Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ, Contest, Diamond Awards, Diamond Journalism Awards, Uncategorized

2026 Diamond Journalism Awards Contest now open

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 16.

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.

Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ, Contest, Diamond Awards, Diamond Journalism Awards, Events

2025 Diamond Journalism Awards Contest now accepting entries

Featuredby arkansasspjLeave a Comment

DEALINE EXTENDED! ENTRIES DUE BY 5 P.M. FRIDAY, MARCH 7

2025 Diamond Journalism Awards Contest now accepting entries

New A-Mark Prize offers $15K in cash for Arkansas investigative reporting

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas SPJ is proud to announce the opening of the 2025 Diamond Journalism Awards. The annual contest is open to professional and student journalists, freelancers and communications professionals.

The contest is open to Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas residents, and entries can be made through March 3.

New this year is the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting, which Arkansas SPJ has partnered with the A-Mark Foundation to present. It distributes $15,000 in cash 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

“We are incredibly proud to offer the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting in Arkansas through the A-Mark Foundation,” said Wendy Jordan, Arkansas SPJ president. “This is a wonderful opportunity for journalists covering Arkansas issues to be recognized and monetarily rewarded for their efforts to uncover the truth.”

All Diamond Journalism Awards entries must be published or broadcast in 2024. There are nearly 100 categories in 10 divisions ranging from traditional print and broadcast content to podcasts, communications campaigns and more. Find all of the contest categories here.

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 central Arkansas. A listing of finalists will be announced prior to the event.

Click here to get started. Good luck!

Arkansas Pro Chapter SPJ, Events, journalism, Uncategorized

Join us for Breaking (bad) News at 6 p.m. on Sept. 25!

September 22, 2024September 22, 2024by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

In the world of journalism, sometimes “Breaking News” can feel as intense and unpredictable as a “Breaking Bad” episode — both reveal the raw and often unsettling truths of our times, and can push reporters to the limits of deciding between being the first to the story or doing their due diligence. Join Arkansas SPJ at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack in downtown Little Rock for a game of “What Would You Do” as we discuss the best practices of breaking news in a digital age. The event will be emceed by Caitrin Assaf of KARK 4 and judges are Arkansas Democrat-Gazette senior online editor, Arkansas Advocate Editor-in-Chief Sonny Albarado and Log Cabin Democrat Editor Jeanette Stewart. Winner(s) will take home up to $100 in cash!

2024 Diamond Journalism Awards Reception & Presentation, Events, Uncategorized

2024 DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS RECEPTION & PRESENTATION

June 27, 2024November 19, 2024by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

To purchase tickets, go here.

Journalism Insights

International Women’s Day 2024

March 1, 2024March 1, 2024by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

From listener to practitioner, future educator and business owner Odette Henry’s passion for broadcast keeps propelling her to new heights

March 1, 2024

By Odette Henry | Contributor

JONESBORO, Ark. – As a young girl growing up in rural Jamaica, television was a luxury my parents could not afford. Radio was my only device and I tuned in at every possible moment. My favorite times were weekdays after school when the island’s top DJ and #1 program could be heard on almost everyone’s radio. The “Two to Six Supermix” and its host Barry Gordon, aka “Barry G”, fueled my love and appreciation of broadcasting.

I sometimes reminisce about those days, and still feel the excitement at discovering the power of broadcasting. I realized then that Barry G not only had an entire island listening to him but more importantly, he could teach, inspire, change lives, impact decisions, and make a difference to countless individuals in many ways. At 16, I decided I wanted to do that too! I knew nothing about Marshall McLuhan then, but my migration to Toronto put me on the path to studying his concepts.

In 1990, after living in Canada for a few years, I was accepted to Ryerson’s Media program and chose Broadcast Television as my major. I completed my BA in 1994 and have worked in several roles on camera and behind the scenes.

My recent role as Team Manager, Producer & Director of Media Ministry at Pat Francis Ministries was an amazing 18-year journey. I began as Production Assistance and on my first day had the pleasure of working with Bishop TD Jakes media team to telecast worship between our two churches. Over the years, I transitioned effortlessly from PA, Shader, Director/Switcher, Producer, Team Manager, and most recent Deacon of Media Ministry. I love the opportunity to direct live TV and creatively communicate the story to the audience! Additionally, I relish the opportunity to lead, train, coach, and inspire a team of new and experienced broadcasters.

At this juncture, I’m energized by the possibilities of realizing the dream of steering future staff of my own media company, OAR Media Groupe. My goals also encompass guiding future college students to develop their knowledge and skills in media. I’m always eager for opportunities to gain greater insights and knowledge in media science and applicable theories. I will complete my Master of Science in Mass Communications in 2025 and begin PhD studies that same year.

As a Broadcaster, I am dedicated to making a difference by sharing information and knowledge that inspire and empower others to consistently create their own stories.

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NOTE: Odette Henry is currently pursuing a master of science degree in mass communications at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Uncategorized

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: SPJ ARKANSAS PRO CHAPTER RECOGNIZES FAITH WOODARD

February 22, 2024November 19, 2024by arkansasspjLeave a Comment

Black History Month Spotlight: THV11 Anchor Faith Woodard

Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Faith is so happy to be back in the south after joining the THV11 team in August 2022.

Faith became a journalist after witnessing the damage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After seeing the events unfold on television, she realized how important storytelling was for those in need and vowed to do the same for her own community.

Faith attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. where she received her bachelor’s degree in English, and worked at her campus news station covering many notable events.

But beyond shooting the news, Faith can also shoot the basketball. She was a four year starter and captain on the Georgetown Women’s Basketball Team, a Parade-All American and McDonald’s All-American nominee in high school, and a two-time state champion track runner in high school.

She is also a graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Faith received her Master’s degree and received honors in multiple courses at Columbia. She was also president of the Association of Black Journalists. While still in school, Faith was a sideline reporter for SportsNet New York, as well as the Big East Digital Network.

After graduating from Columbia, Faith worked as an Anchor and Reporter at WBOC-TV in Salisbury, Maryland. While there, she covered breaking news, the government shutdown, tornados that devastated her local community, NASA launches, offshore-drilling, the opioid crisis, and political scandals.

From there, Faith worked as an Evening Anchor at CBS4 in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Here, she covered breaking news and immigration heavily. This included presidential, gubernatorial and congressional visits to the U.S. and Mexico border. Faith has a heavy background in Tile 42 and the Migrant Protection Protocols program. She also covered the Texas winter freeze, and the Uvalde mass shooting.

Faith is the proud daughter of Sterlin and Lora Woodard. In her spare time, Faith enjoys spending time with family, shopping, reading, going to the beach, or listening to her favorite musical artist, Stevie Wonder.