Ohio SPJ -

Click here to download a printable category list.

Emil Dansker Award for Outstanding Achievement in Journalism

The Outstanding Achievement Award will be presented to one individual annually for their hard work, achievements, leadership and contributions to the journalism profession. This new award will be the highest recognition awarded by the contest annually. Journalism professors, publishers, broadcast general managers and editors and reporters, as well as other journalism business professionals from all media segments, are invited to apply.

This new award is being established in honor of Emil Dansker, one of the founders of the Cincinnati SPJ Chapter and a longtime journalist, professor and mentor to countless journalists and students. He was adviser to the BG News at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) for many years, and also taught at The University of Cincinnati and Xavier University.

To be considered, please submit up to a 500-word description of the nominee’s outstanding service to journalism. The description should include specific details about the individual’s achievements, leadership and contributions to the journalism profession. Please include background information about the nominee (CV or resume), including full name, current title, address and email address.

Entries will be judged by a panel of judges from the yet-to-be named SPJ chapter/contest participating in our 2024 judging swap and a committee of Ohio journalists.

PRINT LARGE (60,000 + circ.)

Journalists whose work had significant reach into Ohio during 2023 are eligible. Entrants need not be SPJ members.

Best Arts Reporting

Outstanding coverage of arts or entertainment, demonstrated by a selection of three news, features or reviews by a single writer or team.

Best Business/Consumer Reporting

Outstanding coverage of business or development, or reporting that informs readers about a consumer product hazard or questionable behavior in the marketplace demonstrated by a selection of three articles by a writer or team.

Best Children’s/Education Issues Reporting

Reporting that best serves the needs of children, either by exposing an abuse or exploring solutions to challenges faced by youth, or that focuses on education issues and schools that aid the public through revealing breaking news, investigative or enterprise stories, demonstrated by three articles.

Best Criminal Justice Reporting

Submit three stories on crime or a law enforcement issue, including stories from the courts.

Best Deadline Reporting

Coverage of a disaster or major news event published within 24 hours, and demonstrating excellent teamwork and use of real people to tell the stories. Submit three articles.

Best Editorial/Criticism Writing

Submit three editorials or columns that expose inadequacy and a need for change.

Best Explanatory Journalism

Reporting that explains a public issue or need. May include words, photos and graphics and the use of real people to tell the story. Submit three articles.

Best Feature Reporting

Submit three articles that demonstrate creativity in a human interest, non-breaking news event.

Best Government/Political Reporting

Outstanding individual or team coverage of city, county or state government, or of state or local candidates or issues, as demonstrated by three articles or series.

Best Investigative Reporting

Reporting in the public interest, showing use of database reporting and public records law, outstanding writing, photos and graphics, demonstrated by three articles or series supported by photos and graphics.

Best Minority Issues Reporting

Submit three articles that best address the issues and challenges faced by a minority group.

Best Public Service/Social Issues Reporting

Best effort by a publication or journalist to connect with the community in a different way, such as by encouraging civic/political engagement or participation, or reporting that focuses on social justice issues, such as poverty, homelessness, substandard housing, public health or social work, as demonstrated by three articles.

Best Religion Reporting

Three articles that explore spirituality, the search for faith in modern life, or issues and challenges religious communities face.

Best Science/Medical/Health Care Reporting

Coverage that enlightens readers about science, medicine or health care, demonstrated by three articles.

Best Sports Reporting

Outstanding coverage of sports, demonstrated by three articles by a writer or team.

Best Website

Best website by a publication. Provide your web address for judges to access.

BEST OF SHOW–PRINT LARGE (60,000 + circ.)

Journalists whose work had significant reach into Ohio during 2023 are eligible. Entrants need not be SPJ members.

Best Columnist in Ohio

A portfolio of six columns by a single writer.

Best Daily Newspaper in Ohio

Four editions of a daily newspaper. Judges will look at reporting, writing, photography, use of graphics and illustrations and overall design quality of all sections. Submit PDFs.

Best Graphic Designer in Ohio

Submit three examples of page design and/or art illustration by a single graphic artist.

Best Photographer in Ohio

A portfolio of the work of a single photographer, including six examples of deadline and or non-deadline images.

Best Reporter in Ohio

A portfolio of work by one reporter. Include six examples that show a balance of deadline, non-deadline, and feature writing.

Best Special Section

A single special section or insert published on any topic. Submit PDF.

PRINT SMALL (< 60,000 circ.)

Journalists whose work had significant reach into Ohio during 2023 are eligible. Entrants need not be SPJ members.

