2003 AWARDS COMPETITION
FOR THE BEST JOURNALISM IN ARIZONA
WRITING
ELIGIBILITY
The contest is open to anyone who regularly works in the production of news for any Arizona newspaper, periodical or news service. Trade publications, student media and house organs do not qualify.
Entries must have been originally published in 2003. All entries must be produced for the editorial department of an Arizona publication, news Web site or wire service. Work produced for advertising, marketing or other departments is not eligible.
A majority of the stories in a series must have been published in the contest year. Online entries are eligible providing they were published under the auspices of an Arizona newspaper, periodical or news service. Stories that comprise a project can be reported and written by a single
news outlet or by more than one Arizona media outlet i.e., two newspapers within a chain working together. Stories partially or fully reported or written by newspapers not based in Arizona are not eligible.
ENTRY FEES
Dailies under 35,000 circulation and non-dailies under 75,000 circulation:
$10/person to enter the contest plus $5 for each entry.
Dailies with circulation of 35,000 and over, non-dailies with circulation
of 75,000 and over: $30/person to enter the contest plus $10 for each
entry.
Community Journalist of the Year: $10.
Virg Hill Journalist of the Year, Photojournalist of the Year: $25.
All payments must be postmarked by January 31, 2004. Unpaid or
improperly submitted entries will be disqualified.
DEADLINE
Entries must be postmarked by January 31, 2004.
Mail entries to: Arizona Press Club, PO Box 16427, Phoenix AZ 85011-6427
JUDGING
Entries will be judged by out-of-state journalists selected by the board of
directors. Judges decisions are final, unless winning entries do not conform
to rules. Criteria used in judging will include originality. Other factors to be
considered, in writing entries, include completeness and balance; in photo
entries, emotional and reflective quality; in design entries, balance and proportion;and in online entries, effective use of new communication tools.
AWARDS CEREMONY
Winners will be announced at the annual awards banquet, May 15 at the
Heard Museum in Phoenix.
GENERAL RULES
Ethics and disqualification
The Arizona Press Club promotes ethical journalism and recognizes
that contest rules cannot envision every potential breach of professional
standards. The club reserves the right to disqualify any entry or withdraw any award, based on ethical violations or violations of the rules as noted in the rules, as deemed by the board. Entries that do not conform to the rules will be disqualified. If an entry is disqualified, the prize will be awarded to the next place winner. Disqualified entrants will forfeit their entry fees.
Circulation categories
A - Small: Daily and non-daily newspapers with circulation less
than 35,000.
B - Medium: Any publication with circulation up to 75,000.
C - Any publication: No circulation restrictions. Includes wire services.
Note: If an entry has material that appeared in two or more publications
under the same ownership, the combined circulation of those publications must be used to determine the proper category. A daily newspaper is published five or more days a week.
Grievance policy
For problems, concerns and complaints about the contest, the contest
chairperson shall notify the Grievance Committee, which is the
president and executive officers. The committee will rule on the matter
or forward it to the full Press Club board for final approval.
Disclaimer
The Arizona Press Club is not responsible for lost, mislaid or damaged
entries but will take reasonable care processing the entries.
AWARDS
If more than one person contributed to a winning entry, each person will
receive a certificate and a share of the money.
If there is a tie for first place, no second-place award is given. If there is
a tie for second, no third-place award is given.
First place is $100 and an award and a certificate.
Second place is a certificate.
Third place is a certificate.
ENTRY PROCEDURES
Entries must be submitted exactly as they were published.
Nominating letters will be allowed in the following categories only:
Deadline reporting, Virg Hill Award, Photographer of the Year, Don
Bolles Award and Community Journalist of the Year.
All entries must include a signed entry form. A form is on the inside
back page of this brochure and may be copied. If more than one person
contributed to an entry, only one of the entrants or a representative has
to sign. List headlines completely to help identify entries.
Enter as many times and in as many categories as desired. However, no
story may be submitted more than once, except the Virg Hill Award,
Community Journalist of the Year, Photographer of the Year and other
exceptions as noted.
Entries must be neatly packaged in an 81/2x11-inch file folder with a
completed entry form stapled to the outside. Larger folders are allowed
for Virg Hill entries. Do not staple the folder shut. Please do not use
more than two staples to affix the entry form to the folder.
Entries will not be returned.
