Here’s a list of current media and journalism awards, including deadlines for applying. If we’re missing any major awards, please contact Mark Glaser at mark [at] mediashift [dot] org, and we’ll add them to the list. Any Featured Awards are paid sponsorships.
FEATURED AWARD
Scripps International Innovators Cup
The Scripps International Innovators Cup invites colleges and universities to pit their best student team around a new media business idea with other teams from around the world. The prize is the top international honor offered as part of the Scripps Innovation Challenge, an annual student competition around media entrepreneurship sponsored by the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University. The mission of the prize is to celebrate student innovation around media entrepreneurship and to highlight creativity and entrepreneurship as it is being implemented in communication and journalism school curricula and student clubs around the world. The Innovators Cup Prize awards one team a top prize of $5,000.
Deadline for Team Registration: Feb. 15, 2016
Learn more here!
JANUARY 2016 DEADLINES & OPPORTUNITIES
Taylor Family Award for Fairness in Journalism
Nieman Foundation for Journalism
The purpose of the annual award is to encourage fairness in news coverage by American journalists and news organizations. The winner receives $10,000. Second and third place finalists receive $1,000 each.
Deadline: Jan. 22, 2016
Bingham Prize for Investigative Journalism
Nieman Foundation for Journalism
The $20,000 Worth Bingham Prize honors investigative reporting of stories of national significance where the public interest is being ill-served. These stories may involve state, local or national government, lobbyists or the press itself, wherever an “atmosphere of easy tolerance” exists, as journalist Worth Bingham himself once described public misconduct in his reporting on the nation’s capital.
Deadline: Jan. 22, 2016
Overseas Press Club Awards Competition
Overseas Press Club of America
The OPC of America honors annual awards for international coverage in the categories of Newspapers, News Services, Websites, Magazines, Radio, Television, Cartoons, Books and Photography. Work must be published or broadcast in the U.S. or by a U.S.-based company or be accessible to an American audience during 2015. All award applications will be entered online. Only categories with books will send a hard copy to the OPC office. Multiple awards available; see website for full application details.
Deadline: Jan. 29, 2016; for the Corneilus Ryan Award, deadline Jan. 6, 2016
2016 Hillman Prizes
Sidney Hillman Foundation
The Sidney Hillman Foundation is now accepting entries for the 2016 Hillman Prizes which honor investigative journalism and commentary in service of the common good. Winners exemplify resourcefulness and courage in reporting, skilled storytelling, social impact and relevance to the ideals of Sidney Hillman.
Deadline: Jan. 30, 2016
International Graphic Humor Salon
International Exhibition of Graphic Humor of Pernambuco
Cartoonists from around the world can participate in this exhibit. The event, sponsored by the Government of Pernambuco State, will take place April 3 to May 1, 2016 in Recife. Categories are cartoon on human rights and caricatures of thinkers who helped make the world a better place. There is also a special contest for public schools students in Pernambuco state.
Deadline: Jan. 31, 2016
2016 Nelson Algren Literary Awards
Chicago Tribune Company LLC
The Tribune’s Algren Awards short story contest is named after author Nelson Algren, seen here circa 1950.
Deadline: Jan. 31, 2016
FEBRUARY 2016 DEADLINES & OPPORTUNITIES
Anthony Shadid Award for Journalism Ethics
University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Journalism Ethics
The Anthony Shadid Award for Journalism Ethics recognizes outstanding application of ethical standards by an individual journalist or group of journalists. We seek nominations for ethical decisions in reporting stories in any journalistic medium, including, print, broadcast and digital, by those working for established news organizations or publishing individually. Individuals or news organizations may nominate themselves or others.
Deadline for nominations: Feb. 1, 2016
2016 RNA Contests & Awards
Religion Newswriters Association
The Religion Newswriters Association’s annual contests showcase religion journalism excellence in the news media, with more than $10,000 in prizes. Information on award guidelines, eligibility and entry fees is available via the award category links on RNA’s website. Entrants need not be RNA members, but joining RNA can save up to $75 on entry fees and simplify the entry process.
Deadline: Feb. 1, 2016, Early-bird deadline: Jan. 15, 2016
One World Media Awards
One World Media
The One World Media Awards honor underreported stories on social, political or cultural life in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East and former Soviet republics. The competition has 15 categories across a wide range of genres, including journalist of the year, corruption reporting, refugee reporting, women’s rights in Africa, and a special award for an independent media outlet based in a developing country.
Deadline: Feb. 4, 2016
Edward R. Murrow Awards
Radio Television Digital News Association
The award honors outstanding achievements in electronic journalism and are presented to news organizations.
Deadline: Feb. 5, 2016
2016 Michael Kelly Award
Atlantic Media Co.
