When: July 11, 2008 Where: National Press Club, Washington D.C. RSVP Deadline: July 1, 2008
The banquet begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 and then the awards ceremony. Attire is black tie (optional). Individual tickets may be purchased for $65 or a table of eight may be purchased for $475. Please contact Heather Porter via e-mail or at 317-927-8000 ext. 204 to RSVP. Payment is due at time of RSVP.
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 48 categories, covering print, radio, television, newsletters, photography, online and research.
— Entries must have been published or broadcast during 2007.
— Entries must have been published or broadcast during 2007.
— Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 6, 2008.
— 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 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 2007 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.
— 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.
— 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.
— 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 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.
— 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
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.)
Winners will be announced in the spring of 2008 and honored in July at the Sigma Delta Chi Awards Banquet at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Who we are Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. SDX is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
Liberty and self-government require a well-informed public. It is the responsibility of journalists to provide fair, balanced and accurate information in a comprehensive, timely and ethical manner.
SDX helps by:
— Advocating for open government
— Promoting integrity
— Encouraging excellence
— Fostering diversity
— Inspiring new generations of talented journalists
— Protecting freedom of speech and press
Through the years, SDX has created a legacy of worthwhile programs to achieve these aims, including:
— Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information Internships
— Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writers
— Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award
— Diversity Toolbox/Rainbow Sourcebook
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.
Society of Professional Journalists
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center, 3909 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208
317/927-8000 | Fax: 317/920-4789 | Contact SPJ Headquarters | Employment Opportunities
