NEWS & PHOTO CONTEST
2009
Editors, Managing Editors, Photo Editors:
Following are the rules for the 2009 Iowa APME newspaper contest.
ELIGIBILITY
Any regular member of an Iowa Associated Press member newspaper whose work was published in the newspaper during the period October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009 shall be eligible.
DEADLINE
Entries must be received in the AP Des Moines bureau by
DIVISIONS
A newspaper may enter a higher circulation division, but ALL entries from that paper will be moved into the higher division.
AWARDS
First-place winners will receive an engraved plaque.
Second- and third-place winners will receive
certificates
Newswriting Sweepstakes Award – one overall winner.
Winner will receive an engraved plaque.
Photo Sweepstakes Award – one overall winner.
Winner will receive an engraved plaque.
First Amendment Award – one overall winner.
Winner will receive an engraved plaque.
Bill Wundram Award for Column Writing – one overall
winner.
Winner will receive $150.00 and an engraved plaque.
HOW TO ENTER
Entries shall be submitted in the form of either tearsheets facsimile reproductions. Entries shall be submitted inside a regular-size manila file folder. The name of the writer, newspaper, publication date and division should be attached to the front of the folder on an entry form. Headlines, bylines, art, etc, need not be obliterated. The entry must be marked clearly on the tearsheet. A letter explaining background on the entry is optional. If a letter is submitted, it should be affixed on the inside of the front of the folder.
ENTRY FEES
Flat fee for all participating newspapers based on circulation, regardless of number of entries:
-Division
I: $40
-Division II: $50
-Division III: $60
Plus additional $6 per entry fee
The contest entry summary
form should be submitted with the entry fee check.
JUDGING
Entries will be judged by out-of-state judges. Judges will be instructed that an award need by be given in an instance where they believe the entries lack substance. Judges will be urged to provide comments.
NEWSWRITING CATEGORIES
Limit of five entries per category except where noted.
The newspaper submitting the entry shall determine in which category it shall be entered.
Spot News Reporting: Coverage of a single news event published in a single news publishing cycle. Can include sidebars. A letter explaining the circumstances of the reporting, such as amount of time prior to deadline, obstacles encountered and whether the story was sent to AP on-cycle, is encouraged. (Limit: 5 entries)
Investigative Reporting: For a story or series of stories that uncovers important news or breaks new ground on a continuing story. Evidence of impact will be considered. A letter explaining the circumstances of the reporting, such as amount of time prior to deadline or obstacles encountered, is encouraged.
(Limit: 5 entries)
Business: For a single story or one day's coverage of a business-related news event. Can include sidebars. (Limit: 5 entries)
Editorials: Judges will be asked to give extra consideration to entries on significant subjects that take courage to address, as well as writing clarity and persuasiveness. (Limit: 5 entries)
Continuing News Coverage: Stories representing a newspaper's coverage of an ongoing event or news story. An example might be coverage of a drought. This award is made to the newspaper, not the writer or writers. Entries are limited to five days' coverage (it doesn't have to be consecutive days, but must be in the contest year). (Limit: 5 entries)
Interpretive Story or Series: For a story or series of stories that goes beyond routine coverage to provide greater understanding or awareness of an issue.
(Limit: 5 entries)
General Features: For timeless, lifestyle or human interest features.
(Limit: 5 entries)
Business Features: For non-spot stories focusing on business. (Limit: 5 entries)
Sports Spot News Story: Coverage of a single story published in a single news cycle. Can include sidebars. A letter explaining the circumstances of the reporting, such as amount of time prior to deadline or obstacles encountered, is
encouraged. (Limit: 5 entries)
Sports
ONLINE SPECIAL PACKAGE
Multimedia package from the newspaper’s web site. Package can be on a breaking news event or another subject. Award recognizes innovative and effective use of the online medium to tell a story in more depth than the member does in print. Judges will look for innovative use of staff and syndicated content in a variety of formats; reader interaction; ease of navigation; value to the reader.
Emphasis will be placed on staff-generated material. Submit URL for the package, with the entry form. (Limit one entry)
LAYOUT AND DESIGN CATEGORIES
Wire Presentation –
News Graphics: One entry consists of one graphic that helped to tell a news story, such as a map, graph or chart. Send a full-page tearsheet. (Limit: 5 entries)
PHOTO CATEGORIES
Tear sheets, prints or CDs will be accepted. For entries on CD, submit copy of photos with CD. Caption information mandatory.
(Except for Picture Story category, one photo constitutes one entry)
Limit: Five entries per category
Spot News Photography: A spot picture of dramatic news value, of unplanned news. (Limit: 5 entries)
General News Photography: A picture of a scheduled or anticipated event, made to add an extra dimension to the news report of a non-emergency situation. (Limit: 5 entries)
Feature Photography: A picture providing a fresh view of the commonplace, usually a "found" situation, with strong human interest. Can include portrait and personality photography. (Limit: 5 entries)
Business Photography: For a photo dealing with a business-related event.
(Limit: 5 entries)
Picture Story: A series or sequence of pictures illustrating the various aspects of a single subject or event. (Limit: 5 entries)
Sports Action: For a photo of on-field action by players or fans. (Limit: 5 entries)
Sports Feature: For a feature photo taken at a sports-related event. (Limit: 5 entries)
SPECIAL AWARDS
First Amendment Award: One award
Newspapers from all divisions will compete with one another for the First Amendment Award. A newspaper may submit only one entry, which should consist of no more than 10 exhibits. This award is to recognize outstanding efforts on First Amendment issues, including coverage of these issues, commentary (columns or editorials) or public service efforts (including
such things as legal action). A cover letter explaining the newspaper's effort should be included.
Bill
Wundram Award for Column Writing: One
award, named after the long-time columnist for the Quad-City Times in
Send entries and contest fees to: The Associated Press
Deadline: October 30, 2009