Outstanding COVID-19 coverage recognition
ACP, SPJ and SND join forces
to present weekly recognition for high school journalists covering COVID-19
WATCH | MORE INFO
“COVID-19 winners from NSPA’s Best of Show,” the May 6, 2020, webinar.
Three major journalism organizations — the National Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Society for News Design — have joined forces to recognize outstanding COVID-19 coverage by high school media.
The competition has two categories: General Content, and Design, the latter including designs and visuals such as photo illustrations, illustrations and informational graphics.
Print, online and broadcast submissions are welcome. There is no cost to enter.
It is critical, however, that you do not put yourself or others in jeopardy of being infected with COVID-19 through your reporting.
There will be three rounds of the Outstanding COVID-19 Coverage competition, with these deadlines —
Midnight CDT Wednesday, April 15
(for content published before the deadline)
Midnight CDT Thursday, April 30
(for content published after April 15)
Midnight CDT Friday, May 15
(for content published after April 30)
CHECK OUT THE HONOREES from the April 15, 2020, deadline.
Work must be produced entirely by high school students and published by official high school media outlets (broadcast, online, newspaper, magazine, yearbook). There is no limit on the number of entries. NSPA membership is not required.
Outstanding general content
Entries can be news or feature, broadcast or written informing your audience about COVID-19. This content can include broadcasts, podcasts, news stories, features, Instagram stories or photo galleries informing your audience about COVID-19. Basically, anything excellent, whatever the delivery method.
Judges will look for
> Accuracy and completeness
> Enterprise and ingenuity
> Significance and effectiveness
> Clarity and insight
> Creative use of the medium’s unique capabilities
Top entries recognized will receive a one-year membership to SPJ and a sweatshirt and plaque from NSPA. Honorable mentions will receive certificates. The recognized work will be shared on the NSPA website and on social media.
SUBMIT COVID-19 GENERAL CONTENT
Outstanding design, including visuals
Submit one design of a story package, page or spread showcasing COVID-19 coverage. You can also submit visuals, including photo illustrations, illustrations, informational graphics and editorial cartoons.
Judges will look for
> Clarity of message with context and a memorable take-away.
> Sophistication in typography, color, and spacing.
> A strong marriage of words and image.
> Hierarchy: arranging elements in a way that implies importance.
> Good use of photographs, charts, or illustration.
> Effectively layered information in pullouts, quotes, and captions.
Top entries recognized will receive a one-year membership to SND and a sweatshirt and plaque from NSPA. Honorable mentions will receive certificates. The recognized work will be shared on the NSPA website and on social media.