Professional Contests

***Note: NEW this year: Early bird entry fees for professional categories – see below***

Eligibility & General Rules:

• The awards competition is open to work originated and published, broadcast or posted online in Wisconsin, by a state based media outlet, during the year ending December 31, 2021. Eligible entries in writing, graphics and photography categories must have appeared in general circulation daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly publications, or have originated from a local wire service bureau or website. Material produced for paid placement is not eligible. Entrants need not be MPC members.
• Freelance entries must be approved by the supervising editor of the Wisconsin media outlet that published, posted or aired the entry. A letter from that supervising editor must be uploaded along with the entry.
• There is no limit to the number of entries that may 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.
• The following are NOT eligible to enter the Milwaukee Press Club Awards: company publications intended primarily for and distributed solely to employees, their associates and customers; print or digital newsletters; marketing and promotional newspapers, magazines and websites.
• 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.
• Professional entry fee (per entry):
  • $35 Early bird entry fee for entries submitted and the checkout process completed by Fri., Jan. 21, 2022
  • $45 Entry fee after January 21 and by 5 pm Friday Feb. 4, 2022
  • Entries will NOT be accepted after 5 pm on Feb. 4
• If you have questions, please contact Joette Richards at milwaukeepressclub@gmail.com.

DEADLINE: All entries must be submitted and the checkout process completed by 5 p.m. Fri., Feb. 4, 2022.

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 or screen grabs must be submitted. 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 2021.

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.

Professional Competition Categories

To enter the contest, click on a competition category below to get started.

To download a printable version of the professional contest click here.