2020 SPJ Keystone Pro Chapter Spotlight Contest - The Best in Journalism

Welcoming entries from Pennsylvania and New Jersey chapters

ENTRY DEADLINE: MARCH 13, 2020

WELCOME

The Society of Professional Journalist's Keystone Pro Chapter Spotlight Contest annually recognizes the best in journalism. The contest, which is not based on circulation but on quality of the profession and what it stands for, is open to all journalists from Pennsylvania and New Jersey whose work appeared in a publication in one of the two states.

The Society of Professional Journalists' Keystone Pro and New Jersey chapters have had a long and proud history. Over the past decade, the chapters have attracted college students, media professionals and community members to various lectures and have provided speakers to these entities along with businesses and organizations.

With the rapid and continued growth of technology, SPJ Keystone, along with the New Jersey chapter, has expanded to assist professionals, educators, and students with training, programs, ethical concerns, research, and FOI questions.

The chapters' goals continue to be training, programming, supporting all media, informing the public of the journalism profession, diversity and membership improvement.

The chapters actively support Freedom of Information efforts and welcome those who want to learn more about journalism and its importance to everyone. Colleges, universities and high schools are invited to form student chapters by affiliating with the Keystone Pro and New Jersey chapters.

Proceeds from the contest go toward training, defending the First Amendment and open government, the legal defense of journalists, student scholarships, and other activities designed to improve journalism and its standing in society.
Visit the Keystone Pro or New Jersey chapters for more information at:
http://spj.org
http://keystonespj.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/166667563361675/?ref=bookmarks

http://NJSPJ.org

https://www.facebook.com/NJSPJ/

Those interested may also follow the chapters on Twitter at:
https://twitter.com/newjerseyspj

https://twitter.com/keystonespj

Contest Info

CATEGORIES

NOTE: If it does not say daily and non-daily or there is no (b) after the number, the category is only open to daily publications. Those categories that ARE designated daily and non-daily will be judged in competition with each other.

01a SPOTLIGHT AWARD This is the Keystone State SPJ Chapter's most prestigious award, given to the journalist or journalists whose published investigative story or series scooped other media and placed the right to know in the public spotlight.

02a NEWS PAGE DESIGN A single entry should include three or more pages of news design where the emphasis is placed on planning and overall organization, typography, and the use of graphics, readership appeal, content balance, readability, and originality. Front pages or any other pages published during the contest dates are eligible and should be submitted as on entry.

03a BUSINESS AND LABOR REPORTING (DAILY or NON-DAILY) Any story or column is eligible. Entries can either be a single article or a series. A series must identify by a logo or editor's note.

04a BLOG (DAILY or NON-DAILY) This award is presented to bloggers. Submit three representative samples.

05a EDITORIAL WRITING (DAILY or NON-DAILY) Entries must be three unsigned editorials.

06a ENTERPRISE REPORTING (DAILY) Awarded for enterprise reporting (not on a deadline) of a single event or issue. Entries may be a single article or a series. The series must be marked by a logo or editor's note.

06b ENTERPRISE REPORTING (NON-DAILY) Awarded for enterprise reporting (not on a deadline) of a single event or issue. Entries may be a single article or a series. The series must be marked by a logo or editor's note. This category is for non-daily publications.

07a ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING (DAILY or NON-DAILY) Entries can be a single article or series of no more than five stories or columns. A series must be identified by a logo or editor's note.

08a FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY (DAILY) Awarded for photography of any topic or subject in a single published photo that tells a story with thought and creativity.

08b FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY (NON-DAILY) Awarded for photography of any topic or subject in a single published photo that tells a story with thought and creativity.

09a FEATURE STORY (DAILY) Entries may be personality profiles, trend stories, human interest stories or any other type of feature that is not a breaking news or sports story. Entries may be a single article or series identified by a logo or editor's note.

09b FEATURE STORY (NON-DAILY) Entries may be on personality profiles, trend stories, human interest stories or any other type of feature that is not a breaking news or sports story. Entries may be a single article or series identified by a logo or editor's note.

