2026 Diamond Journalism Awards Finalists Announced
A-Mark Award for Investigative Journalism prizes to be presented at banquet
LITTLE ROCK—The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards and the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting.
The Diamond Awards are a regional competition that attracts entries from Arkansas and six bordering states. The A-Mark Prize, sponsored by the A-Mark Foundation, is in its second year and recognizes exceptional investigative reporting in Arkansas. The A-Mark Foundation will present $15,000 divided among first, second, and third place, recognizing both the reporters and their newsrooms who have been named as finalists.
This year’s contest drew 591 entries in more than 80 categories, including divisions that recognize professional journalism, student journalism and communications. SPJ members from Connecticut judged the competitions.
The winners will be announced on Saturday, July 25, at an awards ceremony at Next Level Events, 1400 W. Markham St. in Little Rock. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., and the program will begin immediately following. This year’s emcee will be KARK 4 News at Noon Anchor, Sonseeahray Tonsall. Tickets to the event are $35 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. To purchase tickets, go here.
Here are the finalists listed in alphabetical order by first name in each division. If multiple entries are finalists, but are credited in the same manner, the entry credit is only listed once per division. To see the finalists listed by organization in addition to being listed by name, click here.
Print/Online Division
Aarron Fleming, Jane Donahoe, The Daily Memphian
Ainsley Platt, Antoinette Grajeda, Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate
Alex Thomas, Ella McCarthy, Neal Earley, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Aliyah Veal, Mississippi Free Press
Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press
Antoinette Grajeda, Arkansas Advocate
Antoinette Grajeda, Ainsley Platt, Tess Vrbin, Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate
Bill Bowden, Dale Ellis, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bobby Ross Jr., Religion Unplugged
Brant Bingamon, The Austin Chronicle
Daniel Connolly, Matt Fair, Hilary Russ, Vince Sullivan, Orlando Lorenzo, Law360 (Legal news service)
Daniel Grear, Arkansas Times
David Barham, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press
Doug Crise, Arkansas Money & Politics
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine
Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice
Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Marc Perrusquia, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting
Jane Roberts , Mary Cashiola, The Daily Memphian
Jennifer Tormo Alvarez, Hoa Vu, Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, 225 Magazine
Jody Callahan, Chris Herrington, The Daily Memphian
Jonathan Feldman, Leader Newspaper
Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Kimberley Jones, The Austin Chronicle
Matt Campbell, Arkansas Times
Micaela Watts, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting
Natalie Wallington, Katherine Burgess, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Nick Judin, Ashton Pittman, Heather Harrison, William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Nick Judin, Kevin Edwards, Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Philip Martin, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Phillip Powell, Arkansas Times
Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, Melinda Gonzales, Hoa Vu, inRegister Magazine
Sammie Seamon, The Austin Chronicle
Samuel Hardiman, Jane Donahoe, The Daily Memphian
Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate
Sophie Bates, David A. Lieb, Illan Ireland, M.K. Wilderman, Alex Rozier, Mississippi Free Press, Associated Press, Mississippi Today
Staff, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism/ProPublica
Staff , The Austin Chronicle
Tess Vrbin, Arkansas Advocate
Tommy Foltz, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Torsheta Jackson, Heather Harrison, Ashton Pittman, Jaylin Smith, Mississippi Free Press
Whitley O’Connor, Henry Hargreaves, Curbside Chronicle
TELEVISION
40/29 Staff, KHBS/KHOG
Ashlei King, Julian Jones, FOX16
Brad Horn, KNWA FOX24
Brandon Evans, KHBS/KHOG TV
Breanna Hampton, Cherokee Phoenix
Brett Rains, KHBS/KHOG
Doug Warner, KNWA
Doug Warner, Brad Horn, KNWA
Doug Warner, Joshua Rugger, Peyton Langford, KNWA
Dylan Price, Jacob Osborn, KARK 4 and FOX16
Kathryn Thornberry, KARK 4 and FOX16
Kevin Kelly, FOX16 KLRT
Kevin Kelly, Julian Jones, FOX16 KLRT
Kevin Kelly, Kwasi Harshaw, FOX16 KLRT
Kevin Kelly, Lavant Randall, FOX16 KLRT
Kimberly Rusley, Duncan Meece, KFDM 6
Lauren Motley, KNWA FOX24 Fayetteville
Madison Taylor, KHBS/KHOG
Matt Grant Josh Hinkle, Dalton Huey Chris Nelson, KXAN-TV
Micah Fletcher, Cherokee Phoenix
Michael Aaron, Skot Covert, Joel Kattner, KFSM
Phil Reed, KHBS/KHOG TV
Tiffany Baskerville, KFSM-TV Ft. Smith
Tyre White, Clover Wagner, KATV 7 NEWS
AUDIO
Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio
Erika Konig, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM public radio
Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio
Laura Kebede-Twumasi, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM public radio
Maggie Ryan, Little Rock Public Radio
Maggie Ryan, National Public Radio
Nathan Treece, Josie Lenora, Maggie Ryan, Emma Bertram, Little Rock Public Radio
Paul Ladd, World Christian Broadcasting’s New Life Station & worldchristian.org
VISUAL JOURNALISM
