Catégories de récompenses

JHM Award Categories

Arts & Culture Writing Award

For excellence in arts and culture coverage. Arts reviews, previews, criticisms, commentaries, personal essays, arts news and features and profiles are all accepted in this category. Topics can include movies, music, television, books, dance, visual arts, food, fashion and others of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Is the story well told, compelling and properly explained? Is the topic accessible to both a specialized and general audience? Is the story relevant, significant and/or original? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including diverse voices and perspectives? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Community Service Reporting Award

For excellence in community service reporting. News, features, newsletters and other stories and projects will be accepted. Projects which had an impact on a newspaper’s community will be considered. One project per submission is permitted. Submission must include: A 500-word supporting letter outlining how reporting impacted a newspaper’s community. Criteria Is the submission’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Does the submission have a political, social or cultural impact on the community? To what extent does this submission serve a newspaper's community? How important was research, resourcefulness, persistence and creativity in the submission? Does the submission centre community members and voices? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including a range of diverse and varied voices, perspectives, statistics and more in the coverage?
Digital Storytelling Award

For excellence in digital storytelling. Multimedia and interactive stories and online layout will be accepted for this award. Topics can fall under any JHM topics such as arts and culture, community service, features, humour, Indigenous reporting, investigations, labor, marginalized community reporting, news, opinion, science and/or sports and must be of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Criteria: Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Is the submission original, significant, intuitive and timely? Is digital storytelling the best way to convey the reporting? Is the submission an active part of the online culture of a university’s community? Is the submission technically sound and accessible? Is the digital storytelling innovative? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including diverse voices and perspectives? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Feature Writing Award

For excellence in feature writing. Single or multi-part stories may be submitted as long as total word counts are between 1,000 and 4,500 words. Topics must be of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Does the story use narrative? Is the narrative fair, compelling and/or trauma-informed? Did the story enhance readers’ comprehension of the issue? Did the work tell us about how we live now or deepen understanding of community histories? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including a range of diverse and varied voices, perspectives, statistics and more in the coverage? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Humour Writing Award

For excellence in humour and satire writing. Essays, satirical news, columns and comic strips among other forms will be considered. Topics must be of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant, creative, coherent and timely? Does the story reflect the community and refrain from inaccurately and offensively portraying specific communities such as marginalized peoples? Is the story inventive and experimental — i.e., does the piece experiment with form, incongruity, literary devices and more? Does the content seem natively humourous — i.e., do the themes dealt with seem to best be dealt with by taking a humorous approach? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Indigenous Reporting Award

For excellence in reporting on Indigenous issues. News, features, photo essays and columns will be accepted. Topics must be of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Special consideration will be given to stories that highlight concerns not receiving coverage from non-student press. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Does the reporting broaden the audience’s understanding of a specific issue facing Indigenous communities? Is the reporting fair, balanced and understanding of varied Indigenous community concerns and experiences? Does the reporting educate the audience on the historic and ongoing challenges of the relationships between Indigenous peoples in Canada, the people in power and settlers? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including diverse voices and perspectives? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Investigative Reporting Award

For excellence in investigative reporting. Stories submitted can be of any length under 4,500 words. News, features and other forms are accepted in this category. Topics must be of relevance to the community of the newspaper and of public importance. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Does the story have a political, social or cultural impact on the community? Did the journalist demonstrate the skillful use of FOI and/or public records, data and/or a variety of on the record and confidential sources in this project? Does the story take a complicated subject and make it clear and easy to follow for the audience? Was the story written in a compelling manner? Did the story result in change? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including a range of diverse and varied voices, perspectives, statistics and more in the coverage? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Labour Reporting Award

For excellence in labour reporting. News, features and profiles are all accepted in this category. Topics may include the social, economic and political factors that impact labour environments, unionization, hearings, lawsuits, strikes and other topics of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Does the story provide a complete understanding of an event or issue? Does this story related to labour issues? How well would this story engage a reader of the intended audience? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including diverse voices and perspectives? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Marginalized Community Reporting Award

For excellence in reporting on marginalized communities. Profiles, news and features and other forms of journalism will be considered. Topics may include coverage of an event, issue, conversation or person of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Does the story focus on a topic directly related to marginalized communities? Does the writer practice trauma-informed reporting, if needed? Is the story positioned toward social progress or change? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including diverse voices and perspectives? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
News Reporting Award

For excellence in news reporting. Breaking news, continuing coverage, major developing stories, scoops and beat reporting and others will all be accepted for this award. Long-term news projects and features will not be considered. Topics must be of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Did the story include content and information unique to the intended audience? Did the story have a community impact? Did the writer balance multiple sources? Are quotes used effectively? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including diverse voices and perspectives? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Opinion Writing Award

For excellence in opinion writing. Columns, analysis, editorials, op-eds, letters, reported opinions and other forms of opinion writing will be accepted. Submissions must articulate an argument and be of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? How well would this story engage a reader of the intended audience? Is the story’s claim unique or original? Does it add something new to any national or regional conversation that it is entering? Are all arguments backed up by research and presented in a logical manner? Does this work identify an issue of some importance and help the reader to understand it in a new way? Does the article encourage reader response? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Science Reporting Award

For excellence in science reporting. News, features and profiles will be accepted. Topics must be related to science and can include technology, business, nutrition, public health, scientific research including social science, the environment, psychology, artificial intelligence and others of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Does the story translate a complex topic in science or research in a way that is easy to understand for the newspaper’s audience? Is the story accessible? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including diverse voices and perspectives? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Sports Reporting Award

