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CPA Better Newspaper Contest Rules
The contest is open to member newspapers.
1. Best Editorial Writing
Submit your three (3) best
editorials AS ONE ENTRY. Editorials submitted do not need to be
consecutive or written by the same writer.
Judging is primarily based on
subject matter, reader appeal of the topic covered with an
emphasis on local subjects; courage in tackling controversial
local, national or regional issues. Secondary emphasis will be
placed on clarity and persuasiveness.
2. Best News Story
A newspaper is limited to five (5)
entries. Stories must be written by regularly assigned writers.
Judging is primarily based on
quality and clarity of writing and reporting skills. Secondary
emphasis will be placed on initiative shown by the writer and
quality and impact of story lead.
Entries can include related
elements such as sidebars, photos and illustrations. Each
entry must consist of same-day coverage; no follow-up stories
are to be included.
3. Best Feature Story
A newspaper is limited to five (5)
entries. Stories must be written by regularly assigned writers.
Judging is primarily based on
quality of writing and reporting skills. Secondary emphasis
will be placed on initiative and imagination and quality and
impact of story lead.
Entries can include related
elements such as sidebars, photos and illustrations. Each
entry must consist of same-day coverage; no follow-up stories
are to be included.
4. Best Sports Story
A newspaper is limited to five (5)
entries. Stories must be written by regularly assigned writers.
Judging is primarily based on
quality and clarity of writing and reporting skills. Secondary
emphasis will be placed on initiative shown by the writer and
quality and impact of story lead.
Entries can include related
elements such as sidebars, photos and illustrations. Each
entry must consist of same-day coverage; no follow-up stories
are to be included.
5. Best Sports EVENT Story
A newspaper is limited to five (5)
entries. Stories must be written by regularly assigned writers.
Judging is primarily based on
quality and clarity of writing and reporting skills. Secondary
emphasis will be placed on initiative shown by the writer and
quality and impact of story lead. Judging is based on an
outstanding story about a game or match.
Entries can include related
elements such as sidebars, photos and illustrations. Each
entry must consist of same-day coverage; no follow-up stories
are to be included.
6. Best Business Story
A newspaper may submit up to five
(5) entries. Stories must be written by regularly assigned
writers.
Judging is primarily based on
quality of writing and reporting skills. Secondary emphasis
will be placed on initiative shown by the writer, ability to
explain financial issues, and quality and impact of story lead.
Entries can include related
elements such as sidebars, photos and illustrations. Each
entry must consist of same-day coverage; no follow-up stories
are to be included.
7. Best Agriculture story
A
newspaper is limited to five (5) entries. The five
stories can be written by one or several writers. A
newspaper can submit a five-part series instead of five
separate stories. The coverage must emphasize
agriculture, agribusiness or an agriculture related topic.
Judging is based on quality
of writing and reporting skills. Secondary emphasis will
be placed on initiative shown by the writer, and quality and
impact of story lead.
Entries can include related
elements such as sidebars, photos and illustrations. Each
entry must consist of same-day coverage; no follow-up stories
are to be included.
8. BEST STORY-PICTURE COMBINATION -
NEW for 2005
A newspaper is limited to
five (5) entries. Stories and photos must be produced by
regularly assigned staff members. This category differs
from the Best Photo Essay category because it consists solely
of photography. This category recognizes the package of
text and visual images.
Judging is based on the
marriage of words and pictures, story-telling quality of the
package and impact on the reader.
9. Best Deadline News Reporting
A newspaper is limited to three (3)
entries. Stories must be written by regularly assigned staff.
Select your best coverage of a single event that was
published on a single day. Entry may
include work by more than one staff member. Put the title of
thecoverage on the entry tag where it says "title."
Mark all stories that are part of the coverage. A letter
explaining the event may be helpful, but is optional.
Judging is primarily based on
quality of writing and reporting. Secondary emphasis will be
placed on initiative and imagination, overall impact and
quality and use of photos and graphics.
10. Best Series
A newspaper is limited to three (3)
entries. Stories must be written by regularly assigned writers.
Select your best in-depth coverage of an issue that was
published in several installments. Entry may include cover
letter explaining planning for the series, and the staff and
time commitment. Put the title of the series on the entry tag
where it says "title." Mark all stories that are part
of the series package.