010a HEADLINE WRITING (DAILY or NON-DAILY) Submit clip of the headline and first five paragraphs of the story.

011a HEALTH and MEDICAL REPORTING (DAILY or NON-DAILY) Entries can be a single article or series of no more than five stories or columns. A series must be identified by a logo or editor's note.

012a WEB USE (DAILY only) Awarded for the best use of the Web. Entries will be judged on their effectiveness at breaking or expanding news or feature stories. Judges will take notice of dates and how often the Web sites are updated. Examples include reader-accessible databases, blogs, breaking news or updates, links, photos, videos and interactive Web sites. Entries must consist of Web addresses for sites. A tear sheet of the newspaper article is also requested to compare what was on the Web and other social media to what was in print. A cover letter explaining the site's features is allowed, but not required. Those sites with paywalls will need to provide a method for judges to review entries.

013a NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY (DAILY) Must be a single photo of a deadline news event. The photo must have been published in the issue directly following the event.

013b NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY (NON-DAILY) Must be a single photo of a deadline news event. The photo must have been published in the issue directly following the event.

014a ONLINE BREAKING NEWS A single news event reported online and through social media outlets as it happens. Submissions may include first news alerts to smartphones or via email as well as any other multimedia or social media elements used to develop the story within a one-day news cycle such as video, photos, audio, sidebars and updates on Facebook or Twitter.

015a PHOTO STORY (DAILY) Awarded for a published series of photos of any topic or subject that tells a story with thought and creativity.

015b PHOTO STORY (NON-DAILY) Awarded for a published series of photos of any topic or subject that tells a story with thought and creativity.

016a SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY (DAILY or NON-DAILY) Awarded for published sports photography showing ingenuity and creativity in telling the story of a sports event or about its athletes.

017a SPORTS NEWS and/or EVENT COVERAGE Entries should include one day's coverage, in any format of a game, or event reported within 24-hours or less of occurrence. NOTE: If the game/event occurs on Saturday and there is no Sunday edition, publication on a Monday would be acceptable.

018a SPOT NEWS (DAILY) This award is given for deadline reporting of a single event. The story must have been published in the issue of the publication that directly followed the event.

019a BEST OVERALL NEWSPAPER (DAILY) The award is presented to the newspaper that best represents its community. Please submit electronic copies of issues from Feb. 17, Aug. 20 and one of the editor's choices.

19b. BEST OVERALL NEWSPAPER (NON-DAILY) The award is presented to the newspaper that best represents its community. Please submit electronic copies of the issues published closest to the week of Feb. 16 and Aug. 23, as well as one of the editor's choice.

020a LIFESTYLE / ENTERTAINMENT (DAILY or NON-DAILY) A single entry should include up to three feature stories, in any format, by the same writer where the emphasis is placed on the thoroughness of reporting, enterprise, diversity of coverage and sources and mastery of subjects. This award will recognize specialty reporting and writing in one beat such as travel, drama, fashion, food, culture, society, music, movies, TV, art, entertainment reviews/critiques, etc. Entry must include cover letter defining the beat and why all stories entered are reflective of that beat. The beat should be written with the population of the publication's regional coverage in mind.

021a SPORTS FEATURE (DAILY or NON-DAILY) Entries may be a single story or series on a topic or person. Any non-game story on any topic issue is eligible. Multiple related elements may be included. Demonstrate high achievement and dedication to the craft of sports feature writing.

022a FEATURE PAGE DESIGN A single entry should include at least three-page examples of a feature page design where the emphasis is placed on planning and overall organization, typography and the use of graphics, readership appeal, content balance, readability, and originality. Three or more different pages published during contest dates are eligible and should be submitted as one entry.

023a SPORTS PAGE DESIGN A single entry should include at least three pages of sports page design where the emphasis is placed on planning and overall organization, typography and use of graphics, readership appeal, content balance, readability, and originality. Three different pages published during contest dates are eligible and should be submitted as on entry.

