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EAST TENNESSEE CHAPTER

Golden Press Card

FLASH -- HERE ARE THE WINNERS FOR WORK DONE IN 2006

The Golden Press Card Awards, an awards program specifically for East Tennessee journalists, recognizes outstanding service and professional achievements in East Tennessee journalism. Journalists working in East Tennessee for daily and non-daily newspapers, other print media and radio and television stations may enter. The deadline for entries is February 1, 2008 and the winners will be announced at a banquet featuring a prominent speaker in May. Please see the award rules below and start collecting your entries for submission! If you have any questions, please e-mail: etspj.communications@gmail.com

Last year's entries set a new record at 246 pieces of work entered by 141 journalists from 18 different media outlets or Web sites in East Tennessee. They were judged by the Cincinnati SPJ chapter with results announced at the Awards Banquet on May 4, 2007 at the University Club. The featured speaker following dinner was Lucy Dalglish, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Thanks to all who entered this year. Good luck!

Rules Deadlines Format Judging Categories Entry Form

RULES

Eligible works must have been printed or broadcast between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2007. They must have appeared or aired in East Tennessee (categories 1-23 and 25) or have been created by a journalist whose permanent residence is in East Tennessee (Category 24). The area defined as East Tennessee comprises Scott, Morgan, Cumberland, Bledsoe and Hamilton counties and the Tennessee counties east of them. Most newspaper categories offer general (circulation over 25,000 and below 25,000) and non-daily newspaper divisions. In any category that offers such a division, reporters for daily newspapers (five or more days per week) must compete in the general division; reporters for non-daily newspapers (fewer than five days per week) may compete in the general division, if they choose. If a non-daily newspaper enters the general division in any category, it must classify all of its entries in the general division. The broadcast categories are divided between radio and television. Each entry must be accompanied by two copies of a completed entry form; the entry form may be photocopied. The same report or broadcast may be entered in more than one category, but an entry fee and entry form are required for each. Fees in each category are $20 per entry but members of ETSPJ will receive a discount of $5 per entry.

Rules Deadlines Format Judging Categories

DEADLINE

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. February 1, 2008. NOTE: FEBRUARY 1, 2008, IS THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT, NOT POSTMARK. Entries should be mailed or delivered to: Golden Press Card Entries; College of Communications; 330 Communications Building; University of Tennessee; Knoxville, TN 37996-0332. Please pay by check made out to East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists, or with a credit card (see Entry Form). We cannot accept cash.

Rules Deadlines Format Judging Categories

ENTRY FORMAT

Full-page tearsheets are preferred for print and photojournalism entries; clippings or photocopies of published material are acceptable if tearsheets are not available. Mark entry clearly; attach two copies of the entry form to each submittal. Submit radio entries on cassettes or CD's and television entries on VHS videocassettes or DVD's. Label cassettes or discs clearly, and attach entry form securely. Because it may be impossible to return entries, do not submit irreplaceable materials. Note that some categories require a cover letter to prepare the judges to review the material within the framework of the category entered, while others allow a cover letter but do not require one. Please read the requirements for each category carefully; do not submit a cover letter unless one is required or allowed. Click here for a copy of the entry form.

Rules Deadlines Format Judging Categories Top of page

JUDGING

Entries will be reviewed by an out-of-state team of judges. Awards may be withheld in any category if the judges deem none of the entries meet the criteria for special recognition. Entries are judged on accuracy and completeness, style, interest, effectiveness of interpretation, enterprise, and resourcefulness. Judges' decisions are final.

Rules Deadlines Format Judging Categories

CATEGORIES

Newspapers Radio/TV Illustration/Photography Online All Media

Two awards will be given in each category, an Award of Excellence and an Award of Merit, with the exception of the Horace V. Wells Jr., Community Service Award, where a single award is given.

The competition's highest award is the GOLDEN PRESS CARD AWARD, selected from among the Award of Excellence winners of all categories. This "best of show award" is presented for exceptional work by an individual or team, with special consideration given to tenacity, thoroughness and impact. The judges will be directed to weigh the strengths and limitations of the different media in selecting the Golden Press Card Award. The winner will also receive a $100 cash award.

Contest officials reserve the right to re-assign entries, if necessary, to appropriate categories. Awards are based on merit, and there is no restriction on the total number of entries that may be submitted or the number that may be submitted in any category. Please note that several categories have a division called "Organizational Communications." This includes a publication or audio/video presentation produced by a corporation, government agency, educational institution or non-profit group. It does not include press releases.

