2022 DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS CATEGORIES
PLEASE NOTE: This year’s contest includes some new categories and some changes in category descriptions. Because distinctions between daily and non-daily newspapers and magazines have been blurred by their digital presentations, most but not all categories now combine print and online as one competitive division, visible in the entry drop-down menu as “PRINT/ONLINE.” The exceptions are the Features and Sports categories, where there are separate divisions for “NEWSPAPERS,” “MAGAZINES,” and “ONLINE ONLY.”
ALSO: All photo entries should be submitted under the “VISUAL JOURNALISM” division, not “PHOTOGRAPHY.”
Pay attention to entry requirements.
DIAMOND HONORS – ALL PROFESSIONAL MEDIA
O1. GARRICK FELDMAN AWARD FOR COMMUNITY JOURNALISM — For excellence in focused coverage of a community or neighborhood in honor of the late Garrick Feldman, publisher of The Leader newspapers, Jacksonville, Ark., and proponent of strong local journalism. COVER LETTER REQUIRED. Submit no more than six stories and related multimedia content.
02. CHARLOTTE TILLAR SCHEXNAYDER AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE — For excellence in journalism that seeks to benefit society through extensive coverage of an issue facing a community, state or region. Named in honor of the late Charlotte Schexnayder, journalist, small-town newspaper publisher and Arkansas legislator. Entry MUST INCLUDE A NOMINATING LETTER that provides background and context on the issue and results, if any. Judges will consider significance of the issue, journalistic initiative, presentation, and results. Submit stories, opinion pieces or a combination of both in an entry package containing no more than 10 items.
03. ROBERT S. MCCORD FOI AWARD — For excellence in coverage that focuses on the public’s right to know and that carries on the legacy of the late Robert McCord, a former national SPJ president who is considered the father of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. COVER LETTER REQUIRED in support of the nomination. Submit stories, opinion pieces, letters or other material that demonstrate how the nominee contributed to the protection or enhancement of the public’s right to know.
04. DIAMOND JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR — For journalistic excellence by a journalist in any medium. Submit a portfolio of five to seven pieces by the nominee and a NOMINATING LETTER from a ranking editor or producer.
05. OUTSTANDING NEW JOURNALIST — For journalistic excellence demonstrated by an individual who has worked five years or fewer in their market. The winner will be chosen based on a NOMINATING LETTER and supporting documents. Submit a portfolio of five pieces by the nominee.
PROFESSIONAL MEDIA
BREAKING NEWS —For excellence in clear and accurate reporting and engaging writing on deadline by individuals, teams or news organizations. Judges will consider deadline pressure and complexity of the subject.
06. PRINT/ONLINE – Submit up to three articles and any related multimedia content.
07. RADIO/AUDIO – Submit audio not longer than 15 minutes and any related multimedia content from up to three stories.
08. TV/VIDEO – Submit video not longer than 15 minutes and any related multimedia content from up to three stories.
ONGOING COVERAGE —Forexcellence in coverage lasting at least 30 days of a topic or major event demonstrating solid reporting and presentation with complexity and perspective.
09. PRINT/ONLINE – Submit up to five stories along with any related multimedia content. Entries may include a mix of story types, e.g. breaking news, features and explanatory.
10. RADIO/AUDIO – Submit audio from up to five stories along with any related multimedia content. Entries may include a mix of story types, e.g. breaking news, features and explanatory.
11. TV/VIDEO – Submit video from up to five stories along with any related multimedia content. Entries may include a mix of story types, e.g. breaking news, features and explanatory.
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING — For excellence in reporting that demonstrates initiative, persistence and resourcefulness in pursuing information that is restricted or not easily available and is of public interest and significance. COVER LETTER REQUIRED, explaining reporting process and impact or results.
12. PRINT/ONLINE – Submit one story or a series and any related multimedia content. If entering a series, please submit no more than six stories.
13. RADIO/AUDIO – Submit a single piece or multiple pieces with a maximum combined run time of 60 minutes and any related multimedia content.
14. TV/VIDEO – Submit a single piece or multiple pieces with a maximum combined run time of 60 minutes and any related multimedia content.
EXPLANATORY REPORTING — For excellence in reporting and writing that elucidate significant stories and complex situations, that deepen understanding of a subject or that focus on subjects covered minimally or not at all by most media.
15. PRINT/ONLINE – Submit one story or a series and any related multimedia content. If entering a series, please submit no more than six stories.
16. RADIO/AUDIO – Submit one audio clip of up to 30 minutes.
17. TV/VIDEO – Submit one video clip or reel of up to 30 minutes.
FEATURES — For individual storytelling excellence. Judges will consider the use of narrative, use of humor or drama, style, creativity, clarity and suitability of the writing to the subject.