Adam Vogler, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Alison Fulton, Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Andrea Morales, Kevin Wurm, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Carrie Hill, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Chad Hunter, Cherokee Phoenix
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Henry Hargreaves, Whitley O’Connor, Curbside Chronicle
Jennifer Tormo Alvarez, Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Collin Richie, 225 Magazine
Jordan Hefler, Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, inRegister Magazine
Mandy Keener, Layet Johnson, Sarah Richardson, Sara Reeves, Arkansas Times
Mandy Keener, Sara Reeves, Arkansas Times
Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, 225 Magazine
Michael Hoge, Sarah Smythe, Heather Kersten, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Jordan Hefler, Jackie Haxthausen, Hoa Vu, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, inRegister Magazine
Staci Vandagriff, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Staff, Mississippi Free Press
Stan Denman, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
SPECIAL TOPICS
Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Catholic
Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University Athletics
Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Ay Media Group
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Arkansas Money & Politics
Dwain Hebda, Catherine Frederick, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Do South Magazine
Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle
Frank Lockwood, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Illan Ireland, William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk
Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics
Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics
Roger Amos, Mississippi Free Press
Stephanie Smittle, Arkansas Times
Tom Murphy, Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
COMMUNICATIONS
Amye Buckley, Crafton Tull
Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Children’s Health System
Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University
Crafton Tull Marketing Team, Social Media, Earned Media, Owned Media
Donnie Sewell, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts
Emily Partridge, Heifer International
Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull
STUDENT JOURNALISM
Alexa Durben, The Volunteer Channel
Claire Thatcher, The Daily Beacon
Emma Fingeret, Sydney Barney, Lailah Rucker, Ablaze Magazine
Erika Konig, University of Memphis
Gracie Guillot, LSU Tiger TV
Gracyn Thatcher, Kate Barber, The Volunteer Channel
Kierra Evans, LSU Tiger TV
Lindsay Favre, The Daily Beacon
Luke Lamoree, The Volunteer Channel
Mary Lyle, The Echo
Meredith Lipsey, The Echo
Olivia Lee, Caden Dyer, Patrick Busch, The Daily Beacon
Patricia Caputo, LSU Tiger TV
Sophie Starkey, The Volunteer Channel
Tiger TV Staff , LSU Tiger TV
TVC Staff , The Volunteer Channel
Vivian Phillips, The Echo
CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT
Ashlei King, FOX16 KLRT
Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Darby Bybee, KHBS/KHOG
Heather Baker, AY MEDIA GROUP
Kevin Kelly, FOX16 KLRT
Kimberly Rusley, KFDM 6
Lauren Motley, KNWA FOX24 Fayetteville
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sarah DeClerk, AY Media Group
Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull
DIAMOND HONORS
Ainsley Platt, Arkansas Advocate
Bill Bowden, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle and Religion Unplugged
Caden Dyer, The Daily Beacon
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths
Erika Konig, University of Memphis
Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Institute for Public Service Reporting
Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk
Lia Portillo, Marshall News Messenger
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Tammy Keith, Log Cabin Democrat
A-MARK PRIZE
Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer
Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
2026 Diamond Journalism Awards Contest now open
Second annual A-Mark Prize offers $15K in cash for Arkansas investigative reporting
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas SPJ is proud to announce the opening of the 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards. The annual contest is open to professional and student journalists, freelancers and communications professionals.
The contest is open to residents of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, and entries can be submitted through March 18.
For the second year, the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting will recognize excellence in investigative reporting with an Arkansas connection. Through Arkansas SPJ’s partnership with the A-Mark Foundation, $15,000 in cash will be distributed to reporters and their newsrooms.
A-Mark winners will receive:
- First place: $5,000 for the writer(s), plus $2,500 for the newsroom
- Second place: $3,000 for the writer(s), $1,500 for the newsroom
- Third place: $2,000 for the writer(s), $1,000 for the newsroom
“The A-Mark Prize was established by the A-Mark Foundation to recognize the best investigative reporting in each state,” said A-Mark Foundation Chief Operating Officer Tracey DeFrancesco. “Arkansas SPJ did an excellent job launching the Prize in Arkansas last year, and the quality of the winning reporting in year one set a high bar. As we enter year two, we are excited to see the Prize grow and to award more outstanding investigative work.”
The A-Mark Prize is the only Diamond Journalism Awards category limited to entries with an Arkansas connection, which means one or more of the following: (1) The winning reporter is based in Arkansas; (2) The newspaper or media outlet is based in Arkansas; or (3) The work covers Arkansas.
