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Welcome to the 76th Annual Green Eyeshade Awards!
CONTEST OVERVIEW
Since 1950, the Green Eyeshade Awards have honored outstanding journalism in the southeastern United States. To mark the competition's 75th anniversary in 2025, we refreshed the categories to better align with the changing media landscape—a move that sparked a 57% surge in entries. Now entering its 76th year, the contest remains a benchmark for excellence in contemporary journalism.
Eligibility & Scope
The 2026 competition recognizes work published, broadcast, or posted during the 2025 calendar year. We welcome entries from professional journalists and students in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Judging
Managed by SPJ volunteers, the contest is judged by a panel of active and retired professionals and educators from outside the region to ensure total impartiality. Judges may award first, second, and third-place honors. First-place winners compete against one another for Best of Division honors. Six Best of Division winners then vie for the top honor: The Green Eyeshade Award.
Results
The full list of honorees will be posted this summer. Updates on the announcement will be posted on this page and at GreenEyeshade.org. All entrants will be notified via email. While there is no live presentation ceremony, all winners will receive an official award certificate by mail to commemorate their achievement.
ENTRY DEADLINES & FEES
Standard Entry Deadline: Mon 16 March at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- SPJ Members: $40 per entry
- Non-Members: $60 per entry
- Students: $20 per entry
Late Entry Deadline: Mon 30 March at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- SPJ Members: $60 per entry
- Non-Members: $80 per entry
- Students: $40 per entry
HOW TO ENTER
Submit all entries in the contest portal. You may enter work published, broadcast or posted in 2025. You may submit multiple entries in any category. You may submit any given entry into multiple categories, as long as it meets the category requirements.
QUESTIONS
Contact Contest Administrator Tim Dodson at tim@timdodson.com.
2026 CATEGORIES
DIVISION A: PRINT & DIGITAL WRITING
This division is open to all forms of writing, including newspapers, newsletters, magazines and online/digital.
A01. Breaking News Reporting: Timely coverage of breaking or deadline-driven events with accuracy, clarity, and speed. Submit up to two items.
A02. General News Writing: Comprehensive coverage of news topics through insightful, balanced, and impactful writing. Submit up to two items.
A03. Investigative Reporting: In-depth investigations that uncover significant truths through rigorous research and compelling storytelling. Submit up to five items. A supporting statement (400 words max) is recommended.
A04. Serious Feature Writing: Storytelling about people, events, or issues using narrative techniques, creativity, and depth. Submit up to two items.
A05. Light Feature Writing: Engaging stories that capture lighter topics, human-interest angles, or creative storytelling. Submit up to two items.
A06. Feature Series: Thematic, multi-part feature stories that use narrative techniques, in-depth reporting, and creativity to provide a comprehensive exploration of a topic or issue. Submit up to three items on a single subject.
A07. Profile Writing: In-depth portrayals of individuals, organizations, or communities. Submit up to two items.
A08. Business & Economy Reporting: Coverage of business, finance, or economic topics that influence communities or industries. Submit up to two items.
A09. Public Affairs & Policy Reporting: Coverage of government policies, public services, and community issues with a focus on accountability and public impact. Submit up to two items.
A10. Government Reporting: Coverage of governance, policy-making, and the activities of local, state, or federal governments. Submit up to two items.
A11. Election Reporting: Comprehensive and insightful coverage of elections, campaigns, and the electoral process. Submit up to two items.
A12. Environmental Reporting: Coverage of environmental issues, climate change, and sustainability efforts. Submit up to two items.
A13. Health and Science Reporting: Coverage of health, scientific developments, or medical breakthroughs and their impact. Submit up to two items.
A14. Consumer Affairs Reporting: Reporting that addresses consumer rights, product safety, and economic concerns affecting everyday life. Submit up to two items.
A15. Deadline Disaster & Crisis Reporting: Immediate and timely coverage of natural disasters, crises, or emergencies, emphasizing accuracy and speed in reporting. Submit up to two items.
A16. Non-Deadline Disaster & Crisis Reporting: In-depth or reflective coverage of natural disasters, crises, or emergencies, with a focus on compassion, accuracy, and community impact. Submit up to two items.
A17. Courts, Crime & Law Reporting: Comprehensive coverage of legal issues, criminal justice, or major court cases, with a focus on thorough research and public impact. Submit up to two items.
A18. Sports Reporting: Dynamic coverage of sporting events, athletes, or sports-related issues. Submit up to two items.
A19. Travel Reporting: Compelling travel stories that offer vivid descriptions, cultural insights, and practical guidance. Submit up to two items.
