Enter
A substantive article dealing with subjects, events, or developments of importance to the target audience or industry. Entry may contain sidebars, related links, and other supporting print or digital elements, as long as the main article is clearly primary and can be distinguished from any supporting elements.
Do Not Enter
News stories (see Best News Coverage); columns, editorials or blogs (see Best Commentary/Blog; multiple articles from a series or package (see Best Series or Best Subject-Related Integrated Package.)
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Enter
A series of two or more stories dealing with subjects, events, or trends of importance to your target audience or industry. Entries must clearly reflect a single, cohesive editorial theme or purpose. The content must be a consciously planned series published over time.
Do Not Enter
A subject-related package published concurrently (see Best Subject-Related Integrated Package), a series of columns (see Best Commentary/Blog) an educational or instructional package (see Best Instructional Content), or a single article with sidebars (See Best Single Article).
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Enter
A package of two or more pieces of content that explore a common topic and are published concurrently. Entries may include a combination of print, online, or multimedia assets. Packages must clearly reflect a single cohesive editorial subject with all elements published in the same time period. Please note: any COVID-19 specific content must be entered in Best COVID-19 Package.
Do Not Enter
A subject-related series published over successive issues or an extended time period (see Best Series), a package of columns (see Best Commentary/Blog), an educational or instructional package (see Best Instructional Content), a single article with sidebars (see Best Single Article), or content that has been entered in Best Single Issue. Any topic relating to COVID-19 (see Best COVID-19 Package).
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Enter
Three examples of opinion-driven columns, editorials, or blog posts. Subject matter may cover a single topic or a variety of topics. Judges will consider the strength of the opinions expressed, relevance of topics, and the skill and clarity of the writing. Winning entries will explain the entry’s relevance to the industry served and the distinctiveness and/or significance of the opinion being expressed to the industry.
Do Not Enter
Publishers' memos; less than or more than three examples.
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Enter
News coverage or analysis of a topical event or development of importance to the target audience or industry. This category recognizes excellence in covering news as it happens and/or as it develops over time. Enter no more than five examples from print or digital media, in any combination, including assets such as social media. Explain why the coverage was valuable to the audience and how the timing of the event affected coverage.
Do Not Enter
Feature articles (see Best Single Article), profiles (see Best Profile), or technical articles (see Best Technical Content), more than five examples.
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Enter
Social media posts and editorial social media initiatives that facilitate sharing, elicit information or insights, and/or promote thoughtful interaction within the target audience or industry. Social media is defined broadly: in addition to networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Spotify, etc., eligible entries may use proprietary networks, forums, and comments, and may tap into crowd-sourced content. Judges will look for examples of compelling ways of using the medium for the reader's benefit; compelling content designed for sharing and audience involvement; integration of social media into other formats, commentary, or coverage; and the use of social media for internal editorial purposes, such as reporting. The best entries will demonstrate social use that rises above generic promotion to provide value, and leverages the technology of social media platforms to enhance editorial value and engagement. Examples should include URLs to each post when possible. Entries should state the goals of each submitted initiative, how well they were met, and metrics used to quantify success.
Looking for winning examples of Best Use of Social Media? Check out these previous winners: 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016
Do Not Enter
Content supplied by third-party content marketers.
Revenue Class
All entries in this category will be considered as part of single class.
Enter
An article or video that brings to life a person, business, institution, or association. Profiles may be entered in any medium. Sidebars and other related material may be submitted but no more than two such assets may be submitted in addition to the main profile being entered. Entries will be judged primarily on the quality of the profile itself. Entries will be judged on thorough and independent reporting that covers the profile subject's strengths, weaknesses, and relevance to the target audience or industry.
Do Not Enter
Single-source interviews, Q&As (unless used as a supporting element of a broader profile package), or coverage of an overall industry (See Best Industry Coverage).
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Enter
Content that demonstrates original reporting on one or more trends impacting an entire industry. Entries should demonstrate expertise and deep understanding of the industry or market served. Content will be judged on the strength of its reporting, writing skill, and relevance to the target audience. Submit up to three insightful articles that showcase a brand's ability to report on an industry. Please note: any COVID-19 specific stories must be entered in Best COVID-19 Coverage.
