THE 2024 COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

FINALISTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY MID-JUNE

Click Here to Register or to Start an Entry

Welcome to the 2024 Sunshine State Awards
Celebrating 30 years of Florida Excellence

CONTEST OVERVIEW

The Society of Professional Journalists, Florida Pro Chapter, is pleased to announce the 2024 Sunshine State Awards competition, honoring the best of 2023 Florida journalism. SPJ presents the Sunshine State Awards in partnership with:

     - National Association of Hispanic Journalists, South Florida Chapter
     - National Association of Black Journalists, South Florida Chapter
     - NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists
     - Asian American Journalists Association, Florida Chapter
     - Diversify Photo

The competition is open to all professional print, broadcast and online journalists in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Out-of-state journalists who report on Florida are also welcome to enter. The Student division accepts entries from students at Florida colleges and universities, and there is a category for high school students, as well.

This year, in recognition of the Sunshine State Awards’ 30th anniversary, we have made significant updates to the competition including:

Revised divisions and categories: The contest structure has been updated to reflect changes in the profession. The Newspaper, Magazine and Digital writing categories have been combined in a single Writing division. Magazine-specific design categories have been moved to the Photography & Design division.

New winner designations: We will continue to name up to three finalists per category, but instead of announcing first-, second- and third-place finishers, we will now announce a single winner per category, with no second or third place. The other two finalists will receive a finalist certificate.

New certificate policy: Winner and finalist certificates will be presented at the ceremony. Certificates not claimed in person at the ceremony will be available for purchase at $10 each, in any quantity desired, via an online form that will be distributed after the ceremony.

As always, professional journalists and journalism educators from outside the Florida market will judge all entries. The finalist list will be emailed to all entrants in approximately mid-June and posted on the SPJ Florida website. Winners will be announced at a live Sunshine State Awards ceremony in South Florida this summer. Stay tuned for details.

ENTRY DEADLINES AND FEES

REGULAR DEADLINE: Monday, March 25, at 11:59 p.m.
Professional Journalists: $35 per entry
College Students: $20 per entry
High School Students: FREE

LATE DEADLINE: Monday, April 8, at 11:59 p.m.
Professional Journalists: $45 per entry
College Students: $30 per entry
High School Students: FREE

HOW TO ENTER

The competition is for work published, posted or broadcast in the calendar year 2023.

Any given entry may be submitted in multiple categories. You may also submit as many entries as you wish in any given category (but bear in mind you will be competing against yourself).

Create an entrant account to submit your entries online. No hard-copy entries are accepted. Read the category descriptions and follow all instructions carefully. If you have questions, please contact Contest Administrator Tim Dodson at tim@timdodson.com.

SPJ, NAHJ, NABJ, NLGJA, AAJA and Diversify Photo MEMBER BENEFIT: get one entry FREE with your first paid entry. Submit your paid entry first, then submit a single free entry. Any remaining entries are subject to the prevailing rate. The free entry must list as one of the entrants a current, dues paying individual member of SPJ, NAHJ, NABJ, NLGJA, AAJA or Diversify Photo. Maximum ONE free entry per member.

Membership lists will be checked to confirm eligibility for the benefit. If you have questions about an individual's membership status, contact the organizations at their respective headquarters.

2024 CATEGORIES

DIVISION A: SPECIAL AWARDS
Open to all professional journalists in all media who work in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A01. James Batten Award for Public Service: Named in honor of late Knight-Ridder chairman and CEO James Batten, a champion of “civic journalism.” Entries must contribute to the public good by correcting a wrong, bringing to light an issue or adding significantly to the public debate. Entries will be judged by the significance of the contribution, initiative in overcoming opposition and evidence of courage. Up to 10 items may be entered by an individual or team, including coverage and other supporting elements. A supporting statement (400 words max) is also required.

A02. Gene Miller Award for Investigative Reporting: Named in honor of late Miami Herald reporter and editor Gene Miller. Investigative reporting by an individual or team in a single report or a series – up to five items including coverage and other supporting elements. Stories should expose a wrong or promote understanding of a problem, issue, or subject in the public interest. A supporting statement (400 words max) is also required.

A03. NABJ South Florida Diversity Award: Supporting a core objective of NABJ and SPJ to encourage diversity in journalism, this award honors a journalist from an underrepresented community. Submit up to five items. A supporting statement (400 words max) is also required.

A04. Barbara A. Petersen Freedom of Information Award: Named after Barbara A. Petersen, the Florida First Amendment Foundation’s long-serving president, who retired in 2019. Honors a journalist or news organization for outstanding use of public records in reporting or advocating for rights such as press freedom and public access. Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (400 words max) is also required.