Judging is primarily based on
quality of writing and reporting. Secondary emphasis will be
placed on initiative and overall impact, as well as quality and
quantity of photos and illustrations.
11. Best Sustained Coverage
A newspaper is limited to
two (2) entries. Stories must be written by regularly assigned
writers. Select your best ongoing coverage of an issue that was
published over an extended period of time. Put a key word of
the coverage on the entry tag where it says "title."
Mark all stories that are part of the coverage. Ongoing
coverage of a breaking news event should be submitted in this
category.
Judging is based on the
quality and consistency of reporting, and the newspaper's
ability to inform readers of new developments.
12. Best Special Section
A newspaper is limited to
three (3) entries in this category. Select your best special
section, which can be news or feature. Entry may include work
by more than one writer. Put the title of the section on the
entry tag where it says "title."
Judging is primarily based
on quality of writing and reporting. Secondary emphasis will be
placed on initiative and imagination, overall impact and
quality and use of photos and graphics.
13. Best Serious Column Writing
A newspaper may submit up to
two (2) columns as one (1) entry for each regular columnist or
writer for the newspaper. The general definition of a serious
column is a special feature, concerning issues of importance,
that reflects the writer's individual taste or point of view.
This category can also include commentary about the arts and
entertainment.
Judging is equally based on impact
and quality of writing and literary skills.
14. Best Humorous Column Writing
A newspaper may submit up to
two (2) columns as one (1) entry for each regular columnist or
writer for the newspaper. The general definition of a humorous
column is a special feature whose primary purpose is to
entertain and reflects the writer's individual taste or point
of view. This category can also include commentary about the
arts and entertainment.
Judging is equally based on impact
and quality of writing and literary skills and cleverness.
15. Best Sports Column Writing
A newspaper may submit up to
two (2) columns as one (1) entry for each regular columnist or
writer for the newspaper. The general definition of a sports
column is a special feature, concerning sports related issues
of interest, that reflects the writer's individual taste or
point of view.
Judging is equally based on impact
and quality of writing and literary skills and cleverness.
16. Public Service
A newspaper may submit two
(2) separately labeled projects. A project consists of one (1)
set of collected materials showing the efforts of the newspaper
to render a public service through extensive and enterprising
coverage of a local issue in an effort to affect the public
good. It is helpful and admissible for newspapers to submit a
letter summarizing the public service entry.
Judging is based on the
significance of the project as related to the community,
quality and quantity of news and features, quality and quantity
of photos and illustrations, quality and quantity of editorials
and personal columns and results.
17. Service to the First
To honor an individual or an
organization for distinguished service to the cause of the
First Amendment guarantee of a free press, including, but not
limited to , fighting the threat of censorship in America,
overcoming public uneasiness with regard to press credibility,
combating government secrecy at all levels, and instilling in
the public an appreciation of its need as well as its right to
know as guaranteed by the First Amendment.
18. Best News Photograph
A newspaper may submit up to
three (3) entries for each regularly assigned photographer. No
entries will be accepted from members of the general public
contributing to the newspaper. Submit a tearsheet with news
photo clearly marked and attach an entry tag on each tearsheet.
Glossies are permitted prov-ided they are attached to the
tearsheet with tape. An entry consists of ONE photo.
Judging is based on picture clarity
as printed, story-telling quality, newsworthiness, composition
and attention-getting quality.
19. Best Feature Photograph
A newspaper may submit up to
three (3) entries for each regularly assigned photographer. No
entries will be accepted from members of the general public
contributing to the newspaper. Submit a tearsheet with feature
photo clearly marked and attach an entry tag on each tearsheet.
Glossies are permitted provided they are attached to the
tearsheet with tape. An entry consists of ONE photo.
Judging is based on picture clarity
as printed, story-telling quality, composition,
attention-getting quality and enterprise.
20. Best Sports Photograph
A newspaper may submit up to
three (3) entries for each regularly assigned photographer. No
entries will be accepted from members of the general public
contributing to the newspaper. Submit a tearsheet with sports
photo clearly marked and attach an entry tag on each tearsheet.