Do Not Enter
More than three assets. Stories whose primary purpose is to deliver news (see Best News Coverage) or profiles of an individual or institution (See Best Profile). Stories related to COVID-19 coverage (See Best COVID-19 Coverage).
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Enter
A single issue that best exemplifies your overall mission and reflects your publication’s typical format. Entries must be part of your regular publishing cycle and distributed to your full circulation. Any content outside of the regular format—such as bonus issues, advertorials, or supplements—must be clearly identified as such. Editorial elements used to support an entry in this category are not disqualified from submission in other categories.
Do Not Enter
Websites (see Best Website), bonus issues outside the regular publishing cycle, stand-alone supplements, or content entered as Best Subject-Related Package.
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Special Instructions
Entries may include print publications, digital publications, desktop e-zines, or tablet editions. For print entries, the entire issue should be submitted as a URL uploaded as a high-resolution (300 DPI or greater), including cover and table of contents.
Enter
Up to three examples of video content that reflect an overall competency with the medium. The videos provided within a submission may stand together as a series or package or as discrete examples. They may also have been published as part of a package with other content. The videos should provide compelling material that is enhanced by use of the medium. Judges will consider the value and relevance of the information provided, the use of the medium, and how one supports the other. Entries should explain the context of the work, including whether it was originally streamed live, and how it relates to other content. All examples must contain original material that was exclusively controlled by the editorial department. Some use of stock footage and other outside video content is permitted, all examples must be under the exclusive control of the editorial department.
Do Not Enter
More than three examples; slide-based/PowerPoint webinars; promotional, advertorial, or commercial programming for which the publication or website has been compensated to include specified subjects, guests, or presenters.
Revenue Class
All entries in this category will be considered as part of single class.
Special Instructions
Submissions must be delivered as a link to a landing page or series of links (one to each video) that are live at the time of judging and reflect the date of original publication.
Enter
One example of design work (print and/or digital) for a single article that clearly presents complex or compelling information, consistent with the audience, mission and voice of the publication. Entries may be judged on a range of design considerations, including enticing entry points; integration of text and graphic information; clean narrative flow; and effective use of visual elements, including typography, photos, illustrations, infographics, icons, etc.
Do Not Enter
An entire publication issue or website. Artwork for a cover (see Best Art Direction for a Cover)
Revenue Class
This category requires entry into one of the following three classes of gross (print and online) advertising/circulation revenue:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Revenue is based on the media brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue.
Enter
One example of design work (print and/or digital) for a cover that clearly presents complex or compelling information, consistent with the audience, mission and voice of the publication. Entries may be judged on a range of design considerations, including enticing entry points; integration of text and graphic information; clean narrative flow; and effective use of visual elements, including typography, photos, illustrations, infographics, icons, etc.
Do Not Enter
An entire publication issue or website. Artwork for an entire article spread (see Best Art Direction for a Single Article)
Revenue Class
This category requires entry into one of the following three classes of gross (print and online) advertising/circulation revenue:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Revenue is based on the media brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue.
Enter
Three examples of design work (print and/or digital) that clearly present complex or compelling information, consistent with the audience, mission and voice of the publication. This award recognizes cohesive design that tells a story. Entries may be judged on a range of design considerations, including enticing entry points; integration of text and graphic information; clean narrative flow; and effective use of visual elements, including typography, photos, illustrations, infographics, icons, etc.
Do Not Enter
An entire publication issue (see Best Single Issue) or an entire website (see Best Website.)
Revenue Class
This category requires entry into one of the following three classes of gross (print and online) advertising/circulation revenue:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Revenue is based on the media brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue.
Submission Instructions
This category is platform-neutral and may consist of any combination of print or digital media. Submission of entire issues in this category will result in automatic disqualification. For digital entries, make certain URLs are active. Also include special access information and a high-resolution screenshot (300 DPI or greater) of your entry. All individual print examples must be uploaded as URLs. The publishing date of the articles should be apparent.
