2010 BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
Winners of the Better Newspaper Contest were announced at Winter Convention March 19 in St. George. UPA thanks everyone that entered and congratulates the winners.To view the Awards Presentation, click here to download a PDF (14MB)
To download the BNC Award Winners press release in Word format, click here
Winning this year’s honors are:
Writing and Reporting Division
Best Breaking News Story
Group 1:
Third place, The Leader, “Miraculous landing”
Second place, Southern Utah News, “Deputy Harris shot and killed”
First place, Sanpete Messenger, “Wilbur Braithwaite, 1926-2010”
Group 2:
Third place, Sun Advocate, “School superintendent arrested”
Second place, Uintah Basin Standard, “Oil dumped in Strawberry River”
First place, The Wasatch Wave, “Crew lucky to have survived Coast Guard helicopter crash”
Group 3:
Third place, The Valley Journals, “Herriman recovers from devastating fire”
Second place, Davis County Clipper “Threats and bribery or political scheme?”
First place, The Park Record “Trench worker rescued”
Best General News Reporting, Single Story (Group 4)
Third place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “This is the church I know and love”
Second place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “From combat to lockdown”
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “Nine banks reeling from bad land bets”
Best News Coverage
Group 1:
Third place, Sanpete Messenger
Second place, The Leader
First place, Southern Utah News
Group 2:
Third place, Uintah Basin Standard
Second place, The Signpost
First place, Vernal Express
Group 3:
Third place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin
Second place, The Utah Statesman
First place, Davis County Clipper
Best Investigative Reporting (Group 4)
Third place, The Salt Lake Tribune for “In Utah's foreclosure crisis the worst is yet to come”
Second place, The Salt Lake Tribune for “Sickened by service”
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune for “My water bill pays for what?”
Best General News Story
Group 1:
Third place, Southern Utah News, “Deputy Harris shot and killed”
Second place, Sanpete Messenger for “Death of school girl has tragic twists”
First place, Sanpete Messenger for “Boy charged as adult in group home assault”
Group 2 :
Third place, The Times-Independent, “Search for suspect in ranger shooting 'scaled back'
Second place, Sun Advocate, “Mine bankruptcy aftershock hits local companies”
First place, The Signpost, “Cutting professors' phone lines”
Group 3:
Third place, The Valley Journals, “Historic Sugar Factory fate sealed”
Second place, Davis County Clipper, “Long, horrible nightmare rocks Layton”
First place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “A hero comes home”
Best Editorial (Group 4)
Third place, The Spectrum, “List goes too far”
Second place, Daily Herald for “Court defends free speech”
First place, Daily Herald for “Is Arizona right?”
Best Feature Story
Group 1:
Third place, Emery County Progress, “Emery County's own rodeo judge”
Second place, The Leader, “Jonah's Tale”
First place, Sanpete Messenger, “Making himself heard”
Group 2:
Third place, Vernal Express, “Dutch man adops grave of Basin soldier”
Second place, The Signpost, “Bikes for Africa”
First place, The Times-Independent, “Pumpkin chucking team sets new world record”
Group 3:
Third place, The Utah Statesman, “Gardener's market brings fresh medley”
Second place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “Inside the Salt Flat News”
First place, The Utah Statesman, “Spice: The big issue”
Best Feature Reporting (Group 4)
Third place, The Salt Lake Tribune for “What if the music dies?”
Second place, The Salt Lake Tribune for “127 Hours”
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune for A liver for Lulu”
Best News Series
Group 1:
Third place, The Eagle, “More air quality problems in SAC”
Second place, Sanpete Messenger, “Top Stop gas leak”
First place, Southern Utah News, “Deputy Harris shot and killed”
Group 2:
Third place, Springville Herald, “Students injured in rollover accident”
Second place, The Wasatch Wave “Remark sparks heated discussion on future of EMS medical director”
First place, Sun Advocate, “Carbon district names new superintendent of schools”
Group 3 :
Third place, The Valley Journals, “Holladay Village Center”
Second place, The Utah Statesman, “Regents approve USU-CEU merger”
First place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “RMP surges ahead”
Group 4:
Third place, Standard-Examiner, “A new hope”
Second place, Daily Herald, “Young lives lost”
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune, continuing coverage of veteran's affairs
Best Feature Series
Group 1:
Third place, Southern Utah News, “Potters Pond evolves into Jackson Reservoir”
Second place, The Eagle, “Sweeney Todd opens this week”
First place, The Leader, “Great Salt Lake”
Group 2:
Third place, Sun Advocate, “Foster care”
Second place, The Signpost, “Searching for a solution in Kenya”
First place, Vernal Express “Dry Fork Plume Trail”
Group 3 :
Third place, The Richfield Reaper, “Constructing big changes at Huish”
Second place, Davis County Clipper, “Barnes Bank series”
First place, The Park Record, “Graffiti as art: Is Banksy responsible?”
