Poynter Institute takes over stewardship of the renowned awards contest previously run by the News Leaders Association, renaming it The Poynter Journalism Prizes.
In a significant development for the journalism community, The Poynter Institute has been announced as the new host of the prestigious awards contest that celebrates the best journalism in the United States. Formerly managed by the News Leaders Association (NLA), the contest will now be known as The Poynter Journalism Prizes. This transition comes as the NLA concludes its operations, entrusting Poynter with the responsibility of upholding the legacy of these esteemed awards. With a rich history of recognizing excellence in writing and reporting, the contest has become a symbol of quality journalism that serves democracy. Poynter, a highly respected journalism organization, is honored to safeguard this tradition.
A Legacy of Excellence
The awards contest, which originated in 1979 as the American Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Writing Awards, was inspired by the late Gene Patterson during his tenure as the editor of the St. Petersburg Times (now the Tampa Bay Times). Patterson, who also served as the chairman of the Poynter Institute, played a pivotal role in establishing the awards. Over the years, Poynter has been closely associated with the contest, hosting the judging process at its headquarters in St. Petersburg and publishing an annual book showcasing the winners’ work.
Honoring Excellence Across Platforms
While the awards initially focused on newspaper writing, they have evolved to encompass excellence in journalism across various news organizations and platforms. According to Poynter President Neil Brown, distinguished writing remains a key criterion in most categories. The contest now recognizes outstanding work in local accountability reporting, distinctive writing, diversity, innovation, commentary, editorials, and more. Each category has specific entry requirements, and the awards are named after accomplished news industry leaders and journalists, with sponsorship from leading media organizations.
The Poynter Journalism Prizes
The Poynter Journalism Prizes will include several distinguished awards that highlight different aspects of exceptional journalism. These awards include:
1. The Batten Medal: Recognizes distinguished coverage of an important news topic, sponsored by the former Knight Ridder editors.
2. The Frank A. Blethen Award for Local Accountability Reporting: Honors outstanding work holding local officials accountable, sponsored by the Seattle Times.
3. The First Amendment Award: Celebrates the best example of protecting or advancing freedom of information principles, sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University’s Free Speech Center.
4. The Deborah Howell Award for Writing Excellence: Commends exceptional writing, sponsored by Advance Publications.
5. The Dori J. Maynard Justice Award: Acknowledges reporting on social justice issues, sponsored by the O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism at Marquette University.
6. The Robert G. McGruder Diversity Award: Recognizes media professionals who promote diversity in hiring and coverage.
7. The Burl Osborne Editorial and Opinion Award: Highlights impactful editorial writing, sponsored by the Dallas Morning News.
8. The Mike Royko Award for Commentary and Column Writing: Celebrates excellence in writing by individuals expressing a personal point of view, sponsored by the Chicago Tribune.
9. The Punch Sulzberger Innovative Editor of the Year: Recognizes a leader who excels in pushing a newsroom to adopt new approaches to journalism, sponsored by the New York Times.
The Future of the Awards
Poynter plans to administer the 2024 contest, covering work from 2023. The awards will be open for entries in January, with a mid-February deadline, and the winners will be announced in April. Poynter will launch a new website dedicated to the contest, providing all the necessary information and updates. The organization expects a smooth transition, with some members of the departing NLA board agreeing to serve as judges for the 2024 contest. The winners will be announced at a livestreamed event from the Poynter Institute, ensuring that the celebration of journalistic excellence reaches a wide audience.
Conclusion:
As the Poynter Institute assumes stewardship of the prestigious awards contest, the journalism community eagerly awaits the continuation of a tradition that recognizes excellence in writing and reporting. The Poynter Journalism Prizes will honor the best of American journalism, celebrating the vital role it plays in serving democracy. With a commitment to upholding the legacy of these distinguished awards, Poynter aims to showcase quality journalism that promotes trust and transparency in the information ecosystem. By becoming the new home for these awards, Poynter solidifies its position as a gold standard in journalistic excellence and a champion of press freedom.
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