The Poynter Journalism Prizes to honor the best in American journalism, as the Poynter Institute takes over stewardship from the News Leaders Association.
The Poynter Institute, a renowned global nonprofit dedicated to journalism excellence, has been chosen as the new home for the prestigious journalism awards previously administered by the News Leaders Association (NLA). The awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in writing, reporting, and innovation, will now be known as The Poynter Journalism Prizes. This transition comes as the NLA concludes its operations, entrusting Poynter to uphold the legacy of these esteemed accolades.
A Rich History of Excellence
The Poynter Institute has a long-standing connection with these awards, which originated in 1979 as the American Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Writing Awards. Inspired by the late Gene Patterson, former editor of the St. Petersburg Times (now the Tampa Bay Times), the awards were initially focused on newspaper writing. Over the years, Poynter has been involved in hosting the judging process and publishing an annual book showcasing the winners’ work. With the merger of the ASNE and the Associated Press Managing Editors into the NLA in 2019, Poynter’s role in the awards has evolved, reflecting the changing landscape of journalism.
Honoring Excellence Across Platforms
While the awards initially emphasized newspaper writing, they have now expanded to recognize excellence in journalism across various news organizations and platforms. Neil Brown, President of the Poynter Institute, emphasizes the continued importance of distinguished writing in most categories. The Poynter Journalism Prizes will celebrate the best of American journalism, highlighting accountability reporting, distinctive writing, diversity, innovation, commentary, editorials, and more.
Diverse Categories and Sponsors
The Poynter Journalism Prizes encompass a range of categories, each sponsored by leading media organizations and named after accomplished news industry leaders and journalists. These categories include:
1. The Batten Medal: Recognizing distinguished coverage of an important news topic, sponsored by editors of the former Knight Ridder.
2. The Frank A. Blethen Award for Local Accountability Reporting: Honoring outstanding work holding local officials accountable, sponsored by the Seattle Times.
3. The First Amendment Award: Celebrating 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: Acknowledging exceptional writing, sponsored by Advance Publications.
5. The Dori J. Maynard Justice Award: Commending 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: Recognizing the accomplishments of media professionals who promote diversity in hiring and coverage.
7. The Burl Osborne Editorial and Opinion Award: Honoring impactful editorial writing, sponsored by the Dallas Morning News.
8. The Mike Royko Award for Commentary and Column Writing: Celebrating 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: Recognizing a leader who excels in pushing a newsroom into new ways of executing the craft of journalism, sponsored by the New York Times.
The Future of the Awards
Poynter will assume the administration of the 2024 contest, covering work from 2023. The institute plans to open entries in January, close them in mid-February, and announce the winners in April. Poynter’s esteemed reputation and commitment to journalistic excellence make it an ideal steward for these awards, ensuring their continued recognition of quality journalism that serves democracy.
Conclusion:
The Poynter Institute’s selection as the new home for the prestigious journalism awards previously overseen by the News Leaders Association ensures the preservation of a legacy that celebrates excellence in American journalism. With its extensive experience and commitment to journalistic integrity, Poynter is poised to continue the tradition of recognizing outstanding writing, reporting, and innovation. As the Poynter Journalism Prizes evolve to embrace the changing landscape of journalism, they will continue to play a vital role in honoring the best of the industry and inspiring future generations of journalists.
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