Group 4 :
Third place, The Daily Universe, “Following the Haydons”
Second place, The Spectrum, “Alzheimer's Challenge”
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “Rescue at Nutty Putty Cave”
Best Editorial
Group 1 :
Third place, Southern Utah News, “Recent Supreme Court ruling a big mistake”
Second place, Sanpete Messenger for “Do not allow private landfills”
First place, Sanpete Messenger for “Fallout from gas leak continues to stink for Gunnison”
Group 2:
Third place, The Wasatch Wave, “Government behind closed doors”
Second place, The Signpost “Making reform that counts”
First place, Sun Advocate “Legislative 'you break it, you buy it”
Group 3:
Third place, The Richfield Reaper, “SUWA maneuvering is same old tripe”
Second place, Intermountain Catholic “New Arizona law highlights need for comprehensive reform”
First place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin “It's OK to questions Sant's contract with Tooele City
Best Editor's/Feature Column
Group 1 :
Third place, Southern Utah News, “Domestic Blitz”
Second place, Sanpete Messenger, “Publisher's Perspective”
First place, The Leader, “Cook E. Crumbs”
Group 2:
Third place, Vernal Express “Small Businesses”
Second place, The Signpost, “Common Sense”
First place, Springville Herald “Been there, done that”
Group 3:
Third place, Davis County Clipper “Inside story”
Second place, The Valley Journals “Life and laughter”
First place, The Park Record “Sunday in the Park”
Group 4:
Third place, The Salt Lake Tribune, Paul Rolly columns
Second place, Standard-Examiner, Mark Saal columns
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune, Culture Vulture columns
Best Sports Column
Group 1: (no third place)
Second place, Emery County Progress, “Sports stuff”
First place, The Eagle, “Next on the tee”
Group 2:
Third place, The Signpost “Pertinent position”
Second place, The Wasatch Wave, “Wasatch Outside”
First place, Vernal Express “From the desk of Greg Knight”
Group 3:
Third place, Davis County Clipper, “From the sidelines”
Second place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “From the sidelines”
First place, The Park Record, “Redcard Roberts”
Group 4:
Third place, The Spectrum, David Cordero columns
Second place, The Salt Lake Tribune, Gordon Monson columns
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune, Kurt Kragthorpe columns
Best Spot News Coverage (Group 4)
Third place, Standard-Examiner, “Foggy, fiery plane crash”
Second place, The Spectrum “Swept away”
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune “Gardner executed”
Best Sports Story
Group 1:
Third place, The Leader, “Tennis” story
Second place, Sanpete Messenger, “Talking a good game”
First place, The Leader, “Skinner wrestling” story
Group 2:
Third place, The Signpost, “Religion leaves prints on sports”
Second place, The Times-Independent, “Lady Devils clinch state softball title”
First place, The Signpost, “Wildcats win overtime thriller”
Group 3:
Third place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “Three valley high schools set to go head to head”
Second place, The Valley Journals, “Special addition to Bingham High athletics”
First place, The Utah Statesman, “Instructor takes 'foots on' approach”
Group 4:
Third place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “coverage of the Olympics”
Second place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “Emails show how WAC-BYU deal caved”
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “BYU goes rogue”
Photography Division
Best Photo Page
Group 1:
Third place, The Pyramid, “4th of July”
Second place, The Eagle, February 11th
First place, Sanpete Messenger, “Pioneer Day”
Group 2:
Third place, Vernal Express, “SEED, a feast for the soul”
Second place, The Wasatch Wave, “Zero fatalities”
First place, Uintah Basin Standard “A new Thanksgiving tradition?”
Group 3:
Third place, The Park Record, “Summit County Fair”
Second place, The Richfield Reaper, “Paying tribute”
First place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “Night at the rodeo”
Best News Photograph
Group 1:
Third place, Sanpete Messenger, “Farewell, coach”
Second place, The Eagle, “45 year drought ends”
First place, The Leader, “Westergard funeral”
Group 2:
Third place, The Signpost, “Shaved for ailing friend”
Second place, Sun Advocate, “Big mess, no injuries in bypass rollover”
First place, Vernal Express, “Injured in Jensen fire”
Group 3:
Third place, Intermountain Catholic, “What a shame”
Second place, The Utah Statesman, “Department head injured”
First place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “A hero comes home”
Group 4:
Third place, Daily Herald, “Fatal fire”
Second place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “Homecoming”
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “Ice rescue”
Best Feature Photograph
Group 1 :
Third place, Emery County Progress, “Food drive”
Second place, The Leader, “Mirror image”
First place, The Leader, “Ping pong toss”
Group 2:
Third place, Springville Herald, “Fireworks”
Second place, Vernal Express, “Staying fit when it's freezing”
First place, Spanish Fork Press, “Volunteers help with cemetery flags”
Group 3:
Third place, The Richfield Reaper, “Eye contact”
Second place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “Withstanding the test of time”
First place, The Utah Statesman, “A-Day marks 100 years”
Group 4:
Third place, Standard-Examiner, “Drivin' the herd”
Second place, Standard-Examiner, “A working dog's life”
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “swimming”
Best Sports Photograph
Group 1:
Third place, The Eagle, “Men's basketball season opener”
Second place, The Leader, “Football”
First place, The Leader, “Boys basketball”
Group 2:
Third place, Sun Advocate, “Skate to the finish”
Second place, The Signpost, “Wildcats win overtime thriller”
First place, Box Elder News Journal, “So close”
Group 3:
Third place, The Park Record, “Girls run to win”
Second place, Davis County Clipper, “Rich brothers lead West Point to district wrestling title”
First place, The Valley Journals, “Riverton gears up for spring sports season”
Group 4:
Third place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “Utah's Bahrke takes home bronze in Olympic freestyle”