Best Arts Reporting

Outstanding coverage of arts or entertainment, demonstrated by a selection of three news or feature articles by a single writer or team.

Best Business/Consumer Reporting

Best Children’s/Education Issues Reporting

Best Criminal Justice Reporting

Submit three stories on crime or a law enforcement issue, including stories from the courts.

Best Deadline Reporting

Coverage of a disaster or major news event published within 24 hours, and demonstrating excellent teamwork and use of real people to tell the stories. Submit three articles.

Best Editorial/Criticism Writing

Submit three editorials or columns that expose inadequacy and a need for change.

Best Explanatory Journalism

Reporting that explains a public issue or need. May include words, photos and graphics and the use of real people to tell the story. Submit three articles.

Best Feature Reporting

Submit three articles that demonstrate creativity in a human interest, non-breaking news event.

Best Government/Political Reporting

Outstanding individual or team coverage of city, county or state government, or of state or local candidates or issues, as demonstrated by three articles or series.

Best Investigative Reporting

Best Minority Issues Reporting

Submit three articles that best address the issues and challenges faced by a minority group.

Best Public Service/Social Issues Reporting

Best Religion Reporting

Submit three articles that explore spirituality, the search for faith in modern life, or issues and challenges religious communities face.

Best Science/Medical/Health Care Reporting

Coverage that enlightens readers about science, medicine or health care, demonstrated by three articles.

Best Sports Reporting

Outstanding coverage of sports, demonstrated by a three articles by a writer or team.

Best Website

Best website by a publication. Provide your web address for judges to access.

BEST OF SHOW–PRINT SMALL (< 60,000 circ.)

Journalists whose work had significant reach into Ohio during 2023 are eligible. Entrants need not be SPJ members.

Best Columnist in Ohio

A portfolio of six columns by a single writer.

Best Daily Newspaper in Ohio

Four editions of a daily newspaper. Judges will look at reporting, writing, photography, use of graphics and illustrations and overall design quality of all sections. Submit PDFs.

Best Graphic Designer in Ohio

Submit three examples of page design and/or art illustration by a single graphic artist.

Best Monthly in Ohio

Two issues of a monthly magazine that is not a trade publication (see separate category). Judges will look for outstanding journalism presented in a creative manner. Submit PDF.

Best Photographer in Ohio

A portfolio of the work of a single photographer, including six examples of deadline and non-deadline images.

Best Reporter in Ohio

A portfolio of work by one reporter. Include six examples that show a balance of deadline, non-deadline, and feature writing.

Best Special Section

A freestanding publication, such as a reprint, book or other editorial product with outstanding content and design. Submit PDF.

Best Weekly Newspaper in Ohio

Six editions of one weekly newspaper. Judges will look for serious journalism that serves the community through outstanding reporting, effectively presented. Submit PDF.

TELEVISION

Stations in all markets compete against each other. Journalists whose work had significant reach into Ohio during 2023 are eligible. Entrants need not be SPJ members.

Best Business/Consumer Reporting

Best Continuing Coverage

Reports (no longer than 30 minutes of coverage) that demonstrate individual or team continued excellence as new information is uncovered beyond the initial event.

Best Criminal Justice Reporting

Reports (up to three) demonstrating excellence in coverage of any facet of law enforcement, from initial field report through the court system.

Best Documentary

Best long-form program appearing outside a regular newscast, covering human interest, sports, entertainment, investigative or any other single topic or event.

Best Education Issues Reporting

Submit up to three reports on education issues and schools that aid the public through revealing breaking news, investigative reporting and enterprise reporting.

Best Enterprise Reporting

Reports (up to three) that shows initiative and creative individuality in uncovering news other outlets missed.

Best Feature Reporting

Reports (up to three) that demonstrate creativity in a human interest, non-breaking news event.

Best General Assignment Reporting

Reports (up to three) that demonstrates accuracy, initiative and creativity in a same-day news event.

Best Government/Political Reporting

Outstanding individual or team coverage of city, county or state government, or of state or local candidates or issues, as demonstrated by up to three reports (may be breaking, continuing or investigative).

Best Health Care/Medical/Science Reporting

Reports (up to three) that demonstrate creativity, originality, depth and clarity in health care, medical or science reporting.

Best Investigative Reporting

Reporting in the public interest, showing use of database reporting and public records law, outstanding writing, photos and graphics, demonstrated by no more than 30 minutes of coverage.

