Awards Categories
2022 CATEGORIES
SPECIAL AWARDS DIVISION
Eligible: All professional print, television, radio, or digital journalists working in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A01. James Batten Award for Public Service: Named in honor of late Knight-Ridder Chairman and CEO James Batten, a champion of “civic journalism.” Entries, by an individual or team, must contribute to the public good by correcting a wrong, bringing to light an issue or adding significantly to the public debate. Entries will be judged by the significance of the contribution, initiative in overcoming opposition and evidence of courage. Up to 10 items may be entered, including coverage, and other supporting elements of your choice. Required: a supporting statement of up to 400 words.
A02. Gene Miller Award for Investigative Reporting: Named in honor of late Miami Herald reporter and editor Gene Miller. Investigative reporting by an individual or team in a single report or a series. Stories should expose a wrong or promote understanding of a problem, issue, or subject in the public interest. Recommended: a supporting statement (up to 400 words).
A03. NABJ South Florida Diversity Award: Supporting one of SPJ’s core missions to encourage diversity in journalism, this award honors a journalist from an underrepresented community. Submit up to five samples. Required: submit a supporting statement (up to 400 words).
A04. Barbara A. Petersen Freedom of Information Award: Named after Barbara A. Petersen, the Florida First Amendment Foundation’s long-serving president, who retired in 2019. Honors a journalist or news organization for outstanding use of public records in reporting or advocacy of rights such as press freedom and public access. Submit up to three samples. Required: submit a supporting statement (up to 400 words).
A05. Journalist of the Year: Honors a single journalist with the most outstanding body of print, broadcast or online work. Submit up to five samples. Required: submit a supporting statement (up to 400 words).
A06. Anchor of the Year: Honors a broadcast anchor with the most outstanding body of work. Submit up to five samples. Required: submit a supporting statement (up to 400 words).
A07. Photojournalist of the Year: Honors a photojournalist with the most outstanding body of work. Submit up to five samples. Required: submit a supporting statement (up to 400 words).
A08. Outstanding New Journalist: Honors a single journalist with three or fewer years of postgraduate experience with the most outstanding body of print, broadcast or digital work. Submit up to five samples. Required: submit a supporting statement (up to 400 words).
A09. Editor of the Year: Honors a single editor who exemplifies their profession and/or has the most outstanding body of work. Up to five items may be entered, including coverage, writing, edited pieces, and other supporting elements of your choice. Required: submit at least one (and up to three) supporting statements (up to 400 words each).
A10. Excellence in Social Justice Reporting: Submit up to five samples. Required: submit a supporting statement (up to 400 words).
A11. COVID-19 – Infographics & Data Visualization: Print or digital infographic, standalone, or part of a story. Submit up to three samples.
A12. COVID-19 – Non-Deadline News Reporting: Enterprise reporting that digs deeper into the COVID-19 pandemic. Submit up to three samples.
A13. COVID-19 – Feature Reporting: Narrative pieces, trend stories, enterprisers, and human-interest stories related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Submit a single report only; no series.
A14. COVID-19 – Business Reporting: Submit up to three samples related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A15. COVID-19 – Obituary Reporting: Submit up to three obituaries related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
NEWSPAPER DIVISION
Eligible: Journalists (staff and freelancers) working for newspapers produced and/or circulated in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; wire service bureaus in Florida; and Florida bureaus of national and out-of-state publications.
For many of these categories judges will consider originality of approach, the drama evoked, clarity, suitability of the writing to the subject, and writing quality.
See the Special Categories and Digital divisions for additional categories open to print journalists.
B01. Breaking News Reporting: Submit a single report or series (up to five). Judges will consider deadline pressures, complexity of subject and story length, interest, and importance.
B02. Non-Deadline News Reporting (Large Papers): For LARGE publications with circulation greater than 40,000 (daily or Sunday), as well as all wire services. Enterprise reporting that digs deeper into a newsworthy topic or subject. Submit a single report or series (up to five).
B03. Non-Deadline News Reporting (Small Papers): For SMALL publications with daily or Sunday circulation up to 40,000. Enterprise reporting that digs deeper into a newsworthy topic or subject. Submit a single report or series (up to five).