Second place, Daily Herald, “Special Olympics champion”
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “Homecoming kings”
Layout, Design and Typography Division
Best Front Page
Group 1:
Third place, The Pyramid
Second place, Sanpete Messenger
First place, The Leader
Group 2:
Third place, The Signpost
Second place, Sun Advocate
First place, Springville Herald
Group 3:
Third place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin
Second place, Iron County Today
First place, The Park Record
Group 4:
Third place, The Daily Universe
Second place, The Salt Lake Tribune
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune
Best Sports Page
Group 1:
Third place, The Eagle
Second place, The Pyramid
First place, Sanpete Messenger
Group 2:
Third place, Box Elder News Journal
Second place, Vernal Express
First place, The Signpost
Group 3:
Third place, The Utah Statesman
Second place, Davis County Clipper
First place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin
Group 4:
Third place, The Daily Universe
Second place, The Salt Lake Tribune
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune, Vancouver Olympic Primer pages
Best Feature or Community Lifestyle Page
Group 1 :
Third place, The Leader
Second place, Emery County Progress
First place, Sanpete Messenger
Group 2:
Third place, Box Elder News Journal
Second place, The Signpost
First place, Vernal Express
Group 3:
Third place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin
Second place, The Park Record
First place, Davis County Clipper
Group 4:
Third place, Standard-Examiner
Second place, Daily Herald
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune
Advertising and Promotion Division
Best Staff Produced Ad
Group 1:
Third place, The Leader, “County Fair”
Second place, Emery County Progress, “Desert View Financial”
First place, Southern Utah News, “Special Concert”
Group 2:
Third place, Vernal Express, “Give a dog a choice”
Second place, Uintah Basin Standard, “Uintah Basin Medical Center”
First place, The Signpost, “World Food Day”
Group 3:
Third place, The Richfield Reaper, “Mother's Day Sale”
Second place, The Park Record, “Green Soil Organic”
First place, The Park Record “Mountain Town Music”
Group 4:
Third place, Daily Herald, “Spanish Fork Chamber of Commerce”
Second place, Deseret News, “Geex”
First place, The Daily Universe, “Find the place that matches your style”
Best Staff Produced R.O.P. Ad Campaign
Group 1:
Third place, The Morgan County News, “From A to Z, reasons to take the Morgan County News back to school”
Second place, Sanpete Messenger, “Kevin Holman for Sanpete County Sheriff”
First place, The Morgan County News “Events covered”
Group 2:
Third place, Sun Advocate, “Tony Basso GM”
Second place, Vernal Express “Give a dog a choice” series
First place, The Wasatch Wave, “Days Market banner ads”
Group 3:
Third place, The Valley Journals, “Sam's Club”
Second place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin “Women's Center”
First place, El Observador de Utah, “Coomcast and the World Cup”
Group 4:
Third place, The Daily Universe, “Center for Conflict Resolution”
Second place, Daily Herald, “El Azteca”
First place, The Daily Universe, “Office of Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships”
Best Use of Ad Color
Group 1:
Third place, Sanpete Messenger, “Dirk's Restaurant”
Second place, Southern Utah News, “Western Legends Roundup”
First place, Southern Utah News, “Greyhound Gathering”
Group 2:
Third place, Sun Advocate, “11th and 12th grade openings”
Second place, Millard County Chronicle Progress “Service Drug”
First place, Nebo Reporter, “Big O Tires”
Group 3:
Third place, The Valley Journals, “Coronado Subs”
Second place, The Park Record, “Green Soil Organic”
First place, The Park Record, “Sky Lodge”
Group 4:
Third place, Daily Herald, “Haderlie Chiropractic”
Second place, The Daily Utah Chronicle, “Wake up the right way”
First place, The Daily Universe, “I double double dare you to update your address
Best Advertising Idea
Group 1:
Third place, Sanpete Messenger, “Manti Citibuck Reward”
Second place, The Leader, “Post it's”
First place, Emery County Progress, “Christmas Greetings”
Group 2:
Third place, Vernal Express, “Downtown Dodge flyer”
Second place, Box Elder News Journal, “baby contest for cover”
First place, Sun Advocate, “2010 Coal & Uranium Camps”
Group 3 :
Third place, The Richfield Reaper, “honor roll of businesses”
Second place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “Attention Tooele County Residents”
First place, El Observador de Utah, “Comcast and the World Cup”
Group 4:
Third place, The Daily Universe, “Don't end up in nowhere”
Second place, Deseret News, “Light up the night”
First place, Standard-Examiner, “niche magazine series”
Best Circulation Promotion
Group 1:
Third place, Southern Utah News, “discount coupon in vacation guide”
Second place, Sanpete Messenger, “Campaign in association with high school newspaper staff”
First place, Emery County Progress, “Meet our digital paperboy”
Group 2:
Third place, Vernal Express, “circulation wrap”
Second place, Sun Advocate, “volunteer firefighter month subscription drive”
First place, The Wasatch Wave, “take a ride on the wave”
Group 3:
Third place, The Richfield Reaper, “Flashback”
Second place, The Park Record, “8 reasons to subscribe”
First place, Davis County Clipper, “Utah's best, now twice a week”
Group 4:
Third place, Deseret News, “Waiting on hold is so last year”
Second place, The Daily Universe, “Wonderful winter deals”
First place, The Daily Universe, “March Madness”
Best In-House Self Promotion
Group 1:
Third place, Southern Utah News, “Photo contest for vacation guide”
Second place, Emery County Progress, “Local: it's what we do”
First place, The Morgan County News, “Where in the World”
Group 2:
Third place, Box Elder News Journal, “News is everywhere, you get community here”
Second place, Sun Advocate, “Hang on to your subscription”
First place, Vernal Express, “New web page description”
Group 3:
Third place, The Valley Journals, “Community Radio Show”
Second place, The Richfield Reaper, “word of mouth is good but 35,000 pairs of eyes are much better!”