“We are excited to again offer the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting through the A-Mark Foundation,” said Wendy Jordan, Arkansas SPJ president. “We are grateful for this continued partnership with the A-Mark Foundation as we join together to support journalism that holds those in power accountable.”
All Diamond Journalism Awards entries must be published or broadcast in 2025. There are more than 85 categories in 10 divisions, ranging from traditional print and broadcast content to podcasts, communications campaigns and more. Find all of the contest categories here.
Although entrants do not have to be members of SPJ, joining the organization offers more benefits than contest entry fee discounts. If you’re interested in joining, click here.
Entry fees for Diamond Award entries are:
General Competition (Divisions 1-7)
- SPJ members: $15 per entry.
- Nonmembers: $25 per entry.
- Student SPJ members: $10 per entry.
- Student nonmembers: $15 per entry.
Craft Achievement & Diamond Awards (Divisions 8 & 9)
- SPJ members: $25 per entry.
- Nonmembers: $35 per entry.
A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting (Division 10)
- SPJ Members and Nonmembers: $40
The Diamond Journalism Awards uses the Better BNC contest management platform for entries and judging and fees are submitted through PayPal. All finalists will be recognized at the Diamond Awards event in July in Little Rock. A listing of finalists will be announced prior to the event. Click here to get started.
ABOUT ARKANSAS SPJ:
The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is dedicated to advancing the interests of journalists in the state through professional development, First Amendment advocacy, and education. SPJ also supports Arkansas journalism students through scholarships and programs. Learn more at arkansasspj.org.
ABOUT THE A-MARK FOUNDATION:
A-Mark Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in 1997. The A-Mark Foundation supports and promotes investigative reporting, defined as a form of journalism that uncovers information deliberately hidden from the public, often involving abuse of power, corruption, wrongdoing, or systemic failure, through original research, document analysis, data collection, and firsthand reporting, rather than relying primarily on official statements or press releases. Grantees are funded through the A-Mark Prizes for Investigative Reporting (42), presented by state press groups; A-Mark Journalism Master’s Scholarships (23), presented by universities; and A-Mark Student Journalism Awards (12), presented by community colleges. For more information, visit amarkfoundation.org.
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Wendy Miller Jordan, Contest Co-Chair
arkspjcontest@gmail.com | 469.338.7062
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is proud to announce the finalists in the 2024 Diamond Journalism Awards, a regional competition that attracts entries from Arkansas and six bordering states.
This year’s contest drew 538 entries in 82 categories, including divisions that recognize professional journalism, student journalism, and communications. SPJ members from Pennsylvania and Florida judged the competitions.
The winners will be announced on July 24 at an awards ceremony at the Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock. A reception will begin at 5 p.m. and the program featuring Fox 16 News Anchors Kevin Kelly and Donna Terrell, Arkansas’ longest-running anchor team, will start at 6 p.m. To purchase tickets to the event, visit https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/CKWJSXG7WAQKL
Here are the finalists, listed by organization:
AY Magazine
Dwain Hebda
Jenna Kelley
Mak Millard
Arkansas Money & Politics: AMP Magazine
Dwain Hebda
Arkansas Advocate
Sonny Albarado
Hunter Field
Antoinette Grajeda
Tess Vrbin
Arkansas Catholic
Aprille Spivey
Arkansas Children’s Health System
Aprille Spivey
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
David Barham
Bill Bowden
Neal Earley
Dale Ellis
Jennifer Ellis
Gwen Faulkenberry
Joseph Flaherty
Tommy Foltz
Dwain Hebda
Carrie Hill
Alyson Hoge
Aidian Holder
Tony Holt
Cynthia Howell
Heather Kersten
Grant Lancaster
Frank Lockwood
Brenda Looper
Kyle McDaniel
Thomas Metthe
Colin Murphey
Nick Popowitch
Allison Shirk
Josh Snyder
Stephen Swofford
Jenn Terrell
Alex Thomas
Staci Vandagriff
Michael Wickline
Pine Bluff Commercial
Byron Tate
Crafton Tull
Crafton Tull Marketing Team
Brittany Goff
Wendy Jordan
The Associated Press
Andrew DeMillo
Adrian Sainz
Ben Finley
The Associated Press, The Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged
Bobby Ross Jr.
Cherokee Phoenix
Mark Dreadfulwater
Chad Hunter
MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Brittany Brown
Vahisha Hasan
Adrienne Johnson Martin
Andrea Morales
Jacob Steimer
Oklahoma Voice
Nuria Martinez-Keel
InRegister Magazine
Kelli Bozeman
Sara Essex Bradley
Hoa Vu
225 Magazine
Benjamin Leger
Mississippi Free Press
Heather Harrison
Torsheta Jackson
Donna Ladd
Christian Middleton
Shaunicy Muhammad
Ashton Pittman
William Pittman
Aliyah Veal
KARK 4 News
Caitrin Assaf
Gary Burton Jr.