B04. Feature Reporting (Large Papers): For LARGE publications with circulation greater than 40,000 (daily or Sunday) as well as all wire services. Narrative pieces, trend stories, enterprisers, and human-interest stories. Submit a single report only; no series.
B05. Feature Reporting (Small Papers): For SMALL publications with daily or Sunday circulation up to 40,000. Narrative pieces, trend stories, enterprisers, and human-interest stories. Submit a single report only; no series.
B06. Series: Submit up to five samples of a news or feature series on a single topic.
B07. General Commentary & Criticism: Analysis or interpretation of news events. Submit up to three samples.
B08. Arts Commentary & Criticism: Analysis or interpretation of arts/cultural events, including arts reviews. Submit up to three samples.
B09. Profile Reporting: Profiles of people, which can include obituary writing. Submit up to three samples.
B10. Sports Commentary: Analysis or interpretation of sporting events, teams, etc. Submit up to three samples
B11. Election Reporting: Coverage of any elections including local ballot measures. Submit up to three samples.
B12. Data Reporting: A news or feature story driven by data, and/or uses data collection. Submit one single report or series on one topic.
B13. Editorial Writing: Submit three samples on a single topic or multiple topics.
B14. Editorial Cartooning: Submit three samples on any topic.
B15. Local Reporting – Small Municipality, County & Rural Coverage: Coverage of a Florida municipality with population under 50,000 OR a county with a population of under 100,000. Submit up to three samples.
B16. Beat Reporting – Arts: Does not include criticism (See Arts Commentary & Criticism). Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B17. Beat Reporting – Business & Consumer: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B18. Beat Reporting – Community: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B19. Beat Reporting – Crime & Courts: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B20. Beat Reporting – Education: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B21. Beat Reporting – Environment, Science & Technology: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B22. Beat Reporting – Health: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B23. Beat Reporting – Food & Travel: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B24. Beat Reporting – Government & Politics: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B25. Beat Reporting – Underrepresented Communities: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B26. Beat Reporting – Sports: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B27. Beat Reporting – Housing & Real Estate: Submit up to three samples. Recommended: submit a supporting statement (up to 250 words) to provide additional context.
B28. Special Publication or Section: Best overall quality, including news value, writing, design, story mix, etc., in a special, one-time-only or annual section of a publication. Must consist of editorial content produced by editorial staff.
PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN DIVISION
See the Special Awards division for additional categories open to photographers.
C01. Breaking News Photography: Submit a single published photo or series (up to 5) on a single subject.
C02. Feature Photography: A single published photo, either stand-alone or part of a story.
C03. Portrait/Personality: A single published photo or series (up to 3), either stand-alone or part of a story. Must be the same subject.
C04. Photography Story: A collection of photos (up to 8) printed together that tell a story – either news or feature in nature. Not for continuing coverage of a subject.
C05. Sports Photography: A single published photo, either stand-alone or part of a story.
C06. Art/Photo Illustration: Specially designed art and/or photos to illustrate a story. Submit up to three samples.
C07. Infographics & Data Visualization: Standalone infographic or part of a story. Submit up to three samples.
C08. Front Page Design (Large Papers): For LARGE publications with daily or Sunday circulation greater than 40,000, as well as all wire services. Submit up to three samples, by one artist or team, representing the newspaper’s front page or section front.
C09. Front Page Design (Small Papers): For SMALL publications with circulation up to 40,000. Submit up to three samples, by one artist or team, representing the newspaper’s front page or section front.
MAGAZINE DIVISION
See the Special Awards and Digital divisions for additional categories open to print journalists.
D01. Public Service Reporting: Entries should contribute to the public good by correcting a wrong, bringing to light an issue or adding significantly to the public debate. Submit up to three samples on one issue. Optional: submit a supporting statement (up to 400 words).
D02. Investigative Reporting: Entries should expose a wrong or promote an understanding of a problem, issue, or subject. Submit a single report or series. Optional: submit a supporting statement (up to 400 words) to provide additional context.
D03. Serious Feature: Submit a single report.
D04. Light Feature: Submit a single report.
D05. Profile Story: Submit a single report that showcases a person.
D06. Commentary & Criticism: Submit a single report.
D07. Food & Travel Writing: Submit a single report.
