7th Annual NCM Awards Categories
Recognizing journalistic excellence, NCM invites news organizations (print, online, radio and television) serving California’s ethnic minority and newcomer communities, as well as individuals whose work is published or aired by these media outlets, to submit entries published between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005. Entries may be in the language of the publication such as English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic or other relevant languages. While NCM will try to ensure quality translations of the articles to English as needed, submissions are encouraged to include their own translations.
Print/Online
CATEGORY P-1
BEST INVESTIGATIVE/IN DEPTHThis award honors in-depth or investigative stories or series that identify and explore important issues largely ignored by the mainstream news media. Judges will consider initiative, persistence, originality of analysis, unique angles, resourcefulness in the pursuit of facts and information.
ENTRY: One story or up to three from a series.
TWO AWARDS: English language publications and non-English in-language publications.
CATEGORY P-2
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
This award will be given to the best article reporting on or analyzing a specific foreign issue especially as it affects the lives of ethnic Californians in a global society and linkages between homeland politics and the diaspora. Judges will consider originality of topic and significance, depth of analysis, initiative shown in pursuing the story, and effectiveness of presentation.
ENTRY: One story or up to three stories from a series.
TWO AWARDS: English language publications and non-English in-language publications.
CATEGORY P-3
HEALTH CARE
This award will be given to the best article that informs its readers about critical health care issues especially as they pertain to California’s ethnic communities, whether its medical problems or issues around accessing health care or alternative medicine. Judges will consider originality and relevance of the topic, depth of analysis and uniqueness of perspective.
ENTRY: One story or up to three in a series.
ONE AWARD: Print/Online.
CATEGORY P-4
ARTS, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
This award will be given to the best article that provides a unique perspective on ethnic cultures and explores the cultural diversity - from sports to food - within California’s multi-generational ethnic communities as reflected by their arts and entertainment. Judges will consider initiative, originality of analysis, unique angles, and freshness of perspective.
ENTRY: One story or up to three from a series.
TWO AWARDS: English language publications and non-English in-language publications.
CATEGORY P-5
COMMENTARY/EDITORIAL WRITING
This award honors the best provocative editorial or commentary by a columnist, editorial writer or independent contributor. Judges will consider originality of the viewpoint, quality of writing, and courage of opinion expressed. Editorials should be no longer than 1,500 words in length.
ENTRY: Up to three individual stories.
TWO AWARDS: English language publications and non-English in-language publications.
CATEGORY P-6
JOBS, WORKPLACE ISSUES AND THE IMMIGRANT ECONOMY
This award honors the best story that explores the role of California’s ethnic communities in economic affairs, from local business entrepreneurship and the immigrant economy, to trade, finance and the global high-tech industry. Articles on how families and businesses survive in the current economic climate, and the underground economy are encouraged. Judges will consider the originality of viewpoint, quality of writing, depth of understanding and clarity of presentation.
ENTRY: One story or up to three from a series.
ONE AWARD: Print/Online.
CATEGORY P-7
WOMEN'S ISSUES
This award recognizes the best in reporting on the struggles and accomplishments of women from ethnic communities in California. Stories could range from profiles of enterprising women to examining gender bias. Judges will consider understanding of the issues and originality.
ENTRY: One story or up to three from a series.
ONE AWARD: Print/Online.
CATEGORY P-8
BEST YOUTH VOICE
This award recognizes the best in reporting or commentary from youth in ethnic media. Judges will consider freshness of viewpoint. The writer must be between 16 and 24 years of age at the time the piece was written.
ENTRY: One story or up to three from a series.
ONE AWARD: Print/Online.
CATEGORY P-9
PHOTOJOURNALISM
This award honors photography that shows exceptional skill in capturing defining moments and/or illustrates a story about life in the neighborhoods or home countries of ethnic California. Judges will consider technical excellence and the compelling nature of the photograph.
ENTRY: Up to five individual photos or samples from a series.
ONE AWARD: Print/Online.
CATEGORY P-10
INTER-ETHNIC RELATIONS
This award will be given to the most illuminating reporting on relations between different ethnic communities in California and areas of intersection whether in collaborative projects or confronting differences with each other. Judges will consider originality of viewpoint, sensitivity, depth of analysis, balance and effectiveness of presentation.
ENTRY: One story or up to three stories from a series.
ONE AWARD: Print/Online.
CATEGORY P-11
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
This award will honor the best analysis and reporting on environmental issues impacting California’s ethnic communities, and the role ethnic communities play in the management of natural resources in California, like air, water, energy.
ENTRY: One story or up to three stories from a series.
ONE AWARD: Print/Online.
CATEGORY P-12
RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY
This award will honor the best reporting on the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of California’s ethnic communities and the impact of the religions of ethnic Californians on the state itself. Judges will consider originality, depth of understanding and analysis.
ENTRY: One story or up to three stories from a series.
ONE AWARD: Print/Online.
Broadcast
CATEGORY B-1
BEST COMMUNITY TALK SHOW
This award will honor the best California-based talk show for outstanding coverage of an issue affecting a local community through a live call-in program that encourages public participation by identifying an issue and creating a dialogue around it. Judges should be provided with a short summary of the show and the importance of the issue discussed on it.
ENTRY: Maximum air time of 30 minutes.
ONE AWARD: Radio/Television.
CATEGORY B-2
BEST INVESTIGATIVE/IN DEPTH
This award will honor the best in-depth feature or investigative program highlighting issues affecting local ethnic communities and their concerns. Judges will consider originality, depth of reporting, and effectiveness in bringing an issue to the public.
ENTRY: Maximum air time of 30 minutes.
ONE AWARD: Radio/Television.
All Media
CATEGORY A-1
ADVOCACY VOICE
This award will be awarded to a media outlet for playing a key role in advocating on a particular issue on behalf of the community. Issues could range from raising funds for a natural disaster or mobilizing a community around a social injustice. It can cover issues of social justice, human rights, civil liberties or criminal justice as they affect ethnic communities. The entry should be accompanied by a short description (maximum 3 paragraphs) of the issue as well as how the media advocated on its behalf and the impact it had. Please include supporting materials like PSAs, op-eds, articles, event announcements as well as any other relevant material.
ONE AWARD: All media.