There are two forms of journalists on this planet: those that wait till the final minute (i.e., most of us), and those that work forward (and also you all are additionally in all probability “morning individuals,” I’m guessing).
For individuals who work forward: the 2022 well being journalism contest is now open for entries!
For everybody else: Even for those who often anticipate — and wish — the motivating fireplace of a looming deadline, and naturally haven’t any plans to even assume in regards to the AHCJ contest for months — you continue to must know that THIS TIME AROUND THE DEADLINES HAVE CHANGED.
The AHCJ contest will shut on January 5, 2023.
Sometimes, the competition deadline falls across the third week of January, so you have got a while after the vacations to organize and add your entries. However not this 12 months. The submission deadline will likely be on Friday, Jan. 5 at 5 p.m. ET. Right here’s a useful mnemonic: “1/5 at 5.”
However why is that this occurring? No significantly dramatic motive. It’s not as a result of the pandemic, or somebody’s wedding ceremony or an auspicious horoscope, it’s simply scheduling and logistics. In 2023, AHCJ’s typical run of occasions, trainings and conferences is shifting a bit, and which means the competition must wrap up a couple of weeks earlier to present our volunteer judges and employees time to course of all entries.
How can I probably cope? It is going to be tremendous. Keep in mind, you’d in all probability wait till three days earlier than the deadline anyway. Actually.
Will there be any flexibility due to vacation journey, or hangovers? Nope. However you possibly can at all times enter earlier. Attempt to encourage your self with the early-bird deadline. It’s Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. ET. You’ll get $25 off the entry payment.
Are you able to in some way make this simpler? Sure! The competition committee has been laborious at work simplifying and streamlining the entry course of.
How? We’ve eliminated six brief essay-style questions from our entry kinds, those that in earlier years requested you to clarify what sources or paperwork you used, what affect or outcomes the reporting had, and so forth.
As an alternative, you should have the possibility to incorporate a brief cowl letter sharing no matter you need the judges to know in regards to the entry. Or you possibly can let the journalism converse for itself. You determine.
We consider this transformation will shorten the time you’ll spend getting ready and importing your entry and can higher align our submission course of with that utilized in different journalism contests.
Is there anything that’s altering on this 12 months’s contest? We’ve clarified the principles for the Pupil Class. As prior to now, the entrant should be a scholar. However the entries themselves should be journalism that was first produced for a category, a student-led publication, or a university-based outlet.
How do I enter? Go to healthjournalism.org/awards for an outline of the classes, charges, and deadlines, and hyperlinks to our Guidelines and FAQ.
What might I win? First place comes with a $500 verify, a framed certificates, and two free resort nights (and free registration) on the annual AHCJ convention within the spring.
Can I be a choose? Sure, please. It’s enjoyable, gratifying and provoking. Judges are nonetheless allowed to enter the competition themselves however will likely be assigned to evaluate a special class. For those who’re a present (or retired) journalist or journalism teacher (from any beat), you possibly can volunteer by emailing Carrie Feibel at cfeibel@npr.org.
Good luck!