18. NEWSPAPERS – Submit one story or series of no more than three parts and any related multimedia material.
19. MAGAZINES – Submit one story or series of no more than three parts and any related multimedia material.
20. ONLINE ONLY (For stories published or broadcast online and not by an affiliated outlet)– Submit one story or series of no more than three parts and any related multimedia material.
21. RADIO/AUDIO – Submit one story of no more than 5 minutes.
22. TV/VIDEO – Submit one story of no more than 5 minutes.
EDITORIALS — For excellence in opinion writing that represents a news organization’s position on a topic or issue. Judges will consider importance to the community, writing style, reasoning, originality and reader interest. Submit three editorials as one entry.
23. PRINT/ONLINE
24. RADIO/AUDIO
25. TV/VIDEO
COMMENTARY — For excellence in commentary or analysis by an individual. News-related blogs also are eligible. Judges will consider quality of expression, clarity and originality. Submit three samples as one entry.
26. PRINT/ONLINE
27. RADIO/AUDIO
28. TV/VIDEO
SPORTS — For excellence in coverage of any sport or athletic endeavor. Judges will consider clarity and style. Submit a single story or no more than three stories representing continuing coverage of a single topic. Run times for audio and video should not exceed 5 minutes.
29. NEWSPAPERS
30. MAGAZINES
31. ONLINE ONLY (For stories published or broadcast online and not by an affiliated outlet)
32. RADIO/AUDIO
33. TV/VIDEO
ARTS & CULTURE — For excellence in writing incisively about the performing arts, fine art, music, film, books, restaurants or architecture. Entry may include reviews, columns, profiles and feature analysis. Judges will consider the quality of writing, presentation and, where appropriate, analysis and persuasiveness of arguments. Submit up to three samples and any related multimedia content. Run times for audio and video should not exceed 5 minutes.
34. PRINT/ONLINE
35. RADIO/AUDIO
36. TV/VIDEO
BUSINESS — For excellence in coverage of business or finance by an individual or team. Submit up to five samples and any related multimedia content. Run times for audio and video should not exceed 5 minutes.
37. PRINT/ONLINE
38. RADIO/AUDIO
39. TV/VIDEO
EDUCATION — For excellence in coverage of education (news, features, analysis and investigative). Submit up to five samples and any related multimedia content. Run times for audio and video should not exceed 5 minutes.
40. PRINT/ONLINE
41. RADIO/AUDIO
42. TV/VIDEO
HEALTH — For excellence in reporting clearly on health, including medicine, community health and health policy. (There is a separate category for coverage of the pandemic and COVID-19.) Submit up to five stories and related multimedia content. Run times for audio and video should not exceed 5 minutes.
43. PRINT/ONLINE
44. RADIO/AUDIO
45. TV/VIDEO
SCIENCE — For excellence in reporting clearly on science, including technology, and its impact on individuals and society. Submit up to three stories and related multimedia content.Run times for audio and video should not exceed 5 minutes.
46. PRINT/ONLINE
47. RADIO/AUDIO
48. TV/VIDEO
ENVIRONMENT — For excellence in coverage of environmental issues, including climate change. Submit up to three stories and related multimedia content.Run times for audio and video should not exceed 5 minutes.
49. PRINT/ONLINE
50. RADIO/AUDIO
51. TV/VIDEO
PANDEMIC — For excellence in reporting clearly on COVID-19 and all aspects of the pandemic. Submit up to five stories and related multimedia content as one entry. Run times for audio and video should not exceed 15 minutes.
52. PRINT/ONLINE
53. RADIO/AUDIO
54. TV/VIDEO
POLITICS — For excellence in coverage of public issues, political campaigns, candidates or campaign finance. Submit up to five stories and related multimedia content as one entry. Run times for audio and video should not exceed 5 minutes.
55. PRINT/ONLINE
56. RADIO/AUDIO
57. TV/AUDIO
SPECIAL SECTION — For excellence in publishing a niche publication or special section devoted to a single topic. Judges will consider depth of coverage, presentation and quality of writing. Submit one section or niche publication.
58. PRINT/ONLINE
PODCASTS — For excellence in reporting and journalistic storytelling that stands alone or is part of a series. Submit up to three episodes as one entry with maximum run time of 60 minutes. Podcast entries may have also aired as radio or TV broadcasts.
59. ALL MEDIA
VISUAL JOURNALISM
60. PHOTOGRAPHY – BREAKING NEWS — For excellence in photojournalism produced on deadline. Judges will consider deadline pressure, complexity of subject and visual presentation. Submit photos with cutlines from up to three stories as one entry, but no more than six images in all. Be sure to include the accompanying story or link to the story.
61. PHOTO SPREAD/ESSAY — For excellence in a group of photographs on a single theme published as part of a single story or as a stand-alone layout. Submit no more than 10 images with cutlines. Link to or include the accompanying story or contextual information.