Bob Clausen
Stephen Goodale
Kian McMahan
Laura Monteverdi
Jessica Ranck
LV Randall
FOX 16 News/KLRT
Kimberely Blackburn
Cole Clevenger
Tylisa Hampton
Julian Jones
Ashlei King
Kevin Kelly
John Matthews
Ronni Romero
Carmen Rose
Donna Terrell
Neale Zeringue
KNWA News/FOX 24
Anna Darling
Brad Horn
Chad Mira
Lauren Motley
Ethan Sam
THV11
Breandan Conyers
Skot Covert
Sarah Horbacewicz
Lauren Johnston
Zach Keast
Kelly Tibbit
Little Rock Public Radio/National Public Radio
Daniel Breen
Josie Lenora
Maggie Ryan
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Angelita Faller
Ouachita Baptist University
Chase Hartsell
LSU Tiger TV
Metia Carroll
Adam Guttuso
Haylee Kennedy
Miguel Paredes Reyes
Erin Rogers
Ella Wales
The Herald/Arkansas State University
Caroline Averitt
Jerry Don Burton
Rebecca Robinson
Rachel Rudd
Shelby Russom
Elijah Templeton
The Reveille/LSUReveille.com
Alison Agena
Emily Bracher
John Buzbee
Colin Falcon
Cross Harris
Frank Kidd
Lauren Madden
Jacob Mathews
Garrett McEntee
Lyla McGuire
Matthew Pellittieri
Chloe Richmond
Olivia Tomlinson
Reveille Editorial Board
Delta Digital News Service
Caroline Averitt
Ibuki Hinohara
Avery Jones
Atsuki Ohbuchi
501 Life Magazine
Tammy Keith
Madison County Record
Ellen Kreth
The Daily Citizen
Greg Geary
Law 360
Daniel Connolly
Matt Fair
Emily Field
Allison Grande
Jon Hill
Brandon Lowrey
The Christian Chronicle
Audrey Jackson
Bobby Ross Jr.
World Christian Broadcasting/KNLS/WorldChristian.org
Paul Ladd
WVLT, Knoxville
Ben Cathey
Aimee Fowler
Will Puckett
Harry Sullivan
Casey Wheeless
KATV
Cassandra Webb
ARKANSAS PRO CHAPTER SPJ, CONTEST, DIAMOND AWARDS, DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS, JOURNALISM
2024 DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS CATEGORIES
FEATURED LEAVE A COMMENTON 2024 DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS CATEGORIES
DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS | EN ESPAÑOL AQUÍ
2024 CATEGORIES
Welcome to the revamped 2024 Diamond Journalism Awards. We’ve added several new categories this year and reorganized categories by overall divisions for easier navigation. For entry rules go here.
The divisions:
- DIVISION 1 – PRINT/ONLINE recognizes reporting and storytelling via the written word.
- DIVISION 2 – TELEVISION recognizes visual reporting and storytelling via televised media.
- DIVISION 3 – RADIO/AUDIO recognizes spoken-word reporting and storytelling via radio or podcast.
- DIVISION 4 – SPECIAL TOPICS recognizes reporting and storytelling on certain topics from entrants regardless of medium.
- DIVISION 5 – VISUAL JOURNALISM recognizes photography, graphics and design regardless of medium.
- DIVISION 6 – COMMUNICATIONS recognizes reporting and storytelling by a public relations, communications or marketing professional or group regardless of medium or business affiliation.
- DIVISION 7 – STUDENT JOURNALISM recognizes reporting and storytelling by student journalists regardless of medium.
- DIVISION 8 – CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT recognizes excellence in the craft of news presentation.
- DIVISION 9 – DIAMOND AWARDS recognizes outstanding work regardless of the medium for community journalism, public service reporting, freedom of information reporting, best new journalist, best student journalist and journalist of the year.
DIVISION 1: PRINT/ONLINE
(Entries accepted from print and online-only publications)
- BREAKING NEWS – For clear, accurate and engaging coverage of a single, unexpected news event by an individual or team. Judges will consider deadline pressure and the complexity of the subject. Submit up to three articles from same-day coverage, including sidebars or related multimedia content.
- GENERAL NEWS – For non-breaking news coverage. It may include planned coverage of a single event or in-depth reporting. Submit up to three articles and any related multimedia content.
- CONTINUING COVERAGE – For ongoing coverage of a topic or significant event over time, demonstrating solid reporting and presentation with complexity and perspective. Submit up to five stories along with any related multimedia content. Entries may include a mix of story types.