D08. Trend Reporting: Submit a single report that explores what’s new, fresh, and exciting in art, fashion, film, music, high technology, cooking, and other areas.
D09. Trade or Special Interest Publication: Best overall quality, including news value, in a publication focusing on a specialized audience. Submit a single issue.
D10. Cover Design: Submit up to three samples.
D11. Inside Design: Submit up to three samples of a spread or story design.
D12. Best Single Issue: Submit a single issue. Judges will consider content, design and overall layout.
TELEVISION DIVISION
See the Special Awards and Digital divisions for additional categories open to broadcast journalists.
E01. Best Newscast: Submit a single newscast. Max. length: 30:00.
E02. Investigative Reporting – Single Report: Max. length 5:00.
E03. Investigative Reporting – Series: Include up to four segments. Max. total length: 20:00.
E04. Spot News Reporting: Coverage of an unexpected hard-news event. May include live or taped segments illustrating coverage. Include up to four segments. Max. total length: 20:00.
E05. Breaking News: Live-driven reporting that shows how reporters, photographers, and station staff on all levels handle the story as it is happening. Include up to four segments. Max. total length: 20:00.
E06. General Assignment Report: A single story developed, shot, written and aired in a regular newscast within a 24-hour period. Max. length: 5:00.
E07. Special Reporting: Reporting that covers specialized topics such as education, medical, transportation, etc. Include up to five segments. Max. total length: 20:00.
E08. Political & Election Reporting: Submit a single report. Max. length: 5.00.
E09. Environment, Science & Technology Reporting: Submit a single report. Max. length: 5.00.
E10. Health Reporting: Submit a single report. Max. length: 5.00.
E11. Light Feature Reporting: Include a single report. Max. length: 5:00.
E12. Serious Feature Reporting: Include a single report. Max. length: 5:00.
E13. Sports Reporting: Include a single report. Max. length: 5:00.
E14. Weather Reporting: A compilation that may include in-studio weather delivery and out-of-studio weather reporting. Max. length: 20:00
E15. Best Non-Newscast Program: Special reports of 20-60 minutes in length, airing outside of a regular newscast, that addresses issues of community concern or covers popular community events.
E16. Continuing Coverage or Series: Submit a series of up to three segments on a single topic.
E17. Best Use of Studio: Submit a single report that shows a creative and effective use of the space given to report and expand a story.
RADIO DIVISION
See the Special Awards and Digital divisions for additional categories open to broadcast journalists.
F01. Best Newscast: Best overall news and feature quality, including news value, writing, production, story mix, etc. Submit one complete broadcast of your choice.
F02. General Coverage: Coverage of an issue of local interest. Submit up to four pieces.
F03. Investigative Reporting: Submit a single report or a series. Should be exposes a wrong or promotes understanding of a problem, issue, or subject in the public interest.
F04. Government & Politics Reporting: Submit a single report or a series (up to three samples).
F05. Serious Feature Reporting: Profiles, trend pieces and human interest stories. Submit a single report or a series (up to three samples).
F06. Light Feature Reporting: Profiles, trend pieces and human interest stories. Submit a single report or a series (up to three samples).
F07. Public Affairs: Submit a single public affairs program. Entries may be documentaries or regular programming. Entries must be the original work of the station. Town hall meetings are not eligible.
F08. Environment, Science & Technology Reporting: Submit a single report or a series (up to three samples).
F09. Health Reporting: Submit a single report or a series (up to three samples).
F10. Best Use of Sound: Submit a single report that shows a creative and effective use of sound to help tell the story.
F11. Continuing Coverage or Series: Submit a series on a single topic (up to four samples).
F12. Education Reporting: Submit a single report or a series (up to three samples).
F13. Arts Reporting: Submit a single report or a series (up to three samples).
DIGITAL DIVISION
See the Special Awards and Newspaper divisions for additional categories open to digital journalists.
G01. News Website (Large Newsroom): Can be stand alone or sponsored by print or broadcast media. Large Newsroom is defined as having 51 or more employees. Judges will evaluate the following: site’s overall value to user; depth and originality of news content; variety of content presentation methods (text, video, audio, etc.); writing quality; usability (including navigation and accessibility); layout. Submit the URL of the home page as well as the URLs of two additional pages.