A05. Journalist of the Year: Honors a individual journalist with the most outstanding body of print, broadcast or online work. Submit up to three items. Two letters of recommendation (400 words max each) and a supporting statement (400 words max) are also required.

A06. Anchor of the Year: Honors an individual broadcast anchor with the most outstanding body of work. Submit up to three items. Two letters of recommendation (400 words max each) and a supporting statement (400 words max) are also required.

A07. Photojournalist of the Year: Honors an individual photojournalist with the most outstanding body of work. Submit up to five items. Two letters of recommendation (400 words max each) and a supporting statement (400 words max) are also required.

A08. Outstanding New Journalist: Honors an individual journalist with up to three years of postgraduate experience with the most outstanding body of print, broadcast or digital work. Submit up to three items. Two letters of recommendation (400 words max each) and a supporting statement (400 words max) are also required.

A09. Editor of the Year: Honors a single editor who exemplifies the profession and/or has the most outstanding body of work. Submit up to three items, including coverage, writing, edited pieces, and/or other supporting elements of your choice. Required: two letters of recommendation (400 words max each) and a supporting statement (400 words max) are required.

A10. Social Justice Reporting: Submit up to four items and a supporting statement (400 words max).

DIVISION B: PRINT & DIGITAL WRITING
NEW FOR 2024: All print and digital writing categories (newspapers, magazines, websites, etc.) are now consolidated in this new division.

Eligible: Staff journalists or freelancers working in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands or writing for a Florida-based print or digital news outlet; wire service bureaus in Florida; and Florida bureaus of national and out-of-state publications. Journalists working in any medium are eligible.

B01. Breaking News Reporting: Judges will consider deadline pressures, complexity of subject and story length, interest, and importance. Submit a single report or series (four items max).

B02. Non-Deadline News Reporting - Short Form: Enterprise reporting that digs deeper into a newsworthy topic or subject. Submit a single report of up to 500 words.

B03. Non-Deadline News Reporting - Long Form: Enterprise reporting that digs deeper into a newsworthy topic or subject. Submit a single report of 500 words or longer.

B04. Serious Feature Reporting - Short Form: Narrative pieces, trend stories and enterprise reporting, up to 500 words long. Submit a single item only; no series.

B05. Serious Feature Reporting - Long Form: Narrative pieces, trend stories and enterprise reporting, more than 500 words long. Submit a single item only; no series.

B06. Light Feature Reporting - Short Form: Narrative pieces, trend stories and enterprise reporting up to 500 words long. Submit a single item only; no series.

B07. Light Feature Reporting - Long Form: Narrative pieces, trend stories and enterprise reporting, more than 500 words long. Submit a single item only; no series.

B08. Series: Submit up to five items of a news or feature series on a single topic.

B09. General Commentary & Criticism: Analysis or interpretation of news events. Submit up to three items.

B10. Arts & Culture Commentary & Criticism: Analysis or interpretation of arts or cultural events, including arts reviews. Submit up to three items.

B11. Sports Commentary: Analysis or interpretation of sporting events, teams, etc. Submit up to three items.

B12. Profile Reporting: Profiles of people. Submit a single item.

B13. Obituary Reporting: Submit a single item.

B14. Election Reporting: Coverage of any elections, including local ballot measures. Submit up to three items.

B15. Data Reporting: A news or feature story driven by data, and/or that uses data collection. Submit a single item or series (3 max) on one topic.

B16. Editorial Writing: Submit three items on a single topic or multiple topics.

B17. Editorial Cartooning: Submit three items a single topic or multiple topics.

B18. Hyperlocal Reporting: Coverage of a small Florida municipality or a rural Florida county. Submit up to three items.

B19. Human Interest Story: Submit a single report; no series.

B20. Blog Writing: Submit up to three items.

B21. Special Publication or Section: Best overall quality, including news value, writing, design, story mix, etc., in a special, one-time-only or annual section of a publication. Must consist of editorial content produced by editorial staff.

B22. Trade or Special Interest Publication: Best overall quality, including news value, in a publication focusing on a specialized audience. Submit a single issue.

