Frequently Asked Questions
THINGS YOU WILL NEED BEFORE ENTERING:
- Have your credit card information available.
- Be sure your entry is in the correct format. Print stories and photographs should be submitted as PDFs or links to the work online.
- Have all the links you need for online submissions.
Here is a video demo of the registration and contest entry process that may be helpful.
(Demo is of entry process for national SDX awards. Some entry details are different for the Best in Indiana Journalism contest, such as all payments must be electronic, cover letters not required and entry fees are same for both SPJ members and nonmembers)
WHAT IS THE ENTRY DEADLINE FOR THE BEST IN INDIANA JOURNALISM AWARDS?
February 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time)
WHO CAN ENTER?
The contest is open to any work printed, broadcast or published online in Indiana. Freelance work is eligible. Nominations and entries are accepted from news organizations or individuals. Entries must have been published or broadcast during 2024.
CAN I ENTER THE SAME WORK IN TWO DIFFERENT CATEGORIES?
Work may be entered in only one category, and entries submitted in the Student Division may not be submitted in the Professional Division. Exceptions: Work submitted in the Special Honors Division may be entered in the Professional or Student divisions. Work submitted for a design award may also be entered for a print award. Work submitted for a videography award may also be submitted for a television award.
THE ENTRY WAS A TEAM EFFORT. HOW MANY NAMES CAN BE ON THE ENTRY?
Up to four individuals may be named on a team entry; otherwise, the entry must be submitted in the name of the staff of the newspaper, magazine, station or online news site.
WHAT IS THE ENTRY FEE?
- $20 per entry for professionals
- $15 per entry for students
Special Honors Division entry fees vary depending on the category. Payment must be made through the online entry site, which accepts Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
No refunds issued.
WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF I WIN?/ HOW ARE WINNERS RECOGNIZED?
Winners will be notified by email after mid-March. The awards banquet is scheduled for May 2, 2025, at 502 East Event Center in Carmel, Indiana.
CAN I MAIL MY ENTRY?
Award submissions allowed by mail only in the Book and Special Honors categories should be mailed/shipped to:
Indiana SPJ Contest
c/o Lisa Renze
9932 Logan Lane
Fishers, IN 46037
DO ENTRIES HAVE TO BE IN ENGLISH?
If not originally published or broadcast in English, entries must include an English transcript or English subtitles.
AUDIO REQUIREMENTS:
All audio files can be uploaded to an online site and an URL submitted (preferred) or uploaded as .mp3, .wav. Audio in other formats will not be accepted. A script or transcript with lead-in may be submitted, but not required.
VIDEO REQUIREMENTS:
Entrant should upload the work to an online video site such as YouTube and submit the URL (preferred), or upload a video file to the awards site. [50 MB file limit]
— All video files must be one of the following formats: .wmv, .mov, .mpeg or .mp4
— A script or transcript with lead-in may be submitted, but not required.