National Press Club journalism awards entries climb 26 percent

The National Press Club journalism awards contest has seen a surge in entries this year thanks to a collective effort to raise the program's profile.

The contest drew 177 entries this year -- up from 140 in 2011. The most dramatic increases were in the competition for the Joseph D. Ryle Award for Excellence in Writing on the Problems of Geriatrics and the Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award.

The first Breaking News competition also drew a healthy set of applications.

The increase in entries was aided by the efforts of Club staff and editors of the Wire to help spread the word through advertising on the website, a series of stories in the Wire and bulk emailing to key figures in journalism reminding them of the contest.

Judges are reminded to contact Joann Booze at 662-7532 to arrange to pick up their entry packets.

The journalism awards dinner will be held at the Club in mid-to-late the summer but a date has not been set. More on that soon.

Thanks to all who helped get the word out, to those who sent in contest entries and to those who are judging them.