The Michael Kelly Award honors a writer or editor whose work exemplifies a quality that animated Michael Kelly’s own career: the fearless pursuit and expression of truth. In recognition of Michael Kelly’s career as a reporter and editor at a variety of newspapers and magazines, entries are encouraged from publications big and small, as well as from young journalists, whom Michael Kelly took delight in mentoring. Entries must be for work published in a U.S.-based print or online publication in 2015.
Deadline: Feb. 5, 2016
Sigma Delta Chi Awards
Society of Professional journalists
The awards recognize the best in professional journalism in categories covering print, radio, television, newsletters, art/graphics, online and research. The contest is open to any work published or broadcast by a U.S. or international media outlet. Freelance work is eligible. Entries must have been published or broadcast during 2015.
Deadline: Feb. 5, 2016
Ancil Payne Awards for Ethics in Journalism
University of Oregon
The Ancil Payne Awards honor journalists who exhibit extraordinary commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct in journalism, even when faced with economic, personal or political pressure. The judges are most interested in the challenging decisions made and the process used in reporting, writing, editing and publishing journalism that made a difference to the local or global community. The Ancil Payne Awards define “journalist” broadly. Individuals or organizations engaged in gathering, assessing, creating, and publishing journalism in U.S. based media in the 2015 calendar year may be nominated. In addition, journalists who make ethical decisions made in the 2015 calendar year that result in principled actions to defend and protect journalistic integrity may be nominated for the 2015 Payne Awards.
Deadline: Deadline for nominations is Feb. 15, 2016
Mirror Awards
Syracuse University S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
The Mirror Awards honor excellence in media industry reporting in various categories for various forms of media.
Deadline: Feb. 15, 2016
UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Freedom Prize
UNESCO
Named in honor of Guillermo Cano Isaza, an assassinated Colombian journalist, the Prize is intended to honor a person, organization or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the defence and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially when this has been achieved in the face of danger. It is intended to reward journalists who have shown dedication in the name of freedom of expression and information, and to afford them the international recognition they deserve. Candidates can be submitted by Member States and organizations working in the field of journalism and freedom of expression. The recipient will be recognized during the World Press Freedom Day ceremony to be held May 2 in Helsinki, Finland.
Deadline: Feb. 15, 2016
Aronson Awards for Social Justice Journalism
Hunter College Department of Film & Media Studies
The James Aronson Awards for Social Justice Journalism honor original, written English-language reporting from the U.S. media that brings to light widespread injustices, their human consequences, underlying causes and possible reforms. This includes but is not limited to: discrimination, exploitation, violations of human rights or civil liberties and environmental degradation. Awards are available in the categories of cartooning, journalism and documentary. Stories should have appeared in U.S. newspapers, magazines, newsletters or Internet publications between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of the year prior to the contest.
Deadline: Feb. 15, 2016
New America Award
Society of Professional Journalists
SPJ’s New America Award honors public service journalism that explores and exposes an issue of importance to immigrant or ethnic communities currently living in the United States. Although not required, collaboration with ethnic media is taken into account. To be eligible, work must have been published or broadcast during the 2015 calendar year. SPJ welcomes entries from media outlets, journalists, community and issue advocacy groups, individuals and others concerned with ethnic issues.
Deadline: Feb. 19, 2016
IWMF Courage in Journalism Awards
The International Women’s Media Foundation is seeking nominations for its three annual awards: the 2016 Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award, the Courage in Journalism Awards, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award celebrates women photographers whose work demonstrates bravery, dedication, and skill while reporting the news through images. The Award honors the courage of Anja Niedringhaus, Pulitzer prize-winning AP photographer and IWMF Courage Award winner who was killed while on assignment in Afghanistan in 2014.
The Courage Awards recognize women journalists who have demonstrated extraordinary strength of character in pursuing their profession under difficult or dangerous circumstances such as government oppression, threats to personal safety, and other intimidating obstacles.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors women journalists who have a pioneering spirit and whose accomplishments have paved the way for future generations of women in the media. Candidates for the Niedringhaus Photojournalism and Courage in Journalism Awards must be staff or freelance women reporters, writers, editors, photographers, or producers working in any country. Lifetime Achievement Award candidates can be either working or retired woman journalists.
Deadline: Nominations for the 2016 Anja Neidringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award must be submitted by, Feb. 12, 2016. Courage and Lifetime Award nominations must be submitted by, Feb. 26, 2016.
Southern African Development Community Media Awards
Southern African Development Community
These awards in the fields of print, radio, television and photojournalism cater to entrants from theSADC member states. The themes of the entries must be on issues and activities promoting regional integration in the SADC region, such as infrastructure, economy, water, culture, sports and agriculture.