- ENTERPRISE/IN-DEPTH REPORTING – For coverage that reflects initiative, ingenuity, use of sources and/or special research to dig deeper or capture more complexity than a typical news story. Submit a single story or a series of up to three stories and any related multimedia content. Entry can be by an individual or team.
- INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING – For reporting that demonstrates initiative, persistence and resourcefulness in pursuing information that is restricted, hidden by officials or not readily available and is of public interest and significance. COVER LETTER REQUIRED, explaining reporting process and impact or results. Submit one story or a series of no more than six stories and any related multimedia content.
- EXPLANATORY REPORTING – For reporting and writing that makes clear significant stories and complex situations that deepen understanding of a subject or focus on subjects covered minimally or not at all by most media. Submit one story or a series of no more than six stories and any related multimedia content.
- EDITORIALS – For opinion writing representing a news organization’s position on a topic or issue. Judges will consider the value to the community, writing style, reasoning, originality and reader interest. Submit three editorials as one entry.
- COMMENTARY – For commentary or analysis by an individual. News-oriented blogs are also eligible. Judges will consider the quality of expression, clarity and originality. Submit three columns as one entry.
- FEATURES – For individual storytelling excellence. Judges will consider the use of narrative, humor or drama, style, creativity, clarity and suitability of the writing to the subject. Submit one story.
- PROFILES – For reporting that depicts the character and personality of a story subject. Submit one story.
- SPORTS – For 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.
- SPORTS FEATURE – For outstanding storytelling about athletic participants or a sport itself. Submit a single story.
- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE – For coverage of the arts, entertainment or other cultural news. Entry may include news, profiles and features. Judges will consider the quality of the writing and presentation and, where appropriate, analysis. Submit up to three stories on a single topic or various topics.
- CRITICISM/REVIEWS – For writing demonstrating a journalist’s competence in evaluating performance, restaurants, books, recorded music or other cultural events or entities. Submit three pieces by one author as one entry.
- EDUCATION – For coverage of schools, teaching or education-related topics by an individual, team or staff. Submit up to five samples and any related multimedia content as one entry.
- POLITICS – For coverage of public issues, elections, political campaigns, candidates, campaign finance or government by an individual, team or staff. Submit up to five stories and related multimedia content as one entry.
- SPECIAL SECTION/NICHE PUBLICATION – For a niche publication or special section devoted to a single topic. Judges will consider the depth of coverage, presentation, and quality of writing. Submit one section or niche publication.
DIVISION 2: TELEVISION
(Entries accepted from broadcast and cable TV outlets or other video outlets)
GENERAL NEWS GATHERING ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
The original video and submission length may be at most 10 minutes for single news entries. Eligible multipart news series entries may include two (2) but at most five (5) separate reports from the series. The total submission time limit for news series entries may be at most 15 minutes.
- BREAKING NEWS – For coverage of a single unexpected news event that highlights urgency. Submit a video from same-day coverage. Submission length must not exceed 10 minutes.
- CONTINUING COVERAGE – For ongoing coverage of a topic or significant event over time. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- EXPLANATORY REPORTING – For coverage of a complex issue that clearly explains a topic or event from start to finish. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- INVESTIGATIVE – For a single report or series that focuses on one subject matter and includes extensive research. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- NEWS FEATURE – For a single story that includes a personal, emotional or creative slant beyond just gathering facts. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT – For general entertainment and/or performing arts coverage. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- CRIME/JUSTICE – For coverage of crime, victims or justice-related topics. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- PROFILES – For coverage of an individual who has overcome obstacles or made significant contributions to their community. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- EDUCATION – For coverage of schools, teaching or education-related topics. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- POLITICS – For coverage of political, civil or government-related topics. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- WEATHER – For coverage of a weather-related event. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- SPORTS STORY– For coverage of a single sporting event, athletes, coaches and other related topics. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- SPORTS PROGRAM – For a daily or weekly sports program, which can be live or pre-recorded. Maximum run time: 30 minutes.
- NEWSCAST – For excellence in a regularly scheduled newscast. Judges will consider overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. NOTE: This award is for producers only. Please remove all commercial breaks with 2 seconds of black between each break. For newscasts exceeding 30 minutes, entrants may submit up to 3 excerpts.
DIVISION 3: RADIO/AUDIO
(Entries accepted from broadcast radio, podcasts and other outlets producing audio)
- BREAKING NEWS – For clear, accurate and engaging coverage of a single unexpected news event by an individual or team. Judges will consider deadline pressure and the complexity of the subject. Submit audio from same-day coverage. Submission length must not exceed 15 minutes.
- GENERAL NEWS – For non-breaking news coverage. It may include planned coverage of a single event or in-depth reporting. Submit audio from a single story. Submission length must not exceed 15 minutes.
- CONTINUING COVERAGE – For ongoing coverage of a topic or significant event over time, including several reports over some time. Entry should not be longer than 15 minutes.
