relative importance of the project, depth of research and reporting on the project, effective use of photos, editorial appeal, advertising and newspaper involvement.
Submit: Report and supporting materials.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Newspaper Involvement 16; Relative Importance of Project 15; Research/Reporting/Quality 13; Benefit to Community 13
PC37. Best Vertical Product
**Print pdf entry only
Entries can be a single publication or regularly published stand-alone product that is separate from their community newspaper. The award recognizes the company's use of existing staff, current and new advertisers, expanded business opportunities, potential as revenue generator, quality editorial mix, and value to community. Letters from the publisher/editor explaining the product must be included. Entry must not be entered in Category PC42 Special Sections.
Submit: Pdf or link to pdf of vertical product and explanatory letter. (Hardcopies will no longer be accepted)
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Innovation/Creativity 16; Business fit/Profitability 15; Relevance to Community 12; Layout & Design 12
PC38. Best Front Page ***CHANGED - ONE CATEGORY FOR ALL CIRCULATIONS***
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Entries will be judged on appearance, layout, headlines, content, writing style, quality and effectiveness of pictures, liveliness and interest. Entry can be tabloid or broadsheet layout.
Submit: PDF of entire front page (not entire paper) from any issue in specified time frame.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Content/Quality of Writing 16; Reader Appeal 15; Layout & Design 15; Photography 14
PC39. Best Sports Section
**Print pdf entry only
Entries will be judged on quality of writing, page design and photography, variety of local content, news, features, and column material.
Submit: PDFs of Sport Sections as they appear in any two (2) issues. Must be at least two (2) pages published in chronological order to qualify.(e.g. Page 7 & 8, as opposed to sports stories scattered throughout like Page 5 and 8). An ad page may be published between the sports pages but must be included in the entry.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Local content/News/Features/ Columns 16; Photography 14; Quality of Writing 14; Layout & Design 12
PC40. Special Section
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
Judging will be based on originality of idea produced and sold by an advertising department, quality editorial content, effective use of photographs and advertising presentation. Aimed at generating volume sales, the section might be for a grand opening anniversary sale, or special occasion, etc. Section must be distributed within the newspaper. Entry must not be entered in Category PC38 - Best Vertical Product.
Submit: Pdf or link to pdf of special section. (Hardcopies will no longer be accepted)
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Advertising Content/Quality/Support 15; Quality Editorial Content 14; Originality/Creativity 13; Layout & Design 12
PC41. Best Feature/Unit Pages
**Print pdf entry only
Entries should show an innovative approach to a traditional theme or development of a new theme. Could be a holiday (Mother's Day, Valentine's Day) or a community event. Judging will be based on originality of idea including advertising presentation, quality editorial content, and effective use of photographs. Aimed at generating volume sales, the section might be for a grand opening anniversary sale, or special occasion, etc. Entries must be run-of-press sections. Layout can be two to four pages.
Submit: pdf of feature/unit (Members may not enter the same submission in the Special Section category.)
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Advertising Content/Quality 15; Quality Editorial Content 15; Originality/Creativity 15; Layout & Design 15
PC42. Best Creative Ad
**Print pdf entry only
This award will be presented to the newspaper making the best use of artwork, art/graphic service and/or photographs in the design of a single (or series of up to three advertisement(s) for a customer during the contest period). Entries must have been created by a full or part-time staff member and can include original and/or computer generated graphics.
Submit: PDFs of entry. (maximum three of a series). Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Originality/Creativity 16; Visual impact 15; Ad Design 15
PC43. In-House Promotion
**Print pdf or online entry permitted
The promotion of a newspaper’s own business is, of course, very important. Much can be learned about a newspaper’s advertising and production department by looking at the material they produce promoting themselves and their newspaper. This award will recognize the best advertisement promoting your newspaper, in print and/or online. Entry must be produced by the newspaper.
Submit: PDF of entry. Include entire page as published in print and/or online. If same promotion is used in print and online, submit 2 PDFs. If promotion entry was not published with a page folio & date, a publisher's letter must accompany the entry confirming the production date and that it was produced by the member newspaper.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Effective Newspaper Awareness 16; Originality/Creativity 13; Visual Impact 13; Ad Design 13
PC44. Local Retail Layout
**Print pdf entry only
To be based on the submission of a layout created in-house by the newspaper, this award will recognize the advertisement produced for a business (i.e. grocery, automotive, clothing, etc.) by the advertising department of the newspaper. Company logos may be used in the ad.
