Better Newspaper Contest

Click here to download the 2008 BNC Winners (not available until April 6th)

Since 1930, NYPA members have competed on a statewide basis against their peers in the annual Better Newspaper Contest. The contest is designed to measure papers of similar size against one another in categories such as news, photography, and advertising. Approximately 4,000 entries are received each year.

The first place winners are presented with plaques, and second and third place winners are given certificates.

The awards are very prestigious, and many members use winning as a way of promoting their newspapers to the public.

The competition is judged by members of another state press association in February, and the awards are presented at the annual spring convention and trade show in April. Newspapers wishing to participate in the Better Newspaper Contest must be members of the Association. Membership applications must be submitted by September 1 for eligibility.

2008 contest materials have been mailed and should have arrived at your newspaper. Please review the rules carefully; some things have changed since last year. Submit your entries as soon as possible – entries MUST be received by 5pm January 9, 2009 – but don’t wait until the last minute!  This contest is open only to NYPA members. Click here for the 2008 Contest Rules and Contest Entry Form.

NYPA sponsors similar contests for high school and college newspapers throughout the state. Representatives from the winning newspapers are invited to be guests of NYPA at the spring convention.

If you have any questions about this year’s contest, please contact Rich Hotaling at (518) 464-6483 ext. 33.