ENTRY PREPARATION
Categories A, B and C writing and reporting
Entries may include clips, tear sheets or legible copies. Complete printouts
from electronic databases that maintain verbatim copies may be submitted,
provided they include proof of publication. Entries may include
headlines, graphics illustrations and photographs.
CONTEST CATEGORIES
WRITING CONTEST QUESTIONS?
Contact Jill Jorden Spitz at (520) 573-4177 or contest@azpressclub.org
A - SMALL: DAILY AND NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS WITH CIRCULATION LESS THAN 35,000.
A1. General reporting
A single general news report and any sidebars published on the same day. If
the entry is spot news, it include a letter of not more than 250 words explaining deadline circumstances.
A2. Personality profile writing
A single piece and any accompanying sidebars that highlight the life of an individual.
A3. Feature writing
A single story and any accompanying sidebars that tell a story or tackle a community issue from a features, rather than a news, perspective.
A4. Sustained coverage/series
Up to five stories showing sustained coverage by a single reporter on a single
Subject or up to five stories of a series. May also include sidebars.
A5. Commentary/analysis
A single column, commentary, analysis or editorial.
A6. Sports reporting
A single news or feature story, and any sidebars, about any sporting event or
sports topic.
A7. Layout/design
A full page or double truck from any section of the newspaper dealing with a
single topic or packaging a variety of unrelated stories and art.
B - MEDIUM: ANY PUBLICATION WITH CIRCULATION UP TO 75,000.
B1. General reporting
A single general news report and any sidebars published on the same day. If
the entry is spot news, it may include a letter of not more than 250 words explaining deadline circumstances.
B2. Feature writing
A single feature story and any accompanying sidebars.
B3. Personality profile writing
A single story and any accompanying sidebars that highlight the life of an individual.
B4. Sustained coverage/series
Up to five stories showing sustained coverage by a single reporter on a single
subject or up to five stories of a series. May also include sidebars.
B5. Commentary/analysis
A single column, commentary, analysis or editorial.
B6. Sports reporting
A single news or feature story, and any accompanying sidebars, about any
sporting event or sports topic.
B7. Layout/design
A full page or double truck from any section of the newspaper dealing with a
single topic or packaging a variety of unrelated stories and art.
C. ANY PUBLICATION: WRITING & REPORTING
NEWS
C1. Investigative reporting Don Bolles Award
Bolles, an investigative reporter for the Arizona Republic, was fatally wounded June 2, 1976, when a bomb exploded in his car outside a Phoenix hotel. He died 11 days later.
One or more pieces that are the result of extensive research and original investigation. May also include sidebars. Entrants may include a letter of not more than 250 words explaining the obstacles overcome in reporting the story.
C2. John Kolbe Politics and Government Reporting Award
Political reporter and columnist John Kolbe wrote about Arizona politics for more than a quarter century for the Phoenix Gazette and the Arizona Republic. He died in 1999.
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period concerning local, state or federal government, politics or campaigns.
C3. News column writing
Three examples of news columns from any section of the publication.
C4. Deadline news reporting
A single days reporting of one or more pieces of unscheduled news written
under deadline pressure. May also include sidebars. Entrants may include a letter of not more the 250 words explaining deadline circumstances.
C5. Sustained reporting
Up to five stories demonstrating sustained coverage by a single reporter on a
single subject. May also include sidebars.
C6. Beat reporting
Up to five stories that demonstrate expertise and knowledge of a particular news beat. May also include sidebars. At least one story must be written on deadline, in a single shift, and must be marked in the entry packet as a deadline story.
C7. Project reporting
A preconceived project reported and written by a single journalist or a team of
journalists. Stories can be reported and written by a single news outlet or by more than one Arizona media outlet i.e., two newspapers within a chain working together. Stories partially or fully reported or written by newspapers not based in Arizona are not eligible. A project may be of any length on any subject and include all accompanying sidebars. Must be clearly identified as a project or series and must show continuity between pieces and within the entire series or package.
C8. Environmental reporting
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period concerning natural resources, growth and development, and related topics. May also include sidebars.
C9. Science, technology and medicine reporting
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period concerning advances in treatment, research and knowledge. May also include sidebars.
C10. Law and order reporting
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period concerning all aspects of law enforcement, courts, corrections and related areas. May also include sidebars.
C11. Religion, faith or ethics reporting
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period concerning the impact of religion. May also include sidebars.
C12. Diversity reporting
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period concerning a minority group or issue. May also include sidebars.