NEWSPAPERS (Reporters at non-daily newspapers may enter either division) (Top of page)
  1. DEADLINE/SPOT NEWS REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS ­ Coverage of news events within 24 hours of the event. A brief letter explaining deadline pressures or obstacles overcome may be submitted with your entry.
    Division 1-A. DEADLINE/SPOT NEWS REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 1-B. DEADLINE/SPOT NEWS REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 1-C. DEADLINE/SPOT NEWS REPORTING ­ NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
  2. GENERAL REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS ­ Coverage of other bona-fide news events (i.e., beat reporting, continuing coverage, or enterprise reporting).
    Division 2-A. GENERAL REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 2-B. GENERAL REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 2-C. GENERAL REPORTING, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
    Division 2-D. GENERAL REPORTING, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  3. FEATURE WRITING, NEWSPAPERS ­ Includes reporting of human interest matters, personalities, travel and events not considered traditional news events. Entry may include sidebars published the same day.
    Division 3-A. FEATURE WRITING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 3-B. FEATURE WRITING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 3-C. FEATURE WRITING, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
    Division 3-D. FEATURE WRITING, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  4. SERIES/PACKAGE/PROJECT WRITING, NEWSPAPERS ­ Includes individual or team effort in a series of stories on a related topic, published over several days (need not be consecutive) or as a 1-day package. Entry may include supporting information posted on the newspaper's Web site (include a complete URL where the information can be viewed). Entry must include a cover letter describing origin and significance of effort.
    Division 4-A. SERIES/PACKAGE/PROJECT WRITING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 4-B. SERIES/PACKAGE/PROJECT WRITING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 4-C. SERIES/PACKAGE/PROJECT WRITING, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
    Division 4-D. SERIES/PACKAGE/PROJECT WRITING, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  5. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS ­ Includes individual or team effort in research, writing and reporting. Entry must indicate that the reporter(s) employed documents and human sources and that the findings have been previously unrevealed. Emphasis in the news story, series of reports, or project should be on thorough reporting of an issue of community concern. Impact ­ the action the reporting forces in the community ­ may be considered by the judges but is not crucial. Entry may include supporting information posted on the newspaper's Web site (include a complete URL where the information can be viewed). Each entry must include a cover letter describing the reporting techniques and effort put into the report.
    Division 5-A. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 5-B. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 5-C. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
  6. SPORTS REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS ­ Coverage of a particular event, team or individual. NOTE: Writers may submit sports stories in Categories 1-5; columns should be entered in Category 8.
    Division 6-A. SPORTS REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 6-B. SPORTS REPORTING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 6-C. SPORTS REPORTING, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
  7. EDITORIAL WRITING, NEWSPAPERS ­ Entries may consist of up to three editorials.
    Division 7-A. EDITORIAL WRITING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 7-B. EDITORIAL WRITING, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 7-C. EDITORIAL WRITING, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
  8. PERSONAL COLUMNS, NEWSPAPERS ­ Includes all signed opinion, humor and analysis/observation columns. Entries may consist of up to three pieces.
    Division 8-A. COLUMNS, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 8-B. COLUMNS, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 8-C. COLUMNS, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
    Division 8-D. COLUMNS, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  9. REVIEWS/CRITICISM, NEWSPAPERS ­ Includes movie, theatre, music, book, restaurant and other reviews. Entries may consist of up to three pieces.
    Division 9-A. REVIEWS/CRITICISM, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 9-B. REVIEWS/CRITICISM, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 9-C. REVIEWS/CRITICISM, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
    10. RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCAST (Top of page)
  10. NEWS REPORTING ­ Coverage of news topics and events, including spot news and general news events.
    Division 10-A. NEWS REPORTING, RADIO
    Division 10-B. NEWS REPORTING, TELEVISION
    Division 10-C. NEWS REPORTING, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  11. FEATURE REPORTING ­ Includes reporting of human interest matters, personalities, travel and events not considered traditional news events.
    Division 11-A. FEATURE REPORTING, RADIO
    Division 11-B. FEATURE REPORTING, TELEVISION
    Division 11-C. FEATURE REPORTING, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  12. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING ­ Includes individual or team effort in research, writing and reporting. Entry must indicate that the reporter(s) employed documents and human sources and that the findings have been previously unrevealed. Emphasis in the news story, series of reports, or project should be on thorough reporting of an issue of community concern. Impact ­ the action the reporting forces in the community ­ may be considered by the judges but is not crucial. Entry may include supporting information posted on the station's Web site (include a complete URL where the information can be viewed). Each entry must include a cover letter describing the reporting techniques and effort put into the report.