024a GRAPHIC / ILLUSTRATION (DAILY or NON-DAILY) A single entry should include a stand-alone, locally produced graphic, graphic package, illustration, editorial cartoon or an informational graphic using artwork and/or photo(s). Online graphic/photo illustrations may be submitted. Entry should present information in a clear, useful or compelling fashion. A single entry should include a stand-alone, locally produced graphic, graphic package, illustration, editorial cartoon or an informational graphic using artwork and/or photo(s). Online graphic/photo illustrations may be submitted. Entry should present information in a clear, useful or compelling fashion.

025a SPORTS / OUTDOOR COLUMN (DAILY or NON-DAILY) A single entry must include three bylined columns or blog entries by the same author about sports or outdoor activities. The three columns or blogs are counted as one entry. Entries should demonstrate high achievement, subject knowledge, and dedication to the craft of writing such topics related to sports or the outdoors.

026a COLUMN (DAILY or NON-DAILY) A single entry must include three columns or blogs by the same author on any topic other than sports and outdoors. Signed comments that demonstrate a variety of subjects or subject matter are eligible. NO EDITORIALS are eligible in this category. The three columns and/or blogs submitted are considered as one entry. Criticism, humor, mood, fashion, education, children, teens, entertainment, lifestyle, food, pets, crime, etc. are acceptable.

027a PODCASTS A single podcast entry or a series which includes up to three episodes of a podcast by one or more commentators (working together) with or without guests may be entered. A series of podcasts will be considered as one entry. Judges will look for innovative use of the content, storytelling, technical and journalistic quality and value to the listener. Podcast(s) may be on sports, lifestyle, news, outdoor activities, the environment, diversity, education, etc.

028a EDUCATION (DAILY or NON-DAILY) Single entry or series on education. Submissions may include entries from public or private sectors of education, higher education or alternative education stories. May include but not limited to topics on changes in education, technology in education or new demands on students, faculty, and administration.

AWARDS

The first-place winner of The Spotlight Award will win $100 and an engraved glass plaque. Second and third place winners of The Spotlight Award will receive engraved glass plaques.

Winners of all other categories will receive framed certificates. Those who do not attend the awards ceremony will have certificates sent to them with the option to purchase frames and pay for shipping costs. Those who cannot attend are urged to have someone else pick up their award for them.

Judges reserve the right not to award any or all prizes in any category. Judging will be done by an out-of-state SPJ chapter to ensure objectivity. Entries become the property of SPJ Keystone and will not be returned.

THE DETAILS

ENTRY FEES & PAYMENT

ENTRY FEES

The entry fee is $20. All payments must be received by March 7, 2020.

Payment may be mailed to Carol Crane, SPJ Keystone Treasurer, at 1402 Mountain Road, Shickshinny, PA 18655. Please make a check or money order payable to SPJ Keystone Pro Chapter. No refunds will be given, and no invo... More

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

BETTERBNC -- SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONS for CONTESTANTS' ENTRIES:

(For first-time BetterBNC users)

This year, entries to the will be submitted
using BetterBNC Media Awards Platform.

Below are directions for preparing and submitting entries. If you have questions, please
contact Pat Trosky at (570) 262-2030 or spjkeystone@mail.com.

IMPORTANT: BetterBNC is optimized for the Google Chrome browser; and Firefox for PC and Macintosh/Apple. Please have a recent version downloaded and installed for the best
contest experience.

The deadline for all entries is March 7, 2020.

1. Login.
a. Go to www.betterbnc.com.
b. Click contestant login
c. Select the appropriate contestant type:

1. If you are the single point of contact for your organization, select Contestant Manager, then skip to d. Contestant Manager Login.

2. If you have received an email authorizing you to submit entries on behalf of your media organization, select Authorized Entrant on the log in page, then skip to e. Authorized Entrant Login below

3. If you are an individual submitting your own entries (including non-members and freelancers), please see the Open Call Contestant Only instructions below
d. Contestant Manager Login:
1. Select the contest you would like to enter
2. Select your Media Organization
3. Enter your password
4. Click Login

Note: If it is your first time logging into your account, use the temporary password: bnc (lower case). After you log in using that temporary password, the system will require you to update your password.
Going forward (including future years) you will log in with the password you set.