62. PHOTO PORTFOLIO — For excellence in photography that shows the work of a single photographer. Submit or link to no more than five photos with cutlines.
63. DATA VISUALIZATION — For excellence in presenting complex information using graphics, maps and other data visualization and interactive tools. Submit up to three samples, including the associated stories or links to them online.
64. GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS — For excellence in graphics presentations or illustrations. Submit three samples as one entry. Include or link to any accompanying story or text.
65. VIDEO JOURNALISM PORTFOLIO — For excellence in video journalism by an individual. Submit up to three samples with a maximum combined length of 15 minutes.
66. VIDEO JOURNALISM THEMED PROGRAMMING — For excellence in video journalism for regular programming over the air or online that focuses on a theme or subject, such as crime or politics. Submit up to three samples with a maximum combined length of 15 minutes.
DESIGN
67. DESIGN – PRINT/ONLINE — For excellence in presentation that significantly enhances access to journalistic work and improves audience experience and engagement. Submit up to three samples as one entry.
68. DESIGN – WEB/MOBILE — For excellence in presentation that significantly enhances access to journalistic work and improves audience experience and engagement. Submit up to three samples as one entry.
STUDENT MEDIA
69. STUDENT SPECIAL PROJECTS — For excellence by student media for special projects that show exemplary reporting, writing, photography or videography. These should be student-generated and not part of an ongoing university-sponsored project. COVER LETTER REQUIRED.
70. STUDENT – BREAKING NEWS — For excellence in clear and accurate reporting and engaging writing on deadline by individuals or teams regardless of platform. Judges will consider deadline pressure and complexity of the subject. Submit up to three articles and any related multimedia content. Audio and video clips should not exceed 5 minutes.
71. STUDENT – FEATURES — For individual storytelling excellence regardless of platform. Judges will consider use of narrative, humor or drama, style, creativity, clarity and suitability of the writing or video/audio presentation to the subject. Submit up to three articles and any related multimedia content. Audio and video clips should not exceed 5 minutes.
72. STUDENT – SPORTS — For excellence in coverage of any sport or athletic endeavor regardless of platform. Judges will consider clarity and style. Submit a single story or no more than three stories representing continuing coverage of a single topic. Audio and video clips should not exceed 5 minutes.
73. STUDENT – EDITORIALS — For excellence in opinion writing that represents a student news outlet’s position on a topic or issue. Judges will consider importance to the community, writing style, reasoning, originality, and reader interest. Submit three editorials as one entry.
74. STUDENT – COMMENTARY — For excellence in commentary or analysis by an individual on any platform. Blogs also are eligible. Judges will consider quality of expression, clarity, and originality. Submit three samples as one entry. Maximum run time for video or audio: 5 minutes.
75. STUDENT – BUSINESS — For excellence in coverage of business or finance, including the business of college athletics and of institutions of higher learning. Judges will consider clarity. Submit a single story or no more than three stories representing continuing coverage of a single topic. Maximum run time for video or audio: 5 minutes.
76. STUDENT – EDUCATION — For excellence in coverage on any platform of education, including institutions of higher education, teacher training and educational research. Judges will consider clarity and thoroughness. Submit three samples as one entry. Maximum run time for video or audio: 5 minutes.
77. STUDENT – NEWS PHOTO —For excellence in photojournalism by an individual for breaking or general news. Judges will consider deadline pressure, complexity of subject and visual presentation. Submit one photo with cutline. Please include the accompanying story or link the story.
78. STUDENT – FEATURE PHOTO —For excellence in feature photography by an individual. Judges will consider complexity of subject and visual presentation. Submit one photo with cutline. Please include the accompanying story or link the story.
79. STUDENT – PHOTO SPREAD/ESSAY — For excellence in a group of photographs on a single theme published as part of a single story or as a stand-alone layout. Submit no more than 10 images with cutlines and an explanation of the context or the accompanying story or text. Links are acceptable.
80. STUDENT – PHOTO PORTFOLIO — For excellence in photography that shows the work of a single photographer. Submit no more than five photos with cutlines.
81. STUDENT – DATA VISUALIZATION — For excellence in presenting complex information using graphics, maps or other data visualization and interactive tools. Submit up to three samples, including the associated stories or links to them online.
82. STUDENT – GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS — For excellence in graphics presentations or illustrations on any platform. Submit up to three samples. Include any accompanying story or text.
83. STUDENT – DESIGN — For excellence in presentation that significantly enhances access to journalistic work and improves audience experience and engagement. Design encompasses visual and sound elements as well as print and online display. Submit up to three samples as one entry.
84. STUDENT – PODCASTS — For excellence in reporting and journalistic storytelling that stands alone or is part of a series. Submit up to three episodes as one entry with maximum run time of 60 minutes. Podcast entries may have also aired as radio or TV broadcasts.
Society of Professional Journalists | Arkansas Pro Chapter 