Looking for the best journalism about animals and their welfare

The Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award honors the best journalism on animals and their welfare each year.

The award is given as part of the National Press Club journalism contest. The top work in 2017 in the broadcast and print/online categories will be honored with the award. The deadline for entries is April 1.

The contest is open to Club members and non-members. Entry is free for press 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 Club this summer. For more information, click here.

The prize is given for the best coverage that educates the public about threats facing animals. The award was established by the family of journalist and longtime 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.