- ENTERPRISE/EXPLANATORY REPORTING – For coverage that reflects initiative, ingenuity, use of sources and/or special research to dig deeper or capture more complexity than a typical news story. Submit audio from a single report or a series of reports not longer than 30 minutes in total. Entry can be by an individual or team.
- INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING – For reporting that demonstrates initiative, persistence and resourcefulness in pursuing information that is restricted, hidden or not readily available and is of public interest and significance. COVER LETTER REQUIRED, explaining reporting process and impact or results. Submit a single piece or a series on the same topic with a maximum combined run time of 60 minutes.
- FEATURES – For individual storytelling excellence. Judges will consider the use of narrative, humor or drama, style and creativity beyond just gathering facts. Submit one story of not more than 15 minutes.
- PROFILES – For reporting that depicts the character and personality of a story subject. Submit one story of no more than 15 minutes.
- SPORTS – For coverage of any sport or athletic endeavor, including features about athletes or a specific sport. Judges will consider clarity and style. Submit audio of no more than three reports covering a single topic with a run time of 15 minutes or less.
- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT – For coverage of the arts, entertainment or other cultural news. Entry may include news, profiles and features. Judges will consider the quality of the writing and presentation and, where appropriate, analysis. Submit up to three stories on a single topic or various issues with a total run time of not longer than 15 minutes.
- EDUCATION – For coverage of schools, teaching or education-related topics by an individual or team. Submit up to five audio pieces with a run time of not more than 15 minutes.
- POLITICS – For coverage of public issues, elections, political campaigns, candidates, campaign finance or government by an individual or team. Submit up to five audio pieces with a total run time of not more than 15 minutes.
DIVISION 4: SPECIAL TOPICS – ALL MEDIA
(Entries accepted from any medium)
- HEALTH – For reporting clearly on health, including medicine, community health and health policy, and the health effects of COVID-19 by an individual or team. Print/online: Submit three to five stories and related multimedia content as one entry. TV/Radio/Audio: An entry should not exceed 15 minutes.
- ENVIRONMENT/SCIENCE – For reporting by an individual or team on environmental issues, including climate change; or science, including technology, and the impacts on individuals and society. Print/online: Submit three to five stories and related multimedia content as one entry. TV/Radio/Audio: An entry should not exceed 15 minutes.
- RELIGION – For reporting by an individual or team on religion, issues of faith or spirituality. Print/online: Submit three to five stories and related multimedia content as one entry. TV/Radio/Audio: An entry should not exceed 15 minutes.
- BUSINESS – For coverage of business, finance or consumer issues by an individual, team or staff. Print/online: Submit three to five stories and any related multimedia content. TV/Radio/Audio: Submit up to five audio pieces with a maximum run time of 15 minutes.
DIVISION 5: VISUAL JOURNALISM & DESIGN
(Entries accepted from any medium)
- BREAKING NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY – For photojournalism produced on deadline. Judges will consider deadline pressure, the complexity of the subject and visual presentation. Submit photos with cutlines from up to three stories as one entry, but no more than six images. Be sure to include the accompanying story or link to the story.
- GENERAL NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY – For photojournalism by an individual for any non-deadline news event. Submit a single photo with a cutline/caption. Link to or include accompanying story – if any.
- FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY – For feature photography by an individual. Submit a single photo with a cutline/caption. Link to or include the accompanying story, if any, or contextual information.
- PHOTO SPREAD/ESSAY – For 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 six images with cutlines. Link to or include the accompanying story or contextual information.
- GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS – For infographics, illustrations or data visualizations. Submit up to three examples by an individual or team as one entry, including the associated stories or links to them online.
- FRONT PAGE DESIGN-NEWSPAPERS – For layout that enhances and improves audience experience and engagement. Submit PDFs or links of up to three pages as one entry.
- COVER DESIGN-MAGAZINES – For layout that enhances and improves audience experience and engagement. Submit PDFs or links of up to three pages as one entry.
- WEB DESIGN – For presentation that enhances and improves audience experience and engagement. Submit PDFs or links of up to three pages as one entry.
DIVISION 6: COMMUNICATIONS
(Entries accepted from marketing and PR firms and corporate communications teams)
- PRESS RELEASE WRITING – For excellence in press release writing by an individual published or distributed by a business or organization. Submit a PDF or link to a single press release.
- FEATURE WRITING – For excellence in feature writing by an individual published or distributed by a business or organization. Submit a PDF or link to a single feature story.
- PHOTOGRAPHY – For excellence in photography by an individual published or distributed by a business or organization. Submit a PDF or link to a single photo.
- CAMPAIGN – For excellence in the creation and execution of any advertising, marketing or promotional campaign by an individual or group that was published or distributed to promote a business or organization’s specific objectives. This includes social media, digital, print, multimedia, advertising, internal promotion, direct mailing, printed booklets, etc. or any combination of these items. Submit PDFs or links to at least three pieces of the campaign and a description of the campaign’s goals, execution details and any available results.
