Contests Are Currently Closed
Collegiate Contest Eligibility & General Rules
The awards competition is open to student journalistic work originated and published in student daily, weekly, monthly or yearly publications; online; or broadcast on student radio or television stations during the year ending December 31, 2023. Broadcasting via cable access channels also qualifies. Material produced for paid placement is not eligible. Entrants need not be Milwaukee Press Club members.
Work produced by students through such arrangements as internships or course-based partnerships with professional media outlets, including public radio and television, is eligible for the collegiate division ONLY if the work is minimally edited by professionals. The professional outlet must include a brief paragraph with the entry regarding the amount of professional involvement in the student work.
Entries must be the work of students who were at the time of publication/broadcast enrolled full time (carrying a minimum of 12 credits) at an institution of higher education in the state of Wisconsin.
There is no limit to the number of entries that can be submitted in each category. Contest judges may reassign an entry to a category that appears more appropriate or eliminate it from competition at their discretion.
The same work may not be entered in more than one category. Exceptions: where indicated and where multiple samples are requested.
Out-of-state journalists and educators will serve as judges for the contest. Judges have the discretion to decide how many awards will be given in each category.
Each plaque is limited to six names. If you list more than six names on your entry form, the first six names will be engraved on the plaque. Please provide phonetic spelling (or pronouncers) for each of the entrants first and last names so they are announced correctly at the awards ceremony.
You are granting permission to the Milwaukee Press Club to use winning entries on its website, in its annual publication Once A Year, and for display at the MPC Gridiron Awards Dinner. Copyright remains with the originating news organization.
College entry fee: $11 per entry
If you have questions, please contact Joette Richards at milwaukeepressclub@gmail.com.
DEADLINE: All entries must be uploaded by 5 p.m. Fri. Feb. 2, 2024.
NOTE: YOU MUST COMPLETE THE CHECKOUT PROCESS BY THE DEADLINE or your entry will be disqualified. Once you have submitted all your entries go to the “Contest” tab and then “View Contest Submissions” then checkout and pay via the cart.
Format Instructions
The MPC Awards for Excellence in Wisconsin Journalism Contest has been moved to a system that is entirely Internet based. You can simply upload your Word document, PDF, jpeg or URL. For video submit your URL. URL must be active during the judging period. You must be logged in before you can upload your entries. If you do not have a login you must create one.
We encourage you to submit your entries where the content fits.
Print
Word document, PDF, screen grab or URL may be used. Stories, features and columns must be submitted in their entirety.
Visual Journalism
PDF, jpegs, screen grabs or URL may be used. Story accompanying the work may be attached, but judging will be based on photographic excellence.
Online
For all online categories, entrants should include a website URL address, a direct link or a screen grab from 2023.
Video
Entrants should designate the URL address. Anchor lead-ins to packages are permissible. It is advisable to delete commercials. Entries should not exceed 15 minutes unless otherwise noted. Time limits should reflect original; in other words, no re-editing of segments, anchor intros, etc. Lifts are allowed. You may also submit a link to the full length version for judge’s optional review.
Audio
Entrants should designate URL address where the content can be found. Anchor lead-ins to packages are permissible. It is advisable to delete commercials. Entries should not exceed 15 minutes unless otherwise noted; in other words, no re-editing of segments, anchor intros, etc. Lifts are allowed. You may also submit a link to the full-length version for judge’s optional review.
Collegiate Competition Categories
To enter the contest, click on a competition category below to get started.
To download a printable version of the collegiate contest click here.
Please note: If you’re having trouble accessing the contest categories, make sure you are logged in.
PLEASE make sure you are entering your entry into the correct category.
Writing (MUST APPEAR IN PRINT)
Best News Story
Best Long Hard Feature Story
Best Long Soft Feature Story
Best Short Hard Feature Story
Best Short Soft Feature Story
Best Sports Story
Best Investigative Reporting
Best Editorial or Commentary
Visual Journalism (any medium)
Best Still Photograph
Best Photo Essay or Series
Audio (any medium)
Best News Story Single or Ongoing
Best Feature Story
Best Sports Story
Best Original Podcast
Video (any medium)
Best News Story Single or Ongoing
Best Feature Story
Best Sports Story
Best Newscast
Best Program, Documentary or Special
Online (Entry appears online only) (Cannot have appeared on print or in broadcast)
Best Use of Multi-Media
Best Website Design
Best Local News or Feature Website
Best Blog
Best News Story
Best Long Hard Feature Story
Best Long Soft Feature Story
Best Short Hard Feature Story
Best Short Soft Feature Story
Best Sports Story
Best Investigative Reporting
Best Editorial or Commentary
MPC Endowment
Contribute to Journalism Excellence
The endowment carries out its mission by providing scholarships to students, funding journalism-related education programs and supporting activities of the Milwaukee Press Club.
Membership
MPC Membership
Support journalistic excellence in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin and become part of the oldest continuously operating press club in the country, founded in 1885. The Press Club also supports the MPC Endowment Ltd., which awards annual journalism scholarships to students and provides grants to journalism programs.