BULLETIN! National Press Club seeks best breaking news reporting

The breaking news award in the National Press Club journalism contest recognizes excellence in reporting on quickly unfolding events -- with competitions for print/online and broadcast.

Entries will be judged for quality of reporting, speed and innovation. Particular attention will be given to reporting in the first 24 hours and the use of a variety of formats to reach news consumers.

The Arizona Republic was cited as co-winner of the Breaking News Award last year for its coverage of the Tucson mass shooting that left six dead and twice that many wounded, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

The Associated Press was honored as a co-winner in breaking news-print for its coverage of the earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan. In broadcast, The AP won for its coverage of the Joplin, Mo., tornado.

The entries should be no more than five stories, written or assembled under deadline pressure, covering a single event or occurrence. Material should be submitted as originally presented. A letter describing how the reporting was done on deadline is encouraged. Supplemental material should be clearly marked. Entrants must also submit passwords if they are needed to access the material online.

The deadline is April 1.

The prize is one free year of Club membership in the appropriate category. There is no cash award. For more information, click here.