B23. Beat Reporting - Arts & Culture: Does not include criticism (See Arts & Culture Commentary & Criticism). Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B24. Beat Reporting - Business & Consumer Affairs: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B25. Beat Reporting - Community: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B26. Beat Reporting - Crime & Courts: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B27. Beat Reporting - Education: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B28. Beat Reporting - Environment, Science & Technology: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B23. Beat Reporting - Food & Travel: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B30. Beat Reporting - Government & Politics: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B31. Beat Reporting - Health: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B32. Beat Reporting - Housing & Real Estate: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B33. Beat Reporting - Sports: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

B34. Beat Reporting - Underrepresented Communities: Submit up to three items. A supporting statement (250 words max) to provide additional context is recommended.

DIVISION C: PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

C01. Breaking News Photography: Submit a single published photo or series (up to five) on a single subject.

C02. Feature Photography: A single published photo, either stand-alone or part of a story.

C03. Portrait/Personality: A single published photo or series (up to 3 items) on the same subject, either stand-alone or part of a story.

C04. Photography Story: A collection of news or feature photos (up to eight items) printed together that tell a story. Not for continuing coverage of a subject.

C05. Sports Photography: A single published photo, either stand-alone or part of a story.

C06. Art/Photo Illustration: Specially designed art and/or photos to illustrate a story. Submit up to three items.

C07. Infographics & Data Visualization: Standalone infographic or part of a story. Submit a single item. A supporting statement to provide additional context (250 words max) is optional.

C08. Newspaper Front Page Design: Submit up to three items, by an individual or team, representing the newspaper’s front page or section front.

C09. Magazine Cover Design: Submit up to three items.

C10. Magazine Inside Design: Submit up to three stories or spreads.

C11. Magazine Issue: Submit one full issue. Judges will consider content, design and overall layout.

DIVISION D: TELEVISION & VIDEO

D01. TV or Video Newscast: Submit a single newscast. Max length: 30:00.

D02. Investigative Reporting - Single Report: Max length: 5:00.

D03. Investigative Reporting - Series: Include up to four segments. Max total length: 20:00.

D04. Spot News Reporting: Coverage of an unexpected hard-news event. May include live or taped segments illustrating coverage. Include up to four segments. Max total length: 20:00.

D05. Breaking News: Live-driven reporting that shows how reporters, photographers, and station staff on all levels handle the story as it is happening. Include up to four segments. Max total length: 20:00.

D06. General Assignment Report: A single story developed, shot, written and aired in a regular newscast within a 24-hour period. Max length: 5:00.

D07. Continuing Coverage or Series: Submit a series of up to three segments on a single topic.

D08. Special Reporting: Reporting that covers specialized topics such as education, medical, transportation, etc. Include up to five segments. Max total length: 20:00.

D09. Government, Politics & Election Reporting: Submit a single report. Max length: 5.00.

D10. Environment, Science & Technology Reporting: Submit a single report. Max length: 5.00.

D11. Health Reporting: Submit a single report. Max length: 5.00.

D12. Light Feature Reporting: Include a single report. Max length: 5:00.

D13. Serious Feature Reporting: Include a single report. Max length: 5:00.

D14. Sports Reporting: Include a single report. Max length: 5:00.

D15. Weather Reporting: A compilation that may include in-studio weather delivery and out-of-studio weather reporting. Max length: 20:00.

D16. Non-Newscast Program: A special report, 20-60 minutes long, airing outside of a regular newscast, that addresses issues of community concern or covers popular community events.

D17. Video - Short Form: A single online video that is not a part of a newscast. Can supplement a written story. Max length: 3:00.

D18. Video - Long Form: An online video that is not a part of a newscast. Can supplement a written story. Submit a single item, 3-10 minutes long.

DIVISION E: RADIO & AUDIO

E01. Radio or Audio Newscast: Best overall news and feature quality, including news value, writing, production, story mix, etc. Submit one complete broadcast of your choice.

E02. Podcast: Submit up to three segments.

E03. General Coverage: Coverage of an issue of local interest. Submit up to four pieces.

E04. Investigative Reporting: Reporting that exposes a wrong or promotes understanding of a problem, issue, or subject in the public interest. Submit a single report or a series.

E05. Government, Politics & Election Reporting: Submit a single report or a series (3 items max).

E06. Serious Feature Reporting: Profiles, trend pieces and human interest stories. Submit a single report or a series (3 items max).

E07. Light Feature Reporting: Profiles, trend pieces and human interest stories. Submit a single report or a series (3 items max).

E08. Public Affairs: Submit a single public affairs program. Entries may be documentaries or regular programming. Entries must be the original work of the station. Town hall meetings are not eligible.

E09. Environment, Science & Technology Reporting: Submit a single report or a series (3 items max).

E10. Health Reporting: Submit a single report or a series (3 items max).