- NEWSLETTER – For excellence in newsletters for corporations, nonprofits or other organizations. Submit up to three newsletters via links or PDFs with confirmation of send.
- PROMOTIONAL PUBLICATIONS – For excellence in publications intended for an audience other than an internal audience. Submit one complete publication via PDF or link.
DIVISION 7: STUDENT JOURNALISM – ALL MEDIA
- STUDENT-SPECIAL PROJECTS – 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.
- STUDENT-BREAKING NEWS – For clear, accurate and engaging coverage of a single, unexpected news event by individuals or teams. Judges will consider deadline pressure and the complexity of the subject. Submit up to three articles, audio or video from same-day coverage, including sidebars or related multimedia content. Audio and video clips should not exceed 15 minutes.
- STUDENT-GENERAL NEWS – For non-breaking news coverage. It may include planned coverage of a single event or in-depth reporting. Submit up to three articles, audio or video, including sidebars or related multimedia content. Audio and video clips should not exceed 15 minutes.
- STUDENT-FEATURES – For individual storytelling excellence. Judges will consider the use of narrative, humor or drama, style, creativity, clarity and suitability of the content to the subject. Submit one story. Audio and video entries should not exceed 15 minutes.
- STUDENT-SPORTS – For 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 15 minutes.
- STUDENT-EDITORIALS – For opinion writing representing a news outlet’s position on a topic or issue. Judges will consider the value to the community, style, reasoning, originality, and audience interest. Submit three editorials as one entry. Audio and video entries should not exceed 15 minutes.
- STUDENT-COMMENTARY – For commentary or analysis by an individual. Blogs are eligible. Judges will consider the quality of expression, clarity, and originality. Submit three pieces as one entry. Maximum run time for video or audio: 15 minutes.
- STUDENT-ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING – For coverage of arts, entertainment, restaurants and other cultural news. Entry may include columns, profiles or features. Judges will consider the quality of the content and presentation and, where appropriate, analysis. Submit three samples as one entry. Maximum run time for video or audio: 15 minutes.
- STUDENT-CRITICISM/REVIEWS – For analysis demonstrating a journalist’s competence in evaluating performances, restaurants, books, recorded music, motion pictures or other cultural events or entities. Submit three samples as one entry. Maximum run time for video or audio: 15 minutes.
- STUDENT-BUSINESS – For coverage of consumer issues, business or finance, including the college athletics industry and the finances of institutions of higher learning. Judges will consider clarity and readability. Submit a single story or no more than three stories representing continuing coverage of a single topic. Maximum run time for video or audio: 15 minutes.
- STUDENT-EDUCATION – For coverage of education and academic policy, including institutions of higher education, teacher training and educational research. Judges will consider clarity and thoroughness. Submit three stories as one entry. Maximum run time for video or audio: 15 minutes.
- STUDENT-NEWS PHOTO – For photojournalism by an individual of breaking or general news. Judges will consider visual presentation and photographic techniques. Submit one photo with an accompanying cutline/caption or video clip of not more than five minutes. Please include the accompanying story or link the story.
- STUDENT-FEATURE PHOTO – For feature photography by an individual. Judges will consider the complexity of the subject and visual presentation. Submit one photo with an accompanying cutline/caption. Please include the accompanying story or link the story, if any.
- STUDENT-PHOTO SPREAD/ESSAY – For a group of photographs on a single theme published as part of a single story or as a stand-alone layout. Submit the page or up to six images with cutlines/captions and an explanation of the context or the accompanying story or text. Links are acceptable.
- STUDENT-PHOTO PORTFOLIO – For photography that shows the work of a single photographer. Submit three to five photos with cutlines/captions.
- STUDENT-GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS — For infographics, illustrations or data visualizations. Submit three to five examples by an individual or team as one entry, including the associated stories or links to them online.
- STUDENT-PAGE DESIGN – For presentation that improves audience experience and engagement in print or online. Submit three examples as one entry.
DIVISION 8 – CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT
(Recognizes excellence by an individual engaged in the craft of news presentation)
- OUTSTANDING NEWS ANCHOR – Based on coverage of several topics, credibility, delivery, and overall talent. Entry can include segments from regular newscasts, news specials, breaking news, etc. Entry should be no longer than 15 minutes, with two seconds of black between each segment.
- OUTSTANDING METEOROLOGIST – For regular weather segments or coverage of weather events. Entry should be no longer than 15 minutes, with two seconds of black between each segment.
- OUTSTANDING SPORTS ANCHOR – For regular sports segments or coverage of special sports events. Entry should be no longer than 15 minutes, with two seconds of black between each segment.
