December 2008
To America's newspaper feature writers and editors:
The Missouri School of Journalism and its Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute have decided to enhance and expand the Missouri Lifestyle Journalism Awards.
Over the next 10 months, new categories -- including for work posted online first and for online video entries -- will be developed for the contest.
"But to do this, we are suspending the contest for the coming year," said MLJA Director Kent Collins. "The newspaper industry has changed so radically so quickly, we must re-tool the contest. That will take time. And, it will take consultation with feature and lifestyle journalists at newspapers around the country."
The contest that would normally be judged in the spring of 2009 will be suspended. The deadline for the next contest year will be Dec. 4, 2009, with judging in the spring of 2010.
In order not to miss the opportunity to award good feature writing and sections in the year the contest is suspended, the next contest will be open to two years of features. Thus, the contest period will be Sept. 1, 2007, to Aug. 31, 2008 and the period Sept. 1, 2008 to Aug. 31, 2009.
"We believe the contest encourages good feature writing and sections," says Collins. "But we know newspapers are dropping many traditional lifestyle sections and adding others. They are also adding niche lifestyle products. We want our contest to recognize, encourage and celebrate those changes."
In coming months, lifestyle writers and editors will be encouraged to view the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute Web site (www.rjionline.org) to see award-winning feature stories and to share feature writing techniques. RJI will also post surveys asking feature writers and editors about trends and new directions in lifestyle journalism.
If you have questions, send an e-mail to:
Contact Information
Missouri Lifestyle Journalism Awards Missouri School of Journalism
76 Gannett Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Questions? Comments?
Please use this form for Lifestyle Journalism Awards questions/comments only. Thank you!