C13. Education reporting
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period concerning education and related topics. May also include sidebars.
C14. Explanatory reporting
A single story and any sidebars published on the same day that look beyond the immediate facts and shed light on significant and complex issues.
C15. Sustained neighborhood reporting
A portfolio of up to five stories that demonstrate informed coverage of a particular community or neighborhood.
FEATURES
C16. Feature column writing Don Schellie Award
For more than 22 years, Don Schellie, a columnist for the Tucson Citizen,
turned out thousands of finely crafted, upbeat columns in a simple feeling and style. He died of lung cancer at the age of 50 in 1983.
Three examples of a feature column from any section of the publication.
C17. Newsfeature writing, 500 words and under
Feature coverage of a specific event or issue from a features rather than news
perspective. Entry form must include word count, excluding supporting material such as headline, byline, tagline and quote boxes.
C18. News feature writing, 501 to 1,000 words
Feature coverage of a specific event or issue from a features rather than news
perspective. Entry form must include word count, excluding supporting material such as headline, byline, tagline and quote boxes.
C19. News feature writing, 1,001 to 1,500 words
Feature coverage of a specific event or issue from a features rather than news
perspective. Entry form must include word count, excluding supporting material such as headline, byline, tagline and quote boxes.
C20. News feature writing, more than 1,500 words
Feature coverage of a specific event or issue from a features rather than news
perspective. Entry form must include word count, excluding supporting material such as headline, byline, tagline and quote boxes.
C21. Lifestyle reporting, 500 words or less
One or two pieces and their sidebars on a single subject published the same day and totaling 500 words or less. Entries should not be tied to a specific event or an issue but rather focus on individuals or families and their lifestyles, philosophies, problems and activities. Can include such topics as health, food, fashion and consumer issues.
C22. Lifestyle reporting, 501-1,500 words
One or two pieces and their sidebars on a single subject published the same day and totaling 501 to 1,500 words. Entries should not be tied to a specific event or an issue but rather focus on individuals or families and their lifestyles, philosophies, problems and activities. Can include such topics as health, food, fashion and consumer issues.
C23. Lifestyle reporting, 1,501 words or more
One or two pieces and their sidebars on a single subject published the same day and totaling 501 to 1,500 words. Entries should not be tied to a specific event or an issue but rather focus on individuals or families and their lifestyles, philosophies, problems and activities. Can include such topics as health, food, fashion and consumer issues.
C24. Personality profile, under 1,000 words
A single story and any sidebars that give an in-depth look at an individual.
C25. Personality profile, 1,001 words or more
A single story and any sidebars that give an in-depth look at an individual.
C26. Food reviews
A single critique of a restaurant or dining experience.
C27. Visual and performing arts criticism
A single general critique of any visual art form except for film, video or television. Judged for clarity, informed reasoning and effectiveness.
C28. Music criticism
A single general critique of any live or recorded music performance. Judged for clarity, informed reasoning and effectiveness.
C29. Film, video and television criticism
A single general critique of a film, video or television program or event.
SPORTS
C30. Sports column writing
Three examples of columns from any section of the publication.
C31. Sports deadline reporting
A single story and any sidebars, published on the same day, on deadline on any sports event or situation.
C32. Sports enterprise reporting, 1,000 words or less
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period on any sports event, person or situation.
C33. Sports enterprise reporting, 1,001 words or more
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period on any sports event, person or situation.
BUSINESS
C34. Business column writing
Three examples of business columns from any section of the publication.
C35. Business deadline reporting
A single business news or feature story reported and written in a single shift.
May also include sidebars.
C36. Business enterprise reporting, 1,000 words or less
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period concerning business or financial issues.
C37. Business enterprise reporting, 1,000 words or more
Up to three parts of a single story presented within a seven-day period concerning business or financial issues.
EDITORIAL AND HEADLINE WRITING
C38. Editorial writing
Three opinion pieces expressing views of a publication as an institution, not
those of an individual writer, and advocating a position or course of action.
C39. Headlines
Any three headlines composed by the same person. Include stories that the headlines accompanied.
C40. Feature headlines
Any three headlines composed by the same person, generally of a no-count variety, for feature and special-project applications.
D. SPANISH LANGUAGE PUBLICATION
D1. General reporting
A single general news report and any sidebars published on the same day. If
the entry is spot news, it may be accompanied by a letter of not more than 250 words explaining deadline circumstances.
