Call for Entries

Next year’s competition, for a $25,000 cash prize, is limited to news reports aired or published
during the 1998 calendar year.

Eligible are team reports, broadcasts, series or accumulated bodies of work that support people’s
involvement in the life of their community. This can be demonstrated with work that helps
residents identify problems, promotes true and careful deliberation of possible solutions,
illuminates the common ground on difficult issues and advances participatory democracy in other
ways.

Print entries should include:

• Two (2) copies of tearsheets, displaying the stories to be entered.
  
• In the case of a series or year-long efforts, enter no more than your 12 best days of
  coverage.
  
• A nominating letter from an editor or reporter describing the rest of your coverage. The
  letter should be attached to each story packet and should describe the scope of the news reports,
  such as the number of stories or days of coverage. Also please discuss the genesis of the project,
  the techiques used to tap into the public and any impact your journalism had.
  
• A copy of the completed Batten Award Application, attached to each submission.
  

Broadcast entries should include:

• Two (2) copies of a one-page or less summary of your efforts.
  
• A nominating letter from a news director, reporter or producer describing your project
  or series. The letter should be attached to each submission and should describe the scope of
  the news reports, such as the number of stories or town meetings. Also, please discuss the
  genesis of the project, the techniques used to tap into the public and any impact your journalism
  had.
  
• A copy of the completed Batten Award Application, attached to each submission.
  

Television entries should also include:

• Two copies of your entry on videotape, one BETA SP format, the other 1/2″ VHS format, not
  to exceed 10 minutes for judging purposes. Compilations are encouraged.
  
• Two videotape copies of a series, or a special report, or a program special, if
  available – one BETA, the other VHS – not to exceed 60 minutes.
  

Radio entries should also include:

• Two copies of entry on high quality audio cassette, not to exceed 10 minutes for judging
  purposes. Compilations encouraged.
  
• Two copies of a series, or a special report, or a program special, on high-quality audio
  cassette, not to exceed 60 minutes.
  

The 1999 winner or winners will be selected by an impartial board of journalists. Their selection
will be final and not subject to review by the Pew Center for Civic Journalism or The Pew
Charitable Trusts. The board shall have the discretion as to whether there will be more than
one winner.