Submit your entries for the Carmage Walls Commentary Prize by Sunday evening

The deadline to submit an entry for this year's Carmage Walls Commentary Prize (at the lowest contest fees) is April 12. Entries still will be accepted after that date, but the contest fee will increase.  This contest is open to all members of America's Newspapers.

FIND FULL CONTEST DETAILS HERE: https://member.newspapers.org/carmagewalls.html

This year's Carmage Walls Commentary Prize, presented by the America's Newspapers Foundation, will recognize a wider variety of newspaper commentary. The contest has been revamped to recognize outstanding editorials and commentary in four distinct areas.

FOCUSED EDITORIALS

This category recognizes editorials that examine a single, clearly defined issue, action or decision affecting a local community. Entries should reflect the official position of the newspaper and demonstrate clarity of purpose, strong reasoning and relevance to local impact.
Submit up to three editorials addressing the same topic as part of one entry.

ENTERPRISE EDITORIALS

This category honors editorials grounded in substantial research and analysis. Eligible entries should reflect original reporting, data analysis or comparative research and represent the newspaper’s official position on a single issue. These editorials may draw on investigative work, data journalism or lessons drawn from other communities or industries. Topic selection is broad; evaluation will focus on the depth and rigor of the research informing the editorial.
Submit up to three editorials addressing the same topic as part of one entry.

PERSONAL INTEREST COLUMNS

This category recognizes signed columns written from an individual perspective that explore human interest topics, including family life, community experiences and everyday challenges or successes. Entries should demonstrate strong voice, storytelling and relevance to readers through personal insight.
Submit up to three columns. Columns do not need to address the same subject.

SIGNED POLITICAL AND SOCIAL COMMENTARY

This category recognizes signed columns offering opinion and analysis on political, governmental or broader social issues. Entries should present a clear point of view, encourage thoughtful consideration and contribute to public understanding or debate.
Submit up to three columns. Columns do not need to address the same subject.

 ​In each category, four cash awards will be presented at this September’s Senior Leadership Conference:

• First-place — $3,000
• Second-place — $1,250
• Third-place — $750
• Additional Honorable Mentions may also be awarded by the judges at their discretion.

Find full contest details here: https://member.newspapers.org/carmagewalls.html