Best Investigative Series

Reporting in the public interest, showing use of database reporting and public records law, outstanding writing, photos and graphics, demonstrated by no more than 30 minutes of coverage.

Best Minority Issues Coverage

Reports (up to three) or long-form public service program that best shows issues facing minorities, be they racial, sexual or religious.

Best Sports Reporting

Selection of reports (up to three) that demonstrates continuing creativity, originality, depth and clarity in sports reporting.

Best Website

Best website run by a television station. Submit website address for judges to view live.

BEST OF SHOW–TELEVISION

Stations in all markets compete against each other. Journalists whose work had significant reach into Ohio during 2023 are eligible.

Best Anchor in Ohio

Best on-air excellence in delivery, authority, poise, and writing. Include samples from more than one newscast. Maximum time for submission: 15 minutes.

Best Newscast in Ohio

Best daily newscast. Submit entire program minus commercial breaks.

Best Public Affairs Program in Ohio

Best public affairs program. Submit entire program minus commercials.

Best Reporter in Ohio

Best reporter to demonstrate excellence in live and taped segments that show versatility, dependability and creativity in deadline and non-deadline situations. Maximum time for submission: 15 minutes.

Best Videographer in Ohio

Best visual storyteller who demonstrates excellence in videography and sound in spot news, general assignment or specialty reporting, demonstrated by three samples. Maximum time for submission: 15 minutes.

RADIO

Stations in all markets compete against each other. Journalists whose work had significant reach into Ohio during 2023 are eligible. Entrants need not be SPJ members.

Best Business/Consumer Reporting

Best Continuing Coverage

Reports (no more than 30 minutes of coverage) that demonstrate individual or team continued excellence as new information is uncovered beyond the initial event.

Best Criminal Justice Reporting

Reports (up to three) demonstrating excellence in coverage of any facet of law enforcement, from initial field report through the court system.

Best Documentary

Best long-form program appearing outside a regular newscast, covering human interest, sports, entertainment, investigative or any other single topic or event.

Best Education Issues Reporting

Submit up to three reports on education issues and schools that aid the public through revealing breaking news, investigative reporting and enterprise reporting.

Best Enterprise Reporting

Reports (up to three) that show initiative and creative individuality in uncovering news other outlets missed.

Best Feature Reporting

Reports (up to three) that demonstrate creativity in a human interest, non-breaking news event.

Best General Assignment Reporting

Reports (up to three) that demonstrates accuracy, initiative and creativity in a same-day news event.

Best Government/Political Reporting

Best Health Care/Medical/Science Reporting

Reports (up to three) that demonstrate creativity, originality, depth and clarity in health care, medical or science reporting.

Best Investigative Reporting

Reporting in the public interest, showing use of database reporting and public records law, outstanding writing, photos and graphics, demonstrated by no more than 30 minutes of coverage.

Best Minority Issues Coverage

Reports (up to three) or long-form public service program which best shows issues facing minorities, be they racial, sexual or religious.

Best Sports Reporting

Selection of reports (up to three) that demonstrates continuing creativity, originality, depth and clarity in sports reporting

Best Website

Best website run by a radio station. Submit website address for judges to view live.

BEST OF SHOW–RADIO

Stations in all markets compete against each other. Journalists whose work had significant reach into Ohio during 2023 are eligible. Entrants need not be SPJ members.

Best Anchor in Ohio

Best on-air excellence in delivery, authority, poise, and writing. Include samples from more than one newscast. Maximum time for submission: 15 minutes.

Best Newscast in Ohio

Best daily newscast. Submit entire program minus commercial breaks.

Best Public Affairs Program in Ohio

Best public affairs program. Submit entire program minus commercials.

Best Reporter in Ohio

DIGITAL MEDIA/FREELANCE

Best online storytellers who demonstrates excellence in spot news, general assignment or specialty reporting in 2023. All websites and links must remain active throughout 2024.

Freelance writers are self-employed and not affiliated with any news organization long term, but their work is published by such organizations. For this competition, freelancers may enter any category if their work has been published or broadcast by an Ohio news organization in 2023. However, writers whose work is published outside of Ohio can still compete in the Ohio SPJ Awards program, as long as they are Ohio residents. Simply identify the publishing news organization and circulation when submitting your entry. Freelance entrants may submit their work in both the Freelance categories and standard categories if their work was published by an Ohio news organization. All websites and links must remain active throughout 2024.

Best Arts/Entertainment Story

For the best coverage of an arts/entertainment topic (three news, features or reviews by a single writer or team). Judges will look at quality of writing, creativity and overall presentation.