First place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “A year of local news”
Group 4:
Third place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “the consumer side of Utah's Right”
Second place, Daily Herald, “Deals gone mobile”
First place, Daily Herald, “Clearly the best”
General Division
Best Special Section
Group 1:
Third place, Emery County Progress, “Vacation Guide”
Second place, Sanpete Messenger, “Fair Guide”
First place, Southern Utah News, “Kanab Area Vacation Guide”
Group 2:
Third place, Vernal Express, “Profiles in Energy”
Second place, The Signpost, “Explore Weber State”
First place, Box Elder News Journal, “Peach Days”
Group 3:
Third place, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, “Tooele County Magazine”
Second place, The Park Record, “Milepost”
First place, El Observador de Utah, “100th edition”
Group 4:
Third place, Deseret News, “100 Years of Scouting”
Second place, The Salt Lake Tribune, “NBA free agency”
First place, Deseret News, “Utah Gives”
Best Website
Group 1: (no third place)
Second place, Emery County Progress
First place, The Eagle
Group 2:
Third place, Uintah Basin Standard
Second place, Sun Advocate
First place, The Signpost
Group 3:
Third place, The Richfield Reaper
Second place, The Park Record
First place, The Valley Journals
Group 4:
Third place, The Daily Universe
Second place, The Daily Utah Chronicle
First place, The Salt Lake Tribune
Screw-up of the Year
The Eagle (photo page featured student wearing t-shirt with offensive slogan)
Community Service Award (all groups compete)
Sun Advocate,“No Grave Unadorned” project
General Excellence Awards
Group 1
The Sanpete Messenger
Group 2
The Signpost
Group 3
Tooele Transcript-Bulletin
Group 4
The Salt Lake Tribune
DAILY RULES & CATEGORIES 2010 (PDF)
WEEKLY RULES & CATEGORIES 2010 (PDF)
DAILY CATEGORIES
WRITING & REPORTING DIVISION WEEKLY CATEGORIES
01D. BEST GENERAL NEWS REPORTING, SINGLE STORY
Judges will weigh a staff-written article on a subject of general interest, produced on a news beat (such as government, police or education), for news value, writing style and reporting excellence. An entry is a single story; sidebars may be included.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 34 points; quality of reporting, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit pertinent e-tearsheets with the story and/or sidebars clearly identified.
02D. BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Judges will weigh a staff-written article or series for in-depth or investigative news value, writing style and reporting enterprise on a subject of community-wide interest or importance. An entry can be a single story; a one-day package; or a series or multi-day sequence of up to 10 parts. A newspaper is limited to submitting up to three such series.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 50 points; quality of reporting, 25 points; quality and clarity of writing, 25 points.
Entry: Submit pertinent e-tearsheets with story or stories clearly identified.
03D. BEST EDITORIAL
Judges will look for the most distinguished, original editorials written by a paper’s local staff. A single entry can include up to three (3) samples by an individual writer.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 25 points; insight, 25 points; argumentation and/or persuasiveness, 25 points; writing quality, 20 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheets of the three (3) editorials of your choice.
04D. BEST FEATURE REPORTING, SINGLE STORY
Judges will weigh a staff-written article on a non-news subject of general interest, produced on a topical or feature beat (such as science, medicine, food or entertainment), for quality of writing and reporting excellence; as well as general interest and entertainment value. An entry is a single story; sidebars can also be submitted.
Scoring: News interest and/or subject matter, 25 points; quality of reporting, 25 points; quality and clarity of writing, 50 points.
Entry: Submit pertinent e-tearsheets with the story and/or sidebars clearly identified.
05D. BEST NEWS SERIES
Judges will weigh a staff-written collection of stories — a multi-part series or continuing-coverage sequence — for thoroughness of coverage, and quality of writing, reporting and originality. A newspaper is limited to submitting up to three such series.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 34 points; quality and depth of reporting, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: A series entry can include up to six principal stories; their sidebars may be included for information and impact. Entry must have been published within the contest period and must cover at least two editions and no more than six. Submit pertinent e-tearsheets with the story and/or sidebars clearly identified.
