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Welcome to the 74th Annual Green Eyeshade Awards
THE FINAL ENTRY DEADLINE IS APRIL 8!
CONTEST OVERVIEW
Since 1950, The Green Eyeshade Awards have recognized the very best journalism in the southeastern United States. The 2024 competition recognizes work that was published, broadcast or posted online in calendar year 2023. Net profit from entry fees stays in the southeast, where it funds SPJ chapter programming.
The Green Eyeshade competition is open to professional journalists working In Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The Student division is open to students attending colleges and universities in these same states.
Volunteers from the Society of Professional Journalists produce the contest, which is judged by professional journalists from across the country. Judges may award first-, second- and third-place honors in each category. First-place winners in each professional division then compete against each other for Best of Division honors. The seven Best of Division winners then compete for our Best of Show honor: The Green Eyeshade Award.
The complete list of honorees will be released in the summer. All entrants will be notified of the results by e-mail. There is no live presentation event; all honorees will receive an award certificate by mail.
Direct all contest questions to Contest Administrator Tim Dodson, tim@timdodson.com.
ENTRY FEES & DEADLINES
ENTRY DEADLINE: Monday, March 25, at midnight
► SPJ Pro Members: $40 per entry
► Non-Members: $60 per entry
► Students: $20 per entry
LATE DEADLINE: Monday, April 1 April 8, at midnight
Entries received after the March 25 deadline will incur a $20 late fee per entry. The extended FINAL ENTRY DEADLINE is April 8.
To qualify for the SPJ Member rate, at least one of the people credited on the entry must be an individual, dues-paying member of SPJ. The individual’s SPJ membership number must appear on all entries submitted at the Member rate. Don’t know your membership number? Log into your SPJ member account at my.spj.org.
ENTRY GUIDELINES
To create a contest account and submit your entries online, click the red link at the top or the bottom of this page. If you have an existing contest account, please log in at the left and double-check your existing profile details (especially mailing address) for accuracy before starting your entries.
Read the entry guidelines and the category descriptions carefully. Some categories have specific entry requirements.
You may submit multiple entries in any given category. You may also submit any given entry in multiple categories, provided it meets the criteria.
Cover letters are optional except where noted. If you decide you need one, keep it brief and factual. A cover letter is intended to provide additional context to the judges, such as the work's impact or community reaction.
Corrections or serious challenges to an entry must be included with the entry. If judges or Green Eyeshade administrators learn a correction wasn’t included, the entry will be disqualified, and no entry fees will be returned.
If you have questions about the rules, email us. We do try to interpret these rules as loosely as possible – this is about recognizing good work, not getting nit-picky. Just ask and we’ll try our best to accommodate.
JUDGING
All entries are judged by professional journalists and journalism educators from outside of the contest area. They may reject entries that do not comply with the rules, and may withhold awards in a category if no entry meets judging standards. Judging criteria include, but are not limited to:
- Clarity
- Style
- Accuracy
- Enterprise
- Resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles
- Service to the community
- Contribution to the public’s understanding of issues and events
- Adherence to SPJ’s Code of Ethics
Additionally, Public Service categories will be evaluated on:
- Significance of the service rendered
- Evidence of courage and initiative against opposition
- Presentation and results obtained
DIVISION-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
Print: In categories that call for a number of samples, it is not required that these samples be related. In categories that call for a series, the stories must be related. Individual categories specify the number of articles that make up an entry.
Art and Graphics: Submit photo and graphics entries as PDF pages as they appeared in print.
Television and Radio: Submit video entries as a URL to audio/video content that judges can access during the judging period. The content may be hosted on your organization's website or a free hosting site such as YouTube or Vimeo. Entries must remain intact and accessible until winners are announced.
Digital (affiliated or independent): All entries require cover letters summarizing the story and must refer to an active URL. Websites affiliated with print or broadcast organizations must include in the cover letter an explanation of how the entry differed from or enhanced print or broadcast coverage. Independent websites must describe in their cover letters their journalistic role in the community they cover. Nominated sites must remain intact and accessible until winners are announced. Provide site login info if needed.
STUDENT ENTRIES
Are you one of the best student journalists in the southeastern United States? If you cover a beat in the South – that’s Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia – this is your chance to be recognized nationally.
Winners will be featured on the Society of Professional Journalists’ website. SPJ is the nation’s largest journalism organization, and the coverage will be suitable for linking on internship and job applications.
STUDENT GUIDELINES
The competition is open to any college student enrolled in at least one class during the contest year.
For each category, send links to three of your best clips – from print or online, from any student or professional media outlet based in the contest area.
Except for the last two categories, you can submit written stories, broadcast reports, or a mix of both.