Staff Acknowledgement
List the names and titles of up to eight designers responsible for the material submitted, or you may acknowledge the full staff by indicating “Design Staff.” Please note, you cannot acknowledge the full team and individuals on the same entry and the list of names cannot be changed after the submission of the entry. Production staff and editors (photographers, videographers, web producers and programmers etc.) may be included; publishers who do not carry editorial titles are ineligible.
Enter
Up to three examples of infographics that clearly and concisely present information, processes or data consistent with the subject matter, target industry and voice of the publication. The examples provided within a submission may stand together as a series or package or as discrete examples reflecting an overall competency. They may also have been published as enhancements to other content. Entries may include print or digital examples (including static or interactive graphics). The examples should provide compelling content whose communication is enhanced by use of the form. Judges will consider the value and relevance of the information provided, the use of the medium, and how one supports the other. Entries should explain the context in which the work was originally delivered and how any public data of third-party data was utilized.
Do Not Enter
More than three examples; layouts primarily featuring text and/or non-informational art (See Best Art Direction/Design); promotional, advertorial, or commercial content.
Revenue Class
All entries in this category will be considered as part of single class.
Enter
A website that consistently maximizes the use of the medium's immediacy, depth, and interactivity to meet the needs of the target audience and deliver the highest standards of b-to-b journalism. Entries should include a compelling and relevant mix of content, ease of use, and audience engagement. Websites may include skillfully curated third-party content that offers added value to users. Enter the following assets: main website URL and up to five links containing content published in 2020.
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Enter
Submit up to three examples of technical content that presents complex information regarding a process, technology, regulation or scientific principle and teaches audience members how to do their jobs or specified aspects of their jobs better. Entries will demonstrate expertise, clarity, depth of research, and creativity in conveying complicated and detailed concepts. Winning entries will explain the entry’s relevance and utility to the industry served. Entries are not limited to assets including text-based content and may include any and all print and digital formats, including video, static or interactive infographics, data or illustrations and any combinations thereof. If appropriate, an illustration may be entered as an individual piece of content. A series or package is permitted, but should be limited to three assets.
Do Not Enter
More than three examples; content whose primary purpose is to deliver news (see Best News Coverage) to express an opinion (see Best Commentary/Blog), how-to articles (see Best Instructional Content), or advertiser-supplied white papers.
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Enter
Submit up to three examples of instructional content that teaches audience members how to do their jobs or specified aspects of their jobs better. Entries will demonstrate expertise, clarity, depth of research, and creativity in conveying complicated and detailed concepts. Judges will be looking for entries that emphasize direct instruction or continuing education. Entries are defined as individual assets including: articles, videos, webcasts, webinars, podcasts, or interactive materials such as quizzes, schematics, surveys, etc. A series or package is permitted, but should be limited to three assets.
Do Not Enter
More than three examples; advertiser-supplied white papers, or technical content that do not focus on teaching or training (see Best Technical Content).
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Enter
A single journalistic work in which data plays an essential or central role. The work may include any of several forms and formats, (e.g., infographics, trend analyses, blogs, interactive tools, data-based investigation) to enhance its overall effectiveness – provided all elements serve as integral parts of the work submitted. The winning entry will show outstanding ability to assess and present informative and substantive data, while maintaining high levels of editorial craftsmanship, journalistic enterprise, and innovation.
Do Not Enter
More than one individual work.
Revenue Class
All entries in this category will be considered as part of single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.
Enter
Three to five examples that showcase a single author's work across at least three different content types (e.g., news, features, commentary, video*, audio, blogs, social media, webcasts, mobile). The winning author will be an individual who shows outstanding ability to work across the range of media now required by a brand, while maintaining high levels of editorial craftsmanship, journalistic enterprise, and innovation. Winning entries are likely to include substantive work dealing with a number of subjects, events, or developments of importance to the target audience or industry. Entries can include work in different publications. Enter content from three different delivery platforms. No more than five examples, total.
Editorial elements used to support an entry in this category are not disqualified from submission in other categories.
*Videos may have an editor, someone other than the author.
Do Not Enter
Less than three or more than five examples; content produced by multiple authors.
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Submission Instructions
Only the author of the body of work should be listed in the staff acknowledgement section of the entry form.
