Nevada Press Association The best in Nevada journalism since 1924
Related Articles
The rules, categories and other details about the 2019 contest are included below.
Online Entry
The Nevada Press Association uses an online entry and judging system through SmallTownPapers.
The main contest page is betternewspapercontest.com. Rather than clipping stories, ads and photos, you upload files to a web site. A few categories, such as general excellence, still require the hard copy to be mailed in. Note that for most categories, the entry may have been published in print or online. Here’s a printable PDF of instructions and tally sheet. If you’d rather work with a spreadsheet, here it is in Excel.
The deadline for entries is Friday, June 7.
Instructions
Contest dates: All entry material must have been published originally between April 1 last year and March 31 this year by a member publication or web site. Entries are limited to associate and regular NPA members in good standing. If your publication is not a member, here’s how to join. Individuals may enter work that appeared in NPA member publications.
Deadline: Entries must be posted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 7. Mail-in only entries must be postmarked by that same date.
Address: Nevada Press Foundation,
102 N. Curry St., Carson City, NV 89703
Questions? Ask Denise Clodjeaux, 775-230-9570 or nevadapresscontest@gmail.com
Fees: The fee is $8 per entry received by June 3, and $9 per entry received after June 3. Payment must be received before entries will be judged. Please make checks payable to Nevada Press Foundation.
2019 convention and awards banquet: Saturday, Sept. 21 in Ely.
Classes
- Class 1: Urban dailies — circulation of 15,000 or more
- Class 2: Intermediate — more than one edition a week, circulation less than 15,000
- Class 3: Community — weekly or monthly, less than 10,000 circulation
- Class 4: Urban weeklies — weekly or biweekly, 10,000 or more circulation
- Magazines (see separate rules)
(Note: Web-only members’ circulation is measured by monthly unique visitors, and they compete in classes with comparable print publications.)
Mail-in categories
Fill out the entry information online, as you would any other entry.
After pressing ‘submit,’ print the entry label and attach it to your mail-in entry. Mail or ship it to the Nevada Press Foundation at 102 N. Curry St., Carson City, Nevada 89703
Entry Preparation
You may visit the Better Newspaper Contest site to view a tutorial of the entry process.
Using the current version of Firefox or Chrome, visit betterbnc.com
Click on Contestant Login. Log in as Contest Manager.
Choose the 2019 Nevada Press Better Newspaper Contest from the drop-down menu.
Choose your publication.
LOGIN: When logging in for the first time, use the default password contained in the instructions mailed to your newspaper. The first person to log in should be the Contest Manager, who will coordinate entries for your publication. Change the password, which will be used by your entire publication. The email address should also be for the Contest Manager, as that enables him or her to retrieve the password if it is lost or forgotten.
The default password for logging in the first time is contained in the instructions mailed to your newspaper. If you don’t have it, email us at nevadapresscontest@gmail.com.
- On the Manage Entries page, click ‘Submit Entry.’
- Select the Division and the Category. Complete the Headline/Title field. Make sure it is clear which item on the page is to be judged.
- Upload the content by clicking ‘Choose File’ and navigating to the desired file. Select Open and then Upload. Please keep file sizes under 3 MB.
- Scroll down on the page to add Credits and Comments. If your site requires a login and password for judges to get past a paywall, create a generic profile and include the details under Comments.
- Click Submit. Continue to the next entry. DON’T FORGET TO CLICK SUBMIT!
- Complete the tally sheet that was mailed to your newspaper and send payment to the Nevada Press Foundation.
The system will keep track of how many entries you have submitted. When you have finished submitting all entries, please email us at nevadapresscontest@gmail.com so we can begin to confirm your entries.
Contest Categories
#1 GENERAL EXCELLENCE (mail in only)
The most significant award presented in the contest. Entries should reflect the best of our industry and profession. All entries must be complete copies without preprint ad inserts.
Send four issues total as follows:
- an issue published April 1-June 30 last year
- an issue published July 1-Sept. 30 last year
- an issue published Oct. 1-Dec. 31 last year
- an issue published Jan. 1-March 31 this year
- Note: For newspapers with weekend or Sunday issues, at least two (2) of the entries must be from weekday editions. We want judges to see more examples than just your Sunday efforts.
