• PDF & URL - Upload PDF files or URL links (as noted in criteria) for all category entries. 

• Please note that hardcopy entries will no longer be accepted. All entries must be entered into the contest website as a pdf or link to a pdf copy.

Active Member Changes:

GENERAL EXCELLENCE:

• Class 6 & Class 7 have been combined to become Class 6&7 – Circ. 22,500 and over.
• Hardcopy entries will no longer be accepted. All entries must be submitted as a pdf or a link to a pdf. Should you have any problems uploading editions to the contest site, please contact Karen Shardlow at k.shardlow@ocna.org for assistance.

PREMIER:

• NEW Category – Best Editorial Cartoon: Entry should consist of a single cartoon. The cartoon submitted must be a local cartoon and should pertain to a subject of local community interest for that paper. Entries can include the work of syndicated cartoonists, provided that the cartoon in question was drawn specifically for the member paper or local group. A brief explanatory letter or description may accompany the entry.
• NEW Category - Best Editorial Page/Section: Entry should consist of an editorial page or section from a single edition consisting of editorials, editorial cartoons, letters to the editor, and guest editorials or columns. Judging will be based on overall excellence in editorials and commentary, layout and design, with an emphasis on local content and local interest in the community as shown by letters, guest and staff columns.
• Removed Category – Best COVID-19 Coverage has been removed.
• Removed Category – Cartoonist of the Year has been removed. (replaced with Best Editorial Cartoon)
• Changed Criteria – Best Police/Court Story or Series: This category has been split into two categories – one for single stories and one for a series of articles.
• Changed Criteria – Reporter of the Year: A letter explaining the circumstances under which the stories were obtained is now only suggested, not required.
• Changed Criteria – Photographer of the Year: A letter outlining the photographer's commitment to community journalism is now only suggested, not required.
• Changed Criteria – Best Vertical Product:  Hardcopies no longer accepted. All entries must be submitted as a pdf copy or link to a pdf copy.
• Changed Criteria – Special Section: Hardcopies no longer accepted. All entries must be submitted as a pdf copy or link to a pdf copy.
• Changed Criteria – Special Section: Categories for over & under 10,000 circulations have been combined into one category for all circulations.

 College/University Member Changes:

• No changes for 2023

For examples of winning entries from previous years, review the interactive Awards Booklets. View Here.

To view individual winning entries, click on the winning image for that category.