This category recognizes a media brand's overall excellence by evaluating its depth of offerings to its audience across all media. An entry will be evaluated on how clearly it aligns its editorial mission with journalistic excellence, presentation, service to readers, innovation, and use of multiple content platforms to serve its audience. The winning entry will show outstanding ability to work across the range of media now required by a brand, while maintaining high levels of editorial craftsmanship, journalistic enterprise, and innovation. Winning entries are likely to include substantive work dealing with a number of subjects or developments of importance to the target audience or industry.
Enter
Up to seven examples that showcase a brand's work across different content platforms including print, digital, video, audio, blogs, social media, events, webcasts, and mobile.
A combination of the following should be submitted:
- One example of the brand's print or digital publication
- URL to Publication/Brand’s website
- Minimum of three and up to five examples from other editorially controlled platforms. These platforms include video or multimedia, newsletters, branded emails, social media, apps, webinars, and live or virtual events. The media brand's logo or labeling must be present on all submitted material
Editorial elements used to support an entry in this category are not disqualified from submission in other categories.
Do Not Enter
Fewer than three content platforms or more than seven examples; marketing materials or other branded efforts that are not editorially controlled.
Revenue Class
Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A - less than $3 million
Class B - $3 million - $7 million
Class C - more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand's revenue and not the parent company's revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).
Submission Instructions
If submitting a printed issue, the PDF of the full issue should be submitted as a URL; be sure to provide any access information. For a tablet edition, include a URL to the app store, specify the platform and provide additional instructions (if any) to access the entry.
Staff Acknowledgement
All submissions in this category will recognize the entire editorial staff. Editors should not be listed by name.
A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or portable media player, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically. Submit up to three URLs. Entries will be judged based on journalistic craftsmanship, service to the audience, and accomplished or innovative use of the medium.
Enter
Up to three examples of branded podcast.
Do Not Enter
A standalone audio file or singular audio file interview.
Revenue Class
All entries in this category will be considered as part of single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.
This category recognizes innovation in new product development, including events and pivots to virtual events. Judges will look for measurable results, strong marketing and promotion, use of audio, video, social media/event-related networking, virtual exhibitor floor and other tools. B2B or B2C submissions will be considered.
Enter
Provide a background statement of the new product: mission, capabilities, user/customer benefit. Be sure to describe the impact, how did this new product make a difference? Include measurable results: adoption, examples of customer benefit from testimonial quotes to increased company and user ROI, etc.). If an event/webinar, etc., number of attendees, quality of speakers, overall session and networking metrics, testimonial quotes. Provide specifics of how the new product offered new and continuing benefit and how the product/event enhanced a brand portfolio, surpassed competitor assets. Judges will assess both the enterprise of the product and how well the components work together, including accuracy, clarity, lack of copy errors, etc. Submit up to three examples of digital collateral material reinforcing the above. If an event/webinar, etc., please submit the original marketing announcement and the URL home/splash page.
Do Not Enter
More than one product; more than three examples.
Revenue Class
All entries in this category will be considered as part of single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.
Content that demonstrates original reporting on COVID-19 impacting an entire industry. Entries should demonstrate expertise and deep understanding of the industry or market served. Content will be judged on the strength of its reporting, writing skill, and relevance to the target audience. Submit up to three insightful articles that showcase the brand's ability to report on an industry.
Do Not Enter
More than three assets. Stories whose primary purpose is to deliver news (see Best News Coverage) or profiles of an individual or institution (See Best Profile). Assets entered in any other Neal Award categories.
Revenue Class
All entries in this category will be considered as part of single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.
A package of two or more pieces of content that explore COVID-19 as a topic. Entries may include a combination of print, online, or multimedia assets, up to five examples. Packages must clearly reflect a single cohesive editorial subject (COVID-19) with all elements published in the same time period. The content pieces should clearly tie together, but do not need to be published concurrently.
Do Not Enter
Covid-19 content published over successive issues or an extended time period. More than five examples. Entries submitted to Best COVID Package may not but submitted elsewhere in the program.
Revenue Class
All entries in this category will be considered as part of single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.