G02. News Website (Small Newsroom): Can be stand alone or sponsored by print or broadcast media. Small Newsroom is defined as having 50 or fewer employees. Judges will evaluate the following: site’s overall value to user; depth and originality of news content; variety of content presentation methods (text, video, audio, etc.); writing quality; usability (including navigation and accessibility); layout. Submit the URL of the home page as well as the URLs of two additional pages.
G03. Multimedia Feature: A feature story utilizing two or more media (video, audio, social media, interactive infographic, etc.), not including photography. Submit a single report or a series (up to three samples) on a single topic.
G04. Online Package: A special, one-time project that includes writing (print or web), video, audio, social media or any combination of them. One-time projects may include multiple pieces of all media.
G05. Infographics & Data Visualization: Graphics or data should should have an interactive component and can be standalone pieces or part of a story. Submit up to three samples. (A category for static data visualizations or infographics can be found under the photography and design division.)
G06. Online Video – up to three minutes: Either standalone videos or videos supplementing a story. Submit up to three samples.
G07. Online Video – three minutes or longer: Either standalone video or a video supplementing a story. Submit a single video up to ten minutes long.
G08. Podcast: Submit up to three segments.
G09. Blog Writing: Submit up to three samples.
G10. New Media Engagement: Submit up to three samples of a news outlet or reporter utilizing new media or social media platforms to engage its audience.
G11. Newsletter: Submit up to three editions of an email newsletter that delivers news and information.
SPANISH LANGUAGE DIVISION
Estos premios son presentados en conjunto con la Asociación Nacional de Periodistas Hispanos – capítulo del Sur de la Florida/National Association of Hispanic Journalists – South Florida Chapter.
Los premios están abiertos a periodistas (empleados por el medio o independientes/freelancers) cuyos trabajos en español hayan aparecido en la edición digital o impresa de periódicos publicados o distribuídos en la Florida, en medios audiovisuales en la Florida y corresponsales de agencias noticiosas y periódicos de circulación nacional en la Florida.
H01. Mejor trabajo de investigación en televisión/radio: Esta categoría premia al mejor reportaje de investigación de interés público para el sur de la Florida. Puede ser un solo reportaje o una serie publicada en televisión o en radio. Los artículos deben ser originales, exponer irregularidades y/o promover el entendimiento de un asunto de interés público. Duración máxima: 20:00
H02. Mejor trabajo de investigación en prensa escrita/digital: Esta categoría premia al mejor reportaje de investigación de interés público para el sur de la Florida. Puede ser un solo reportaje o una serie publicada en un medio digital o de prensa escrita. Los artículos deben ser originales, exponer irregularidades y/o promover el entendimiento de un asunto de interés público.
H03. Mejor reportaje especial (features) en televisión/radio/video/podcast: Se considerarán reportajes sobre las últimas tendencias o temas de interés humano. Aspirantes deben someter un solo reportaje; las series no serán aceptadas. Los jueces tomarán en cuenta la originalidad del autor a la hora de contar la historia y la calidad técnica del trabajo. Duración máxima: 5:00.
H04. Mejor reportaje especial en prensa escrita/medio digital: Se considerarán artículos narrativos y crónicas sobre las últimas tendencias o temas de interés humano. Aspirantes deben someter un solo reportaje; las series no serán aceptadas. Los jueces tomarán en cuenta la originalidad del autor a la hora de contar la historia, así como la claridad y calidad del texto. Duración máxima: 5:00.
H05. Mejor cobertura de noticias de última hora (breaking news) en televisión/radio/digital: Esta categoría abarca coberturas de noticias de última hora y el seguimiento apropiado al tema. Puede ser un solo reportaje o una serie. Los jueces considerarán en su decisión las presiones de tiempo y dificultades que enfrentó el medio en su cobertura, así como la complejidad del tema, interés e importancia. Duración máxima: 20:00.
H06. Periodista del año en televisión/radio/digital: Esta categoría premia al periodista más sobresaliente del año en los medios hispanos del sur de la Florida. Participantes deben enviar cinco muestras de su trabajo como máximo.
H07. Periodista del año en prensa escrita/digital: Esta categoría premia al periodista más sobresaliente del año en los medios hispanos del sur de la Florida. Participantes deben enviar cinco muestras de su trabajo como máximo.