For excellence in sports coverage. Previews, reviews, profiles, commentaries, news and features about sports and movement will be accepted. Topics must be of relevance to the community of the newspaper. Criteria Is the story’s subject matter original, significant and timely? Does the story demonstrate research, resourcefulness, creativity, enterprise and persistence? Is the story well told, compelling and properly explained? Is the topic accessible to both a specialized and general audience? Was the work fair to people portrayed in and impacted by the story? Does the work reflect the community by including diverse voices and perspectives? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Cover/Layout of the Year

For excellence in designing covers and layout. Newspaper and magazine covers, centrefold feature layout or special designs will be considered. A maximum of two pages will be considered. This award is judging the visuals and layout and how coverage is communicated by the layout, not the coverage itself. Criteria Does the layout design make for a strong visual image that conveys the intended message? Are colour, the copy, and typefaces used effectively to make important information stand out? Are the written and visual elements prominently featured? Is the layout representative of the writing? Is it fair, trauma-informed, etc. Are all photos/artwork cropped and sized properly? Is there a clear relationship between the story and images on the page? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Visual of the Year

For excellence in illustration and graphics. The visual must enhance a story from an informational and/or aesthetic standpoint. All mediums will be considered. Factors of judging will be colour, artistry, clarity, creativity and impact. Criteria Does the artist display superior artistic talent? Does the graphic or illustration enhance the reader’s understanding of the piece? Does the illustration or graphic have purpose? i.e., are there elements relevant to the story being told that are best told by the visual copy? A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Photo of the Year

For excellence in photography. News and arts photography will be accepted. Photos must be of a topic relevant to the community of the newspaper and must adhere by photojournalistic ethics. Only one photo per submission will be considered, and photos will be judged on technical ability and artistic license. Photos, in JPEG form, must be accompanied by a caption and alternative text. Screenshot of photos will not be accepted. Criteria Is the photo’s subject matter original, creative, significant and timely? Does the photo utilize colour well, have excellent technical quality, composition and lighting and communicate a story? Does the photographer display a concrete grasp of photography skills and photojournalism ethics? For news photos, impact, news judgment, timing, reflex, composition and creativity will be considered. For arts photos, drama, humour, poignancy, as well as talent within a particular scene relating to the arts will be considered, focus must be on the art form captured. A 300-word supporting letter must be included upon submission.
Student Journalist of the Year

For excellence as a student journalist. This award is intended to highlight and focus on student journalists with a unique, diverse perspective and beat, or who have shown initiative as an editor. The award will also focus on highlighting student journalists equipped to bring unique and meaningful contributions to Canadian media. Submissions must include: A copy of a nominee’s resume, which should highlight past experience in various journalism fields or related areas. Contact information such as email and phone number must be included. A portfolio of published work of at most three pieces in link and PDF form. A one-page work report highlighting special projects, accomplishments or initiatives tackled within the applicant’s tenure as a student journalist. It should also outline a statement of purpose surrounding their journalistic body so far. A letter of reference.
Student Photojournalist of the Year

For excellence as a student photojournalist. This award is intended to highlight and focus on a student photojournalist with a unique, diverse perspective on photojournalism including a diverse range of photographic work, or who have shown initiative as a student press editor. The award will also focus on highlighting student photojournalists equipped to bring unique and meaningful contributions to Canadian media. Submissions must include: A copy of a nominee’s resume, which should highlight past experience in various journalism fields or related areas. Contact information such as email and phone number must be included. A portfolio of published work of at most three photos in JPEG format. Photo series and photo essays count as one work and can be submitted in link and PDF form. All standalone photos must include a caption and alternative text. A one-page work report highlighting special projects, accomplishments or initiatives tackled within the applicant’s tenure as a student photojournalist. It should also outline a statement of purpose surrounding their journalistic photo portfolio so far. A letter of reference.
Student Publication of the Year

For all-around excellence in student journalism. This award is intended to highlight student press groups’ annual reporting, community and staff engagement, new initiatives and relevance and impact on its communities. Submissions must include: A one-page work report of what your newspaper has accomplished in the past year and why it should win the award. Up to a maximum of five portfolio pieces that demonstrate the newspaper’s impact. This can include articles, photos, website pages, social media pages, newsletters, policies, etc. Three publications will be shortlisted, and CUP membership will vote on the winner during the JHM Awards Gala. The shortlisted publications cannot vote for themselves.

The John H. MacDonald Awards for Excellence in Student Journalism recognizes the best in Canadian student journalism. The deadline to submit nominations is Monday, December 9, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Nominations are open to all student journalists, regardless of CUP member status. CUP members receive two free submissions per category and have an entry fee of $20 for a third submission. Subsequent submissions over three will not be accepted. Non-CUP member submissions have a fee of $20 per submission per category, up to three submissions per category. Papers will be invoiced after the submission period for any additional submissions by treasurer@cup.ca. Invoices not paid seven days before the JHM Awards Gala will result in disqualification.

A 300-word supporting letter/explanatory statement must be submitted with each entry (except for Community Service Reporting, Student Journalist of the Year, Student Photojournalist of the Year and Student Publication of the Year which abide by different criteria). This is an opportunity for contributors to tell the judges how and why they did your work, address what resources were available to them, what challenges they faced and how they overcame them and what impact the work had.

No part of any entry may be submitted in another category, and no part of any team entry can be submitted by an individual in the same or another category. Submissions must have been published between November 1, 2023 to November 1, 2024.

For more information about the JHMs, visit cup.ca/the-jhm-awards. To find award criteria, visit cup.ca/award-categories. To submit nominations, visit forms.gle/iNRzGZEBqFTs12x7A.

The JHM shortlist will be published to cup.ca on January 14, 2025 by 11:59 PST. Questions about the JHMs can be sent to vp@cup.ca.