06D. BEST FEATURE SERIES
Judges will weigh a staff-written collection of stories — a multi-part series or continuing-coverage sequence — for thoroughness of coverage, and quality of writing, reporting and originality. A newspaper is limited to submitting up to three such series.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 34 points; quality and depth of reporting, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: A series entry can include up to six principal stories; their sidebars may be included for information and impact. Entry must have been published within the contest period and must cover at least two editions and no more than six. Submit pertinent e-tearsheets with the story and/or sidebars clearly identified.
07D. BEST EDITOR’S /FEATURE COLUMN
Columns must be locally written by the publisher, the editor or a staff member; be of local interest, and be a regular feature of the newspaper. Must be written by the same person. A single entry can include up to three (3) samples by an individual writer.
Scoring: News interest and/or subject matter, 34 points; insight, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheets of the three (3) columns of your choice.
08D. BEST SPORTS COLUMN
Columns must be locally written by the publisher, the editor or a staff member; be of local interest, and be a regular feature of the newspaper. Must be written by the same person and carry the same column heading each time. A single entry can include up to three (3) samples by an individual writer.
Scoring: News interest and/or subject matter, 34 points; originality and/or insight, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheets of the three (3) columns of your choice.
09D. BEST SPOT NEWS COVERAGE
Judges will weigh first-day coverage of a breaking, hard-news story for news value, style and reporting excellence. Sidebars may be included.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 34 points; timeliness and accomplishment on deadline, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit pertinent e-tearsheets with a single-day’s story or stories clearly identified.
10D. BEST SPORTS STORY
Judges will look for quality spot- or first-day sports coverage by a staff member. Sidebars may be included.
Scoring: News interest and/or subject matter, 34 points; quality of reporting, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit pertinent e-tearsheets with the story and/or sidebars clearly identified.
PHOTOGRAPHY DIVISION
11D. BEST NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
Judges will look for a staff photographer’s accomplishment in producing a local photograph for use in the editorial section (not in ads), looking for the best overall image, and the quality and news value.
Scoring: Creativity, 25 points; news value, 25 points; photo composition and quality, 50 points.
Entry: Submit one full-page e-tearsheet with photograph being judged.
12D. BEST FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
Judges will look for a staff photographer’s accomplishment in producing local photographs for use in the editorial section (not in ads), looking for the best overall image and quality of photos.
Scoring: Creativity, 25 points; feature value, 25 points; photo composition and quality, 50 points.
Entry: Submit one full-page e-tearsheet with photograph being judged.
13D. BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
Judges will look for a staff photographer’s accomplishment in producing a local photograph for use in the editorial section (not in ads), looking for the best overall image and quality.
Scoring: Creativity, 25 points; extent to which photo captures action, 25 points; photo composition and technical quality, 50 points.
Entry: Submit one full page e-tearsheet with photograph being judged.
LAYOUT, DESIGN & TYPOGRAPHY DIVISION
14D. BEST FRONT PAGE
Select and submit three (3) front pages from throughout the year; these constitute one entry. Judges will look for excellence in layout, design and typography as well as content and news interest. Pages should demonstrate strong eye appeal and reader interest.
Scoring: News interest, 10 points; headlines, 15 points; use of photos and graphics, 25 points; design and typography, 50 points.
Entry: Submit three full page e-tearsheets from three different publication dates of your choosing.
15D. BEST SPORTS PAGE
Select and submit three (3) sports pages from throughout the year. Judges will look for excellence in layout, design and typography as well as content and news interest. Pages should demonstrate strong eye appeal and reader interest.
Scoring: News interest, 10 points; headlines, 15 points; use of photos and graphics, 25 points; design and typography, 50 points.
Entry: Submit three full page e-tearsheets from three different publication dates of your choosing.
16D. BEST FEATURE OR COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE PAGE
Select and submit three (3) feature or lifestyle pages that runs regularly throughout the year (Not limited to society pages). Judges will look for excellence in layout, design and typography as well as content and news interest. Pages should demonstrate strong eye appeal and reader interest.
Scoring: News interest, 10 points; headlines 15 points; use of photos and graphics, 25 points; design and typography, 50 points.
Entry: Submit three full page e-tearsheets from three different publication dates of your choosing.
ADVERTISING & PROMOTION DIVISION
17D. BEST STAFF PRODUCED AD
Judges will evaluate the creative quality and reader impact of advertising ideas in a single ad.
Scoring: Originality, 40 points; use of art, copy and white space, 40 points; production quality, 20 points.
Entry: Submit one full-page e-tearsheet with ad clearly indicated. Must be ads designed by your staff for any advertiser or group of advertisers.
18D. BEST STAFF PRODUCED R.O.P. AD CAMPAIGN
Judges will evaluate the creative quality and reader impact of advertising ideas in an ad campaign.
Scoring: Originality, 40 points; use of art, copy and white space, 40 points; production quality, 20 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheets of 2 or more consecutively run ads for a business. Ads must be designed by your staff for any advertiser or group of advertisers.