Best Business/Tech Story

For the best coverage (three articles or single series) of a business or technology topic. Judges will look at quality of writing, sourcing and overall presentation.

Best Editorial Writing

For the three most persuasive editorials that address an inadequacy or takes a position on a state or local issue.

Best Education Issues Reporting

Submit three stories on education issues and schools that aid the public through revealing breaking news, investigative reporting and enterprise stories.

Best Feature

For the three best feature stories or series. Judges will look at quality of writing, creativity and overall presentation.

Best Government/Political Reporting

Outstanding individual or team coverage of city, county or state government, or of state or local candidates or issues, as demonstrated by three articles or series.

Best Graphic Design/Navigation

For the best design and/or art illustration, ease of navigation and quality of links.

Best Investigative Reporting

Best News Story

For the three best stories or single series reflecting hard news of the day. Judges will look at quality of writing, sourcing and overall presentation.
Best Newsletter

Category that recognizes this growing form of digital news dissemination. Submissions will be judged on overall presentation, writing, topics and sourcing. Submit URLs of three separate newsletters.

Best Overall Blog (news organization)

Must be published by an Ohio news organization. Blogs are defined as web pages of commentary or opinion that are updated regularly. Entries will be judged on quality of writing. Submit URLs of three blogs.

Best Overall Blog (independent)

Cannot be affiliated with an existing news organization. Blogs are defined as web pages of commentary or opinion that are updated regularly. Entries will be judged on quality of writing. Submit URLs of three blogs.

Best Podcast

Category that recognizes this growing form of digital media. Submissions will be judged on presentation, delivery, and insightful and timely topics. Submit URLs of three separate podcasts.

Best Science/Medical/Health Care Reporting

Coverage that enlightens readers about science, medicine or health care, demonstrated by three articles.

Best Sports Coverage

For the best sports reporting (three articles or single series). Judges will look at quality of writing, sourcing and overall presentation.

Best Videographer

Best visual storyteller who demonstrates excellence in online videography in spot news, general assignment or specialty reporting, demonstrated by three samples.

BEST OF SHOW–DIGITAL MEDIA/FREELANCE

All URL links and all entry links must remain active throughout 2024.

Best Digital/Freelance Writer

Submit five published reports (can be a combination of news writing, feature writing, investigative reporting, reviews, editorials, government reporting, etc., or five reports of the same type).

Best General News Site in Ohio

For the best overall website. Sites will be judged on news content, design and navigation. Submit URL(s).

Best Online Still Photographer in Ohio

A portfolio of the work of a single still photographer whose work is published online, including six examples of deadline and non-deadline images. Judges will look at technical composition, creativity and overall visual impact.

TRADE PUBLICATIONS

Journalists whose work had significant reach into Ohio during 2023 are eligible. Entrants need not be SPJ members.

Best Cover Design

Submit original, color copies of a cover page (three samples).

Best General Story

For the best single story (travel, entertainment, lifestyle, etc.) published.

Best Personality Profile

For the best single personality profile published.

Best Trade Publication Website

For the best example of a website posted by a trade publication. Submit URL.

Best Trade Report

A story or series on a topic, issue or trend affecting the publication’s target audience. You may briefly describe any action or change that resulted.

BEST OF SHOW–TRADE PUBLICATIONS

Journalists whose work had significant reach into Ohio during 2023 are eligible. Entrants need not be SPJ members.

Best Trade Columnist in Ohio

For the best selection of columns. Submit at least two consecutive examples. The column must appear regularly.

Best Trade Publication in Ohio

For best overall performance of an entire staff. Submit two complete issues. Entries judged on reporting, editing, writing, photography, design, graphics, packaging. Submit PDF.

COLLEGE JOURNALISM

Student work in student publications and stations, published or broadcast in 2023, is eligible for either college or professional categories, but NOT both. Student work in professional publications and stations is NOT eligible for the college category.

Best College Feature Writing

Awarded to the college journalist who shows the most promise as a feature writer through published or aired stories.

Best College News Writing

Awarded to the college journalist who shows the most promise as a news writer, through published or aired stories.

Best College Newspaper

For the best student newspaper or publication published regularly up to twice a week. Enter three issues. Submit PDF or URL.

Best College Opinion Writing

Awarded to the college journalist who show the most promise as an opinion writer through published or aired opinion pieces.

Best College Sports Writing

Awarded to the college journalist who shows the most promise as a sports writer through published or aired stories.