Club's Journalism contest seeks best 2016 stories about animals and their welfare

Consider entering your best stories about animals and their welfare in the National Press Club journalism contest. The top work in broadcast and print/online categories could win the Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award.

The Club's journalism contest is giving the prize for the best coverage in 2016 that educates the public about threats facing animals. The award was established by the family of journalist and longtime Press Club member Ann Cottrell Free, who wrote extensively about animals and their welfare.

Entries must consist of a single article or broadcast or a series of up to five related articles or broadcasts, which will be judged as a unit. A letter detailing how and why the entry demonstrates original and thought-provoking reporting should accompany the entry. Submissions that provide evidence of impact or prompted action will be given particular consideration. The deadline for entries is April 1.

The contest is open to Club members and non-members. Entry is free for Club members and $50 for non-members. Entries may be submitted online or by the more traditional use of mail.

The prize for each category is a $750 award, which will be given at a banquet at the National Press Club this summer. For more information and the application form, click here.

The Club's journalism contest also includes awards for news photos, breaking news, online reporting, regional reporting on Washington, international coverage, consumer reporting and newsletter journalism. Furthermore, it includes a group of awards for areas as diverse as the news industry, aerospace and the airline industry, problems facing the elderly and humor writing.