Best Opinion
For outstanding performance in a column, editorial, commentary, op-eds or review.

Best Short-Form Reporting
Eligible entries are originally-reported news stories of a regional, local, or institution-specific topic under 700 words. By “original reporting,” we mean that writers have integrated fresh material into their stories through their first-hand observations and/or conducting their own interviews or surveys. Stories that only rephrase information from existing information sources (e.g. other newspaper articles, academic articles) would not count as “original reporting.”  By “news story,” we mean one that responds to a timely event or brings fresh information to readers and that follows the traditional news story structure (e.g. incorporates the 5Ws, follows the inverted pyramid organization, is concise and neutral in tone).

Best Long-Form Reporting
Eligible entries are deeply reported stories in the news or newsy feature format of more than 700 words that cover and explain in depth issues of significance at the institution, state, and/or national level. See the previous category for a description of the “news story.” By “newsy feature,” we mean a story that answers the 5Ws and aims for concision and a neutral tone, but due to length and content, may follow a different structure than the inverted pyramid.

Best Short-Form Feature
For outstanding performance in a short form or newspaper-style feature under 1,000 words.  Eligible articles explore a person, place, event, or topic of importance within the prison using both anecdotes and evidence in a narrative or other creative style. Features can include profiles, trend stories, how-to stories, tip stories, reaction pieces, reported essays, and explanatory features, among others. Feature stories tend to be “evergreen” — in other words, they still use the tools of journalism, but are more timeless than news stories. Though they can be tied to an event, they touch on broader themes. All competing features must include original reporting.

Best Long-Form Feature
For outstanding performance in feature writing of more than 1,000 words written in the magazine style. This category includes in-depth, narrative-driven, or explanatory features. Please refer to the previous category for a more thorough description of what counts as a “feature.”

Best Sports & Recreation Reporting

For outstanding performance in originally-reported stories on recreational pursuits inside the walls, including sports, arts, learning, health and wellness. Submissions in news, feature, and visual formats are all welcome.

Best Visual Journalism
For the best work of photography, photo essay, illustration, infographic, or cartoon. Submissions must contain a reported element, a news peg, or otherwise serve a journalistic purpose.