Categories
It’s ironic: in an age in which anyone with a camera phone is a photographer, a photo that truly captures a moment, idea, insight or unique perspective on an event is more powerful than ever. The winning entry in the Photography category will showcase that power and skill in an image appearing as part of a photo essay, slide show, magazine or newspaper spread or article or advertisement.
Audio Storytelling
There’s a reason why radio has been described as the most intimate medium: it’s ubiquitous, it reaches listeners in their most private spaces and – even in the internet age – it’s often the first to break and deliver news. We’re looking for great audio stories – online or on-air broadcasts or podcasts – that harness the spoken word to inform and inspire.
Written Word
Whether news story or feature, editorial or blog post, print piece or online posting, the winning submission in the Written Word category will exemplify storytelling in the traditions of great journalism. In addition to illuminating a subject or event with skill and insight, your submission might also compel readers to action or move them to tears.
Videography
Powerful video doesn’t just tell a story with imagery and narrative; it creates a relationship with viewers and an understanding of issues in ways that no other medium can. It can persuade as well as inform. The winner of the Videography category may be a news story, feature, documentary or public service announcement. It might have been produced as a standalone piece or as a segment of a television or online broadcast or vlog post.
Public Relations
Excellent modern public relations relies on a wide variety of abilities: excellent writing, organizational, stategizing and communication skills, of course, as well as an instinct for motivating and persuading audiences. Your entry might be a media kit, news release, communications plan, speech or even an entire campaign, but will demonstrate at least one (and ideally several) of these skills. Be sure to include, with your entry, a brief description of your client (real or hypothetical), and indicate whether or not your project was implemented in “real life.”
Multimedia Production
The winning entry in this category will meld any combination of storytelling, videography, still photography, infographics and interactive elements in a compelling report, presentation, editorial story or marketing initiative. What’s key: creativity, a clear and compelling message and seamless integration of multimedia elements.
Design: Print Magazine Cover or Spread
The most compelling issues or stories reflect inspired collaboration between writers and editors and designers. Your entry in this category should reflect effective use of great art (photography and/or illustration), superior use of typography, compelling packaging and an understanding of how a defined visual language communicates a publication’s brand.
Design: Online News Site or Magazine
Even more than great storytelling, the best websites in the crowded world of online media combine a range of content, ease of navigation and exciting design that showcases a variety of engaging media: in short, a compelling experience. The winning entry in this category will combine great art, design and typography in ways that not only tell impactful stories but define the publication’s brand.