Newspapers will be judged on:
- Local, general/departmental news
- Editorial comment/page
- Thoroughness of local coverage
- General appearance, style, design, photo use and graphics
- Advertising enterprise
#2 OUTSTANDING JOURNALIST
This category recognizes outstanding service and performance to the profession of journalism during the contest year. Entrants may come from any segment of the newsroom. Two awards will be given:
- For a journalist at an urban paper or magazine (classes 1, 4 and magazines)
- For a journalist at a community paper (classes 2 and 3)
Limit of two (2) entries per newspaper.
Submit written statements of the nominee’s journalistic achievements and a brief resume of the nominee.
Each nomination should be accompanied by at least four (4) examples of the nominee’s work during the contest year.
#3 JOURNALIST OF MERIT
This category is designed to encourage journalists of any age with less than five years experience in newspaper work to stay in the newspaper industry. It’s our way of saying, “You have a future in this profession.” Entrants may come from any segment of the newsroom.
Submit written statements of the nominee’s journalistic achievements and a brief resume of the nominee. Each nomination should be accompanied by at least four (4) examples of the nominee’s work during the contest year.
Awards will be given in each newspaper circulation class.
Limit of two (2) entries per newspaper.
#4 COMMUNITY SERVICE
Service to the community in one or more ways as demonstrated through a series of stories, marketing/advertising materials, editorial crusade, photos, etc.
Materials should be related to a single project, drive or campaign. Entries should reflect results, community impact, and extra time and involvement by the staff. Proof of results contained in stories published after the end of the contest year (March 31) may be included.
A letter of explanation may be helpful to judges but isn’t required.
Limit of two (2) entries per newspaper.
#5 STORY OF THE YEAR
Any piece that tells a compelling story and holds the reader’s interest. These stories may be entered in other categories as well.
One category for all newspapers. Criteria:
- Quality of reporting
- Clarity and quality of writing
- Impact of story
#6 BREAKING NEWS REPORTING-PRINT
Story or stories written from a breaking news event. Entry may be a single story or multiple stories and may include sidebars, with the focus on coverage of a specific event in a single edition of a newspaper. No series. (Digital breaking news coverage should be entered in category W2.) Criteria:
- Quality of reporting on deadline
- Clarity of writing
- Timeliness, importance to readers
- Impact of story
Tip: Please combine PDFs into a single document to make them easier for judges to read.
#7 FEATURE WRITING
Entry may be a single story or a main story with sidebar published in one issue. No series. Entries should have a human-interest focus. Stories about entertainment, lifestyle and health or general-interest feature stories are included in this category. Criteria:
- Quality of writing
- Depth of reporting
- Local relevance/appeal
#8 NONSTAFF STORY
Story or series written by someone not part of the regular staff. Entries may be news- or feature-oriented, but may not be opinion columns. (See #15 for nonstaff columns.) Criteria:
- Quality of writing
- Depth of reporting
- Local relevance/appeal
#9 BUSINESS SPOT NEWS STORY
Story written primarily on breaking news about business or commerce. Entry may be a single story or a main story with sidebar. Criteria:
- Clarity of writing and reporting on deadline
- Timeliness, importance to readers
- Impact of story
#10 BUSINESS FEATURE STORY
Feature story about business, commerce or a personality in the field. Entry may be a single story or a main story with sidebar. Criteria:
- Quality of writing
- Relevance to readers
- Originality and creativity
#11 EXPLANATORY JOURNALISM
Entry may be a single story, a main story with sidebar or a series that explains in depth an issue of significant importance to the community. Limit: No more than eight (8) stories to an entry. Criteria:
- Quality of writing
- Depth of reporting
- Local relevance/appeal
#12 NEWS FEATURE STORY
A single story, or main story and sidebar, that expands on a breaking news event or analyzes its impact on the community. Criteria:
- Clarity of reporting and writing
- Timeliness, importance to readers
- Impact on community
#13 INVESTIGATIVE STORY
May be a single story, a main story and sidebar or a series. Each subject constitutes an entry. Limit: No more than eight (8) stories to an entry. Entries should reflect an investigative enterprise. If the story leads to further developments or impacts, you may submit stories published after the end of the contest year (March 31). A letter of clarification may be submitted. Criteria:
- Importance to readers
- Quality of investigative reporting and research
- Clarity of writing
#14 LOCAL COLUMN
Single entry consists of three (3) columns written by the same columnist. The column must appear regularly in the publication and be written by a regular staff member.