2024 CATEGORIES
PRINT / DAILIES DIVISION
A01. Deadline Reporting / Large Dailies (Circ. greater than 40,000): Outstanding coverage of a single event on deadline. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A02. Non-Deadline Reporting / Large Dailies (Circ. greater than 40,000): Outstanding non-investigative enterprise reporting. Entry limited to 10 articles.
A03. Investigative Reporting / Large Dailies (Circ. greater than 40,000): Reportage that demonstrates outstanding journalistic initiative on an important issue. Cover letter required. Entry limited to 10 articles.
A04. Feature Writing / Large Dailies (Circ. greater than 40,000): Outstanding writing in human-interest or trend stories, including profiles. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A05. Deadline Reporting / Small Dailies (Circ. up to 40,000): Outstanding coverage of a single event on deadline. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A06. Non-Deadline Reporting / Small Dailies (Circ. up to 40,000): Outstanding non-investigative enterprise reporting. Entry limited to 10 articles.
A07. Investigative Reporting / Small Dailies (Circ. up to 40,000): Reportage that demonstrates outstanding journalistic initiative on an important issue. Cover letter required. Entry limited to 10 articles.
A08. Feature Writing / Small Dailies (Circ. up to 40,000): Outstanding writing in human-interest or trend stories, including profiles. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A09. Sports Reporting / All Dailies: Outstanding coverage of a sports activity, issue or personality. Entry can be a single story or no more than 5 articles.
A10. Sports Commentary / All Dailies: Outstanding analysis of sports events, issues or individual athletes. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A11. Business Reporting / All Dailies: Outstanding coverage of business, industry, finance or the economy. Judging will focus on relevance and clarity for the non-business reader as well as originality and thoroughness. Entry limited to 10 articles.
A12. Technology Reporting / All Dailies: Outstanding writing about technology and its impact on people and society in news articles or commentary. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A13. Public Affairs Reporting / All Dailies: Outstanding coverage of government at any level and its impact on people. Judging will focus on clarity and thoroughness in making government relevant to readers. Cover letter recommended. Entries submitted in other categories are permitted. Entry limited to five articles.
A14. Politics Reporting / All Dailies: Outstanding reportage on the art and craft of politics, including elections and important local, state and national issues. Cover letter recommended. Entries from other categories are permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles.
A15. Courts & the Law Reporting / All Dailies: Outstanding reportage on or analysis of the legal system – courts, corrections and law enforcement. Entries from other categories permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles.
A16. Disaster Reporting / All Dailies: Outstanding reportage on natural and manmade disasters. Cover letter recommended. Entries from other categories permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles.
A17. Consumer Reporting / All Dailies: Outstanding reporting on or analysis of critical issues affecting consumers, such as threats to public health or safety or individual economic wellbeing. Cover letter recommended. Entries from other categories permitted. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A18. Travel Writing / All Dailies: Outstanding reportage on tourism and travel, foreign or domestic. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A19. Criticism / All Dailies: Outstanding analysis or interpretation of music, movies, art, theater or popular culture. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A20. Serious Commentary / All Dailies: Outstanding bylined analysis or interpretation of current events or issues. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A21. Humorous Commentary / All Dailies: Outstanding writing that conveys the humor in any issue or the human condition. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A22. Editorial Writing / All Dailies: Outstanding writing in newspaper editorials. Judging will emphasize logical conclusions supported by insightful argument. Entry limited to 5 articles.
A23. Public Service in Daily Journalism / All Dailies: Outstanding service to the public rendered through extensive coverage of an issue facing a community. Cover letter required. Entries from other categories are permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles, including editorials and columns.
PRINT / NON-DAILIES DIVISION
B01. General News Reporting / Non-Dailies: Outstanding coverage of news by an individual or team. Entry limited to 5 articles.
B02. Investigative Reporting / Non-Dailies: Reportage that demonstrates outstanding journalistic initiative on an important issue. Cover letter required. Entry limited to 10 articles.
B03. Feature Writing / Non-Dailies: Outstanding writing in human-interest or trend stories, including profiles. Entry limited to 5 articles.
B04. Sports Reporting / Non-Dailies: Outstanding coverage of a sports activity, issue or personality. Entry can be a single story or no more than 10 articles.
B05. Sports Commentary / Non-Dailies: Outstanding analysis of sports events, issues or individual athletes. Submit up to 5 articles.
B06. Business Reporting / Non-Dailies: Outstanding coverage of business, industry, finance or the economy. Judging will focus on relevance and clarity for the non-business reader as well as originality and thoroughness. Entry limited to 10 articles.
