Entry deadline is today for NPC journalism contest; coverage of animal welfare is among the prizes

The best coverage of animals and their welfare in 2015 is honored by the Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award, one of the multiple awards in the National Press Club’s journalism contest.

But if the Cottrell prize -- or any of the many other awards in the contest -- interests you, you'd better hurry. The entry deadline for the contest is today.

The Cottrell prize, which covers the best work in animal reporting in both print and broadcast media, was established by the family of journalist and longtime National Press Club member Ann Cottrell Free, who wrote extensively on the topic. This prize recognizes serious work by journalists that informs and educates the public about threats facing animals.

The winners in print and broadcast win $750 each.

The National Press Club, a national leader among journalism organizations, encourages journalists with excellent work on coverage in a variety issues to send them in to the contest.

The deadline is April 1. Details on the different awards categories and how to enter the contest can be found by clicking here.

Entrants are encouraged to enter online, but if you prefer, the Club will accept entries mailed in the traditional way as long as they are postmarked before the deadline.

No matter how you enter, the most important thing is to make sure you submit your best journalism. The awards will be presented at an annual awards dinner at the National Press Club this summer.

The contest includes awards for political reporting, regional reporting on Washington, international coverage, consumer reporting, online journalism and newsletter journalism. It also includes a group of awards for areas as diverse as reporting on the welfare of animals, the journalism industry, the aviation industry, problems facing the elderly and humor writing.