Limit of one entry per columnist. Criteria:
- Quality of writing
- Style, originality and impact
#15 LOCAL NON-STAFF COLUMN
Single entry consists of three (3) columns from a columnist during the contest year. The columnist must reside in Nevada (or California for newspapers in that state). Column must appear at least monthly in an member publication and be written by a nonstaff writer. Three columns constitute one entry.
Limit of one entry per columnist. Criteria:
- Quality of writing
- Style, originality and impact
#16 SPORTS SPOT NEWS STORY
Single story or a main story with sidebar on breaking sports news. Criteria:
- Quality of reporting and writing
- Timeliness
- Local interest
#17 SPORTS FEATURE WRITING
Single story focused on human interest and activity in sports and recreation. Criteria:
- Quality of writing
- Originality and creativity
- Interest to readers
#18 LOCAL SPORTS COLUMN
Must be a sports column that appears regularly within the sports pages and is written by a regular staff member. Submit three (3) representative columns. Three columns equal one entry.
Limit of one entry (three columns) per writer. Criteria:
- Quality and clarity of writing
- Originality, impact and news value
#19 ENTERTAINMENT WRITING
A single entry consists of three (3) examples by the same writer on entertainment subjects and/or events and may be advances, columns, news stories or features.
Limit of one entry per writer. Criteria:
- Quality and clarity of writing
- Impact and news value
#20 CRITICAL WRITING
Single entry consists of three (3) examples of criticism or review, not including editorials.
Limit of one (1) entry per writer. Criteria:
- Clarity of argument
- Quality of writing
- Impact of story
#21 FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
An award for upholding the principles of the First Amendment and protecting the public’s right to know. Submit stories, editorials and/or columns, along with a description of actions taken and results accomplished. Limit: No more than eight (8) stories to an entry. Award will be given to the newspaper, not an individual.
Two awards will be given:
- One for urban newspapers (classes 1 and 4)
- One for community newspapers (classes 2 and 3)
#22 EDITORIAL OF THE YEAR
The category awards a house editorial (not a personal column) expressing the newspaper’s opinion. One editorial makes up one entry. Please indicate on the entry who wrote the editorial. One award is given for all circulation classes. Criteria:
- Impact and importance to readers
- Clarity and strength of argument
- Reporting and writing
#23 EDITORIAL WRITING
A single entry consists of three (3) samples of editorial writing by the same writer. No personal columns, only editorials expressing the newspaper’s opinion. Please indicate on the entry who wrote the editorials.
Limit of one entry per writer. Criteria:
- Quality of writing, call to action
- Reporting/research
- Community impact/importance to reader
#24 EDITORIAL PAGE
Submit complete editorial page or pages. You may indicate in the notes the content that is generated locally.
Submit four samples: from any issue published from April 1 through June 30 last year; from any issue published from July 1, through Sept. 30 last year; from any issue published from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 last year; and from any issue published from Jan. 1 through March 31 this year.
Limit of one (1) entry per newspaper. Criteria:
- Local issues, variety of content
- Layout, readability
- Letters to the editor
Visual
#25 OUTSTANDING VISUAL JOURNALIST
For photographers, designers, artists and others who tell the news in ways other than the written word. Entries may include a letter of nomination and four to six samples of the nominee’s work from the contest year. One award is given for all classes.
Limit of two (2) entries per paper. Criteria:
- Storytelling ability through visual media such as photos, design, graphics
- News value and impact on readers
#26 OVERALL DESIGN (mail-in only)
Entries will be judged on design and makeup, use of graphics, typefaces, headlines, photo and color use, if applicable.
Submit four (4) complete issues (minus advertising inserts): Any issue published in June last year; any issue from September last year; any issue from November last year; and any issue from this year prior to March 31.
Limit one entry per newspaper.
#27 PAGE ONE DESIGN
For excellence in design, including use of photos, graphics, headlines and type faces with an emphasis on drawing the reader into the newspaper.
An entry consists of five (5) separate examples of the front page published at any time during the contest year.
Limit one entry per newspaper.
#28 GRAPHIC DESIGNER
An entry consists of three (3) examples of a page layout, original graphic, illustration or other design element created by a single person or design team. For instance, three illustrations by the same individual would qualify as one entry. Two page layouts and an illustration would qualify as one entry. One entry per person or team. Criteria:
- Overall design, layout and readability
- Effective use of elements to convey information
- Originality and creativity
#31 HEADLINE WRITING
Submit a full page or post, clearly indicating the headlines being entered. Each entry consists of three (3) separate headlines written by the same writer. Limit of five (5) entries per publication. Headlines for online stories are eligible. Entries are judged on impact, cleverness and accuracy.
