National Press Club

Sandy Hume Memorial Award for Excellence in Political Journalism

The Sandy Hume Memorial Award honors excellence, fairness, and analytical rigor in political journalism by reporters 34 years old or younger. The award is named in memory of Sandy Hume, a talented young journalist for The Hill whose impactful reporting exemplified courage, independence, and a deep commitment to accountability in political coverage. 

This award recognizes emerging journalists who demonstrate strong insight into political institutions, issues, and power dynamics, and who contribute meaningfully to public understanding of politics.

Entry Requirements:

  • Up to five (5) print, online, broadcast, or audio entries, which will be judged as one unit
  • Entries must demonstrate analytical excellence and a clear understanding of political issues, processes, and key actors
  • Entrants must have been under 34 years old or younger at the time the work was published
  • The entrant’s date of birth must be included in the cover letter

Prize: $1000

General Eligibility:

Through its journalism awards, the National Press Club seeks to recognize and honor professional journalists who have produced outstanding work in service of the public, either independently or as employees of editorially independent news organizations. 

In evaluating entries, judges will give weight to evidence of:

  • Individual enterprise
  • Fairness
  • Accuracy
  • Objectivity 

The following are not eligible: 

  • Content produced for house organs
  • Theses or academic reports
  • Advocacy outlets operated by interest groups, including trade associations, consumer organizations, or government agencies 

Entries may be submitted by journalists or by their employers. Entrants are responsible for ensuring judges can access all submitted materials and must provide passwords or access credentials where required. 

Non-traditional entrants are welcome, provided they clearly explain in supporting materials how their work meets the Club’s journalistic standards. Such entrants should include a brief statement describing their editorial independence.