E11. Continuing Coverage or Series: Submit a series on a single topic (4 items max).

E12. Education Reporting: Submit a single report or a series (3 items max).

E13. Arts Reporting: Submit a single report or a series (3 items max).

DIVISION F: DIGITAL

F01. News Website (Small Newsroom): For newsrooms with up to 25 full- or part-time employees. Site can be stand alone or sponsored by print or broadcast media. Judges will evaluate the following: site’s overall value to user; depth and originality of news content; variety of content presentation methods (text, video, audio, etc.); writing quality; usability (including navigation and accessibility); layout. Submit the URLs of the homepage and two additional pages.

F02. News Website (Large Newsroom): For newsrooms with more than 25 employees. Site can be stand alone or sponsored by print or broadcast media. Judges will evaluate the following: site’s overall value to user; depth and originality of news content; variety of content presentation methods (text, video, audio, etc.); writing quality; usability (including navigation and accessibility); layout. Submit the URLs of the homepage and two additional pages.

F03. Multimedia Feature: A feature story utilizing two or more media (video, audio, social media, interactive infographic, etc.), not including photography. Submit a single report (3 items max) on a single topic.

F04. Online Package: A special, one-time project that includes writing (print or web), video, audio, social media or any combination of them. One-time projects may include multiple pieces of all media.

F05. Infographics & Data Visualization: Graphics or data should interactive or multimedia component and can be standalone pieces or part of a story. Submit a single item. (Note: the Photography & Design division contains a category for static data visualizations or infographics.)

F06. New Media Engagement: Submit up to three items of a news outlet or reporter utilizing new media or social media platforms to engage its audience.

F07. E-newsletter: An email newsletter that delivers news and information. Submit up to three issues.

DIVISION G: SPANISH LANGUAGE
Estos premios son presentados en conjunto con la Asociación Nacional de Periodistas Hispanos – capítulo del Sur de la Florida/National Association of Hispanic Journalists – South Florida Chapter. Los premios están abiertos a periodistas (empleados por el medio o independientes/freelancers) cuyos trabajos en español hayan aparecido en la edición digital o impresa de periódicos publicados o distribuídos en la Florida, en medios audiovisuales en la Florida y corresponsales de agencias noticiosas y periódicos de circulación nacional en la Florida.

G01. Mejor trabajo de investigación en televisión/radio: Esta categoría premia al mejor reportaje de investigación de interés público para el sur de la Florida. Puede ser un solo reportaje o una serie publicada en televisión o en radio. Los artículos deben ser originales, exponer irregularidades y/o promover el entendimiento de un asunto de interés público. Duración máxima: 20:00

G02. Mejor trabajo de investigación en prensa escrita/digital: Esta categoría premia al mejor reportaje de investigación de interés público para el sur de la Florida. Puede ser un solo reportaje o una serie publicada en un medio digital o de prensa escrita. Los artículos deben ser originales, exponer irregularidades y/o promover el entendimiento de un asunto de interés público.

G03. Mejor reportaje especial (features) en televisión/radio/video/podcast: Se considerarán reportajes sobre las últimas tendencias o temas de interés humano. Aspirantes deben someter un solo reportaje; las series no serán aceptadas. Los jueces tomarán en cuenta la originalidad del autor a la hora de contar la historia y la calidad técnica del trabajo. Duración máxima: 5:00.

G04. Mejor reportaje especial en prensa escrita/medio digital: Se considerarán artículos narrativos y crónicas sobre las últimas tendencias o temas de interés humano. Aspirantes deben someter un solo reportaje; las series no serán aceptadas. Los jueces tomarán en cuenta la originalidad del autor a la hora de contar la historia, así como la claridad y calidad del texto. Duración máxima: 5:00.

G05. Mejor cobertura de noticias de última hora (breaking news) en televisión/radio/digital: Esta categoría abarca coberturas de noticias de última hora y el seguimiento apropiado al tema. Puede ser un solo reportaje o una serie. Los jueces considerarán en su decisión las presiones de tiempo y dificultades que enfrentó el medio en su cobertura, así como la complejidad del tema, interés e importancia. Duración máxima: 20:00.

G06. Periodista del año en televisión/radio/digital: Esta categoría premia al periodista más sobresaliente del año en los medios hispanos de la Florida. Participantes deben enviar cinco muestras de su trabajo como máximo.

G07. Periodista del año en prensa escrita/digital: Esta categoría premia al periodista más sobresaliente del año en los medios hispanos del sur de la Florida. Participantes deben enviar cinco muestras de su trabajo como máximo.