19D. BEST USE OF AD COLOR
Judges will evaluate effective use of two or more colors in addition to black and white in a single, locally produced ad. Entries must be paid ads, not house ads.
Scoring: Appropriateness and clarity of color, 40 points; originality of basic concept, 40 points; production quality, 20 points.
Entry: Submit one full-page e-tearsheet with ad clearly indicated.
20D. BEST ADVERTISING IDEA
Judges will evaluate an advertising or sales idea based on its originality, success in creating reader interest, and success in generating revenue for your publication.
Scoring: Originality of idea, 40 points; execution in ads, 40 points; revenue generation, 20 points.
Entry: Submit an explanation of the idea along with e-tearsheets of 1-3 ads based on the concept.
21D. BEST CIRCULATION PROMOTION
Judges will analyze specific newspaper circulation promotion efforts.
Scoring: Originality, 25 points; content including copy, headlines and captions, 25 points; makeup and appearance, 25 points; results, 25 points.
Entry: Submit via PDF a series of R.O.P. ads, preprinted insert, direct mailers, or written details of a telephone campaign or any other promotion used to build circulation.
22D. BEST IN-HOUSE SELF PROMOTION
Judges will analyze specific newspaper promotion efforts as demonstrated by in-house, local newspaper advertising.
Scoring: Originality, 34 points; content, including copy, headlines and captions, 33 points; makeup and appearance, 33 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheet(s) of promotion campaign, and if needed a letter describing the promotion.
GENERAL DIVISION
23D. BEST WEBSITE
Judges will consider a newspaper’s website design, presentation, contents, organization, clarity and special features.
Scoring: Content, 30 points; clarity and organization, 30 points; design and presentation, 40 points.
Entry: Submit the Web address to be accessed by the judges.
24D. BEST SPECIAL SECTION
Judges will look for creativity, production values and evidence of overall staff teamwork in a special section consisting of at least two pages produced by the local newspaper staff. It can be magazine, tabloid or broadsheet format included in newspaper circulation, focusing on a specific theme or community event.
Scoring: Variety of topics or news angles represented, 25 points; writing quality and clarity, 25 points; photography and graphic effects, 25 points; layout and design, 25 points.
Entry: Submit a single, complete PDF copy of one special section.
25D. SCREW-UP OF THE YEAR
Ah, yes! Everyone’s favorite category. Judges will look for the single most embarrassing error in proof-reading, photo display, or copy editing.
All UPA circulation groups compete together for this singularly special award, but none of the points will be counted for competition between the newspapers.
Scoring: Prominence of error, 50 points; reader impact of error, 25 points; bonus (humor, perhaps?), 25 points.
Entry: Submit an e-tearsheet of the one most excessive screw-up that occurred during the contest period, either from your paper or another UPA paper in good standing. One entry per newspaper (hopefully, you only had one to enter!).
26D. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Entries should be based on what your newspaper did for your community during the past year, in terms of contributing to the community’s understanding of an issue. Such themes could be fund drives, buildings, parks, roads, government projects, developments that will have unusual impact on community life, public education, etc. The possibilities are many.
A cover letter from the publisher or editor summing up the newspaper’s specific involvement may be submitted with the entry. One theme only.
All newspapers compete together for the community service award.
Scoring: Community service theme and importance, 25 points; news space, 25 points; editorial comment on the subject, 25 points; effectiveness of newspaper’s effort in your community, 25 points.
Entry: Submit sufficient news story, editorial and photo information to show your involvement in community service. Also submit any evidence to show the effectiveness of your efforts. One entry per newspaper.
27D. GENERAL EXCELLENCE
The General Excellence award will be given to the newspaper that compiles the most total points in the various contest categories, with 6 points being awarded for each first place, 4 points for each second place and 3 points for each third place. No ties will be permitted in any contest category.
New this year: Weeklies may enter multiple times per category except as indicated.
WRITING & REPORTING DIVISION
01W. BEST BREAKING NEWS STORY
Judges will look at a locally written article for news value, style and reporting enterprise on a community-wide topic.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 34 points; timeliness and accomplishment on deadline, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit one e-tearsheet with story clearly identified.
02W. BEST NEWS COVERAGE
Newspapers would be required to submit the first issue in March, the second issue in August, and an issue of their choice in September. They may submit a written statement describing the news coverage challenges in their circulation areas and what resources they have for covering the news.
Scoring: Variety of news topics covered, 20 points; extent to which newspaper covers both news events and news trends, 20 points; feature coverage, 20 points; sports coverage, 20 points; coverage of other major news categories such as education, business, agriculture and entertainment, 20 points.
Entry: Submit 3 entire PDF newspapers, the first issue in March, the second issue in August, and an issue of their choice in September.
03W. BEST GENERAL NEWS STORY
Judges will look at a locally written article for news value, style and reporting enterprise on a community-wide topic.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 34 points; quality of reporting, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit one e-tearsheet with story clearly identified.
04W. BEST FEATURE STORY
Stories will be evaluated on writing style and quality, news value, interest, readability, planning and general organization.
