Frequently Asked Questions about the Contest

 

Please note that the deadline to enter the 2009 BNC has passed.  Rules remain posted for reference only.

 

What are the dates of the contest year?

Entries must have been published between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009. A series that starts before the cut-off date but continues past that date will be eligible in its entirety.

 

What are the contest deadlines?

Entries must be postmarked ON OR BEFORE MIDNIGHT, AUGUST 21, 2009, or delivered to the NENPA office by 4:30 p.m. on that date. Save money on your entry fees by entering early. Have your entries postmarked by AUGUST 7 and deduct 5% from your total entry fee.

 

What is my newspaper’s circulation class?

You will need to enter your circulation class on your entry labels. The circulation classes are as follows:

Daily 1 – up to 29,999

Daily 2 – 30,000 and up

Weekly 1A – up to 2,999

Weekly 1B – 3,000 to 5,999

Weekly 2C – 6,000 to 9,999

Weekly 2D – 10,000 and up

If you are unsure of your newspaper’s circulation class, call the NENPA office at (781) 320-8050. Circulation class is determined by your newspaper’s circulation figures obtained in the most recent NEPA Directory update survey. If your paper has not already provided circulation documentation, you will be required to do so in order to enter the contest.

 

Where are my contest entry materials? We used to receive a contest packet in the mail.

This year, we have posted all of the contest materials on our web site. Having the contest materials online makes them available to everyone – member publishers, editors, advertising directors, and individuals entering the contest.

 

I am having trouble downloading the contest forms! Can you help?

As a first step, we recommend downloading the most recent version of Adobe Reader. If that doesn’t work, call the NENPA office at (781) 320-8050. We’ll be happy to mail or e-mail the forms directly to you.

 

How do I enter the contest as an individual?

We are delighted to welcome individuals to enter this year’s contest. To see the guidelines for individuals entering the contest, click here.

 

Do I have to pay the entry fee for each division my newspaper is entering?

Newspapers entering multiple divisions (Editorial, Advertising, and/or Photography/Multimedia) only need to pay the $25 newspaper entry fee once per paper.

 

I can’t remember which article I submitted! Can you help me?

We receive thousands of entries to the contest each year. Unfortunately, we are not able to keep track of particular headlines/stories, etc. We encourage newspapers to keep a detailed record of the entries they are submitting.

 

Can I submit digital tearsheets?

If paper tearsheets are not available for your entries, digital tearsheets will be accepted as long as they are accompanied by a signed digital tearsheet certification form. Digital tearsheets should be legibly printed and prepared exactly as you would a regular tearsheet. Be sure to outline the item to be considered in red, and staple an entry label to the top right corner of each page.

 

Does neatness count?  

Not exactly, but it helps! Contest processing is done by a small staff on a tight deadline. Submitting entries that are clearly labeled and well-organized makes our job easier, and makes a great impression with the contest judges.  

 

What happened to the Newspaper of the Year category?

The Newspaper of the Year category has become a stand-alone contest with a separate fee and a separate set of rules and guidelines.  All member papers will be eligible to compete for the award. More information will be available in spring 2010. Winners will be announced in fall 2010.

 

When will I be notified if I am a finalist?

Notifications will be sent to newspaper publishers in late November. Please call the NENPA office in December if you would like to follow up on your entries. We’ll be able to tell you if you were a finalist, but not which award you will be receiving (first, second, or third place).  

 

When will awards be announced?

All awards, including General Excellence and Reporter/ Photographer of the Year, will be announced at the Annual Awards Banquet in February 2010.

 

Still have questions? Contact Ashley Voltz, Member Services Coordinator, at (781) 320-8042.