Awards aimed at the best journalism about animals and their welfare
Those writing about animals and their welfare should consider entering the competition for the Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award.
The National Press Club journalism contest is giving the prize for the best coverage that educates the public about threats facing animals. The award is given in the categories of print/online and broadcast. The award was established by the family of journalist and longtime Press Club member Ann Cottrell Free, who wrote extensively about animals and their welfare.
Last year, ABC News won the Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award for its investigative look at what is required to achieve the high-stepping gait of Tennessee Walking Horses. Michael Berens of The Seattle Times won the Free Animal Reporting award for print for his account of the zoo industry’s attempts to propagate captive elephants.
Entries must consist of a single article or broadcast or a series of up to five related articles or broadcasts, which will be judged as a unit. A letter detailing how and why the entry demonstrates original and thought-provoking reporting should accompany the entry. Submissions that provide evidence of impact or prompted action will be given particular consideration. The deadline for entries is April 1.
The contest is open to Press Club members and non-members. Entry is free for press club members and $50 for non-members. For the first time, entries may be submitted online or by the more traditional use of mail.
The prize for each category is a $750 award, which will be given at a banquet at the National Press Club this summer. For more information, click here.
The Club's journalism contest also includes awards for news photos, breaking news, online reporting, regional reporting on Washington, international coverage, consumer reporting and newsletter journalism. A group of awards will also cover areas as diverse as the news industry, aerospace and the airline industry, problems facing the elderly and humor writing.