The National Press Club’s Washington Correspondence Award
The Washington Correspondence Award recognizes excellence in reporting that demonstrates how decisions made in Washington affect people and communities across the country. This award honors journalists who go beyond the Beltway to illuminate the real-world impact of federal policies, actions, and debates on local communities.
Winning entries will show versatility, depth, and clarity in explaining how national decisions shape everyday life, including unintended or unexpected consequences. Judges will look for reporting that connects federal policymaking to lived experiences outside Washington and helps audiences understand why those decisions matter.
Entry Requirements:
- Up to five (5) print, digital, broadcast, or audio entries, which will be judged as one unit
- Entrants must be full-time professional reporters, though they may work for more than one publication
- Entries should focus on how federal policy or actions impact individuals, communities, or regions outside the Washington area
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.