The following categories are open only to print journalist and print publications. The Chess Journalist of the Year and Best Chess Column Awards are each also open to online journalist and their websites.
THE TOP FOUR
Chess Journalist of the Year: Awarded to the individual who has contributed the most to chess journalism within the past year. Only work from the past year will be considered. CJA members vote by mail ballot to select the winner; please provide resume of work (i.e. articles) for the CJA website.
Best Story of the Year: Recognizes initiative and original news reporting of a situation, problem or issue affecting chess within the past year. Judges will look for entries which show leadership, quality writing, sensitivity and fairness. Please send a tear sheet of the page(s) containing the article, websites are ineligible for this award and it is open to individuals who are and aren't members of the mainstream media.
Best Chess Column: Awarded to the columnist for best spotlighting a story which focuses on in depth news, explains recent events or revolves around a features (human-interest) story as they each relate to chess. Please send three columns, four tear sheets of each column.
Best State Magazine/Newsletter: Awarded to the best USCF state chapter and their editor-in-chief for overall excellence in news articles, features stories, features section (cartoons); graphics, photography, layout and ability to reach their state members through this medium. Please send four copies of four original sets of one year's worth of issues. States with two publications must submit and thereby enter them separately. The entry must be the official state publication of their respective USCF state chapter/affiliate.
NEWS
Best Tournament Report Article: Presented to the writer who best covers and conveys a story of a tournament occurring within the past year.
EDITORIAL
Best Editorial: Editorials, signed or unsigned, written by one individual, that speak for the magazine/newsletter or their organization and takes a clear stand on a chess issue.
LAYOUT
Best Chess Magazine/Newsletter Layout: Honors visual excellence in designing spreads within the chess magazine/newsletter and use of each space per page. Send four of the same issues published between June 1, 2009 and May 31, 2010 demonstrating the publication's use of page designing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Best Recognition in Chess Advertising: Honoring an in house advertisement staff, staff ad member or outside ad agency who has submitted an ad either selling a product, house ad or ad campaign all in relation to chess. If the ad was done by an ad agency then please give the ad agency's contact information. This award is limited to print media (mainstream or not)
MAINSTREAM MEDIA
Excellence in Chess Writing, Mainstream Media: Entries ineligible for other categories. Awarded to chess writing in a mainstream publication (defined as a magazine listed in the Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature). Regular chess features ineligible.
Best Regular Newspaper Column: This award includes syndicated columns and will be awarded to the columnist for who best spotlights a story which focuses on in depth news, explains recent events or revolves around a features (human-interest) story as they each relate to chess.
Best Regular Newspaper Article of Local Interest: Limited to local, metropolitan or regional columns. This award will be presented to the reporter who best spotlights a story which focuses on in depth news, explains recent events or revolves around a features (human-interest) story as they each relate to chess. It is also open to non-mainstream media publications and their editorial staff. |
The following categories are open to journalist and publications both in print and those found online.
PHOTOJOURNALISM
Best Chess Photojournalism: A single photograph portraying some aspect of chess. This award aims at recognizing the craft of photographically reporting chess, not just the artistic and technical qualities of photography. Please send a tear sheet of the page containing the photograph which should have the photo credit along side it. If the entry is on the web, please submit the URL containing the entry and acknowledging yourself as the photojournalist who captured the shot near the photo.
FEATURES
Best Instructive Lesson: For written lessons of a game of chess, (should be a lesson, not just an annotated game).
Best Review: Presented to a writer for the best review of a book, software, etc.
Best Humorous Contribution: Open to chess jokes, cartoon, satire, irony, parody, etc. Judges will decide on the basis of which entry bought of the most laughter in contrast to other items entered within the category.
NEWS or FEATURES
Most Notable Achievement in Correspondence Chess: For journalistic work of any type (article, photojournalism, graphic, editorial, etc.) regarding correspondence chess.
Best Historical Article: For articles describing an aspect of chess history, especially those tying chess history to social or cultural events from the past.
Best Interview: Not limited to a question and answer session, this award will be judged on the reporter's/writer's ability to show skill in eliciting instructive, emotional and revealing responses.
Best Chess Art: Send a magazine/newsletter cover, internet display, etc. If the entry is posted on the web you must be the designer of the artwork and owner of the website or affiliated with the organization who owns the URL.
Best Analysis: For openings, middlegames, endgames, games or groups of games analyzed deeply. Please send a tear sheet of the page(s) or URL containing the pgn pictures and analysis.
The following categories are open only to online journalist and their websites.
NEW MEDIA
Best [USCF] State Chapter Website: Awarded to the top website which must be produced and maintained primarily by a member of that United State Chess Federation's (USCF) state affiliate. Awards will be based on design, ease of navigation, writing and editing, graphics and interactivity.
Best General Chess Website: Awarded to the top website which focuses on chess (either by offering instructional tips, serves as reference, etc) Awards will be based on design, purpose, ease of navigation, writing and editing, graphics and interactivity.
Best Streamed Video of Chess News: Awarded to the best streaming video news and news video clips streamed on the internet on a website owned by oneself or that allows one to upload a video for which can be streamed by the public. The content must be newsworthy in chess and uploaded within the past year.
Best Chess Blog: Open to online chess blogs. Send URLs of three best blog entries off the same top-level domain. Blogs will be judged on visual appeal, content and ability to draw constructive comments from readers. |