Deadline: Feb. 29, 2016
MARCH 2016 DEADLINES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thomas L. Stokes Award for Best Energy Writing
National Press Foundation
Each year, the National Press Foundation presents the Thomas L. Stokes Award to a journalist for the best writing on the subject of energy. The Stokes Award was established in the spring of 1959 by friends and admirers of the late Thomas L. Stokes, the syndicated Washington columnist on national affairs. It is given annually for the best writing “in the independent spirit of Tom Stokes” on subjects of interest to him including energy, natural resources and the environment. The winner of the award receives $1,000 and a citation. The subject may be any form of energy — oil, gas, coal, nuclear, water, solar, etc. The writing may be reporting, analysis or commentary and can consist of one to three articles on unrelated subjects, or one series of articles or a project on a related subject. Journalists from print, online and broadcast are welcome to apply. The award is for journalism published or broadcast in 2015.
Deadline: Mar. 15, 2016
Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Mental Health Reporting
National Press Foundation
This award was established to honor excellence in mental health reporting. The award, which carries a $10,000 prize, is called the Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Mental Health Reporting, in memory of the Potomac, Maryland philanthropist and activist. Mattingly’s family decided to establish the award in the aftermath of her tragic death in 2014. The award is open to any journalist at a U.S. based new organization, including print, broadcast and online journalists. The award recognizes exemplary journalism that illuminates and advances the understanding of mental health issues and treatments for the illness. Entries are welcome for journalism published between March 1, 2015 and March 1, 2016.
Deadline: Mar. 15, 2016
APRIL 2016 DEADLINES & OPPORTUNITIES
Data Journalism Awards
Global Editors Network
The awards is an international contest recognizing outstanding work in data journalism worldwide.
Deadline: Apr. 10, 2016
Roche Health Journalism Award
Digital and radio journalists living in Latin America who covered health issues in 2015 are invited to compete. Roche Labs Latin America and the Gabriel García Márquez Foundation for a New Iberoamerican Journalism (FNPI) call for the fourth edition of the Roche Health JournalismAward.Entries may be submitted in two categories: Internet and radio. Works must focus on one or more of the following topics: innovation in healthcare, biotechnology and health, access to health treatments, research and development, public health policies and oncology.
Deadline: Apr. 10, 2016
DEADLINES DOWN THE LINE
Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards
Columbia University
The award recognizes excellence in broadcast, documentary and digital journalism.
Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prizes for Reporting on the Presidency and on National Defense
Each year, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation awards two distinguished journalism prizes, one for reporting on the Presidency and the other for reporting on National Defense. These prizes, initiated in 1988, recognize reportorial excellence and the fostering of better public understanding of the presidency and national defense. Each year the two prizes are presented to the winners at a reception and luncheon in Washington, D.C. and include a $5,000 award, one for each prize.
AP-Google Scholarship
Online News Association
The scholarship program fosters new journalism skills in undergraduate and graduate students enveloping projects at the intersection of journalism and technology.
APME Journalism Excellence Awards
Associated Press Media Editors
The awards honor superior journalism and innovation among newspapers, radio, television and online news sites across the United States and Canada.
European Digital Media Awards
World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers
The awards honor European publishers that have excelled in their digital offerings.
ICFJ Awards
International Center for Journalists
The ICFJ has various awards, including a news innovation award, which promotes the free flow of news and the open exchange of ideas, and an award for general excellence in journalism.
Online Journalism Awards
Online Journalism Association
The Online Journalism Awards (OJAs) was launched in May 2000 to honor excellence in digital journalism around the world. The 2015 OJAs entry period are open now and close mid-June.
Pulitzer Prizes
Columbia University
The Pulitzer Prize awards achievements in newspaper and online journalism, literature and musical composition.
Selden Ring Award
Presented by the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, the Selden Ring Award highlights the importance of investigative journalism in modern day reporting. Nominations are generally received in January.
Shorty Awards
The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media. Millions of people participate in The Shortys to recognize individuals and organizations producing great content on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, Foursquare and the rest of the social web.
Society of Professional Journalists Awards
The Society of Professional Journalists has various awards for professional to collegiate journalists for excellence in various forms of media. Awards are rolling and there are several with deadlines in June. Please check the site for more details.
The Bookmarks Awards
Digital Media and Marketing Association
The Bookmarks Awards, based in South Africa, honor excellence in digital work, from websites, app development and games to multimedia and digital journalism.
Webby Awards
The Webby Awards honor the best of the web, from multimedia to digital journalism to interactive publishing to online campaigns.
Sonia Paul is a freelance journalist reporting in India and the United States, and is the editorial assistant at MediaShift. Her work has appeared in a broad range of media, including the Al Jazeera Media Network, Caravan, Foreign Policy, Guardian, Mashable, New York Times, PRI’s The World, Roads & Kingdoms and VICE News. She previously produced the grant-funded podcast series Shizuoka Speaks, based in Japan. She is on Twitter and Instagram @sonipaul.