Glossies are permitted provided they are attached to the
tearsheet with tape. An entry consists of ONE photo.
Judging is based on picture clarity
as printed, story-telling quality, newsworthiness, composition
and attention-getting quality.
21. Best Photo Essay
A newspaper may submit up to
three (3) entries for each regularly assigned photographer.
Submit essay of two or more photographs published in one issue,
which will represent one (1) entry. Glossies are permitted
provided they are attached to the tearsheet with tape.
Judging is based on picture clarity
as printed, story-telling quality, newsworthiness, composition
and attention-getting quality.
22. Best news Page Design
A newspaper is limited to
three (3) entries. An entry may be an outstanding front page,
cover of a section, double truck or other page that includes
editorial content. An entry may not be a full-page ad or a full
page photo spread.
Judging is based on effective and
creative use of photographs, graphics, typography and other
design elements.
23. Best feature Page Design
A newspaper is limited to
three (3) entries. An entry may be an outstanding front page,
cover of a section, double truck, special section cover or
other page that includes feature content. An entry may not be a
full-page ad or a full page photo spread.
Judging is based on effective and
creative use of photographs, graphics, typography and other
design elements.
24. best EDITORIAL layout &
design
Submit one (1) complete copy
of each of the following issues:
Dailies -
Thurs., May 20 issue plus one (1) other issue of your choice.
Weeklies -
Issue the week of May 17 plus one (1) other issue of your
choice.
Semi-Weeklies -
Both issues the week of May 17 plus both issues of one (1)
other week of your choice.
Judging is primarily based on
general makeup, design and layout. Secondary emphasis
will be placed on layout of body type, head dress, effective
use of type faces, typography, effective use of faces,
illustrations, borders, white space and layout.
25. Best Informational Graphic
A newspaper may submit up to five
(5) graphics as one (1) entry per regularly assigned graphic
designer. No entries will be accepted from members of the
general public contributing to the newspaper. Submit
tearsheets with graphics clearly marked.
Judging is based on the
entry’s information-telling content, artistic design,
creativity and attention-getting quality.
26. Best Headline Writing
A newspaper may submit one
(1) entry of the six (6) best headlines for each headline
writer. Each group of six (6) headlines should be clearly
marked. Do not clip out or mount headlines on separate page.
Tearsheets only.
Judging is primarily based on the
cleverness and imagination of writer, and impact. Secondary
emphasis will be placed on clarity.
27. Best Black & White Ad
A newspaper may submit three
(3) entries for each person on the advertising staff.
Each entry must have been prepared by the advertising
department of the newspaper and published originally in such
newspaper. Each entry must be a single ad using only
black ink screens and reverses.
Judging is primarily based on
effectiveness of ad in delivering its message. Secondary
emphasis will be placed on originality of theme and creativity
of ad layout.
28. Best Use of Color in an ad
A newspaper may submit three
(3) entries for each person on the advertising staff. Each
entry must have been prepared by the advertising department of
the newspaper and published originally in such newspaper. Each
entry must be an ad using one or more colors other than black.
Judging is primarily based on
effectiveness of ad in delivering its message. Secondary
emphasis will be placed on creative use of color, originality
of theme and creativity of ad layout.
29. best small space ad
A newspaper may submit three (3)
entries for each person on the advertising staff. Each entry
must have been prepared by the advertising department of the
newspaper and published originally in such newspaper. Each
entry must be a single ad no larger than a quarter page, and it
can be either black and white or color.
Judging is primarily based on
effectiveness of the ad in delivering its message.
Secondary emphasis will be placed on originality and
usage of space.
30. Best Automotive ad - NEW for
2005
A
newspaper may submit three (3) entries for each person on the
advertising staff. Each entry must have been prepared by
the advertising department of the newspaper and published
originally in such newspaper. Each entry must be a single
ad, any size, color or black and white, and must be ROP.
Preprints are not eligible.
Judging is primarily based on
effectiveness of the ad in delivering its message.
Secondary emphasis is placed on originality and usage of
space.
31. Best Real Estate ad - NEW for
2005
A
newspaper may submit three (3) entries for each person on the
advertising staff. Each entry must have been prepared by
the advertising department of the newspaper and published
originally in such newspaper. Each entry must be a single
ad, any size, color or black and white, and must be ROP.