G08. Mejor infografía y/o visualización de dato: Esta categoría premia la mejor infografía o historia contada con visualización de datos publicada en un medio de prensa escrita, digital o televisivo. Se valorará la originalidad y claridad de la historia, así como la calidad de su diseño y valor informativo.

G09. Mejor cobertura de desastres naturales en televisión/radio/video: Presentar hasta cinco muestras. Opcional: envíe una declaración de apoyo (hasta 400 palabras).

G10. Mejor cobertura de desastres naturales en prensa escrita/digital: Presentar hasta cinco muestras. Opcional: envíe una declaración de apoyo (hasta 400 palabras).

G11. Mejor trabajo estudiantil (todo tipo de medios): Premia a la mejor historia periodística hecha por un estudiante en la Florida. Candidatos pueden someter una historia individual o una serie. La historia debe ser original, exponer irregularidades o promover el entendimiento de un problema de interés público.

DIVISION H: COLLEGE
For college and university students whose work was published in Florida in the previous calendar year. This may include work submitted to professional publications, as well as long as the student produced it.

H01. College Journalist of the Year: Honors the college journalist (any medium) displaying the most promise through published work. Submit four of your best stories published or broadcast in the previous calendar year and a signed recommendation letter from an adviser, teacher or or professional journalist who has worked with you.

H02. College Photojournalist of the Year: Honors the college photojournalist displaying the most promise through photos published online or in print. Submit a portfolio of up to 10 of your best photographs published in the previous calendar year and a signed recommendation letter from an adviser, teacher or or professional journalist who has worked with you.

H03. Adviser of the Year: Honors a college journalism adviser. Submit 2-5 recommendation letters from students or faculty showcasing their work and dedication to their students and/or media outlet.

H04. Student Publication: Submit up to two print issues from the previous calendar year. Every page will be judged on writing, photography, and design.

H05. Student Broadcast Outlet: Submit up to three clips (5:00 each max) from the previous calendar year.

H06. Website: Submit the homepage URL and two other URLs of other pages of your choice.

H07. In-Depth Reporting: In-depth reporting by an individual or team in a single report or a series. Stories should expose a wrong or promote understanding of a problem, issue, or subject in the public interest. A supporting statement (250 words max) is recommended.

H08. Breaking News Story: Submit a story written under a next-day deadline about a single breaking news report.

H09. News Photo: Any single photo that is not posed or sports.

H10. Profile: Submit a single report. Judges will favor profiles of people on campus or national pieces with a unique student angle.

H11. Review: Submit a review of a movie, concert, art exhibit book, play, etc. Judges will favor reviews of either campus or local arts, or national pieces with a unique student angle.

H12. Serious Feature: Submit a single report.

H13. Light Feaure: Submit a single report.

H14. Sports Story: Can be a gamer, a profile, analysis, or anything else. Submit a single report.

H15. Sports Photo: A single photo capturing a moment in college sports.

H16. Opinion Column: A single column on anything but sports, expressing an opinion, slant or viewpoint.

H17. Front Page Design: Judges look for creativity but also expect adherence to basic design principles. Submit a single cover.

H18. Inside Page Design: Judges look for creativity but also expect adherence to basic design principles. Submit a single inside design. Can include more than one page if it’s a part of the same story.

H19. Video: Can be news, feature, sports, or anything else that covered in Length 5:00 max; shorter is better.

H20. Podcast: Submit a single podcast episode.

H21. Multimedia Feature: A feature story utilizing two or more media (video, audio, social media, interactive infographic, etc.), not including photography. Submit a single report or a series (up to three stories or supplemental elements) on a single topic.

H22. Coverage of LGBTQ Issues: Submit a single report. This award is co-sponsored by Out South Florida and the South Florida chapter of the Association of LGBT Journalists.

H23. Coverage of Race & Underrepresented Communities: Submit a single report. This award is co-sponsored by the South Florida chapters of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

H24. General News Story: Submit a story about a single news event or issue, not written on next-day deadline.

H25. Human Interest Story: Submit a single feature story that involves a person.

DIVISION J: HIGH SCHOOL
For high school students whose work was published in in Florida in the previous calendar year. This may include work submitted to professional publications, as well as long as the student produced it. There is no entry fee for High School division entries.

K01. High School Journalist of the Year: Honors the high school journalist displaying the most promise through published or broadcast work. Submit up to five of your best stories published in the previous calendar year and a signed recommendation letter from an adviser, teacher or professional journalist who has worked with you.

Click Here to Register or to Start an Entry

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