If the designated Contestant Manager should leave your media organization, please contact your Contest Administrator to have the contact info in your account updated.

e. Authorized Entrant Login:

1. Select the contest you would like to enter
2. Select your Media Organization
3. Enter your email address
4. Enter your password
5. Click Login

f. Open Call Login:
1. Click Open Call Login in the blue bar at the top of the page
2. If you already have an Open Call Contestant account, enter your email address and password, then click Login and skip to section g. Request to make entries in a contest below
3. If you do not already have an Open Call Contestant account, click Create your Open Call account
4. Fill out the form
5. Click Submit at the bottom of the page

Once you fill out the form to create your Open Call Contestant account, the system will send you a validation email with a link that must be clicked before you can log into your account.

g. Request to make entries in a contest (Open Call Only):

1. Hover over the red Open Call Contestant text in the blue bar at the top of the page
2. Select My Contests in the menu that appears
3. In the Available Contests section, check the box next to the contest you would like to enter
4. Hover over the red Open Call Contestant text again
5. Select Manage Entries

OPEN CALL ENTRIES

For those who choose to use the Open Call Login, here are the instructions:

CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
1. Go to www.betterbnc.com.
2. Click Open Call Login.
3. Click Create Your Open Call Account.
4. Follow on-screen instructions.

Request Access to the SPJ Keystone Pro contest
1. Log in to your account.
2. Go to My Contests.
3. Check the box next to the "2020 Society of Professional Journalists Keystone Pro Chapter Spotlight Contest - The Best in PA Journalism" (this will automatically notify the contest coordinator of your access request).

MAKE ENTRIES
Once you receive an approval email from the contest administrator, you can begin making entries on the Submit Entry page.

ENTER HERE

Rules & Eligibility

RULES
1. Contestants can submit as many entries as they like in each category. Entries should be available to the general public, adhere to ethics and standards of SPJ and no promotion of special interest groups, businesses, individuals or causes will be accepted as entries.

2. Supporting materials, if accompanying the entry, should be identified with a similar name such as MURDER SPREE 1; MURDER SPREE 2 and note what the package includes.

3. NON-DAILY categories include weekly, semi-weekly and monthly newspapers, magazines and online publications.

NOTE: Entries from STUDENT-WRITTEN high school or collegiate publications or magazines WILL NOT be accepted and be disqualified. This is a contest for professional journalists and there is a separate contest for collegiate and high school publications.

DAILY categories are for newspapers and online publications published at least five days a week and Sunday publications printed under the same ownership and in the same city or town as the daily newspaper.

Entries that involve a staff collectively working on submissions may be entered as one of these formats: (The Pennsylvania Daily Mail) or (The Pennsylvania Daily Mail Sports Staff.) However, if individual awards are needed for staff/contributors, all names need to be submitted when winners are announced to allow time to prepare for awards.

4. The contest covers stories and photos published between Jan. 1, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2019.

5. The deadline for entries is March 7, 2020, by 11:59 p.m.

6. Winners will be announced at the end of April.

Awards will be presented at the Pennsylvania Press Conference on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Harrisburg, PA. (Location will be announced on the web sites and on Facebook)

ELIGIBILITY

The SPJ Keystone Pro Chapter Spotlight Contest is open and accepting entries for its 2020 contest. The Spotlight Contest is open to all journalists from Pennsylvania and New Jersey whose work appeared in a publication in one of the two states. This is a contest is for working professional journalists and all others will be disqualified.

Unlike other contests, the circulation of publications is not taken into consideration (the only divisions are daily and non-daily.) Online publications are welcome.

Have a question? Call or text contest coordinator Pat Trosky at 570-630-0804 or 570-262-2030 or email spjkeystone@mail.com. Please leave a voicemail and calls will be returned.

AWARDS INFO

Contact
Pat Trosky
570-630-0804
spjkeystone@mail.com