B07. Technology Reporting / Non-Dailies: Outstanding writing about technology and its impact on people and society in news articles or commentary. Entry limited to 5 articles.
B08. Public Affairs Reporting / Non-Dailies: Outstanding coverage of government at any level and its impact on people. Judging will focus on clarity and thoroughness in making government relevant to readers. Cover letter recommended. Entries submitted in other categories are permitted. Entry limited
B09. Politics Reporting / Non-Dailies: Outstanding reportage on the art and craft of politics, including elections and important local, state and national issues. Cover letter recommended. Entries from other categories are permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles.
B10. Courts & the Law Reporting / Non-Dailies: Outstanding reportage on or analysis of the legal system – courts, corrections and law enforcement. Entries from other categories permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles.
B11. Disaster Coverage / Non-Dailies: Outstanding reportage on natural and manmade disasters. Cover letter recommended. Entries from other categories permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles.
B12. Travel Writing / Non-Dailies: Outstanding reportage on tourism and travel, foreign or domestic. Entry limited to 5 articles.
B13. Consumer Reporting / Non-Dailies: Outstanding reporting on or analysis of critical issues affecting consumers, such as threats to public health or safety or individual economic wellbeing. Cover letter recommended. Entries from other categories permitted. Entry limited to 5 articles.
B14. Criticism / Non-Dailies: Outstanding analysis or interpretation of music, movies, art, theater or popular culture. Entry limited to 5 articles.
B15. Serious Commentary / Non-Dailies: Outstanding bylined analysis or interpretation of current events or issues. Entry limited to 5 articles.
B16. Humorous Commentary / Non-Dailies: Outstanding writing that conveys the humor in any issue or the human condition. Entry limited to 5 articles.
B17. Editorial Writing / Non-Dailies: Outstanding writing in newspaper editorials. Judging will emphasize logical conclusions supported by insightful argument. Entry limited to 5 articles.
B18. Public Service in Non-Daily Journalism: Outstanding service to the public rendered through extensive coverage of an issue facing a community. Cover letter required. Entries from other categories are permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles, including editorials and columns.
PRINT / MAGAZINES DIVISION
C01. General News Writing / Magazines: Outstanding reportage by an individual or team. Entry limited to 5 articles.
C02. Investigative Reporting / Magazines: Reportage that demonstrates outstanding journalistic initiative on an important issue. Cover letter required. Entry limited to 5 articles.
C03. Feature Writing / Magazines: Outstanding writing in human-interest or trend stories, including profiles. Entry can be one or up to 5 articles.
C04. Serious Commentary / Magazines: Outstanding bylined analysis or interpretation of current events or issues. Entry can be one or up to 5 articles.
C05. Humorous Commentary / Magazines: Outstanding writing that conveys the humor in any issue or the human condition. Entry limited to 5 articles.
C06. Public Service in Magazine Journalism: Outstanding service to the public rendered through extensive coverage of an issue facing a community. Cover letter required. Entries from other categories are permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles, including editorials and columns.
PRINT / GRAPHICS DIVISION
D01. Spot News Photography / Newspapers: Outstanding images of a breaking news event by a single photographer. Entry limited to 5 photographs of one or more events.
D02. Feature Photography / Newspapers: Outstanding images by a single photographer. Entry limited to 5 photographs.
D03. Sports Photography / Newspapers: Outstanding images by a single photographer of sports activities. Entry limited to 5 photographs.
D04. Graphics / Newspapers: Outstanding single graphic or multiple graphic elements accompanying a single article. Judging emphasis will be on clarity, impact and execution. One graphic or graphics package is one entry.
D05. Editorial Cartoon / Newspapers: Outstanding visual commentary on news or issues. Judging emphasis will be on originality and effectiveness of message. Entry limited to 5 samples. Judges may award one or more of an individual’s samples.
D06. Feature Photography / Magazines: Outstanding single image or a group of up to five images. A group may consist of unrelated images or a package on a single topic.
D07. Illustrations / Magazines: Outstanding artwork accompanying an article. Entry limited to 3 samples.
D08. Graphics / Magazines: Outstanding single graphic or multiple graphic elements accompanying a single article. Judging emphasis will be on clarity, impact and execution. One graphic or graphics package is one entry.
D09. Best Cover / Magazines: Outstanding magazine cover. Judging emphasis will be on effectiveness in attracting attention and clarity in conveying information. One cover is one entry.
TELEVISION DIVISION
E01. Best Newscast / Television: Outstanding daily news program. Judging emphasis will focus on reportage, production values, videography. One newscast is one entry. Maximum running time: 20 minutes.