D2: Personality profile/feature writing
A single piece and any sidebars that highlight the life of an individual or tackle
a community issue.
H. ANY PUBLICATION ONLINE
H1. Creative use of medium
Use of content, design, navigation, multimedia, interactivity, personalization
and community in providing service to users. Three entries, each
consisting of a story, a series, a package or an information application.
H2. Breaking news
Each entry may be a single story, a package or an information application
published during a single midnight to midnight cycle. Entrants may
include a letter of not more the 250 words explaining the deadline circumstances under which the work was produced.
ARIZONAS TOP JOURNALISTS AWARDS OF 2003
VIRG HILL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
AWARD: $250
ENTRY FEE: $25
This award, the Press Clubs most prestigious, is named after Virg Hill, a popular political columnist and reporter for The Phoenix Gazette. Hill died of a heart attack while covering the Arizona House of Representatives in January 1969 at the age of 62. Because of his wit, he was often sought as an after dinner speaker. The award was created in December 1969.
The Virg Hill Award goes to the writer or editor who, in the opinion of the judges, has done the best work during 2003. The winner will be selected by
three out-of-state judges.
Entries shall include at least five and no more than eight main stories (sidebars may also be included and do not count as part of the total).
Up to two of those stories may have a double or multiple byline. All others must have a single byline.
Entries may include a letter of no more than 250 words explaining the obstacles overcome in reporting one or all of the stories in the entry.
Entrants must submit FOUR COPIES OF THE COMPLETE PACKAGE, including stories, letters and explanations. One copy goes to each judge,
and the fourth is kept by the board.
The winner will receive $250, award and certificate; first runner up and second runner up will receive a certificate.
PAST WINNERS OF THE VIRG HILL AWARD
2002 Susan Carroll, Tucson Citizen
2001 - Amy Silverman, New Times
2000 - Laura Laughlin, New Times
1999 - Amy Silverman, New Times
1998 - Terry Greene Sterling, New Times
1997 - Paul Rubin, New Times
1996 - Tony Ortega, New Times
1995 - John Dougherty, New Times
1994 - John Dougherty, New Times
1993 - Mark Flatten, Tribune Newspapers
1992 - John Dougherty, Tribune Newspapers, Southwest Sage
1991 - Chuck Kelly, Randy Collier, The Arizona Republic
1990 - Cathryn Creno, The Arizona Republic
1989 - Terry Greene, New Times
1988 - Deborah Laake, New Times
1987 - Terry Greene, New Times
1986 - Paul Rubin, New Times
1985 - Jane Kay, Arizona Daily Star
1984 - Ray Ring, Arizona Daily Star
1983 - Charles Bowden, Tucson Citizen
1982 - Jana Bommersbach, New Times
1981 - Jon Kamman, Arizona Daily Star
1980 - Bob Lowe, Clark Hallas, Arizona Daily Star
1979 - Jerry Seper, The Arizona Republic
1978 - John S. Long, Arizona Daily Star
1977 - Tom Kuhn, The Arizona Republic
1976 - Robert J. Early, The Arizona Republic
1975 - Alex Drehsler, Arizona Daily Star
1974 - Lois Boyles, The Phoenix Gazette
1973 - Don Bolles, The Arizona Republic
1972 - Gene McLain, KTAR-TV
1971 - Albert J. Sitter, The Arizona Republic
1970 - Bill Sherman, KTAR-TV
1969 - Walter W. Meek, The Arizona Republic
ARIZONA PHOTOJOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
AWARD: $250
ENTRY FEE: $25
The Arizona Photojournalist of the Year Award is a portfolio competition featuring material published in Arizona in 2003. Photographers will be judged for
technical excellence, style and originality and photojournalistic reporting. POY is intended to reward photojournalists for their versatility in covering the people,
issues and daily occurrences that reflect their communities.
A portfolio may consist of any number of individual entries from the E classification, but no more than 40 images, and prepared according to the general
rules. Photos entered in a previous years competition and photos republished from a prior year are not eligible. Only four entries within the portfolio can
be unpublished.
Portfolios must contain images representing at least five of the nine categories in the E classification, with at least one news photo (E1 or E2) and one picture
story (E5). A picture story counts as one entry.
Each portfolio must have a separate sheet(s) of captions corresponding to the order and labeling of images. Proof of publication is not necessary, but
entrants must be prepared to show proof if challenged. Unpublished images must be clearly labeled.