    Division 12-A. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, RADIO
    Division 12-B. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, TELEVISION
  13. SPORTS REPORTING ­ Coverage of a particular event, team or individual. NOTE: Sports stories also may be submitted in Categories 10 and 11; investigative reporting in sports is included in Category 12.
    Division 13-A. SPORTS REPORTING, RADIO
    Division 13-B. SPORTS REPORTING, TELEVISION
  14. DOCUMENTARY/PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMING ­ May be either a special effort on a particular topic/theme or one broadcast of a regularly scheduled program. Do not include material broadcast during regularly scheduled newscasts.
    Division 14-A. DOCUMENTARY/PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMING, RADIO
    Division 14-B. DOCUMENTARY/PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMING, TELEVISION
    15. EDITING/DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WORK FOR OTHER MEDIA (Top of page)
  15. HEADLINE ­ Use of alliteration, play on words, humor or other devices to attract readers. Entry must include three samples and the story for each headline.
    Division 15-A. NEWSPAPERS
    Division 15-B. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  16. PAGE ONE DESIGN ­ Three front pages, any dates during 2006.
    Division 16-A. PAGE ONE DESIGN, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 16-B. PAGE ONE DESIGN, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 16-C. PAGE ONE DESIGN, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
    Division 16-D. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  17. INSIDE PAGE DESIGN ­ Three inside pages or section fronts by the same page designer.
    Division 17-A. INSIDE PAGE DESIGN, NEWSPAPERS with circulation over 25,000
    Division 17-B. INSIDE PAGE DESIGN, NEWSPAPERS with circulation under 25,000
    Division 17-C. INSIDE PAGE DESIGN, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
    Division 17-D. INSIDE PAGE DESIGN, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  18. INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC ­ Chart, map or diagram used to illustrate information (submit tearsheet).
    Division 18-A. NEWSPAPERS
    Division 18-B. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  19. ART ILLUSTRATION ­ Drawing, painting or other medium used to illustrate a story or enhance a page (tearsheet).
    Division 19-A. NEWSPAPERS
    Division 19-B. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  20. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION ­ Any "created" photo used to illustrate a story or enhance a page (tearsheet).
    Division 20-A. NEWSPAPERS
    Division 20-B. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  21. DEADLINE PHOTOGRAPHY ­ Includes photos/video taken of a breaking news or sports event. Can include a sequence portraying a single breaking news event. Newspaper entries must include tearsheet(s), including captions.
    Division 21-A. DEADLINE PHOTOGRAPHY, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 21-B. DEADLINE/PHOTOGRAPHY, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 21-C. DEADLINE PHOTOGRAPHY, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
    Division 21-D. DEADLINE PHOTOGRAPHY, TELEVISION
  22. FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY ­ Includes photos/video taken for stories other than those covered in Category 21. May be a single photograph or photo sequence relating to general coverage, personalities, entertainment, the arts, sports, etc. Newspaper entries must include tearsheet(s), including captions.
    Division 22-A. FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, NEWSPAPERS, circulation over 25,000
    Division 22-B. FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, NEWSPAPERS, circulation under 25,000
    Division 22-C. FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, NON-DAILY NEWSPAPERS ONLY
    Division 22-D. FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, TELEVISION
    Division 22-E. FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  23. EDITORIAL CARTOON ­ Entry must include tear sheet. A brief note of explanation may be included for context, if necessary.
    Division 23-A. NEWSPAPERS
    Division 23-B. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
  24. WORK FOR OTHER MEDIA ­ Includes all other journalism-related work produced by an East Tennessee journalist that is not eligible for any of the preceding categories.
    Division 24-A. WRITING -- Includes work for a newspaper, magazine or Web site.
    Division 24-B. VISUALS -- Includes page design, informational graphics, art and photo illustrations, photographs or cartoons for print or electronic (including online) media.
    25. ONLINE (Top of page)
  25. WORLD WIDE WEB -- Online news sites. Submit the URL of the site and a letter explaining how the entry makes best use of the medium. Describe how the site is used and special features. Judging criteria will include content, construction, ease of navigation, interactive participation, design and aesthetics, timeliness. The editorial department/office of the Web site must be located in the East Tennessee area defined in the Entry Rules.
    26. ALL MEDIA - HORACE V. WELLS JR. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
  26. This award, named for one of the strongest editorial voices and community consciences in Tennessee journalism history, recognizes journalism that has an impact on the community. Entries may be a single story or series of stories and may include editorials. Entries will be judged on the results, enterprise, soundness, presentation and significance. Emphasis will be on demonstrated results in the community. Entries must include a cover letter stating the problem or issue, the newspaper or stationšs effort and the results achieved.

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