Club seeks best stories about animal welfare

The National Press Club wants to see your best journalism about animals and their welfare. The top work in broadcast and print categories could win the Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award.

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

The winner last year was Ted Genoways of Mother Jones, who looked at the history and impact of so-called “ag-gag” laws, which are on the books in at least eight states and have been introduced in many more. These laws make it a crime to shoot undercover video or photographs of conditions in animal agriculture facilities.

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 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.