- OUTSTANDING TV NEWS WRITER – For excellence in news writing by an individual. Submit three to five excerpts as one entry. Maximum run time is 15 minutes, including two seconds of black between segments. Please include scripts.
- OUTSTANDING TV EDITOR – For excellence in video editing by an individual. Submit three to five excerpts as one entry. Maximum run time is 15 minutes, including two seconds of black between segments.
- OUTSTANDING PRINT/ONLINE EDITOR – For excellence in editing by line or copy editors. Submit three to five examples of how editing improved a reporter’s work. If possible, include original work or proof of edits for comparison.
- OUTSTANDING TV PHOTOGRAPHER – For excellence in TV photography by an individual. Submit up to five excerpts as one entry. Maximum run time is 15 minutes, including two seconds of black between segments.
- OUTSTANDING STILL PHOTOGRAPHER – For photography that shows the work of a single photographer. Submit or link three to five photos with cutlines/captions as one entry.
- OUTSTANDING RADIO/PODCAST HOST – For excellence in program or podcast hosting. Submit no more than five excerpts showing the host’s work with two-second breaks between excerpts.
DIVISION 9 – DIAMOND HONORS – ALL MEDIA
(Entries accepted from all media)
- CHARLOTTE TILLAR SCHEXNAYDER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD – For journalism that seeks to benefit society through extensive coverage of an issue facing a community, state or region. Awarded in honor of the late Charlotte Schexnayder, journalist, small-town newspaper publisher and Arkansas legislator. Entry MUST INCLUDE A COVER LETTER providing background context and results, if any. Judges will consider the issue’s significance, journalistic initiative, presentation, and results, if any. Submit five to seven articles — stories and opinion pieces. Maximum total run time for audio and video entries: 30 minutes.
- ROBERT S. MCCORD FOI AWARD – For coverage that focuses on the public’s right to know and 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. Submit stories, opinion pieces, letters or other material (including audio or video) demonstrating how the nominee contributed to protecting or enhancing the public’s right to know. Limit of 10 articles or audio/video pieces. Audio or video limited to 30 minutes total.
- STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – For journalistic excellence demonstrated by an individual enrolled in an institution of higher learning. COVER LETTER REQUIRED. Submit a portfolio of five to seven pieces representative of work over the calendar year. Audio or video limited to 30 minutes total.
- EMERGING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – For journalistic excellence demonstrated by an individual who has worked fewer than five years in journalism. COVER LETTER REQUIRED. Submit a portfolio of five to seven pieces representative of work over the year. Audio or video limited to 30 minutes total.
- DIAMOND JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – For reporting excellence by a journalist in any medium over the preceding year. COVER LETTER REQUIRED. Submit a portfolio of five to seven pieces representative of work over the year. Audio or video limited to 30 minutes total.
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2024 DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS RULES
FEATUREDLEAVE A COMMENTON 2024 DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS RULES
All professional and student journalists, freelancers and communications professionals residing in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas can submit entries or have entries submitted on their behalf by organizations that published or broadcast their work. Authors who reside in the contest states may submit work published or broadcast outside those states.
ALL ENTRIES MUST HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED OR BROADCAST IN CALENDAR YEAR 2023.
Entries may be submitted in more than one category, but a separate entry fee is required for each category.
Any significant challenges or corrections to an entry must be noted with the entry. Failure to do so will result in disqualification of the entry.
All categories are open to Spanish language journalists. An English translation is not required, but it would be helpful.
Cover letters and supporting material are required only in conjunction with nominations for the following awards: Student Special Project, Student Journalist of the Year, Public Service, Community Journalism, FOI, Outstanding New Journalist and Diamond Journalist of the Year. Entrants in other categories may submit cover letters or supporting material at their discretion but should keep them brief.
Please ensure entry URLs remain valid through June 30, 2024, to accommodate judging and awards presentation.
Contest administrators reserve the right to combine entries in the same category from different platforms or circulation groups if an insufficient number of entries make the category non-competitive.
You DON’T have to be a member of the Society of Professional Journalists to enter, but members get a discount on entry fees. SPJ members must provide their membership number in order to qualify for the discount. You can join SPJ by submitting an application here. We suggest submitting entries after your SPJ membership has been confirmed.
ENTRY FEES
SPJ members: $10 per entry.
To claim the member fee, you must supply your SPJ member number (in the entry platform’s comments box). A team entry may claim the fee if at least one team member is an SPJ member. That person’s name and SPJ member number must be listed in the comments box.
Nonmembers: $20 per entry.
Student SPJ members: $5 per entry. Provide your member number.
Student nonmembers: $10 per entry.
No fees will be refunded.
HOW TO ENTER
The Diamond Journalism Awards uses the Better BNC contest management platform for entries and judging.
If you’re new to using the Better BNC entry platform, go here for instructions .
You can find all the categories here.
Go here to submit payment for entries.
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