Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Awards
The Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Awards honor excellence in journalism about animals and their welfare. Established by the family of journalist and longtime National Press Club member Ann Cottrell Free, who wrote extensively on animal issues, these awards recognize serious, impactful reporting that informs and educates the public about threats facing animals.
Eligible work may address issues including (but not limited to) animal welfare, conservation, habitat loss, environmental threats, public policy, or human–animal interactions.
Entry Requirements:
- Up to five (5) print, digital, broadcast, or audio entries, which will be judged as one unit
- Submissions that demonstrate clear public impact — including evidence that the reporting prompted action, policy discussion, reform, or increased awareness — will be given particular consideration.
Divisions
- Print/Online
- Broadcast/Podcast
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.