H08. Mejor infografía y/o visualización de dato: Esta categoría premia la mejor infografía o historia contada con visualización de datos publicada en un medio de prensa escrita, digital o televisivo. Se valorará la originalidad y claridad de la historia, así como la calidad de su diseño y valor informativo.
H09. Mejor cobertura de desastres naturales en televisión/radio/video: Presentar hasta cinco muestras. Opcional: envíe una declaración de apoyo (hasta 400 palabras).
H10. Mejor cobertura de desastres naturales en prensa escrita/digital: Presentar hasta cinco muestras. Opcional: envíe una declaración de apoyo (hasta 400 palabras).
H11. Mejor trabajo estudiantil (todo tipo de medios): Premia a la mejor historia periodística hecha por un estudiante en la Florida. Candidatos pueden someter una historia individual o una serie. La historia debe ser original, exponer irregularidades o promover el entendimiento de un problema de interés público.
COLLEGE DIVISION
Eligible: College students whose work was published in in Florida in the previous calendar year. This may include work submitted to professional publications as well as long as the student produced it.
J01. College Journalist of the Year: Honors the college journalist (any medium) displaying the most promise through published or broadcast stories. Submit four of your best stories published or broadcast in the previous calendar year and a signed recommendation letter from an adviser, teacher or or professional journalist who has worked with you.
J02. College Photojournalist of the Year: Honors the college photojournalist displaying the most promise through published photos online or in print. Submit a portfolio of up to ten of your best photographs published in the previous calendar year and a signed recommendation letter from an adviser, teacher or or professional journalist who has worked with you.
J03. Adviser of the Year: Honors a college journalism adviser. Submit 2-5 recommendation letters from students or faculty showcasing their work and dedication to their students and/or media outlet.
J04. Best Student Publication: Submit up to three print issues from the previous calendar year. Every page will be judged on writing, photography, and design.
J05. Best Broadcast Outlet: Submit up to 3 clips (five minutes or less) from the previous calendar year.
J06. Best Website: Submit the homepage URL and two other URLs to other pages of your choice.
J07. Best News Story: Submit a single report.
J08. Best News Photo: Any single photo that is not posed or sports.
J09. Best Profile: Submit a single report. Judges will favor profiles of people on campus or national pieces with a unique student angle.
J10. Best Review: Submit a review of a movie, concert, art exhibit book, play, etc. Judges will favor reviews of either campus or local arts, or national pieces with a unique student angle.
J11. Best Serious Feature: Submit a single report.
J12. Best Light Feaure: Submit a single report.
J13. Best Sports Story: Can be a gamer, a profile, analysis, or anything else. Submit a single report.
J14. Best Sports Photo: A single photo capturing a moment in college sports.
J15. Best Opinion Column: A single column on anything but sports, expressing an opinion, slant or viewpoint.
J16. Best Front Page Design: Judges look for creativity but also expect adherence to basic design principles. Submit a single cover.
J17. Best Inside Page Design: Judges look for creativity but also expect adherence to basic design principles. Submit a single inside design, can include more than one page if it’s a part of the same story.
J18. Best Video: Can be news, feature, sports, or anything else that covered in your campus community. Five-minute time limit; shorter is better.
J19. Best Multimedia Feature: A feature story utilizing two or more media, not including photography (video, audio, social media, interactive infographic, etc.). Submit a single report or a series (up to three stories or supplemental elements) on a single topic.
J20. Best Coverage of LGBT Issues: Submit a single report. This award is co-sponsored by South Florida Gay News and the South Florida chapter of the Association of LGBT Journalists.
J21. Best Coverage of Race & Underrepresented Communities: Submit a single report. This award is co-sponsored by the South Florida chapters of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
J22. Best COVID-19 Coverage: Submit a single report.
HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
High school students whose work was published in in Florida in the previous calendar year. This may include work submitted to professional publications as well as long as the student produced it. There is no entry fee for entries in the High School division.
K01. High School Journalist of the Year: Honors the high school journalist displaying the most promise through published or broadcast stories. Submit up to five of your best stories published in the previous calendar year and a signed recommendation letter from an adviser, teacher or professional journalist who has worked with you.