A20. Lifestyle Reporting: Engaging stories related to lifestyle, design, fashion, and personal well-being. Submit up to two items.
A21. Criticism & Reviews: Thoughtful, well-crafted reviews of arts, culture, music, film, or literature. Submit up to two items.
A22. Entertainment Reporting: Coverage of entertainment news, including celebrities, TV, film, and pop culture. Submit up to two items.
A23. Food & Dining Reporting: Coverage of food trends, culinary culture, and restaurant reviews. Submit up to two items.
A24. Data-Driven Reporting: Innovative use of data, charts, and visualizations in storytelling. Submit up to two items.
A25. Specialized Writing or Coverage: In-depth, thematic coverage on niche topics or special series that go beyond daily reporting. Submit up to two items.
A26. News Commentary & Analysis: Insightful analysis and commentary on current events or public affairs. Submit up to two items.
A27. Sports Commentary: Insightful and engaging analysis or opinion writing about sporting events, athletes, or the culture of sports. Submit up to two items.
A28. Humor & Satire: Humorous or satirical writing that offers fresh perspectives on news, culture, or society. Submit up to two items.
A29. Editorial Writing: Well-argued and persuasive editorial content that advocates for change or public understanding. Submit up to two items.
A30. Blog, Newsletter, or Digital-First Writing: Engaging content through blogs, newsletters, or other digital-first formats that showcase a strong personal voice, subject-matter expertise, or creative storytelling. Submissions may include posts from Substack, Medium, personal or branded blogs, and digital verticals. Submit up to two items.
A31. Public Service in Written Journalism: Written projects that have made a significant public impact by shedding light on critical issues or advocating for change. Submit up to five items. A supporting statement (400 words max) is recommended.
DIVISION B: GRAPHICS & PHOTOGRAPHY
This division is open to all media, including newspapers, newsletters, magazines, and online/digital, unless the category description specifies otherwise.
B01. Spot News Photography: Photography that captures breaking news events, delivering impact and emotion in real time. Submit up to five samples on one subject or event.
B02. General News Photography: Photography that captures significant news events or subjects outside the scope of breaking news, providing context and storytelling through images. Submit up to five samples.
B03. Feature Photography: Photography that enhances storytelling by capturing compelling moments, scenes, or subjects in long-form or human-interest stories. Submit up to five samples on one subject or event.
B04. Sports Photography: Dynamic, action-packed images from sporting events that showcase athleticism, drama, and emotional moments. Submit up to five samples.
B05. Photo Essay: Collections of photographs that tell a cohesive and compelling visual story on a topic or event. Submit up to seven samples on one subject or event.
B06. Graphics & Infographics: Effective use of visual graphics and data to convey complex information clearly and creatively. Submit a single sample.
B07. Editorial Cartoons: Artistic work that provides satirical or thought-provoking commentary on current events, social issues, or political topics. Submit up to two samples.
B08. Illustrations: Creative illustrations that enhance storytelling through visual art and design, contributing to the narrative or theme of the piece. Submit up to two samples.
B09. Magazine Cover Design: Magazine cover design focusing on creativity and effectiveness in conveying the publication’s theme. Submit up to three samples.
B10. Newspaper Cover Design: Newspaper cover design, emphasizing clear visual presentation and newsworthiness. Submit up to three samples.
B11. Inside and Feature Design: Magazine or newspaper design and layout of internal or feature pages, focusing on creativity, clarity, and storytelling through design. Submit up to three samples.
B12. Environmental Photography: Compelling imagery that highlights environmental topics, from conservation to the impact of climate change. Submit up to three samples.
B13. Data Visualization & Interactive Graphics: Innovative use of data-driven storytelling through interactive graphics and visual elements that enhance audience engagement. Submit a single sample.
B14. Artistic & Creative Photography: Photography that takes a creative or artistic approach to visual storytelling, emphasizing composition, lighting, and emotion. Submit up to three samples.
B15. Public Service in Visual Journalism: Photography, graphics, or visual projects that have made a significant public impact by shedding light on critical issues or advocating for change. Submit up to three samples.
DIVISION C: VIDEO / TELEVISION
This division is open to all media organizations that have a video/television component.
C01. Newscast: Overall excellence in a television newscast, highlighting effective storytelling, comprehensive coverage, and high production standards. Maximum running time: 20 minutes.
C02. Breaking News Reporting: Timely and accurate reporting of breaking news events, demonstrating quick response, depth, and clarity under deadline pressure. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
C03. Investigative Reporting: In-depth, investigative video journalism that uncovers hidden truths or issues through thorough research, interviews, and compelling visuals. Maximum running time: 30 minutes.
