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Home/Events & Awards/2025 BNC Award Entry Information Print This Page


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.



Dates
(Mark Your Calendars)
  • October 1, 2025 - Submissions Open
  • October 31, 2025 - Submissions Close
  • October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025 - Your entries must have been published in this timeframe.
  • February 13, 2026 - OCNA will post the top three finalists in alphabetical order at www.ocna.org.
  • Spring of 2026 -  Awards Presentation - where we reveal the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners (more details to follow).
Submission Types
  • 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.

Payment
  • Now made online at the contest website, and must be done by October 31, 2025.

Changes

for 2025

Active Member Changes:

GENERAL EXCELLENCE:

  • No changes to General Excellence category criteria from 2024

 PREMIER:

  • Changed Category – Reporter of the Year:
    • Added Paid Webinar:  The Reporter of the Year will be offered the opportunity to host a webinar for OCNA members on an agreed upon editorial topic. Upon completion of that webinar, the Reporter of the Year will be paid $250.   
    • Submission criteria remains the same 
  • Changed Category – Photographer of the Year:
    • Added Paid Webinar:  The Photographer of the Year will be offered the opportunity to host a webinar for OCNA members on an agreed upon editorial topic. Upon completion of that webinar, the Photographer of the Year will be paid $250.   
    • Submission criteria remains the same
  • Changed Category – Best Feature Photo
    • the over & under 8,000 circulation categories are now combined into one category for all circulations.

 College/University Member Changes:

  • No changes from 2024


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.


2024 forms
2025 BNC Category Descriptions

2025 Rules of Entry


2025 GE Judge Guidelines - Active Members

2025 GE Judge Guidelines - College University

  
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. 



Ontario Community Newspapers Association

Box #348

6-1500 Upper Middle Rd. W.

Oakville, ON L6M 0C2
Tel: 416-923-7724
Email: info@ocna.org

Departments

Executive Director - ext. 4428

Ad*Reach - ext. 4423

Better Newspaper Awards - Conferences Training - ext. 4432
Junior Citizens Awards/Communications - ext. 4432



Accounts Payable/Receivable - ext. 4423

Website Inquiries - ext. 4432

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