Submit: PDF of entry. Include entire page.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Originality/Creativity 16; Ad Design 15; Page Layout 12; Visual Appeal 12
PC45. Original Ad Idea
**Print pdf entry only
This award will recognize the best idea produced by a newspaper’s advertising staff during the current judging period for Demi/PonyTab or Tab/Broadsheet format.
Submit: PDF of entry. Include entire page.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Creative/Idea 25; Ad Design/Layout 15; Impact 10
PC46. Best Use of Colour
**Print pdf entry only
This award will recognize the best use of spot or process colour, in any single advertisement, produced in-house.
Submit: PDF of entry. Include entire page.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Visual appeal 16; Originality/Creativity 14; Ad Design 13
PC47. Best Community Newspaper Website ***CHANGED - ONE CATEGORY FOR ALL CIRCULATIONS***
**Online entry
A website should be well designed, include valuable editorial content, innovative strategies and revenue generation through advertising, be easy to navigate and still demonstrate that it fulfills a community role. This award recognizes the best online newspaper service that does just that. This website may contain the content from a single newspaper or a related group of newspapers.
Submit: URL address. Must include username and password if required to view entire website. If judge cannot access at time of judging, entry will be disqualified.
Judging Criteria: Content 20; Structure & Navigation 10; Visual Design 20; Functionality 10; Interactivity 10; Overall Experience 20
PC48. Best Online Journalism ***NEW CATEGORY***
**Online entry
This award recognizes excellence in the utilization of online tools, including multimedia, video, podcasts, sound clips, photo galleries and social media to tell a story or stories on a given topic or theme. While the story or stories will be judged from their online versions, PDF copies of the printed paper may be included if they include online-specific elements such as QR codes, augmented print or virtual reality elements.
Submit: Links to URLs and/or PDFs of no more than four stories on a single topic or theme. Must include username and password if required to view. If judge cannot access at time of judging, entry will be disqualified.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Reporting/Writing 20; Reader Experience 20; Value added to story 20; Creativity 10
PREMIER AWARDS - COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY MEMBERS
CU01. Student Feature Writing
**Print pdf and/or online entry permitted
Entries must have appeared in the entrant's college/university newspaper or on the entrant's college/university website. Entries must be community or college/university feature articles. Judges will examine such areas as: use of language, quality of writing, indication of research/ sources (particularly high tech sources), good use of data. Each member newspaper may enter up to three (3) different writer’s work.
Submit: PDF of entry in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 16; Subject Matter (community related) 14; Research/Sources 12
CU02. Student News Writing
**Print pdf and/or online entry permitted
Entries must have appeared in the entrant’s college/university newspaper. Entries must be community or college/university news articles. Judges will examine such areas as: use of language, quality of writing, indication of research/ sources (particularly high tech sources), good use of data. Each member newspaper may enter up to three (3) different writer’s work.
Submit: PDF of entry in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 16; Subject Matter (community related) 14; Research/Sources 12
CU03. Student Editorial Writing ***NEW CATEGORY***
**Print pdf and/or online entry permitted
Entries must have appeared in the entrant's college/university newspaper or on the entrant's college/university website. Entries should take a fearless editorial stand. Subject material should be community oriented. Quality of writing, subject matter and impact to community will be taken into consideration. Each member newspaper may enter up to three (3) different writer’s work.
Submit:PDF of entry in print or URL link to online article. Include entire page(s).
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: Quality of Writing 20; Subject Matter/Impact to Community 15
CU04. Student Photography
**Print pdf and/or online entry permitted
This award will be presented to the college/ university student who takes the best news/feature/ sports photo (single image, not photo spread) in their school newspaper or on their school newspaper website. While the value of spectacular news photos is recognized, human interest, originality, imagination, and quality of reproduction will also be considered. Each member newspaper may enter up to three (3) different photographer’s work.
Submit: PDF of entry in print or URL link to online entry. (Only one photo will be judged. If submitting spread, please include which photo to judge in the entry description). Include entire page as published.
Entries submitted to be dated between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
Judging Criteria: News, Feature or Sports Value 25; Impact 25; Originality/Forethought 20; Quality of Entry 15; Editorial Treatment 15
CU05. Best College/University Newspaper Website
**Online entry
This award recognizes the best online college/university newspaper service. A website should be well designed, include valuable and quality editorial content, a social media strategy, be easy to navigate and still demonstrate that it fulfills the college/university community role.
Submit: URL address.
Judging Criteria: Design 20; Editorial Content 20; Social Media 20; Community Involvement 20; Use of Technology 20
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