C04. Feature Reporting: Engaging feature stories that creatively explore topics, people, or events using strong narrative techniques and impactful visuals. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
C05. Documentary Journalism: Long-form video storytelling that presents comprehensive explorations of issues or topics through investigative research, interviews, and on-location footage. Maximum running time: 30 minutes.
C06. Explanatory Reporting: Video reports that simplify complex topics through clear explanations, expert interviews, and engaging visuals to inform and educate viewers. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
C07. Short-Form Video Reporting: Impactful short-form video reports (typically under 10 minutes) that deliver concise, compelling storytelling with strong visual elements. Maximum running time: 10 minutes.
C08. Multimedia Storytelling (Video-Based): Video projects that integrate multiple storytelling elements, such as interviews, graphics, and data visualization, to create an immersive narrative. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
C09. Video Series: Multi-part video series that explore a topic or theme in-depth through episodes connected by strong storytelling. Maximum running time: 20 minutes.
C10. Public Service in Video/Television Journalism: Video projects that provide a significant public benefit by raising awareness, holding institutions accountable, or advocating for change. Maximum running time: 30 minutes. A supporting statement (400 words max) is recommended.
DIVISION D: AUDIO / RADIO
This division is open to all media organizations that have an audio/radio component.
D01. Newscast: Overall excellence in an audio or radio newscast, highlighting strong reporting, production quality, and comprehensive coverage of significant news events. Maximum running time: 20 minutes.
D02. Breaking News Reporting: Timely and accurate coverage of breaking news events, demonstrating quick response, depth, and clarity under deadline pressure. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
D03. General News Reporting: Coverage of timely, impactful news events through balanced, clear, and informative audio storytelling. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
D04. Investigative Reporting: In-depth investigative audio journalism that uncovers hidden truths or significant issues through thorough research, interviews, and compelling storytelling. Maximum running time: 30 minutes.
D05. Feature Reporting: Engaging feature stories that explore people, events, or issues through creative audio storytelling and strong narrative structure. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
D06. Documentary Journalism: Long-form audio documentaries that provide a comprehensive exploration of topics or issues through interviews and on-the-ground reporting. Maximum running time: 30 minutes.
D07. Explanatory Reporting: Audio stories that break down complex topics, using expert interviews and clear narration to educate and inform listeners. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
D08. Short-Form Audio Reporting: Impactful short-form audio segments (typically under 10 minutes) that deliver concise, compelling storytelling on news or features. Maximum running time: 10 minutes.
D09. Podcast Series: Multi-episode podcasts that deliver in-depth storytelling, investigative coverage, or thematic explorations. Submit up to 30 minutes.
D10. Podcast Episode: A single podcast episode that demonstrates exceptional audio storytelling, compelling interviews, or engaging narrative techniques. Submit up to 30 minutes.
D11. Audio Storytelling with Sound Design: Audio productions that demonstrate exceptional use of sound design, including ambient sounds, music, and effects, to enhance storytelling. Maximum running time: 15 minutes.
D12. Public Service in Audio/Radio Journalism: Audio journalism projects that provide a significant public benefit by raising awareness or holding institutions accountable. Maximum running time: 30 minutes. A supporting statement (400 words max) is recommended.
DIVISION E: DIGITAL / ONLINE
This division is open to all media organizations that have a digital/online component.
E01. Social Media Strategy: Innovative and effective use of social media platforms to engage audiences, break news, or amplify coverage. Submit up to two items.
E02. Data Use in Digital Storytelling: Impactful digital journalism driven by data analysis, including the effective use of visualizations, interactive elements, and investigative reports. Submit up to two items.
E03. Multimedia Presentation: Digital projects that combine multiple elements such as text, video, audio, and graphics into a cohesive and engaging multimedia package. Submit up to five items within one package.
E04. Data Visualization & Mapping: Impactful use of data visualization, charts, or interactive maps to present complex stories in an engaging and accessible format. Submit up to two items.
E05. Digital Newsletters: Newsletters that deliver engaging content, innovative storytelling, or effective curation tailored to digital audiences. Submit up to two items.
E06. Service or Utility Journalism in Digital: Recognizes digital journalism designed to inform, guide, or support audiences in practical, actionable ways. This may include explainers, resource roundups, FAQ-style coverage, how-to guides, or solutions-focused reporting. Strong entries will center the
E07. Digital Audience Engagement: Recognizes excellence in strategies that connect with, grow, and serve digital audiences. Entries may include campaigns, social media efforts, community engagement initiatives, live coverage, comment or message board strategies, or interactive features th
E08. Public Service in Digital Journalism: Digital projects that provide a significant public benefit by informing, raising awareness, or holding institutions accountable on critical issues. Submit up to five items. A supporting statement (400 words max) is recommended.