E02. Breaking News Coverage / Television: Outstanding coverage of a breaking news event. Judging emphasis will focus on resourcefulness and completeness. One event is one entry. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
E03. Investigative Reporting / Television: Reportage that demonstrates outstanding journalistic initiative on an important issue. Cover letter required. Entry can be one news segment or a series of no more than 5 parts by an individual or team. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
E04. Feature Reporting / Television: Outstanding lifestyle, profile or human-interest segment. Entry can be one segment or a series of no more than 3 parts. Maximum running time: 10 minutes.
E05. Documentaries / Television: Outstanding long-form reporting or analysis of a news event or issue in a single telecast. One documentary is one entry. Maximum running time: 30 minutes.
E06. Public Service in Television Journalism: Outstanding service to the public rendered through extensive coverage of an issue facing a community. Cover letter required. Entries from other categories are permitted. Entry can be one telecast or up to 5 separate telecasts. Maximum running time: 30 min
RADIO DIVISION
F01. Best Newscast / Radio: Outstanding daily news program. Judging emphasis will focus on reportage and production values. One newscast is one entry. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
F02. Breaking News Reporting / Radio: Outstanding coverage of a breaking news event. Judging emphasis will focus on resourcefulness and completeness. One event is one entry. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
F03. Investigative Reporting / Radio: Reportage that demonstrates outstanding journalistic initiative on an important issue. Cover letter required. Entry can be one news segment or a series of no more than 5 parts by an individual or team. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
F04. Feature Reporting / Radio: Outstanding lifestyle, profile or human-interest segment. Entry can be one segment or a series of no more than 3 parts. Maximum running time: 10 minutes.
F05. Documentaries / Radio: Outstanding long-form reporting or analysis of a news event or issue in a single broadcast. One documentary is one entry. Maximum running time: 60 minutes.
F06. Public Service in Radio Journalism: Outstanding service to the public rendered through extensive coverage of an issue facing a community. Cover letter required. Entries from other categories are permitted. Entry may be one broadcast or up to 5 separate broadcasts. Maximum running time: 30 minutes.
DIGITAL DIVISION
G01. Digital Media Presentation: Outstanding storytelling that makes use of multiple media resources. Entry may be a single article or a series of up to 10 parts.
G02. Deadline Reporting / Online: Outstanding coverage of a breaking news event. Judging emphasis will focus on resourcefulness and completeness. Entry limited to 5 articles.
G03. Non-Deadline Reporting / Online: Outstanding non-investigative enterprise reporting. Entry may be one article or a series of up to 10 parts.
G04. Investigative Reporting / Online: Reportage that demonstrates outstanding journalistic initiative on an important issue. Entry may be one story or a series of up to 10 parts.
G05. Serious Commentary / Online: Outstanding bylined analysis or interpretation of current events or issues. Entry limited to 5 articles.
G06. Best Blog: Outstanding web journal by an individual or team. Cover letter should summarize blog’s origins and role in its community. Entry limited to 5 articles.
G07. Sports Reporting / Online: Outstanding coverage of a sports activity, issue or personality. Entry limited to 10 articles.
G08. Sports Commentary / Online: Outstanding analysis of sports events, issues or individual athletes. Submit up to 5 samples.
G09. Business Reporting / Online: Outstanding coverage of business, industry, finance or the economy. Judging will focus on relevance and as well as originality and thoroughness. Entry limited to 10 articles.
G10. Politics Reporting / Online: Outstanding reportage on the art and craft of politics, including elections and important local, state and national issues. Entries from other categories are permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles.
G11. Specialized Site: Outstanding reportage and commentary on a site devoted to a single topic. Entries from other categories are permitted. Entry limited to 5 samples.
G12. Public Service in Online Journalism: Outstanding service to the public rendered through extensive coverage of an issue facing a community. Cover letter required. Entries from other categories are permitted. Entry limited to 10 articles, including editorials and commentary.
G13. Videography / Online or Television: Outstanding creative use of video to tell a story. Entries from other categories are permitted. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
STUDENT DIVISION
H01. Best News Reporter in the South: News coverage on any single topic or multiple topics, on or off campus.
H02. Best Feature Writer in the South: Can include features on any topic, from sports profiles to first-person immersion pieces.
H03. Best Sports Writer in the South: Can include columns, game stories, features, and profiles.
H04. Best Columnist in the South: Opinions can encompass sports, news, feature, and humor.
H05. Best Designer in the South: Single pages, spreads, special issues, covers, photo stories, whatever. (Helpful hint: Headlines that fit with the photos/illustrations and overall design will impress the judges.)
H06. Best Photographer in the South: Three shots of anything, from sports to news to feature to entertainment. Note: Submissions must include cutlines.
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