Thanks to the vision and generosity of local business leader Larry Weiss, the Center for Public Interest Journalism (CPIJ) established in 2011 an award to recognize the best investigative journalism in the Delaware Valley.
The Weiss Award for Investigative Journalism, open to journalism of any medium (print, broadcast or online) produced in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, South Jersey or Delaware, includes one top prize of $10,000 and two “special recognition” prizes of $2,500. There is no fee for submission.
The award is intended to encourage original, enterprising, deeply reported and revelatory news coverage that has had significant impact on the Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware communities, particularly stories that generated an increased public awareness about an under recognized social problem; malfeasance in local or state government; waste, fraud and abuse in government agencies or business; or other issues related to advancing the public good.
The annual deadline comes in mid-February and and the awards are presented during a luncheon in April.
The 2013 Weiss Awards were presented at a luncheon at WHYY studios in Philadelphia on Thursday, April 18, 2013.
A Philadelphia Daily News report on corruption in Philadelphia Police corruption — Bad Brass — took top honors in 2013.
The Philadelphia Inquirer won with Assault on Learning in 2012.
Entries must be investigative journalism — not advocacy, editorials or opinion. Entries can be in any medium, i.e. print (dailies, weeklies, magazines, etc.), broadcast (TV, radio) or online. Single stories or series are eligible (a story may include text, photos, audio, video and/or graphics). The original story or series must be identified; follow-up stories may be submitted, if identified as such. Single authors or reporting teams are eligible. Eligible stories should have been published and/or aired during 2012. The submission deadline is Feb. 15, 2013.
Guidelines
- Entries require a one-page nomination letter explaining origin of story and impact after publication, along with a copy of the complete story/series.
- Awarded reporting must focus on a topic/issue in the nine-county area (Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Burlington, Gloucester, Camden, Atlantic), and three Delaware counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex) served by WHYY.
- Entries should consist of no more than 10 stories for print entries, 10 posts (including text, videos, interactive graphics, and databases) for online entries, or 10 broadcast reports for television or radio entries. Multimedia entries are encouraged, but the total number of items should not exceed 10. There is no minimum number of items for an entry. The items that make up the entry must be clearly labeled. Supplementary materials, such as stories showing results or providing context, may also be included.
- Reporter(s), including photographers, substantially involved in the production of the story may apply. In the case of broadcast reporting, producers may be involved and apply. Publishers, media properties, may be acknowledged in award announcements.
- Teams may comprise news organizations based in the region while partnering with another, non-local, news organization. Both may be recognized, but lead organization reporter(s) receives honor.
- Self-nominations are allowed.
- Award applications must detail names of any/all reporting team members if they are intended to share award, but lead reporter who would accept the physical award must be identified.
- Winners will be required to attend an award luncheon including a roundtable discussion on award winning stories.
- Permission to reprint, rebroadcast, or webcast work without charge will be required as part of the entry package, including photos and any other associated material.
You can enter online when submissions are open or email WeissAward@gmail.com for more information.
Post: Weiss Award
Center for Public Interest Journalism
School of Media and Communication
Temple University, 334e Annenberg Hall
2020 North 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
