Nominations Open: Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism (US)

Deadline: 31-Jan-27

The Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism recognizes outstanding work that evaluates news media coverage of significant subjects and issues in the United States. The award honors responsible, constructive analysis that contributes to improving print, broadcast, and other forms of journalism. The winner receives a $2,500 honorarium and is expected to attend the award ceremony at the Penn State campus in September and deliver a talk on the subject for which they are being honored.

About the Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism

The Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism was established to recognize distinguished contributions to the improvement of journalism through responsible analysis and critical evaluation. The award was announced at a ceremony at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., in 1994. It is one of the few awards in the United States specifically dedicated to examining the performance of publishers, editors, and reporters through media criticism. The award focuses on work that provides thoughtful and constructive criticism of news media performance. What Work Does the Award Recognize? The award recognizes constructively critical work that evaluates news media coverage and contributes to a better understanding of journalism practices.

Eligible work may include:

- Articles. - Books. - Electronic media reports. - Online media reports. - Academic research. - Other research. - Reports by media ombudsmen. - Reports by journalism watchdog groups. The work should be consistent with the purpose of the award and should critically examine significant subjects or issues covered by news media in the United States. Who Can Receive the Award? Both individuals and organizations are eligible for recognition.

Eligible entrants may include:

- Individual journalists. - Researchers. - Media critics. - Academic researchers. - Journalism watchdog groups. - Media ombudsmen. - Newspapers. - Periodicals. - Broadcast stations. - Cable stations. - Other organizations producing qualifying media criticism. The work must meet the award’s purpose and have been completed or ongoing during the relevant calendar year. What Is the Purpose of the Award? The Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism aims to encourage responsible evaluation of news media performance. The award seeks to recognize work that: - Examines the performance of publishers, editors, and reporters. - Provides responsible media analysis. - Offers constructive criticism of journalism. - Evaluates news coverage of significant subjects or issues. - Contributes to the improvement of print and broadcast journalism. - Encourages greater accountability within the news media. How Much Is the Award? The winner receives a $2,500 honorarium. In addition to receiving the honorarium, the winner is expected to participate in the award ceremony and share their expertise through a talk on the subject for which they are being recognized. Award Ceremony The award ceremony takes place in September on the Penn State campus. The winner is expected to attend the ceremony and deliver a talk related to the work being honored. This provides the recipient with an opportunity to discuss their media criticism and engage with an academic and journalism-focused audience. What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Submitted Work? Submitted work must be consistent with the purpose of the Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism.

The work may have been:

- Completed during the calendar year. - Ongoing during the calendar year. The award is intended for work that constructively evaluates news media coverage and contributes to responsible criticism of journalism. How to Submit an Entry Entries must include documentation explaining the work and demonstrating its relevance to the award.

Applicants should submit:

- A letter describing the nature of the work. - A description of the results or outcomes of the work. - The relevant published or aired material. - Other necessary supporting documentation, where applicable. Links to completed work published online are also acceptable. For cumulative work, applicants should provide representative examples rather than submitting every individual piece. Who Can Submit an Entry? Anyone may submit an entry on behalf of an individual or organization. This means that the person submitting the entry does not necessarily have to be the individual or organization being nominated. Entries can recognize qualifying work produced by both individuals and organizations. What Should Be Included in the Entry Letter? The entry letter should clearly explain the nature and results of the work being submitted.

It should help reviewers understand:

- What the work examined. - The significant subject or issue addressed. - How the work evaluated news media coverage. - The nature of the criticism or analysis. - The results or impact of the work. - Why the work is consistent with the purpose of the Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism. Relevant published, aired, online, or research materials should accompany the letter. Online and Cumulative Work Completed work available online can be submitted through links. When an entry represents cumulative work rather than a single article, report, or project, applicants should limit their submission to representative examples. This allows the submission to demonstrate the scope and quality of the work without requiring every individual piece to be included. Key Facts About the Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism

- Award: Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism

- Honorarium: $2,500

- Focus: Constructive criticism and evaluation of news media

- Geographic focus: United States

- Eligible recipients: Individuals and organizations

- Eligible work: Articles, books, electronic and online reports, academic and other research, and reports by media ombudsmen and journalism watchdog groups

- Work status: Completed or ongoing during the calendar year

- Award ceremony: September

- Ceremony location: Penn S