The winner will receive $250, award and certificate; first runner up and second runner up will receive a certificate.
PAST ARIZONA PHOTOJOURNALISTS OF THE YEAR
2002 Michael Chow, The Arizona Republic
2001 - Pat Shannahan, The Arizona Republic
2000 - Michael Chow, The Arizona Republic
1999 - Michael Chow, The Arizona Republic
1998 - Mona Reeder, The Arizona Republic
1997 - Michael Chow, The Arizona Republic
1996 - David Sanders, Arizona Daily Star
1995 - Timothy Archibald, New Times
1994 - Timothy Archibald, New Times
1993 - Randy Reid, The Phoenix Gazette
1992 - David McIntyre, The Phoenix Gazette
1991 - David McIntyre, The Phoenix Gazette
1990 - Mark Henle, The Phoenix Gazette
1989 - Jon Gipe, New Times
1988 - Peter Schwepker, The Arizona Republic
1987 - Peter Schwepker, The Arizona Republic
1986 - Jon Gipe, New Times
1985 - Ken Akers, The Arizona Republic
1984 - Ron Medvescek, Arizona Daily Star
1983 - Mari A. Schaefer, Tucson Citizen
1982 - Ken Akers, The Arizona Republic
1981 - Peter Schwepker, The Arizona Republic
1980 - Peter Schwepker, The Arizona Republic
1979 - Tim Koors, The Phoenix Gazette
1978 - Joe Vitti, Arizona Daily Star
COMMUNITY JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
AWARD: $250
Entry fee: $10
The Community Journalist of the Year Award is given to the writer or editor of a weekly or small publication who, in the opinion of the contest judge, has done the best work in 2003 to enhance the goals of the journalism profession and the quality of life in the community.
Entries will be judged for such qualities as versatility, initiative, tenacity and an overall knowledge of the profession.
Entries should include no more than 12 samples of the entrants work, such as news and feature stories, photographs, page designs and editorials. Entries
also should include a letter of no more than 250 words explaining the qualities of the individual. Nominees may nominate themselves.
The winner will receive $250, award and certificate; first runner up and second runner up will receive a certificate.
PAST COMMUNITY JOURNALISTS OF THE YEAR
2002 Jim Nintzel, Tucson Weekly
2001 - Bob Svejcara, Northwest Explorer
2000 - Monica Alonzo-Dunsmoor, Daily News-Sun
1999 - Patrick Cavanaugh, Northwest Explorer
1998 - RuthAnn Hogue, Surprise Today
1997 - Anne Ryman, Paradise Valley Independent
1996 - Anne Ryman, Paradise Valley Independent
1995 - Jeff Ofstedahl, Echo Magazine
1994 - Angela Gonzales, The Business Journal
1993 - Anne Ryman, Sun Cities Independent
1992 - Michael Hart, Glendale Star
Click for printable word.doc of entry form
ENTRY FORM
Category Name and Number_______________________________ Date published _________________________________________
Headline or entry title____________________________________
Name ________________________________________________ Publication ____________________________________________
Home Phone ___________________ Cell phone_______________
Business phone _______________E-mail____________________
Eligibility Certification
I certify that I am eligible for membership in the Arizona Press Club and have paid all applicable entry fees. NOTE: Journalists
who work in the production of news for any Arizona newspaper, periodical or news service are eligible Press Club members.
Signature __________________________________________________
Date ___________
(To be filled out by publication; choose one)
1. Dailies under 35,000 circulation and non-dailies under
75,000 circulation.
A. No. of people entering ________ x $10 = $____________
B. No. of regular entries _________ x $5 = $_____________
C. Virg Hill/POY ($25), Comm Journalist ($10) $_________
D. Total due (A+B+C): $____________________________
2. Dailies with circulation of 35,000 and over, nondailies
with circulation of 75,000 and over.
A. No. of people entering ________ x $30 = $___________
B. No. of regular entries _________ x $10 = $___________
C. Virg Hill/POY ($25), Comm Journalist ($10) $________
D. Total due (A+B+C): $___________________________
Entries and full payment must be sent to the Arizona Press Club, postmarked by Jan. 31, 2004. Mail to:
Arizona Press Club, P.O. Box PO Box 16427, Phoenix AZ 85011-6427MARK YOUR CALENDARS
This years Arizona Press Club awards banquet will be
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