Scoring: News interest and/or subject matter, 25 points; quality of reporting, 25 points; quality of and clarity writing, 50 points.
Entry: Submit one e-tearsheet with story clearly identified. If your best feature story was a series on a single topic, then e-tearsheets from consecutive issues containing the serialized story will be accepted.
05W. BEST NEWS SERIES
Judges will look for news value, interest, clarity, originality, and literary excellence in coverage of a continuing topic that spans no more than 6 issues.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 34 points; quality and depth of reporting, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheets for each part of the news series. Entire series must have been published within the contest period, and cover at least two consecutive editions and no more than six.
06W. BEST FEATURE SERIES
Judges will look for news value, interest, clarity, originality, and literary excellence in coverage of a continuing topic that spans no more than 6 issues.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 34 points; quality and depth of reporting, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheets for each part of the news series. Entire series must have been published within the contest period, and cover at least two consecutive editions and no more than six.
07W. BEST EDITORIAL
Judges will look for the most distinguished, original editorial written by a paper’s local staff.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 25 points; insight, 25 points; argumentation and/or persuasiveness, 25 points; writing quality, 20 points.
Entry: Submit one e-tearsheet with editorial clearly identified.
08W. BEST EDITOR’S / FEATURE COLUMN
Columns must be locally written by the publisher, editor, or staff member; be of local interest, and be a regular feature of the newspaper. Must be written by the same person.
Scoring: News interest and/or subject matter, 34 points; insight, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheets of the three (3) columns of your choice.
09W. BEST SPORTS COLUMN
Columns must be locally written by the publisher, editor, or staff member; be of local interest, and be a regular feature of the newspaper. Must be written by the same person and carry the same column heading each time.
Scoring: News interest and/or subject matter, 34 points; originality and/or insight, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheets of the three (3) columns of your choice.
10W. BEST SPORTS STORY
Judges will look at a locally written article for news value, style and reporting enterprise on a sports-related topic.
Scoring: Significance and impact, 34 points; quality of reporting, 33 points; quality and clarity of writing, 33 points.
Entry: Submit one e-tearsheet with story clearly identified.
PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTO LAYOUT DIVISION
Page PDF e-tearsheets required - no single originals accepted.
11W. BEST PHOTO PAGE
Judges will analyze the newspaper’s use of local, in-house produced photographs in the editorial section (not in ads), looking for the best overall use and quality of photos and corresponding editorial content or photo identification.
Scoring: Photo composition and quality, 50 points; layout and design, 30 points; accompanying copy and/or captions or news interest, 20 points.
Entry: Submit one full page or double truck e-tearsheet to be judged.
12W. BEST NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
Judges will analyze the newspaper’s use of a local, in-house produced photograph in the editorial section (not in ads), looking for the best overall use and quality of single photos of news interest.
Scoring: Creativity, 25 points; news value, 25 points; photo composition and quality, 50 points.
Entry: Submit one e-tearsheet with photo clearly identified.
13W. BEST FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
Judges will analyze the newspaper’s use of local, in-house produced photographs in the editorial section (not in ads), looking for the best overall use and quality of photos.
Scoring: Creativity, 25 points; feature value, 25 points; photo composition and quality, 50 points.
Entry: Submit one e-tearsheet with photo clearly identified.
14W. BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
Judges will analyze the newspaper’s use of a local, in-house produced photograph in the editorial section (not in ads), looking for the best overall use and quality of photo.
Scoring: Creativity, 25 points; extent to which photo captures action, 25 points; photo composition, news interest and technical quality, 50 points.
Entry: Submit one e-tearsheet with photo clearly identified.
LAYOUT, DESIGN & TYPOGRAPHY DIVISION
15W. BEST FRONT PAGE
You pick and submit your three (3) best front pages from throughout the year. Judges will look for excellence in layout, design, and typography as well as content and news interest. Pages should demonstrate strong eye appeal and reader interest.
Scoring: News interest, 10 points; headlines, 15 points; use of photos and graphics, 25 points; design and typography, 50 points.
Entry: Submit three full page e-tearsheets from three different newspaper publication dates of your choosing.
16W. BEST SPORTS PAGE
You pick and submit your three (3) best sports pages from throughout the year. Judges will look for excellence in layout, design, and typography as well as content and news interest. Pages should demonstrate strong eye appeal and reader interest.
Scoring: News interest, 10 points; headlines, 15 points; use of photos and graphics, 25 points; design and typography, 50 points.
Entry: Submit three full page e-tearsheets from three different publication dates of your choosing.
17W. BEST FEATURE OR COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE PAGE
You pick and submit your three (3) best lifestyle pages from throughout the year. Judges will look for excellence in layout, design, and typography as well as content and news interest. Pages should demonstrate strong eye appeal and reader interest.
Scoring: News interest, 10 points; headlines, 15 points; use of photos and graphics, 25 points; design and typography, 50 points.
Entry: Submit three full page e-tearsheets from three different newspaper publication dates of your choosing.
ADVERTISING & PROMOTION DIVISION
18W. BEST STAFF PRODUCED AD
Judges will evaluate the creative quality and reader impact of advertising ideas in a single ad.
