2019 Better Newspaper Awards
The Better Newspapers Competition website is now open for entries. Submit your entries in PDF format by visiting the OCNA BNC Competition website at OCNA BNC Contest Website.
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Dates (Mark You Calendars)
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- October 1, 2019 - Submissions Open
- October 31, 2019 - Submissions Close
- October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019 - Your entries must have been published in this timeframe
- February 14, 2020 - OCNA will post the top three finalists in alphabetical order at www.ocna.org
- April 3, 2020 - Awards Gala at the Hilton Garden Inn in Vaughan, where we reveal the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.
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Submission Types
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- PDF - Upload PDF files for all category entries, including those you are sending to the office in hardcopy (these require front page pdf only).
- HARD COPY - The General Excellence Categories (make sure you register for them online) as well as Premier categories Best Vertical Product and Special Section must be mailed to the OCNA address below. The OCNA must receive these hard copies NO LATER THAN October 31, 2019, so mail them early. Please send to OCNA c/o Awards, 37 Front Street E, Ste 200 Toronto, ON M5E 1B3.
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Payment
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- Now made online at the contest website, and must be done by October 31, 2019.
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| Changes for 2019 |
Active Member Changes:
- Changed Criteria: Photographer of the Year -Include one photo from any four of the following five photography subjects: Spot News Photo, Sports Photo, Community Event Photo, Feature Photo, News Photo and a letter from the publisher/editor outlining the photographer's commitment to community journalism.
- New Category: Best Feature/Unit Pages - Entries should show an innovative approach to a traditional theme or development of a new theme. Could be a holiday (Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day) or a community event. Judging will be based on originality of idea including advertising presentation, quality editorial content, effective use of photographs. Aimed at generating volume sales, the section might be for a grand opening anniversary sale, or special occasion, etc. Entries must be run-of-press sections. Layout can be two to four pages.
- NEW Category: Breaking News Video - This award will recognize the best single Breaking News video presentation. Entries will be judged on quality of video, including audio and editing; creative and innovative storytelling; journalistic quality and impact.
- New Category: Best Printed Blooper - JUST FOR FUN - NO JUDGING! Despite all our efforts, bloopers still seem to slip past our editorial eyes! Entries in this just-for-fun category will be displayed at our 2020 Spring Convention and Awards Gala so we can all share both a laugh and a cry at some of the goofs we've made over the past year. Bloopers may be editorial or advertising, and may include comical mistakes, outrageous errors and/or hilarious headlines.
- General Excellence - Sports Section value has gone from 50 points to 25 points. Arts coverage has been added worth 25 points.
College/University Member Changes:
- Changed Criteria - Best College/University Newspaper Website - Advertising has been removed from the criteria, and replaced with social media strategy.
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2019 forms
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2019 Rules of Entry
2019 Entry Tags - General Excellence
2019 Entry Tags - Special Section Vertical Product
2019 GE Judge Guidelines - Active Members
2019 GE Judge Guidelines - College University
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If you have any questions, please contact OCNA Member Services Coordinator Karen Shardlow
- e-mail at k.shardlow@ocna.org
- by phone at 416-923-7724 ext. 4432
The OCNA is pleased to be able to recognize the passion you have for your profession and the outstanding work you produce each week! Good luck and thank you for your participation.