Awards will be given in two classifications:
- One for urban newspapers (classes 1 and 4)
- One for community newspapers (classes 2 and 3)
Photography
#32 PHOTO OF THE YEAR
Any photo that tells a compelling story and holds the reader’s interest. These photos may be entered in other categories as well.
One category for all newspapers. Criteria:
- Technical quality
- Originality/imagination
- Impact or draw on the viewer
#33 NEWS PHOTO COVERAGE
For a photo or photos of breaking or general news events. This may include more than one photo from the same event, which constitutes one entry, even if the photos were taken by different photographers.
No limit on entries. Criteria:
- News value
- Technical quality
- Originality/creativity
#34 FEATURE PHOTO
For photos that are not directly related to a specific breaking news event. Photos should have a story-telling quality or unusual elements. No portraits (see #36).
- Originality/creativity
- Human interest
- Technical quality
#35 MULTIPLE-PHOTO ESSAY OR GALLERY
Single subject told through two (2) or more photos, with or without accompanying text. Photos may appear in more than one edition, such as a series, project or online gallery. Photos are not directly related to a breaking news event. Photos may be by more than one photographer.
- News value
- Variety of photos in essay
- Technical quality
#36 PORTRAIT
A portrait of a person or a small group of people.
- Storytelling quality
- Technical quality
- Photo editing
#37 ILLUSTRATED PHOTO
Artistic photos posed and designed to illustrate a specific article, feature or theme. No commercial photos.
- Achievement of purpose
- Originality/creativity
- Technical quality
#38 SPORTS PHOTO
May be action or feature of a sports-related event or individual.
- News value
- Technical quality
- Originality/creativity
Cartoon
#39 EDITORIAL CARTOON
Original opinion-oriented cartoon created for the newspaper by a staff member or freelancer. One category for all newspapers. Limit: four entries per cartoonist.
- Originality
- Clarity of opinion
- Quality of artwork
Special sections
#40 SPECIAL SECTION (Editorial) (mail-in only)
Special edition or section generated and distributed by the newspaper with emphasis on the editorial content. A special section does not include regular weekly publications such as TV books, real-estate sections, entertainment magazines, etc. Submit complete copy of section.
Limit of two (2) entries per newspaper.
Advertising
#41 PRINT AD
The ad is for a single business and must be created and produced locally. Criteria:
- Concept
- Layout
- Originality
- Effectiveness
#42 BLACK AND WHITE AD
For print advertisements in the traditional black & white format.
- Concept
- Layout
- Originality
- Effectiveness
#43 ADVERTISING INNOVATION
New ideas in advertising, which could be stickers, flyers, gatefolds or other nontraditional placements, including online advertising.
- Concept
- Layout
- Originality
- Effectiveness
#44 AD SERIES
A series of ads for a single advertiser. It may fit into any category: sale, promotional, branding, etc.
- Concept
- Layout
- Originality
- Effectiveness
#45 SPECIAL SECTION OR CAMPAIGN (ADVERTISING) (mail-in only)
Featuring multiple advertisers, it may include a page, section, supplement or insert. Emphasis is on uniqueness of product and quality of design. This category is for one-time or annual sections. (See #47 Niche Magazine for regular publications.) Limit of two (2) per newspaper.
- Concept
- Design and copy
- Originality
- Effectiveness
#46 IN-HOUSE ADVERTISING PROMOTION FOR CIRCULATION, ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL
May be a single ad, campaign, or include rack cards, radio, TV, flyers, etc. Include an explanation of promotion, purpose and results.
- Concept
- Layout
- Originality
- Effectiveness
#47 NICHE MAGAZINE (mail-in only)
A publication — not on newsprint — devoted to a particular niche market or segment published regularly by the newspaper. (For one-time or annual sections, see #45 Special Section.) Limit of two (2) entries per publication.
- Service to the market
- Design
- Originality
- Effectiveness
#48 ADVERTISING GENERAL EXCELLENCE (mail-in only)
Submit four (4) complete issues:
- an issue published from April 1 through June 30 last year
- an issue from July 1 through Sept. 30 last year
- an issue from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 last year
- an issue published from Jan. 1 through March 31 this year
Note: For newspapers with weekend or Sunday issues, at least two (2) of the entries must be from weekday editions. We want judges to see more examples than just your Sunday efforts.