Scoring: Originality, 40 points; use of art, copy and white space, 40 points; production quality 20 points.
Entry: Submit one full-page e-tearsheet with ad clearly indicated. Must be ads designed by your staff for any advertiser or group of advertisers.
19W. BEST STAFF PRODUCED R.O.P. AD CAMPAIGN
Judges will evaluate the creative quality and reader impact of advertising ideas in an ad campaign.
Scoring: Originality, 40 points; use of art, copy and white space, 40 points; production quality, 20 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheets of two or more consecutively run ads for a business. Ads must be designed by your staff for any advertiser or group of advertisers.
20W. BEST USE OF AD COLOR
Judges will evaluate effective use of two or more colors in addition to black and white in a single, locally produced ad. Entries must be paid ads, not house ads.
Scoring: Appropriateness and clarity of color, 40 points; Originality of basic concept, 40 points; Production quality, 20 points.
Entry: Submit one full-page e-tearsheet with ad clearly indicated.
21W. BEST ADVERTISING IDEA
Judges will evaluate an advertising or sales idea based on its originality, success in creating reader interest, and success in generating revenue for your publication.
Scoring: Originality of idea, 40 Points; execution in ads, 40 points; Revenue generation, 20 points.
Entry: Submit an explanation of the idea along with e-tearsheets of 1-3 ads based on the concept.
22W. BEST CIRCULATION PROMOTION
Judges will analyze specific newspaper circulation promotion efforts.
Scoring: Originality, 25 points; content including copy, headlines and captions, 25 points; makeup and appearance, 25 points; results, 25 points.
Entry: Submit via PDF a series of ROP ads, preprinted insert, direct mailers, or written details of a telephone campaign or any other promotion used to build circulation.
23W. BEST IN-HOUSE SELF PROMOTION
Judges will analyze specific newspaper promotion efforts as demonstrated by in-house, local newspaper advertising.
Scoring: Originality, 34 points; content, including copy, headlines and captions, 33 points; makeup and appearance, 33 points.
Entry: Submit e-tearsheet(s) of promotion campaign, and if needed a letter describing the promotion.
GENERAL DIVISION
24W. BEST SPECIAL SECTION
Judges will look for creativity, production values and evidence of overall staff teamwork in a special section consisting of at least two pages produced by the local newspaper staff. It can be either magazine, tabloid or broadsheet format included in newspaper circulation, focusing on a specific theme or community event.
Scoring: Variety of topics or news angles represented, 20 points; writing quality and clarity, 20 points; photographs, 20 points; graphic design, 20 points; advertising, 20 points.
Entry: Submit a single, complete PDF copy of one special section.
25W. BEST WEBSITE
Judges will consider a newspaper’s website design, presentation, contents, organization, clarity and special features.
Scoring: Design and presentation, 35 points; contents, 25 points; special features; 15 points; clarity and organization, 25 points.
Entry: Submit the Web address to be accessed by the judges.
NOTE: Best website points will count towards overall score.
26W. SCREW-UP OF THE YEAR
Ah, yes! Everyone’s favorite category. Judges will look for the single most embarrassing error in proofreading, photo display, or copy editing. All UPA circulation groups compete together for this singularly special award, but none of the points will be counted for the general excellence competition.
Scoring: Prominence of error 50 points, reader impact of error 25 points, bonus (humor, perhaps?) 25 points.
Entry: Submit an e-tearsheet of the one most excessive screw-up that occurred during the contest period, either from your paper or another UPA paper in good standing. One entry per newspaper (hopefully, you only had one to enter!).
27W. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Entries should be based on what your newspaper did for your community during the past year, in terms of contributing to the community’s understanding of an issue. Such themes could be fund drives, buildings, parks, roads, government projects, developments that will have unusual impact on community life, public education, etc. The possibilities are many.
A cover letter from the publisher or editor summing up the newspaper’s specific involvement may be submitted with the entry. One theme only.
All newspapers compete together for the community service award.
Scoring: Community service theme and importance, 25 points; news space, 25 points; editorial comment on the subject, 25 points; effectiveness of newspaper’s effort in your community, 25 points.
Entry: Submit sufficient news story, editorial, and photo information to show your involvement in community service. Also submit any evidence to show the effectiveness of your efforts. One theme only.
28W. GENERAL EXCELLENCE
A general excellence award will be given to one newspaper in Group 1 (Circulation 0-2,500), one in Group 2 (Circulation 2,501-5,999) and one in Group 3 (Circulation 6,000 and over). The award will be given to the newspaper that compiles the most total points in the various contest categories, with 6 points being awarded for each first place, 4 points for each second place and 3 points for each third place. No ties will be permitted in any contest category.
2009 BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST AWARDS
CONGRATULATIONS
to the winners of the 2009 Better Newspaper Contest, which were announced March 20 at the UPA's Winter Convention. Your hard work throughout the year was clearly evident.
To download a PDF of the awards presentation (84 MB), which includes page samples of the winners, please click here.
To download a list of the winners, please click here.
For reference, here are the 2009 rules:
DAILY RULES
DAILY ENTRIES
WEEKLY RULES
WEEKLY ENTRIES