Preprints are not eligible.
Judging is primarily based on
effectiveness of the ad in delivering its message.
Secondary emphasis is placed on originality and usage of
space.
32. best advertising special section
A newspaper is limited to
three (3) entries. Each entry must have been prepared by the
advertising department and published originally in the entering
newspaper. The entry may be on any subject with a central
theme. The entry may be one or more sections devoted to the
same theme. The entry may be for any number of advertisers. The
entry may or may not contain editorial content and may be black
and white or color. The entry must be a free standing section,
tabloid, mini-tab or broadsheet, newsprint or glossy.
Judging is equally based on
creativity of cover and other graphics, cohesiveness of theme
throughout the section, and visual attractiveness of the
section layout.
33. best advertising campaign
A newspaper is limited to
three (3) entries per advertising sales representative. Each
entry may be for an individual advertiser or group of
advertisers or for an event. Each campaign entry must consist
of 3 or more different ads. Entries may be black and white or
color. Entries may be for retail or classified display
advertising.
Judging is primarily based on
the effectiveness of the series in delivering its message.
Secondary emphasis will be placed on originality of theme,
creativity of layout and cohesiveness of theme throughout the
campaign.
34. Best advertising layout &
design
Submit one (1) complete copy
of each of the issues:
Dailies -
Thurs., April 22 issue plus one (1) other issue of your choice.
Weeklies -
Issue the week of April 19 plus one (1) other issue of your
choice.
Semi-Weeklies -
Both issues the week of April 19 plus both issues of one
other week of your choice.
Judging is equally based on
visual attractiveness of page makeup, convenience to the reader
and overall visual attractiveness of individual ad
content.
35. Best newspaper promotion
A newspaper may submit three
(3) separate entries and all relevant materials to the
promotion of the newspaper or newspaper projects including NIE.
May include but not limited to in-paper advertising or
writing. May include 1/2” videotape, standard audio
cassette recordings, photographs, brochures, rack cards, or any
other material showing depth and scope of the promotion.
A summary letter of explanation may be helpful.
Judging is based on concept,
creativity, copy, graphic design, production, overall
effectiveness, and ability of the promotion to be simulated in
other markets.
36. best circulation promotion
A newspaper may submit three
(3) separate entries and all relevant materials for promoting
the paper’s circulation. May include but not
limited to in-paper campaigns. Must include home
subscriber and newsrack promotions. A summary letter of
explanation may be helpful.
Judging is based on concept,
creativity, copy, graphic design, production, and overall
effectiveness in reaching customers.
37. best classified page(s) or
section(s)
A newspaper is limited to
three (3) entries. Each entry should include full tearsheets of
classified page(s) or section(s) of your choice. Each entry
should also include classified line advertising as well as
classified display advertising.
Judging is based on overall layout,
readability, use of white space, graphics, ease of use for
readers, and promotional materials appearing within the page(s)
or section(s).
Editorial Cartoon
The objective of this
category is to recognize the creative and original work done by
cartoonists for editorial pages, sports pages and other
sections of the newspaper. Circulation is not a factor and
winning entries in the open weekly and open daily classes won't
be counted in the overall point totals for sweepstakes and
general excellence awards.
A newspaper may submit up to five (5) editorial, sports or other
cartoons by regularly assigned
cartoonists. Submit tearsheets with the entries clearly marked.
Five cartoons represent one entry. Weekly and daily entries are judged
separately.
Judging is based on craftsmanship,
insightful analysis of news or issues with an emphasis on
originality.
Web site
If you
wish to enter the Web site competition, the entry fee is $7 per
category. In the past, this competition was open and free to
all newspapers, but a fee was established because another state
press association now judges the entries. The $7 per fee is the
same that newspapers pay in the print competition.
The Web site competition is
judged in weekly and daily classes. the six categories in the
two classes are content, interactivity, design, advertising,
community and multimedia. If you choose to enter your
newspaper’s Web site in only three categories, the entry
fee is $21. If you wish to enter your Web site in all six
categories, the entry fee is $42.
The Web site winners will be
announced during the contest awards presentation at the
Brown Palace Hotel Feb. 25, 2006.