Entries will be judged on the overall quality of the advertising content.
#53 SPECIAL EVENT
Sponsored, hosted or promotional event by an NPA member. Examples would include events that highlighted a community function, commercial or job fair, candidates debate or a discussion forum on a newsworthy issue. The entry may include promotional ads or similar material, news coverage of the event and a brief letter of explanation of the event, purpose and results. Two awards will be given: For Urban (classes 1, 4 and Magazines) and for Community (classes 2 and 3).
- Concept
- Originality
- Effectiveness
Online Categories
#W1 GENERAL ONLINE EXCELLENCE
Judged on the overall excellence of the online presence of the publication, principally its web site. Two awards will be given: For Urban (classes 1, 4 and Magazines) and for Community (classes 2 and 3). Entrants must include on the entry form six (6) links to content that highlights their best digital efforts. Criteria:
- Depth and quality of local content
- Timeliness
- Advertising
- Design and functionality
- User experience and engagement
- Quality of reporting and storytelling in six submitted links
#W2 DIGITAL BREAKING NEWS STORY
For coverage of a breaking news event, entries may include video, slideshow, audio, interactive graphic or other digital components on breaking local news. On the entry form, provide a link to the story/project. Criteria:
- Quality of reporting
- Quality of video, audio, images, graphics and overall production
- Relevance to readers and viewers
#W3 DIGITAL NEWS FEATURE STORY
For stories that develop over time or are explanatory in nature, entries may include video, slideshow, audio, interactive graphic or other components that tell the story. On the entry form, provide a link to the story/project. Criteria:
- Quality of storytelling
- Quality of video, audio, images, graphics and overall production
- Relevance to readers and viewers
#W4 DIGITAL SPORTS STORY
Focusing on the sports arena, entries may include video, slideshow, audio, interactive graphic or other components in telling sports-related news or features. On the entry form, provide a link to the story/project. Criteria:
- Quality of storytelling
- Quality of video, audio, images, graphics and overall production
- Relevance to readers and viewers
#W5 DIGITAL BUSINESS NEWS
Business news told through video, slideshow, audio, interactive graphic or other components. On the entry form, provide a link to the story/project. Criteria:
- Quality of reporting
- Quality of video, audio, images, graphics and overall production
- Relevance to readers and viewers
#W6 DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT OR FEATURE STORY
Online stories with an entertainment or feature angle, entries may include video, slideshow, audio, interactive graphic or other components that tell the story. On the entry form, provide a link to the story/project. Criteria:
- Quality of storytelling, originality and creativity
- Quality of video, audio, images, graphics and overall production
- Relevance to readers and viewers
#W7 VIDEO PROGRAM OR SERIES
A regular program or series of at least three episodes on a related topic or theme available on a member publication’s web site or hosted channel, one entry consists of three (3) examples of the program or series from the contest year. Entries are presumed to include video, but may include other elements that contribute to the production. On the entry form, provide a link to the story/project. Criteria:
- Relevance of content to audience and community
- Quality of video, audio, images, graphics and overall production
- Journalistic quality of reporting, commentary or interviewing
#W8 PODCAST
For audio-only podcasts available on a member publication’s web site or hosted channel. One entry consists of three (3) examples of the podcast. One award will be given for all circulation classes. Criteria:
- Relevance of content to audience and community
- Quality of audio, presentation and overall production
- Journalistic quality of reporting, commentary or interviewing
#W9 PLATFORM WRITING
News or commentary written by a staff member for a specific online platform, whether that is a blog, email newsletter, Facebook or some other form of publication affiliated with the member publication. Criteria:
- Quality of writing
- Timeliness and local appeal
- Originality
#W10 DIGITAL INNOVATION
A presentation, tool, platform or engagement feature that provides an innovative way to bring news online and tell stories to readers. Include a link to the entry. Criteria:
- Creativity
- Engagement of readers
- Quality of content
- Attractiveness of design
#W11 DIGITAL HIGH-IMPACT AD
A single ad with dominant placement on or before the home page. Examples include reveal, prestitial and summit ads.
- Concept
- Layout
- Originality
- Effectiveness
#W12 DIGITAL ANIMATED AD
Best multi-slide ad, regardless of size.
- Concept
- Layout
- Originality
- Effectiveness
#W13 DIGITAL STATIC AD
Best single slide ad, regardless of size.
- Concept
- Layout
- Originality
- Effectiveness
