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General Rules |
Helpful Hints |
Entry Requirements |
Judging Criteria
Public Service Categories |
Awards Presentation |
Download Entry Form
The Sigma Delta Chi Awards date back to 1932, when the Society first honored six individuals for contributions to journalism. The current program began in 1939, when the organization awarded the first Distinguished Service Awards. These awards later became the Sigma Delta Chi Awards.
The awards recognize the best in professional journalism in 53 categories, covering print, radio, television, newsletters, photography, online and research.
Deadline for entries: Feb. 4, 2009
Download an entry form [PDF]
General Rules
—Entries must have been published or broadcast during 2008.
— Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 4, 2009.
— Each entry may be submitted in only one category.
— Entrants may enter as many categories as desired. To see a complete list of categories, follow this link.
— VHS tapes and standard DVD format will be accepted in the television categories.
— Audiocassettes and CD-ROMs will be accepted in the radio categories.
— Original clips and tearsheets are preferred, but photocopies will be accepted. Broadcast entries must have been broadcast during the 2008 calendar year.
— All broadcast entries should be accompanied by a script if available.
— Entrants in all online categories should keep their nominated sites intact and accessible until the winners are announced.
— Up to four (4) individuals may be named on a team entry, otherwise the entry must be made in the name of the staff of the publication or station.
— No part of any entry will be returned. SPJ reserves the right to use any part or the whole of any entry for publicity or educational purposes.
— If mailing multiple entries in the same package, clearly separate each entry to prevent confusion. Place all entry fees in an envelope marked “Entry Fees.” Include a list of entries the fee covers.
— Supporting materials should be limited to 10 pages per entry.
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Helpful Hints
— Let your cover letter speak for you. Explain why you believe your entry is the finest example of journalism in its category.
— Sidebars, editorials, op-ed pieces and letters-to-the-editor may be included as supporting material but must be limited to 10 pages per entry.
— Your entry, including portfolios, folders, binders, etc. may not exceed 11-by-17 inches.
— No loose clippings, please. Paperclip the original entry form and two copies to the front of the entry.
— Clearly label your videotapes, audio cassettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs and supporting material.
— Do not send an entry without entry fee. If payment is being sent separately by your company's finance department, a letter must be included stating this and supplying the contact information for your finance department. If several packages are sent, enclose a check in each package for the correct amount for entries in the package. No refunds will be issued.
— The entry form may be copied as needed. Additional forms can be downloaded here.
— Many categories are based on market size or circulation. Please make sure your entry is submitted in the correct category.
— In the Radio/TV categories, all edits/segments should be made explicit, through use of silence, beeps or some other fully transparent mechanism.
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Entry Requirements
— Include three copies of typed or printed entry form for each entry.
— Include fee of $60 per entry for SPJ members or $100 per entry for nonmembers. To claim the $60 member fee, you must supply your personal SPJ member number. If it is a team entry, claim the $60 fee if at least one member of the team is a member of SPJ. You must provide the member's name and SPJ member number. Make checks payable to Society of Professional Journalists. No refunds issued.
— Please note: SPJ does not have institutional memberships for professional organizations where one membership number would cover all entries from that organization.
— A cover letter with the following information:
— A summary of the story or stories.
— A discussion of major findings and subsequent results.
— A review of the process followed to get the story, including information about the circumstances that prompted the story; the length of time taken to report, write, and edit; and sources and references used.
— An account of the difficulty or uniqueness of effort in obtaining the story.
— ACCURACY REQUIREMENT: Any corrections, clarifications or retractions made after initial publishing or broadcast must be submitted as part of the entry. Also, copies of any written challenges to the report’s accuracy sent to the entrant or the news organization by or on behalf of those mentioned — including but not limited to letters, e-mails or legal papers — must be included with the entry. Any responses by the news organization should also be included.
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Judging Criteria
— Materials will be judged by distinguished, veteran journalists. All decisions are final except that the Board of Directors of SPJ may decide not to make an award in a particular category if doing so would compromise the award program.
— One award is issued in each category; no ties or honorable mentions are awarded.
— An award may be withheld if the judges decide no entry merits recognition.
— The authority for circulation is “Editor and Publisher Yearbook,” and for market size, “Broadcasting and Cable Marketplace.” Nationally syndicated cable television programs are classified as networks. Newspaper circulation is defined as average daily circulation.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
— Readability
— Effectiveness of interpretation
— Accuracy and completeness
— Enterprise
— Clarity and Style
— Resourcefulness of the reporter in overcoming obstacles
— Interest
— Adherence to the SPJ Code of Ethics
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Public Service Categories
In addition to the listed criteria, entries in the public service categories will be judged on the significance of the service rendered. Judges will look for evidence of courage and initiative in overcoming opposition; effectiveness of the presentation; and results obtained, such as changes and reforms effected or pledged. (These awards are presented to a news organization, not individual journalists.)
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Awards Presentation
Winners will be announced in the spring of 2009 and honored during the SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference, Aug. 27-30 in Indianapolis.
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For more information contact SPJ Headquarters at 317/927-8000 or via e-mail.
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Sigma Delta Chi Awards
General Info
Categories
Download Entry Form [PDF]
Previous Honorees
2008 Winners
2007 Winners
2006 Winners
2005 Winners
2004 Winners
2003 Winners
2002 Winners
2001 Winners
2000 Winners
1999 Winners
1998 Winners [PDF, 6.9 MB]
1997 Winners
1996 Winners
Awards
Awards Home
Sigma Delta Chi
Mark of Excellence
Foundation Awards
All Awards
Awards and Honors Committee
This committee oversees most of the Society's awards, which are dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in journalism. Any changes in guidelines, judging criteria, categories or eligibility are reviewed by this committee.
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