DIVISION F: STUDENTS
This division is open to all college and university students in the contest area. Students may enter after graduation, provided they were enrolled and produced the work in the contest year.
F01. Student News Outlet: A student-run news outlet that exemplifies excellence in reporting, storytelling, design, and innovation while making a meaningful impact on its campus or community. A supporting statement (maximum 400 words) is recommended. Submit up to four items that s
F02. Student Journalist of the Year: Recognizes a single student journalist whose body of work demonstrates exceptional reporting, storytelling, and journalistic integrity. Judges will consider impact, originality, and journalistic growth. Submit a statement (up to 250 words) describing their journalistic philosophy, goals and / or impact. Submit a portfolio of up to four pieces across any medium (print, digital, video, audio, etc.), plus one letter of recommendation (up to 250 words) from an adviser, editor, or faculty member.
F03. Editorial Leadership: An individual student editor or editorial team that demonstrates outstanding leadership through the successful execution of news coverage, editorial vision, and newsroom innovation. This category highlights those who effectively manage coverage, coordinat
F04. Special Projects or Special Coverage: In-depth journalism projects or thematic coverage that demonstrate excellence in planning, execution, and impact. This category highlights ambitious efforts, including multi-part series, investigative campaigns, or multimedia presentations that go beyond
F05. Special Print Issue: Submit one special issue from the previous calendar year. Each page will be evaluated for its writing, photography, and design, with a strong emphasis on the impact and overall excellence of the standalone issue.
F06. Written Journalism: Recognizes an individual student who demonstrates exceptional skill in reporting, writing, and storytelling across various formats, including news articles, features, columns, or opinion pieces published in print or online. Submit up to four items showcasing the student's breadth of work.
F07. Video Journalism: Recognizes exceptional television or video reporting that highlights compelling narratives, high production standards, and newsworthiness. Submit up to three items. Maximum run time: 15 minutes.
F08. Audio Journalism: Audio storytelling through well-produced podcasts, radio broadcasts, or narrative-driven audio segments. Submit up to three items. Maximum run time: 15 minutes.
F09. Investigative Journalism: Investigative work that uncovers significant truths through meticulous research and impactful storytelling. Submit up to three items on a single topic.
F10. News Writing: Coverage of a breaking or in-depth news event, demonstrating accuracy, clarity, and impact. Submit up to two items.
F11. Serious Feature Writing: Compelling feature stories that explore serious topics with depth, creativity, and sensitivity. Submit up to two items.
F12. Light Feature Writing: Engaging feature stories that capture human-interest topics, creative storytelling, or lighter cultural content. Submit up to two items.
F13. Sports Writing: Coverage of sporting events, athletes, or the broader sports landscape through dynamic reporting. Submit up to two items.
F14. Entertainment Writing: Coverage of entertainment, including music, film, television, and cultural events. Submit up to two items.
F15. Column Writing: Opinion writing, emphasizing an original voice, well-supported arguments, and reader engagement. Submit up to two items.
F16. Photography: Photojournalism that captures powerful moments and tells a compelling visual story. Submit up to three items.
F17. Digital Storytelling: Use of digital platforms, integrating multimedia, interactive graphics, or web-based formats to enhance storytelling. Submit up to two items.
F18. Social Media Strategy: Innovative and effective use of social media to break news, engage audiences, or enhance storytelling. Submit up to two items.
F19. Visual Storytelling: Visual storytelling through creative design, infographics, illustrations, or other visual elements that enhance the narrative and engage audiences. This category highlights the power of visuals in delivering impactful stories. Submit up to two items.
F20. Print Design: Print design by a student or student team that enhances storytelling and reader engagement through creative layouts, typography, and visual elements. This category highlights innovation in the design of newspapers, magazines, or other print publications,
F21. Public Service in Student Journalism: Projects that provide a significant public benefit by informing, raising awareness, or holding institutions accountable on critical issues affecting their campus or community. Submit up to five items. A supporting statement (400 words max) is recommended.
DIVISION G: SPANISH
Esta división está abierta a todo tipo de medios españoles.
G01. Excelencia en Periodismo en Español: Reconoce el periodismo sobresaliente producido principalmente en español. Las inscripciones pueden incluir noticias, reportajes, comentarios u obras de narración multimedia. El jurado evaluará la solidez del reporteo, la claridad, el impacto y la relevancia comunitaria. Se pueden enviar hasta tres trabajos.
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